Phoenix
Page 33
Flying Phoenix
Since there are two distinct trim settings
required, it helps to set up your transmitter to
make finding the setting easy. If you have a
transmitter with programmable mixing, it is
easy to set up a two position trim. Some trans-
mitters designed for competition sailplanes
have this as a standard adjustment. On a
power plane transmitter, we typically will mix a
small amount of the retract gear channel into
elevator. We set the“gear down” position to
produce no change in the normal elevator set-
tings, while “gear up” puts in the appropriate
amount of down trim for launch. Set the glide
trim normally, while the boost trim is set either
by the retract gear throw adjust-
ment or the mixing adjustment.
You could also use throttle or
some other channel to mix with
elevator.
If your transmitter does not have
mixing, set up the launch trim to
be full down elevator trim. Once
the model is up and gliding, you
can then pull in up trim to get the
glide speed you want. Set the
launch trim by adjusting the cle-
vis on the pushrod. That way,
you can easily and repeatably
find the correct trim setting
before launch.
Control Throws
T
he control throws shown on the plans are
the ones that we have used. The high rate
settings will give a very responsive model,
especially at high speed during launch. We use
exponential on all controls to allow both
smooth flying and aerobatics without having to
flip rate switches.
Motor Selection
F
or your first flights, obtain several AeroTech
F13-RC reload kits. These motors were
specifically designed for test flying Phoenix.
They have enough initial thrust to get the
model off of the launcher cleanly, but the sus-
tain thrust is low enough to keep the maximum
speed reasonable. They also produce very lit-
tle smoke. This is an advantage for test flights,
since you do not have to worry about flying the
model to keep it from being hidden behind its
own smoke trail. The F13 will give you a 400 to
500 foot launch altitude.
Preflight Inspection
I
t is a good idea to give your Phoenix a thor-
ough inspection before your first flight. The
CG should be in the range shown on the plans.
Check the lateral balance and add weight to
the light wing tip if required. Check all of the
controls for direction, throw and accurate cen-
tering. Do a pull test on all of the control sur-
faces to make sure the hinges are properly
installed. Make sure the model is structurally
sound, and has not been dam-
aged. It is much better to find
any problems on the ground
than it is at 100 mph in the air!
First Flight
O
nce your Phoenix is fin-
ished and the launch
equipment is ready, it is time
for your first flight. Pick a day
with winds under 10 mph. You
will need an assistant to oper-
ate the launch controller so
you will be able to dedicate
your attention to flying the
model.
For first flights it is a
very good idea to stand at
least 100 downwind from the launch pad.
You
should be looking at the top of the model while
it is on the launcher. Standing this far back will
give you much better visibility. If your Phoenix
is out of trim and pitches up after launch, it is
very difficult to fly the model if it goes behind
you! Also by being far away from the model, it
makes it less likely that the motor's smoke trail
will be in the way and prevent you from seeing
the model.
Set up the launcher so it points upwind. If you
are using the Mantis base, set the launch eleva-
tion at the 60° position. When we fly from a
normal RC power field, we set up near the
upwind end of the runway, on the edge closest
to the pit area. Check with the field or safety
officer in your club to select the best launch
Pre-Flight Check List
Radio On
Controls Check
Trim check
Wind
Visibility
Traffic
Continuity
Announce launch
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