Top Flite Metrick - Manual (Page 14)

applied at the right times. If the METRICK is your first
sailplane or your 21st, there are three rules that always
apply in soaring:
1. Practice
2. Practice
3. Practice
We are going to assume that you are now fairly comfort-
able with the airplane and would like to attempt some
thermal soaring. As the METRICK comes off of tow, we
have made it a practice to penetrate out upwind in a fairly
straight line, watching the airplane carefully for lift (or
sink) information. If the airplane flies directly into a ther-
mal, you will notice some decrease in forward speed and
a flattening of the glide together with a flat elevator-type
climb. When you see this, make a broad turn, searching
for the "core" of the thermal, avoiding the outer edges.
Once into the center of the lift, hold the rudder and
elevator combination that provides the highest rate of
ascent and at all costs, avoid stalling. You will find that the
METRICK will outclimb most anything at the field in the
same lift conditions—its rate of climb is awesome.
If you encounter a thermal during cruise that is either to
the left or right of the airplane, you will know because the
wing encountering the lift will kick up. When this hap-
pens, turn into the direction of the wing panel that went
up—right wing up; turn right, left... same procedure
except turn left. Again, search out the core of lift and
enjoy.
If you have chosen to power your METRICK with the
optional .049 engine set-up shown on the plans, all of the
above applies to you except, of course, for the launching
technique. Your engine should be started and the needle
valve set to provide maximum RPM's. Making sure that
your receiver and transmitter are on, the airplane should
be hand-launched with the wings level and the nose
slightly down, with a brisk throw—do not heave the
model, it is not necessary and could cause a stall. Let the
model climb-out and up at a shallow angle at first to
build-up airspeed and allow the wings to become effi-
cient. With a standard reed-valve engine and three min-
utes of fuel, you should have little trouble reaching 300 to
400 feet of altitude. When the engine quits you are flying a
sailplane and the information mentioned earlier applies
concerning thermal activity.
No matter how you have chosen to fly your METRICK we
sincerely hope that it has been a rewarding project for
you and thatthe hours spent on the building board will be
nothing compared to the hours of soaring enjoyment to
come.
Speaking of soaring enjoyment, TOP FLITE MODELS,
INC. is very proud to be the first model aircraft company
to provide you with information and a membership dec-
laration for the world's largest R/C sailplane organization,
the LEAGUE OF SILENT FLIGHT. Your R/C soaring activ-
ities can take on a whole new meaning and importance
by participating in the L.S.F.'s Soaring Accomplishments
Program.
INDEX
Application for LSF Membership ......................................................................... 1
Covering ............................................................................................... 11
Fin and Bellcrank Assembly ............................................................................. 6
Final Assembly ......................................................................................... 10
Flying .................................................................................................. 13
Fuselage Assembly ..................................................................................... 3
Introduction ............................................................................................ 1
Pre-construction Notes .................................................................................. 2
Pre-flight............................................................................................... 13
Radio Installation ....................................................................................... 11
Rudder................................................................................................. 7
Stabilator Assembly..................................................................................... 7
Wing Assembly......................................................................................... 8
14