Top Flite TOPA0970 - Manual (Page 31)

31
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 takeoff, 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.
Remember to takeoff into the wind. 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 Warhawk ARF 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.
LANDING
To initiate a landing approach, lower the throttle while on
the downwind leg. Allow the nose of the model to pitch
downward to gradually bleed off altitude. Continue to
lose altitude, but maintain airspeed by keeping the nose
down as you turn onto the crosswind leg. Make your
fi nal turn toward the runway (into the wind) keeping the
nose down to maintain airspeed and control. Level the
attitude when the model reaches the runway threshold,
modulating the throttle as necessary to maintain your
glide path and airspeed. If you are going to overshoot,
smoothly advance the throttle (always ready on the
right rudder to counteract torque) and climb out to
make another attempt. When you’re ready to make your
landing fl are and the model is a foot or so off the deck,
smoothly increase up elevator until it gently touches
down. Once the model is on the runway and has lost
fl ying speed, hold up elevator to place the tail on the
ground, regaining tail wheel control.
One fi nal note about fl ying your model. Have a goal or
fl ight plan in mind for
every fl ight. This can be learning
a new maneuver(s), improving a maneuver(s) you
already know, or learning how the model behaves
in certain conditions (such as on high or low rates).
This is not necessarily to improve your skills ( though
it is never a bad idea!) , but more importantly so you
do not surprise yourself by impulsively attempting a
maneuver and suddenly fi nding that you’ve run out of
time, altitude or airspeed. Every maneuver should be
deliberate, not impulsive. For example, if you’re going to
do a loop, check your altitude, mind the wind direction
(anticipating rudder corrections that will be required to
maintain heading), remember to throttle back at the
top, and make certain you are on the desired rates
(high/low rates). A fl ight plan greatly reduces the
chances of crashing your model just because of poor
planning and impulsive moves.
Remember to think.
Have a ball! But always stay in control
and fl y in a safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!
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