16
spar as the point of balance.
Properly balanced at the 3-1/4" point, the airplane should hang
perfectly level. If the nose is down, the airplane is nose heavy.
Likewise, if the tail hangs down from level, it is tail heavy. If either
of these conditions exist, they must be corrected.
If the model is just slightly nose heavy; it can be safely flown.
However, if it is very nose heavy, shift the flight battery pack
battery to the rear until proper balance is achieved. Mark this
battery pack location on the battery tray. This allows you to install
the battery pack in the same location each time you fly the model.
If the model is tail heavy, the battery pack should be shifted
forward as needed to achieve proper balance. If the battery pack
is as far forward as it can go and the model still needs more weight
to balance, several things can be done to achieve this:
•
Heavier, after-market nose wheel
•
Heavier, larger capacity battery pack
•
Heavier, after-market spinner
•
A brass "Heavy Hub" propeller nut - made by Harry
Higley Products
Because the Seniorita EP ARF design has so much wing area,
adding such weight will do little to degrade its flying ability.
AN INSTRUCTOR CAN SAVE YOUR AIRPLANE!
The SIG Kadet Seniorita EP ARF has been designed to fly as
easily as any trainer type model ever designed. The gentle flying
characteristics are there to give the beginning R/C modeler plenty
of time to think about the next control input without constantly
having to correct the flight path. However, as we have mentioned
earlier in the introduction section of this manual, if you are a new
beginning R/C pilot, DO NOT attempt to fly this airplane yourself!
Seek out and use a qualified R/C aircraft instructor. There are
hundreds of R/C clubs in the U.S. and these clubs typically have
designated instructors, who are eager to help newcomers. The
easiest way to find an R/C flying club is to ask your local hobby
shop or check the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) web site:
www.modelaircraft.org .
Also, be aware that the Kadet Seniorita EP ARF is a large airplane,
requiring an appropriate amount of runway. This airplane should
NEVER be flown in backyards, parks, or within five miles of an
AMA sanctioned radio control model flying site.
This simple
precaution can prevent the loss of your model from radio
interference. Do yourself a favor and join your local R/C club. You
will almost always get assistance and good advice and you might
even make a new friend or two.
An R/C flight instructor serves two important functions. First, he
will test fly your new airplane to make sure it is performing
correctly, before you try to fly it. These first flights are called "trim
flights". During these flights, the flight instructor will "trim" the
model from the transmitter to ensure that it flies straight and level
without any problems. When a brand new R/C model takes off for
the first time, there is no way of knowing which way it might want
to go. Some models will try to climb, while others might want to go
down. Some will try to turn left, some right. Some models will be
doing both at the same time! It doesn't mean that there is anything
wrong with the model, or as the novice says; "the wind got me".
These minor differences must be "trimmed out" in order for the
model to fly "hands-off" straight and level. An experienced pilot
can quickly correct out of trim conditions before the model crashes
into the ground. An inexperienced beginner has almost no chance
of saving an out of trim model!
The second reason for having an instructor is to have someone
there to correct the mistakes you will make during the learning
process. It isn't that flying an R/C model aircraft is all that difficult.
It is more a matter of learning what to do and when to do it. No
matter how slowly a model flies, an incorrect control input may
produce almost instant problems that, in turn, demand almost
instant correction. This is especially true when at low altitude,
such as take-offs and landings. A good flight instructor will climb
the model to an altitude, that gives him a good chance of saving
your model when you make the inevitable mistakes. This altitude
is generally referred to as "2 mistakes high". When you get in
trouble, quickly hand the transmitter back to the instructor so he
can save the airplane. He'll level the airplane, get it back up to
altitude and then, let you try it again. Without an instructor, it is
very likely that you would not receive this second chance.
Beginning R/C pilots almost always over control their models. This
is very normal but a trait that must be cured during instruction.
Another common problem for beginners is disorientation.
For
example, when the airplane is flying away from you, right aileron
input produces a right turn and left aileron produces a left turn.
However, when the airplane is flying directly towards you, the
same right aileron makes the airplane appear to turn left! This
perceived reversal is very confusing to all first time R/C pilots!
Without an experienced flight instructor on hand, it will most likely
cause the loss of the model.
With a flight instructor, these early learning problems can be easily
dealt with. The more you fly, the quicker you will learn. You will
soon "solo" and begin to really enjoy your model. Remember, the
first time you tried to ride a bicycle? It seemed completely
awkward the first time, but once you learned how, it became easy.