Great Planes CAP 580 Matt Chapman EP FlatOuts ARF - GPMA1112 - Manual (Page 19)

At this stage the model should be in ready-to-fly condition
with all of the systems in place including the motor, the
propeller, the battery, and the radio system.
❏
1. Use a felt-tip pen or 1/8" [3mm]-wide tape to accurately
mark the C.G. on the top of the wing on both sides of the
fuselage. The C.G. is located 2-1/4" [57mm] back from
the leading edge of the wing at the fuselage.
❏
2. With all parts of the model installed, including the
battery (ready to fly), lift it upside-down on your fingertips at
the balance point you marked.
❏
3. If the tail drops, the model is “tail heavy” and the
battery pack and/or receiver must be shifted forward. If the
nose drops, the model is “nose heavy” and the battery pack
and/or receiver must be shifted aft. Relocate the battery
pack on the hook-and-loop strip to minimize or eliminate any
additional ballast required.
❏
4. IMPORTANT: If you moved any components, recheck
the C.G.
❏
1. With the wing level, lift the model by the engine propeller
shaft and the bottom of the fuse under the TE of the fin. Do
this several times.
❏
2. If one wing always drops when you lift the model, it means
that side is heavy. Balance the airplane by adding weight to the
other wing tip. An airplane that has been laterally balanced
will track better in loops and other maneuvers.
No matter if you fly at an AMA sanctioned R/C club site or if
you fly somewhere on your own, you should always have
your name, address, telephone number and AMA number
on your model. It is required at all AMA R/C club flying sites
and AMA sanctioned flying events. Write this information on
the bottom of the wing with a fine felt-tip pen.
Follow the battery charging instructions that came with your
radio control system to charge the batteries.You should always
charge your transmitter batteries the night before you go flying,
and at other times as recommended by the radio manufacturer.
Charge the flight battery using a charger designed for
Lithium Polymer batteries. Charging with any other type of
charger is very dangerous, and may cause the batteries to
combust violently.
CAUTION: Unless the instructions that came with your
radio system state differently, the initial charge on new
transmitter batteries should be done for 15 hours using
the slow-charger that came with the radio system. This
will "condition" the batteries so that the next charge may
be done using the fast-charger of your choice. If the initial
charge is done with a fast-charger the batteries may not
reach their full capacity and you may be flying with
batteries that are only partially charged.
Charge the Batteries
Identify Your Model
PREFLIGHT
Balance the Model Laterally
This is where your model should balance for the first flights.
Later, you may wish to experiment by shifting the C.G. up to
1/2" [13mm] forward or 1/2" [13mm] back to change the flying
characteristics. Moving the C.G. forward may improve the
smoothness and stability, but the model may then require
more speed for takeoff and make it more difficult to slow for
landing or 3-D aerobatics. Moving the C.G. aft makes the
model more maneuverable, but could also cause it to become
too difficult to control. In any case, start at the recommended
balance point. As with the throws, though, we encourage you
to experiment with the CG until the model flies to your taste.
More than any other factor, the C.G. (balance point) can
have the greatest effect on how a model flies, and may
determine whether or not your first flight will be
successful. If you value this model and wish to enjoy it for
many flights, DO NOT OVERLOOK THIS IMPORTANT
PROCEDURE. A model that is not properly balanced will
be unstable and possibly unflyable.
Balance the Model (C.G.)
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