E-flite P-51B Mustang 32e ARF - Manual (Page 41)

41 E-flite P-51B Mustang 32e ARF Assembly Manual
Flying your P-51B Mustang 32e ARF
Now that your Mustang is at the field lets go over a
few things first. Is the main battery fully charged? Is
the transmitter fully charged? Are dual rates set for
the first flight? Has the center of gravity been verified?
If the answer to all of these questions is yes, then we
are ready for that first flight. The P-51B is not slow
and should be flown at a flying field, not a park. Plug
in the flight battery, turn on the transmitter, and turn
on the switch for the radio. Check all control surfaces
and basic motor operation. Check the motor at full
throttle. Pick the model up and cycle the retracts. If
everything is working properly you are ready for
flight.
Taxi the model onto the runway. Set the idle on your
transmitter to a low idle, this will be your flight idle.
For your first flight leave the flaps up on takeoff until
you are familiar with the Mustang. Now, applying
power slowly and steering with the rudder to keep the
model straight, the P-51B should accelerate quickly
and the tail will rise. As the tail comes up and the
model gains flight speed, you will want to rotate when
you feel comfortable. The P-51B should climb out with
authority. Once in the air retract the landing gear.
Climb to a safe altitude and begin to trim the model
out. Once you have the model trimmed out you will
want to get an idea of the flight quality with the flaps
down and slowed down. Once you are happy with this
now we can enjoy the Mustang.
You will find the model tracks very well through all
aspects of flight. From high-speed passes to inverted
flight to loops and rolls, you will be flying like a fighter
pilot over Europe in just a few short minutes. If you
have installed the optional pylons and are planning
on dropping the bombs or under-wing tanks let’s do
a pass and clean the bird up. The Mustang can be
flown through the entire flight range with the ordinance
on, it will not affect any part of the flight performance.
I normally set up for a pass about 20 feet high at
about 5/8 throttle. Approach the target or drop area,
with the plane level or in a shallow dive, release the
ordinance and fly away. The big key here is DO
NOT WATCH the ordinance fall. You NEED TO FLY
the model. More than one modeler has watched the
bombs continue to fall and the plane continues on into
the ground because no one was flying it. Don’t let this
happen to you.
To set up for landing, drop the flaps and retracts and
enter the downwind pattern for landing. Adjust power
to slow the plane down but keep flying speed. As
you roll onto final approach manage the power and
begin to pull the nose up. The key to a great warbird
landing is to touch down on the wheels and roll down
the runway. That is how the pro’s do it. Before long
you will be enjoying sorties over the field destroying
anything in your path. We hope you enjoy flying the
P-51B Mustang.
Happy Landings!
Range Test your Radio
Before each flying session, and especially with a new
model, it is important to perform a range check. It
is helpful to have another person available to assist
during the range check. If you are using a Spektrum
transmitter, please refer to your transmitter’s manual for
detailed instructions on the range check process.
 1. With the model resting on the ground, stand 30
paces (approximately 90 feet) away from the model.
 2. Face the model with the transmitter in your
normal flying position. Be sure the throttle is in the
full down position and plug the flight battery into
the speed control.
 3. As you move the controls, watch to be sure the
airplane’s motor and controls operate smoothly.
You should have total control of the model at 30
paces (90 feet).
 4. If control issues exist, call the appropriate
Horizon Product Support office (see page 43) or
go to horizonhobby.com to find a local Spektrum
distributor in your country for service if using a
Spektrum radio system.