Top Flite S.E.5A - Manual (Page 17)

PRE-FLIGHT RUN-UP
Before actually committing the model to the air, it is a very wise precaution
to perform a simple "flight-conditions" check by running-up the engine and check-
ing the radio on the ground. On arrival at the field, proceed as follows:
a. CHECK OPERATING FREQUENCIES OF OTHER MODELERS
PRESENT!
b. Remove upper cowl. Fill fuel tank and start engine. Adjust to correct
high—RPM.
c. Set engine for idling—RPM. Stop engine. Re-start and stop several
times to be sure you can start the engine easily and quickly when it is
at idling—RPM setting
(This latter point is very important! While starting, under some cir-
cumstances, flooding for instance, an engine will occasionally spit
burning fuel onto the model and begin to set it afire. This is no problem
when the engine is uncowled because it is easy to just blow the fire out:
however, you cannot do this after the cowl is screwed on. When the
engine is started at idle setting this occurance is prevented by the
exhaust-baffle blocking the exhaust port. We draw this matter to your
attention because "forwarned is forearmed").
d. With engine running, switch on radio and hold model up by its upper-
wing center-section. Check all controls, including motor RPM.
When satisfied with results of the run-up test, we are ready for the all-
important moment!
FLYING THE S. E. 5A
For the expert at flying radio-controlled models the S. E. 5A will present
few problems. About the only area in which care will be needed is in the take-off
run, where there sometimes is a tendency to ground-loop. We have discovered
that this happens mostly when a take-off is attempted with gradually increasing
power. The answer is to snap the throttle open from idle quite sharply, the
resultant sudden power burst will allow the model to take off straight and well.
If possible, avoid rudder corrections during the take-off run as the model is
abnormally sensitive to rudder and it is easy to apply too much correction.
Ground-handling characteristics on slow engine speed, however, are very
good. "Slipping" the throttle for ground steering looks and sounds good on a
model of this type.
In common with other biplanes, with their high drag of struts, wires, etc.,
the glide of the S. E. 5A is flat but fairly steep. The airplane does not have the
aerodynamic "cleanness" to make long low approaches with a dead engine. Therefore
always try to land before the fuel is all used, so that the engine can be used for
making a good approach-path.
To the newcomer, or modelers of little flying experience, who need to know
the best method of handling the first flight of the model, our advice has to be
"Don't!" Give the model to an experienced clubmate or friend to make that all-
important first trimming-flight. Once trimmed, the model will be no more difficult
to fly than a regular Taurus-type model. Neither is it any easier. Flying experience
cannot be taught in written instructions such as these—it must be acquired over
a period of time. So proceed with caution—and get all the help you can during the
early stages of learning to fly.
In addition to the actual construction sequence of this model, we hope that
we have passed on to you some helpful ideas gathered from our own experience.
If you follow along these lines we know that building and flying your S. E. 5A
will be a rewarding experience.
Best of Luck!
TOP FLITE MODELS
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