Great Planes Piper J-3 ElectriCub Park Flyer ARF - GPMA1153 - Manual (Page 17)

other side for spectators. Only personnel involved with flying
the aircraft are allowed at or in the front of the flight line.
Intentional flying behind the flight line is prohibited.
4) I will operate my model using only radio control frequencies
currently allowed by the Federal Communications Commission.
5) I will not knowingly operate my model within three
miles of any pre-existing flying site except in
accordance with the frequency sharing agreement
listed (see the complete AMA Safety Code).
9) Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person
touch a powered model in flight; nor should any part of the
model other than the landing gear intentionally touch
the ground, except while landing.
❏
1. Check the C.G. according to the measurements
provided in the manual.
❏
2. Be certain the battery and receiver are securely
mounted in the fuse. Simply stuffing them into place
with foam rubber is not sufficient.
❏
3. Extend your receiver antenna and make sure it has
a strain relief inside the fuselage to keep tension off
the solder joint inside the receiver.
❏
4. Balance your model laterally as explained in
the instructions.
❏
5. Use thread locking compound to secure critical
fasteners such as the set screws that hold the
screw-lock pushrod connectors, etc.
❏
6. Add a drop of oil to the axles so the wheels will
turn freely.
❏
7. Make sure all hinges are securely glued in place.
❏
8. Confirm that all controls operate in the correct
direction and the throws are set up according to
the manual.
❏
9. Make sure that all servo arms are secured to the
servos with the screws included with your radio.
❏
10. Make sure any servo extension cords you may have
used do not interfere with other systems (servo
arms, pushrods, etc.).
❏
11. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
❏
12. Tighten the propeller nut.
❏
13. Place your name, address, AMA number and
telephone number on or inside your model.
❏
14. Cycle your plane’s battery pack (if necessary) and
make sure it is fully charged.
❏
15. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before
your first flight.
❏
16. Range check your radio when you get to the flying field.
Before you get ready to take off, see how the model handles
on the ground by doing a few practice runs at low speeds on
the runway. Hold “up” elevator to keep the tail skid on the
ground. If you need to calm your nerves before the maiden
flight, turn off the motor and bring the model back into the pits.
Remember to take off into the wind. When you’re ready,
point the model straight down the runway, 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 motor
torque. Gain as much speed as your runway and flying 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 motor
torque. Be smooth on the elevator stick, allowing the model
to establish a gentle climb to a safe altitude before turning
into the traffic pattern. The Mini Cub ARF may also be hand
launched if your site does not have a runway or you prefer
hand launching.
For reassurance and to keep an eye on other traffic, it is a good
idea to have an assistant on the flight 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 fly more smoothly at reduced speeds.
Take it easy with the Mini Cub ARF for the first few flights,
gradually getting acquainted with it as you gain confidence.
Adjust the trims to maintain straight and level flight. After
flying around for a while, and while still at a safe altitude,
practice slow flight and execute practice landing approaches
by reducing the throttle to see how the model handles at
slower speeds. Add power to see how she climbs as well.
Continue to fly 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 fine
tune the model so it flies the way you like. Use this first flight
to become familiar with your model but keep it relatively
short so you have plenty of battery power to take a few
practice passes at landing.
Flight
Takeoff
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 (that’s why it’s called a
check list!).
CHECK LIST
17