.
After starting and warming up the motor, taxi the FOUR-STAR 40 ARF out to the take-off position on the flying field,
(holding up elevator during the taxi will keep the tailwheel firmly to the ground). For take-off, the airplane should be lined-
up with the center of the field with the nose pointed directly into the wind. Hold a little up elevator and smoothly advance
the throttle - do not slam the throttle full open all at once. As the FOUR-STAR 40 ARF begins moving forward, back off of
the up elevator input and use the rudder as needed to correct any motor torque and/or wind induced deviations from a
straight take-off run. At takeoff speed use a slight amount of up elevator to lift off, using ailerons to keep the wings level.
Climb to a reasonable altitude before making any trim changes.
Although not intended as a trainer, the FOUR-STAR 40 ARF is a
very forgiving design that allows you to fly at relatively low speeds.
With the control movements set at the measurements provided in
this manual, the airplane should exhibit smooth, predictable control.
Try a few loops and rolls. Inverted flight is easy, requiring a little
down elevator for level flight. The FOUR-STAR 40 ARF also
performs nice inside and outside loops, snap rolls, Immelmanns, stall
turns, Cuban eights, and spins. Of course, it is not a pattern aircraft
but with practice, there isn’t much that it won’t do. As with any
aircraft, getting consistently good results is usually just a matter of
practice.
While still at altitude, throttle the motor back to idle. This will give you
a good idea of the glide characteristics. While still at idle, steadily
increase up elevator input to get a feel for the stall characteristics. Stalls tend to be very gentle with the nose dropping
straight ahead with little tendency to drop a wing. This is great information to have when setting up your first landings.
Landing the FOUR-STAR 40 ARF is typically a pleasure. We suggest using a standard landing approach, beginning with a
throttled back downwind leg and base turn to the final approach into the wind. During final approach, keep just a little
power on the motor until the airplane is over the end of the runway. In crosswind situations, a little rudder input will likely
be needed to keep the airplane lined up with the runway. The FOUR-STAR 40 is best landed in the three-point position.
As long as we’re on the subject, no landing gear system is bulletproof. Your FOUR-STAR 40 ARF has a great landing gear
system that has proven to be very tough on both grass and asphalt flying fields. However, it can be ripped off during less
than desirable landing approaches, poor field conditions, failure to flare, and just plain "brain fade". If this happens, simply
epoxy the landing gear block back in place and learn to be more careful the next time. After landing, always remember to
hold up elevator when taxiing to keep the tailwheel firmly to the ground.
We sincerely hope that your FOUR-STAR 40 ARF will provide you with many, many enjoyable flights. We also hope that
this has been a pleasurable kit for you to assemble and fly. Please operate your airplane in a safe, responsible manner
with constant regard to other flyers, spectators, and property.
Warning! This is not a toy!
Flying machines of any form, either model-size or full-size, are not toys! Because of the speeds that
airplanes must achieve in order to fly, they are capable of causing serious bodily harm and property
damage if they crash. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AND YOURS ALONE to assemble this model
airplane correctly according to the plans and instructions, to ground test the finished model before each
flight to make sure it is completely airworthy, and to always fly your model in a safe location and in a safe
manner. The first test flights should only be made by an experienced R/C flyer, familiar with high
performance R/C aircraft.
The governing body for radio-control model airplanes in the United States is the ACADEMY OF MODEL
AERONAUTICS, commonly called the AMA. The AMA SAFETY CODE provides guidelines for the safe
operation of R/C model airplanes. While AMA membership is not necessarily mandatory, it is required by
most R/C flying clubs in the U.S. and provides you with important liability insurance in case your R/C model
should ever cause serious property damage or personal injury to someone else. For more information,
contact:
ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS
5161 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302
Telephone: (765) 287-1256
AMA Web Site: www.modelaircraft.org