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RECOMMENDED BALANCE RANGE: 3-1/2
” to 3-3/4”
Behind the Leading Edge of the Wing
(Anywhere within this range is acceptable.)
Using a ruler, measure back from the leading edge of the wing and mark
the balance range on the bottom of the wing, next to the fuselage.
Make the same marks on both sides of the fuselage. Place your
fingertips within the balance range on both sides of the airplane and
carefully lift it off the table. No part of the model should be touching
anything except your fingertips! If the RASCAL 80 will sit on your
fingertips in a level attitude, then it is properly balanced and ready to
fly.
If the airplane sits on your fingertips in an extreme nose down attitude,
then it is nose heavy. You will have to add weight to the rear of the
airplane to get it to balance. NOTE: Before adding additional weight to
the model, try simply moving the battery pack to a further aft location.
The battery pack is relatively heavy and therefore makes a good
balancing tool. You might try switching places between the battery and
receiver; or move the battery right in front of the servos; or in extreme
situations, move it behind the servos. If you can’t get your model
balanced simply by re-locating the battery pack, then you will have to
purchase lead weights from your hobby dealer and glue them into the
tail end of the fuselage.
If the airplane sits on your fingertips with the tail down, it is tail heavy.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FLY IT! A tail heavy model is very dangerous and
will most likely crash!! Weight will have to be added to the nose of the
model to bring it into balance. The weights can be glued to the front
of the firewall. There are also “spinner weights” available for tail heavy
models. Wherever you put the balancing weight, make sure it cannot
come loose in flight! Because the RASCAL 80 EG ARF has so much wing
area, adding balancing weight will have little effect on its flying ability.
CONTROL SURFACE TRAVEL
Double check the alignment and movement of all the controls one
more time! Adjust all of your pushrod linkages so that the control
surfaces are in their neutral position when the transmitter sticks and
trim levers are centered. Make sure the control surfaces move in the
proper direction when you move the sticks. You’d be amazed to know
how many models have been destroyed on takeoff with one of the
controls reversed. Don’t let it happen to you! In fact, it’s a good idea
to get into the habit of checking for proper control response every time
you get ready to fly.
Adjust your pushrod linkages and/or transmitter EPA (End Point
Adjustment) settings as necessary to provide the recommended
amount of control surface travel. NOTE: ALL measurement are taken
at the control surfaces widest point.
RECOMMENDED CONTROL SURFACE TRAVEL
AILERONS: 1" UP, 1" DOWN
ELEVATOR: 3/4" UP, 3/4" DOWN
RUDDER: 1" LEFT, 1" RIGHT
FLYING
When it comes to test flying a new model, we always advise modelers
to choose a calm day with little or no wind. These conditions allow you
to better evaluate and more accurately adjust the trim requirements
for your airplane. As we’ve mentioned before, a good running, reliable
motor is a must for the ultimate success of your airplane. Take the time
to solve any power system problems before you try to fly.
Always make it part of your pre-flight routine to check each control on
the airplane, making sure the surfaces are moving in the correct
directions. Also check each control linkage to be sure they are secure
and that nothing is loose. With all the controls checked, make a range
check with your radio system, making sure everything is working
perfectly.
After starting and warming up the engine, taxi the RASCAL 80 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 takeoff, 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 RASCAL begins moving forward, back off of the up elevator input
and use the rudder, only as needed, to correct any engine torque
and/or wind induced deviations from a straight take-off run. Allow the
airplane 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 RASCAL 80 is a very forgiving
design that allows you to fly at relatively low speeds, giving plenty of
time to learn the basics of R/C flight. 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. You will
find that the roll rate is not especially high at the initial aileron settings
but they can be very axial with practice. Inverted flight is easy, requiring
surprisingly little down elevator for level flight. The RASCAL 80 also
performs nice inside and outside loops, snap rolls, Immelmann turns,
stall turns, Cuban eights, and spins. As with any aircraft, getting
consistently good results is a matter of practice. In all of this, we’ll bet
one of your favorite RASCAL 80 maneuvers will be a long low fly-by -
what a great looking airplane!
While still at altitude, throttle the engine 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.
With practice and a little rudder input, the RASCAL 80 can be flown to
a virtual standstill before stalling. Stalls tend to be very gentle with one
wingtip or the other dropping, followed almost immediately with
resumed flight as soon as the elevator is neutralized. This is great
information to have when setting up your first landings.
You will find that this airplane has a powerful rudder. As you gain
experience and confidence with the RASCAL 80, you will find that you
can get some great cross-control action, including almost sideways
flight, side-slips, and flat turns. With a little elevator input and a strong
motor, the RASCAL 80 will knife edge very well.
Landing the RASCAL 80 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 engine until the airplane is
exactly where you want it for touchdown. In crosswind situations, a
little rudder input will likely be needed to keep the airplane lined up
with the runway. The RASCAL 80 can be easily landed on either main
wheels or in the three-point position. After landing, always remember
to hold up elevator when taxiing to keep the tailwheel firmly to the
ground.
We sincerely hope that your RASCAL 80 will provide you with many
enjoyable flights.
Good luck and safe flying!
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