Top Flite TOPA0705 - Manual (Page 35)

35
These are the recommended control surface throws:
ELEV
A
T
OR
HIGH RATE LOW RATE
1"
[25 mm]
13°
Up
1"
[25 mm]
13°
Down
3/4"
[19 mm]
10°
Up
3/4"
[19 mm]
10°
Down
1"
[25mm]
18°
2-1/2" [ 64 mm] 36°
Up
1"
[25mm]
18°
Down
3/4"
[19mm]
13°
Up
3/4"
[19mm]
13°
Down
1-7/8"
[48mm]
18°
Right
1-7/8"
[48mm]
18°
Left
1"
[25mm]
9°
Right
1"
[25mm]
9°
Left
R
UDDER
AILER
ONS
FLAPS
If your radio does not have dual rates, we recommend
setting the throws at the high rate settings.
NOTE : The throws are measured at the widest part
of the elevators, rudder and ailerons.
CHECK THE RETRACT OPERATION
❏
1. Check the operation of the retractable landing
gear. Be sure it is smooth, without any binding.
❏
2. Adjust the rate that the gear moves up and
down, following the instructions that came with the
landing gear.
BALANCE THE MODEL (C.G.)
More than any other factor, the C.G. (center of gravity/
balance point) can have the greatest effect on how
a model fl ies and could determine whether or not
your fi rst fl ight will be successful. If you value your
model and wish to enjoy it for many fl ights,
DO NOT
OVERLOOK THIS IMPORTANT PROCEDURE. A
model that is not properly balanced may be unstable
and possibly unfl yable.
At this stage the model should be in ready-to-fl y
condition with
all of the components in place including
the complete radio system, engine, muffl er, propeller,
spinner and pilot. The fuel tank should be empty.
❏
1. If using a Great Planes C.G. Machine, set the
rulers to 5.5" [140 mm]. If not using a C.G. Machine,
use a fi ne-point felt tip pen to mark lines on the top of
wing on both sides of the fuselage 5.5" [140 mm] back
from the leading edge. Apply narrow (1/16" [1.6mm])
strips of tape over the lines so you will be able to feel
them when lifting the model with your fi ngers.
This is where your model should balance for the fi rst
fl ights. Later, you may experiment by shifting the
C.G. 5/16" [8mm] forward or 3/8" [9.5mm] back to
change the fl ying characteristics. Moving the C.G.
forward will improve the smoothness and stability,
but the model will then be less aerobatic (which
may be fi ne for less-experienced pilots). Moving the
C.G. aft makes the model more maneuverable and
aerobatic for experienced pilots. In any case,
start at
the recommended balance point and do not at any
time balance the model outside the specifi ed range.
❏
2. With the wing attached to the fuselage, all parts
of the model installed (ready to fl y) and an empty fuel
tank, place the model upside-down on a Great Planes
CG Machine, or lift it upside-down at the balance point
you marked. The landing gear should be retracted into
the wing when balancing the plane.
❏
3. If the tail drops, the model is “tail heavy.” If the
nose drops, the model is “nose heavy.” Use Great
Planes “stick-on” lead (GPMQ4485) to balance the
model. To fi nd out how much weight is required, place
incrementally increasing amounts of weight on the
bottom of the fuselage over the location where it would
be mounted inside until the model balances. A good
place to add stick-on nose weight is to the fi rewall.
Do not attach weight to the cowl—this will cause the
mounting screws to open up the holes in the cowl.
Once you have determined the amount of weight
required, it can be permanently attached. If required,
tail weight may be added by cutting open the bottom
of the fuselage and gluing it permanently inside.
Note: If mounting weight were it may be exposed to
fuel or exhaust, do not rely upon the adhesive on the
back to permanently hold it in place. Over time, fuel and
exhaust residue may soften the adhesive and cause
the weight to fall off. Instead, permanently attach the
weight with glue or screws.
❏
4. IMPORTANT: If you found it necessary to add
any weight, recheck the C.G. after the weight has
been installed.
BALANCE THE MODEL LATERALLY
❏
1. With the wing level, have an assistant help you lift
the model by the engine propeller shaft and the bottom
of the fuse under the TE of the fi n. 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.