36
Remember to takeoff into the wind. When you’re ready,
point the model straight down the runway, hold a bit of
up elevator to keep the tail on the ground to maintain tail
wheel steering, then gradually advance the throttle. As
the model gains speed decrease up elevator allowing the
tail to come off the ground. One of the most important
things to remember with a tail dragger is to always be
ready to apply
right
rudder to counteract engine torque.
Gain as much speed as your runway and fl ying site will
practically allow before gently applying up elevator, lifting
the model into the air. At this moment it is likely that
you will need to apply more right rudder to counteract
engine torque. Be smooth on the elevator stick, allowing
the model to establish a
gentle
climb to a safe altitude
before turning into the traffi c pattern.
FLIGHT
For reassurance and to keep an eye on other traffi c, it is
a good idea to have an assistant on the fl ight line with
you. Tell him to remind you to throttle back once the
plane gets to a comfortable altitude. While full throttle
is usually desirable for takeoff, most models fl y more
smoothly at reduced speeds.
Take it easy with the Giant P-47 Razorback ARF for the
fi rst few fl ights, gradually getting acquainted with it as you
gain confi dence. Adjust the trims to maintain straight and
level fl ight. After fl ying around for a while, and while still
at a safe altitude with plenty of fuel, practice slow fl ight
and execute practice landing approaches by reducing
the throttle and lowering the fl aps to see how the model
handles at slower speeds. Add power to see how she
climbs as well. Continue to fl y around, executing various
maneuvers and making mental notes (or having your
assistant write them down) of what trim or C.G. changes
may be required to fi ne tune the model so it fl ies the way
you like. Mind your fuel level, but use this fi rst fl ight to
become familiar with your model before landing.
LANDING
One of the keys to landing a giant-scale model is to
maintain suffi cient airspeed throughout the landing
approach. An unusually high airspeed is not necessary,
but those unfamiliar with landing giant-scale models are
sometimes deceived by the model’s larger size. Larger
models often appear to be closer than they actually are.
Additionally, most giant-scale models slow down rapidly,
thus causing the uninitiated to land short. To avoid this
initial illusion, make your landing pattern closer than you
normally might for a .40-size sport model. Also, don’t
pull the throttle all the way back and leave it there the
way you normally would. Instead, momentarily pull the
throttle all the way back, but then advance it a “click” or
two to keep the engine RPM up and maintain airspeed.
Once over the runway you can cut the throttle the rest
of the way and the model will slow for the landing fl are.
The Giant P-47 Razorback ARF may be landed with
or without fl aps. Flaps increase lift and drag, so the
plane may be landed slower, thus reducing rollout after
touchdown (not as much of a factor on grass runways).
To initiate a landing approach, reduce the throttle while
on the downwind leg. If using fl aps, allow the model to
slow before extending them. Continue to lose altitude,
but maintain airspeed by keeping the nose down as you
turn onto the crosswind leg. Make your fi nal turn toward
the runway (into the wind) keeping the nose down to
maintain airspeed and control. If using fl aps, keep a few
additional “clicks” of power so the model doesn’t slow
too much. Level the attitude when the model reaches the
runway threshold, modulating the throttle as necessary to
maintain your glide path and airspeed. If you are going to
overshoot, smoothly advance the throttle (always ready
on the right rudder to counteract torque) and retract the
fl aps when enough airspeed is gained. Climb out to
make another attempt. When the model is a foot or so
off the deck, smoothly increase up elevator until it gently
touches down. Once the model is on the runway and has
lost fl ying speed, hold up elevator to place the tail on the
ground, regaining tail wheel control.
Note:
If ever the occasion arises when a dead-stick
landing must be performed, do not extend the fl aps until
certain
the model will be able to reach the landing zone
(on dead-stick landings it is common to land with no fl aps
at all). Without engine power, fl aps can unexpectedly
reduce the model’s range, thus causing you to come
up short of the fi eld.
One fi nal note about fl ying your Giant P-47 Razorback
ARF. Have a goal or fl ight plan in mind for
every
fl ight.
This can be learning a new maneuver(s), improving a
maneuver(s) you already know, or learning how the
model behaves in certain conditions (such as on high or
low rates). This is not necessarily to improve your skills
(
though it is never a bad idea!)
, but more importantly so
you do not surprise yourself by impulsively attempting
a maneuver and suddenly fi nding that you’ve run out of
time, altitude or airspeed. Every maneuver should be
deliberate, not impulsive. For example, if you’re going to
do a loop, check your altitude, mind the wind direction
(anticipating rudder corrections that will be required to
maintain heading), remember to throttle back at the top,
and make certain you are on the desired rates (high/
low rates). A fl ight plan greatly reduces the chances of
crashing your model just because of poor planning and
impulsive moves.
Remember to think.
Have a ball! But always stay in control and
fl y in a safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!
