Top Flite TOPA0905 - Manual (Page 42)

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9. Reinforce holes for wood screws with thin CA
where appropriate (servo mounting screws,
cowl mounting screws, etc.).
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10. Confirm that all controls operate in the correct
direction and the throws are set up according
to the manual.
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11. Make sure there are silicone retainers on all
the clevises and that all servo arms are
secured to the servos with the screws included
with your radio.
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12. Secure connections between servo wires and
Y-connectors or servo extensions, and the
connection between your battery pack and the
on/off switch with vinyl tape, heat shrink tubing
or special clips suitable for that purpose.
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13. Make sure any servo extension cords you may
have used do not interfere with other systems
(servo arms, pushrods, etc.).
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14. Secure the pressure tap (if used) to the muffler
with high temp RTV silicone, thread locking
compound or J.B. Weld.
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15. Make sure the fuel lines are connected and
are not kinked.
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16. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
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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 first flight.
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21. Range check your radio when you get to the
flying field.
FLYING
The Staggerwing is a great-flying model that flies
smoothly and predictably. The Staggerwing does not,
however, possess the self-recovery characteristics of
a primary R/C trainer and should be flown 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.
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 flight, shut the engine down and
bring the model back into the pits. Top off the fuel,
and then check all fasteners and control linkages for
peace of mind.
Remember to take off into the wind. As a general rule
the flaps are not required for a good take-off. Unless
you have a very thick grass field that limits the ground
speed of the model we would not recommend flaps
for the takeoff. If you do use flaps, no more than 3/4"
[19mm] flap should be needed. 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, and 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 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 engine 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.
CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C
AIRPLANES): If, while flying, you notice an
alarming or unusual sound such as a low-pitched
“buzz,” this may indicate control surface
flutter.
Flutter occurs when a control surface (such as an
aileron or elevator) or a flying surface (such as a
wing or stab) rapidly vibrates up and down (thus
causing the noise). In extreme cases, if not
detected immediately, flutter can actually cause
the control surface to detach or the flying surface
to fail, thus causing loss of control followed by an
impending crash. The best thing to do when flutter
is detected is to slow the model immediately by
reducing power, then land as soon as safely
possible. Identify which surface fluttered (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 fluttered once, under
similar circumstances it will probably flutter again
unless the problem is fixed. Some things which
can cause flutter are; Excessive hinge gap; Not
mounting control horns solidly; Poor fit 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 flutter; Flying an over-
powered model at excessive speeds.
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