Trim Flights
Before the first flight of the day, don’t forget to do a range
check and make sure the elevator and rudder are
functioning properly and respond in the correct direction.
Turn on the transmitter first and then the receiver. Hold the
Tower Vista 2m sailplane under the wing with the nose
pointed slightly down and directly into the wind. Launch the
model with the wings level and the nose pointing at a spot
on the ground about 50 feet [15m] in front of you. If the
sailplane is launched with the nose up or launched too hard
it will climb a few feet, stall and fall nose first straight down.
Launch the plane with a gentle push forward. Adjust the
trims on the transmitter so the plane flies straight ahead in
a smooth glide path.
First Flights
Find a BIG, OPEN field for your first flights. The bigger the
better, as you won’t have to worry about where to land. Ground
based objects (trees, poles, buildings, etc.) can cause the
beginner to become easily disoriented. Try to find an
experienced pilot to help you with your first flights. Although the
Tower Vista 2m sailplane is very easy to fly, an experienced
pilot can save you a lot of time and possible aggravation by
helping you get your model in the air smoothly.
Follow the directions that came with your hi-start and lay it
out directly into the wind. Place the stake at the far upwind
edge of the flying field so the parachute will blow back onto
the flying field.
Turn on your transmitter and then your receiver and hook
the parachute onto your plane’s tow hook. Pull the plane
back until there is approximately 8 lbs. [3.5kg] of tension on
the high start. More tension can be used after you get
acquainted with the launching procedure.
Hold the plane above your head with the wings level and the
nose pointed slightly up and directly into the wind. Give the
plane a strong push forward to get it flying and it will climb
up like a kite. You should not have to touch the elevator
during the launch but use the rudder stick to keep it going
straight up.
Note:
You need to remember that your radio control
responds as if you were sitting in the cockpit. When you
push the transmitter stick to the right, the rudder moves to
the plane’s right! This means that when the plane is flying
towards you, it may seem like the rudder controls are
reversed (when you give “right” rudder the plane turns to
your left–which is the plane’s “right”). It is sometimes easier
to learn to fly the plane if you always face your body in the
direction the plane is flying and look over your shoulder to
watch the model.
Use these first flights to get the “feel” of the controls and the
Tower Vista 2m sailplane’s flying characteristics. Try to keep
the plane upwind and just perform some gentle S-turns
(always turning into the wind) until it is time to set up for
landing. When it is time to land, just continue performing the
gentle S-turns upwind and let the plane glide onto the
ground. Don’t worry about where the plane lands – just use
caution to avoid hitting anything. Always try to launch and
land into the wind.
No matter how much – or how little – previous R/C flying
experience you have, you’ll thoroughly enjoy piloting the
Tower Vista 2m sailplane. Its built-in stability keeps you calm
and confident at the controls. And when your “beginner”
days are behind you, the Tower Vista 2m sailplane’s
versatile performance can even help you earn impressive
contest wins. It will be one of your favorites for many years
to come.
Happy flying!
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