Top Flite TOPA0155 - Manual (Page 67)

Takeoff
Before getting 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 flight, 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 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 rise. 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 the 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 more right rudder will be
required 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.
Flight
For reassurance and to keep an eye on other traffic,
it is a good idea to have an assistant on the flight 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 scale
models fly well at reduced speeds.
Take it easy with the Sea Fury for the first few flights,
gradually getting acquainted with it as you gain
confidence. Adjust the trims to maintain straight and
level flight. After flying around for a while, and while
still at a safe altitude with plenty of fuel, practice slow
flight and execute practice landing approaches by
reducing the throttle to see how the model handles
at slower speeds. While flying at reduced throttle
settings, deploy the flaps so you know what to
expect should you choose to land with flaps. Add
power to see how she climbs as well. Continue to fly
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 fine tune the model so it flies the way you like.
Mind your fuel level, but use this first flight to become
familiar with the model before landing.
Landing
Landings may be executed with or without flaps.
Modelers unfamiliar with flaps usually make their
first few landings without them, but learn to prefer
landing with flaps (and making beautiful, slow fly-
by’s) later on. If unsure, begin by landing with the
flaps set to half of their full setting. A slight pitch-
down will occur when flaps are extended, but this will
help establish the descent. If preferred, up elevator
could be mixed with flaps to maintain a level attitude.
If landing without flaps, the nose of the model will
pitch down slightly when the landing gear is
extended. When ready to land with flaps, maintain an
engine R.P.M. that is slightly higher than normal to
overcome the additional drag. Flaps should be
extended after the throttle and airspeed have been
reduced and the model is on the downwind leg of the
landing pattern.
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 the final 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 the
glide path and airspeed. If you are going to
overshoot, smoothly advance the throttle (always
ready with right rudder to counteract torque) and
climb out to make another attempt. Retract the flaps
after advancing the throttle. When ready to make the
landing flare 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 flying speed, hold up elevator to place the
tail on the ground, regaining tail wheel control.
One final note about flying the Sea Fury. Have a goal
or flight plan in mind for every flight. 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
finding 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 flight plan greatly reduces
the chances of crashing just because of poor
planning and impulsive moves. Remember to think.
Have a ball! But always stay in control and fly in a
safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!
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