Great Planes CAP 580 Matt Chapman EP FlatOuts ARF - GPMA1112 - Manual (Page 21)

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1. Check the C.G. according to the measurements provided
in the manual.
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2. Be certain the battery and receiver are securely
mounted on the fuse.
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3. Extend your receiver antenna and make sure it cannot
get tangled in the prop.
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4. Balance your model laterally as previously explained
in the instructions.
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5. Make sure all hinges are securely glued in place.
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6. Confirm that all controls operate in the correct direction
and the throws are set up according to the manual.
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7. Make sure any servo wiring does not interfere with
other systems (servo arms, pushrods, etc.).
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8. Place your name, address, AMA number and
telephone number on your model.
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9. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before
your first flight.
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10. Range check your radio when you get to the flying site.
The FlatOut CAP 580 is a great-flying model that flies smoothly
and predictably. The FlatOut CAP 580 does not, however,
possess the self-recovery characteristics of a primary R/C
trainer and should be flown only by experienced R/C pilots.
For the first flight, it is a good idea to have an assistant launch
the airplane for you. This allows you to keep your hands on the
controls and correct any trim problems that are present.
Have your friend hold the FlatOut CAP 580 by the canopy.
Throttle up to full power, and have your friend give the plane
a gentle underhanded toss at about a 30-degree angle
upward. Since the CAP 580 has a very high thrust-to-weight
ratio, the plane will accelerate to flying speed almost
instantly. Climb to a comfortable height and throttle back to
a lower power setting. This plane flies great at about half-
throttle when in standard forward flight.
Once you have the model trimmed out, the FlatOut CAP 580
is very capable of ROG (rise-off-ground) takeoffs from a
smooth surface (parking lot, runway, gym floor, etc.). To take
off, start by advancing the throttle to about two-thirds,
making sure to correct any torque reactions with rudder. The
plane will build flying speed almost instantly due to its high
thrust-to weight ratio. Once the tail comes up, gently apply
up elevator to break ground and climb out. Full throttle
takeoffs are necessary only for extremely short runways.
When flying a 3-D aerobat like the CAP 580, there are
several things you should always keep in mind. First is
throttle management–this airplane has enough power to
climb straight up at full throttle, so level flight is more
comfortably achieved at about half-throttle. Avoid extremely
high-speed flight with the FlatOut CAP 580 – it is designed
for slow 3-D aerobatics, and extended full-throttle dives can
result in wing flutter. While flutter won’t destroy the airplane,
it’s best to avoid it. Second, take it easy on the control
sticks–with 3-D throws, even a small stick deflection can
result in a big response, so be gentle (unless of course
you’re performing an aggressive maneuver).
Because this model is extremely lightweight, it does not
retain energy well, and performing classic gliding landings
can be difficult. Instead, land the model under power, with a
rolling 3-point landing as the goal. To achieve this, perform
your landing approach with the model in the 3-point attitude
(nose up at such an angle that all three wheels are level).
Modulate your descent with the throttle, and use a quick
“blip” of power just before touchdown to slow the descent for
a gentle landing.
Have a ball!
But always stay in control and fly in a safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!
Landing
Flight
Rise-Off-Ground (ROG) Takeoffs
Hand Launch
FLYING
During the last few moments of preparation your mind may
be elsewhere anticipating the excitement of the first flight.
Because of this, you may be more likely to overlook certain
checks and procedures that should be performed before the
model is flown. To help avoid this, a check list is provided to
make sure these important areas are not overlooked. Many
are covered in the instruction manual, so where appropriate,
refer to the manual for complete instructions. Be sure to
check the items off as they are completed.
CHECK LIST
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