10
GENERAL FLYING
transmitter first and make sure the throttle control stick or slide
throttle( ACE T3S) is at idle position.
XII. Flying
You should have a flight instructor teach you how to fly the
Sparky. Like a real airplane, you must have an understanding of how to
fly the model before launch, or you will probably not be successful.
Check at your hobby shop or call the AMA (800-435-9262) or surf its
website at www.modelaircraft.org for flying clubs in your area.
Take-off
A proper hand-launch of the airplane is necessary for flight. It
must be launched into the wind with a firm toss. The airplane must be
tossed level or even pointed a little down. It should never be thrown
upward, or it will stall and crash.
Flight
Steer very gently right and left to keep the wings level. Let the air-
plane climb out gradually and gently until it reaches a comfortable
cruise altitude at full flight speed. Always keep the airplane upwind of
yourself and within a reasonable distance so you can see what it is
doing. Remember, when the plane is coming toward you, when you
move the stick to the right, the aiplane will go to the left from your
point of view. This is the hardest thing to learn. Initially, you can keep
your body pointed in the same direction as the airplane and look over
your shoulder
Usually, only small stick movements are required. Try to keep your
flying smooth. You can turn the plane by bumping small amounts of
rudder and then return to neutral. Use the elevator to keep the air-
plane at the desired altitude. After a while, coordinate your turns with
the elevator; i.e., bank the plane with a little bit of rudder, then feed in
some up elevator to maintain the turn at the same altitude. If the plane
tends to turn one way or the other use the trim lever on the control
stick to neutralize the flight. Same thing applies if the place wants to
climb or dive.
Landing
Set up your landing approach. Always try to land INTO THE
WIND. Keep your turns gradual and only use elevator to maintain a
gradual glide. Since the motor is off, you can no longer climb and the
plane slows down. If you feed in too much up elevator, the plane will
stall and may crash.
Just before touchdown, “flare” the plane by adding up elevator.
The plane should slow down even more and come in for a gentle land-
ing. Don’t add too much elevator, too soon!
Walk over to the plane and turn off the switch on the plane, then
the transmitter switch. Check over the plane to make sure nothing
loosened up or broke.
In Case of Trouble
If the radio is erratic (glitches), check that the transmitter and
receiver antennas are extended to their full length. Make sure the
transmitter batteries are fresh. Make sure no one else is operating on
your channel (frequency) in the immediate vicinity.
If the plane does not fly properly, make sure you are being gentle
with the control inputs. Make sure the plane is balanced properly.
If your trouble persists, call 660-584-6724 for technical help.
Conclusion
To defeat the laws of gravity and take to the wing is both
challenging and thrilling. We hope you enjoy your entry into the
fascinating world of R/C flight and make it your hobby for a lifetime.
Please let Ace R/C and Thunder Tiger be your chosen brand, no matter
what direction you progress.
XIII. Post-Flight
Turn off all switches and if you are done for the day, clean-up your
plane with some spray cleaner (such as 409) and paper towels. While
you are cleaning the plane up, inspect it for damage...check the prop
for dings or chips. Spray some WD40 on and in the gear section and
motor shaft for better lubrication.
XIV. Safety Precautions
1.
Take great attention to the motor and propeller as they might be
deadly weapon when rotating.
2.
Always switch on the Transmitter first and make sure the throttle
at the “Down” position then switch on the ESC switch.
3.
Always stay behind the propeller when the motor is running.
Only switch on the motor when you are ready for launching.
Under no circumstances should you allow your face or body
near the plane on rotation of the propeller when motor is run-
ning.
4.
Do not allow loose clothing or other loose objects close to the
prop.
5.
To stop a motor, switch off the power or move the throttle stick
down.
6.
Move the throttle stick (slide throttle) down to switch off the
power immediately in case of any CRASH, HEAVY LANDING and
NOSE DOWN or any situation that prop could not rotate freely as
it might damage the ESC and motor.
XV. Repair
In the event of a minor mishap, the Sparky usually can be
repaired. Begin by completely cleaning the area being repaired with
alcohol to remove any oil residue.
* Balsa components can be glued back together with CA glue.
* If you need to repair around the firewall/motor mount area, use
epoxy.
* Locate the covering film and heat iron for patching at your local
hobby shop if necessary.
