Top Flite TOPA0705 - Manual (Page 38)

38
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17. Tighten the propeller nut and spinner.
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18. Place your name, address, AMA number and
telephone number on or inside your model.
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19. Cycle your receiver battery pack (if necessary)
and make sure it is fully charged.
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20. If you wish to photograph your model, do so
before your fi rst fl ight.
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21. Range check your radio when you get to the
fl ying fi eld.
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22. Be sure to fi ll the air tank.
FLYING
The P-40 does not possess the self-recovery
characteristics of a primary R/C trainer and should
be fl own only by experienced R/C pilots.
FUEL MIXTURE ADJUSTMENTS
A fully cowled engine may run at a higher temperature
than an un-cowled engine. For this reason, the fuel
mixture should be richened so the engine runs at about
200 rpm below peak speed. By running the engine
slightly rich, you will help prevent dead-stick landings
caused by overheating.
CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES):
If, while fl ying, you notice an alarming or unusual
sound such as a low-pitched “buzz,” this may indicate
control surface
fl utter. Flutter occurs when a control
surface (such as an aileron or elevator) or a fl ying
surface (such as a wing or stab) rapidly vibrates up
and down (thus causing the noise). In extreme cases,
if not detected immediately, fl utter can actually cause
the control surface to detach or the fl ying surface
to fail, thus causing loss of control followed by an
impending crash. The best thing to do when fl utter
is detected is to slow the model
immediately by
reducing power, then land as soon as safely possible.
Identify which surface fl uttered (so the problem may
be resolved) by checking all the servo grommets
for deterioration or signs of vibration. Make certain
all pushrod linkages are secure and free of play. If
it fl uttered once, under similar circumstances it will
probably fl utter again unless the problem is fi xed.
Some things which can cause fl utter are; Excessive
hinge gap; Not mounting control horns solidly; Poor
fi t of clevis pin in horn; Side-play of wire pushrods
caused by large bends; Excessive free play in servo
gears; Insecure servo mounting; and one of the most
prevalent causes of fl utter; Flying an over-powered
model at excessive speeds.
TAKEOFF
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 wheel on the ground. If necessary, adjust the tail
wheel so the model will roll straight down the runway. If
you need to calm your nerves before the maiden fl ight,
shut the engine down and bring the model back into
the pits. Top off the fuel, then check all fasteners and
control linkages for peace of mind.
The P-40 has a narrow landing gear stance. Sometimes
this can make ground handling a little tricky. Taking off
directly into the wind makes ground handling relatively
easy. We would recommend that whenever possible
you take off and land into the wind. Taking off in a cross
wind or landing cross wind you will need to be quick on
the rudder and may need to use ailerons to help keep
the wing level during the take off or landing roll out.
When you’re ready, point the model straight down
the runway, hold a bit of up elevator to keep the tail
on the ground to maintain tail wheel steering, 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 engine torque. Gain
as much speed as your runway and fl ying 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 engine torque. Be smooth on the elevator
stick, allowing the model to establish a
gentle climb
to a safe altitude before turning into the traffi c pattern.
FLIGHT
For reassurance and to keep an eye on other traffi c,
it is a good idea to have an assistant on the fl ight 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 fl y more
smoothly at reduced speeds.
Take it easy with the P-40 for the fi rst few fl ights,
gradually getting acquainted with it as you gain
confi dence. Adjust the trims to maintain straight and
level fl ight. After fl ying around for a while, and while still
at a safe altitude with plenty of fuel, practice slow fl ight
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 fl y 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 fi ne tune the model so it fl ies the way
you like. Mind your fuel level, but use this fi rst fl ight to
become familiar with your model before landing.
The P-40 is a very solid fl ying airplane. It will perform
all of the typical maneuvers a WWII fi ghter was capable
of. Loops, rolls and hammerheads are performed as