Top Flite TOPA0140 - Manual (Page 60)

Make all engine adjustments from behind the
rotating propeller.
The engine gets hot! Do not touch the engine
during or immediately after you operate it. Make
sure fuel lines are in good condition so fuel will not
leak onto a hot engine and cause a fire.
To stop the engine, close the carburetor barrel
(rotor) or pinch the fuel line to discontinue the fuel
flow. Do not use your hands, fingers or any body
part to stop the engine. Never throw anything into
the prop of a running engine.
AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts)
Read and abide by the following Academy of
Model Aeronautics Official Safety Code:
GENERAL
1. I will not fly my model aircraft in sanctioned
events, air shows, or model flying demonstrations
until it has been proven to be airworthy by having
been previously successfully flight tested.
2. I will not fly my model aircraft higher than
approximately 400 feet within 3 miles of an airport
without notifying the airport operator. I will give
right of way to and avoid flying in the proximity of
full scale aircraft. Where necessary an observer
shall be used to supervise flying to avoid having
models fly in the proximity of full scale aircraft.
3. Where established, I will abide by the safety
rules for the flying site I use and I will not willfully
and deliberately fly my models in a careless,
reckless and/or dangerous manner.
7. I will not fly my model unless it is identified with
my name and address or AMA number, on or in
the model.
9. I will not operate models with pyrotechnics (any
device that explodes, burns, or propels a projectile
of any kind).
RADIO CONTROL
1. I will have completed a successful radio
equipment ground check before the first flight of a
new or repaired model.
2. I will not fly my model aircraft in the presence of
spectators until I become a qualified flier, unless
assisted by an experienced helper.
3. I will perform my initial turn after takeoff away
from the pit or spectator areas and I will not
thereafter fly over pit or spectator areas, unless
beyond my control.
4. I will operate my model using only radio control
frequencies currently allowed by the Federal
Communications Commission...
FLYING
The Top Flite Spitfire is a great flying sport scale
airplane that flies smoothly, yet is highly
maneuverable. Compared to other warbirds, its
flight characteristics are very smooth and forgiving.
It does not, however, have the self-recovery
characteristics of a primary R/C trainer; therefore,
you must either have mastered the basics of R/C
flying or obtained the assistance of a competent
R/C pilot to help you with your first flights.
Fuel mixture adjustment
A fully cowled engine may run at a higher
temperature than an uncowled engine. For this
reason, the fuel mixture should be richened so the
engine runs at about 200 rpm below peak. By
running the engine slightly rich, you will help prevent
dead stick landings caused by overheating.
TAKEOFF
If you have dual rates on your transmitter, set the
switches to “high rate” for takeoff, especially when
taking off in a crosswind. We recommend that you
do not use flaps during take off. Although this
model has excellent low speed characteristics, you
should always build up as much speed as your
runway will permit before lifting off, to give you a
safety margin in case of a “flame-out.” When you
first advance the throttle and the tail begins to lift,
the plane will start to turn left (a characteristic of all
“tail draggers”). Be ready for this and correct by
applying a slight amount of right rudder to steer it
straight down the runway. Be sure to allow the tail
to come up. Don’t hold the tail on the ground with
too much up elevator, as the Spitfire will become
airborne prematurely and will possibly stall. When
the plane has sufficient flying speed, lift off by
smoothly applying up elevator (don’t “jerk” it off into
a steep climb!) and climb out gradually.
FLIGHT
We recommend that you take it easy with your
Spitfire for the first several flights, gradually “getting
acquainted” with this warbird as your engine gets
fully broken-in. Add and practice one maneuver at
a time, learning how she behaves in each. For
ultra-smooth flying and normal maneuvers, we
recommend using the “low rate” settings as listed
on page 57. “High rate” elevator may be required
for crisp snap rolls and spins. “High rate” rudder is
best for knife edge. Speed is the key to good
knife-edge performance.
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