Setup
☐
Inspect the wings for any warps that may
have worked their way in when covering or
while the model was in storage, and remove
prior to flight. DO NOT ATTEMPT FLIGHT IF
THE WINGS ARE WARPED.
☐
Center the control surfaces, then set the
direction, rate of travel, and dampening
(expo).
RingRat (RC-050)
is designed to be a very
maneuverable, fun, aerobatic sport model.
Thrust to weight with the stock power system
is slightly better than 1:1 allowing the model
to fly a host of entry level aerobatic
maneuvers. Snaps, spins, inverted flight,
loops, rolls, cubans, split-s, and stall turns are
well within the aerobatic scope of this model.
With this in mind we suggest setting the
model up for moderate control surface travel.
With the pushrods connected per the
instructions in this Assembly Manual, and the
surfaces properly centered, the control throws
should be as follows:
Rudder Travel
Low Rate +/- 20 degrees 30% expo
High Rate +/- 30 degrees 50% expo
Elevator Travel
Low Rate +/- 15 degrees 30% expo
High Rate +/- 20 degrees 50% expo
Aileron Travel
Low Rate +/- 15 degrees 30% expo
High Rate +/- 20 degrees 50% expo
The above Exponential settings apply only to
computer radios.
Pre-Flight
Have and experienced pilot assist you with pre-
flighting your new model. Just like having
someone proof read something you’ve written,
having a second fresh set of eyes to inspect your
final product is often helpful at avoiding disaster.
While not an exhaustive pre-flight check these are
some of the major items that you should consider
using when developing your own pre-flight check
list. Get in the habit of always pre-flighting your
models before each and every flight.
☐
Weight and Balance
- Check the RingRat
(RC-050)’s balance. The model should
balance 1 inch behind the leading edge of the
wing. Use a permanent marker or trim tape to
mark the underside of the
LEFT
and
RIGHT
wing half at the CG measurement as given
above. Move the flight battery and or add or
remove weight (modeling clay) to achieve the
proper balance point.
☐
Use your
RIGHT
and
LEFT
hand index
fingers and suspend the model from below,
between the marked CG measurements. Site
from profile of aircraft against horizon. If the
horizontal stabilizer appears to hang level
with the horizon, then the RingRat (RC-050)
is properly balanced to fly. Move the battery
along the fuselage to obtain proper balance.
☐
Check Weather
- The RingRat (RC-050)’s
first flight should be outdoors and in zero wind
conditions. The RingRat (RC-050) is capable
of flying in winds up to 5-8 mph so long as the
pilot is capable.
☐
Inspect airframe
for warps and obvious signs
of wear or damage. Do not fly a damaged or
warped model.
☐
Inspect control surfaces
for center, proper
direction of travel, rate of throw, secure
pushrod connections, hinges, and receiver/
servo mounting hardware.
☐
Inspect battery for full charge.
Never begin
a flight with a partially charged battery.
☐
Clear prop!
Before applying power to the
model, clear and keep clear of the prop arc.
Build Instructions September 8, 2011
!
(c) 2011 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.
!
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