Flyzone FLZA4032 - Manual (Page 13)

13
If the controls aren’t working correctly or if anything seems
wrong, don’t fl y the model until you fi nd and correct the problem.
Make certain all the servo wires are securely connected to the
receiver and the transmitter batteries are in good condition.
Monitor Your Flight Time
Monitor and limit your fl ight time using a timer (such as one on
a wrist watch or in your transmitter if yours has one). When the
batteries are getting low you will usually notice a performance
drop before the ESC cuts off motor power, so when the plane
starts fl ying slower you should land. Often (but not always), power
can be briefl y restored after the motor cuts off by holding the
throttle stick all the way down for a few seconds.
To avoid an unexpected dead-stick landing on your fi rst fl ight,
set your timer to a conservative 4 minutes (in most conditions
the Corsair will usually fl y for approximately 5 minutes, but this
can vary). When your alarm sounds you can either land right
away, or if you are an experienced pilot you may continue to fl y
until you notice the airspeed begin to slow. Then, glide it in for
a landing. If planning a “dead-stick,” circle your Corsair upwind
of the landing area until the motor quits and note the run time.
When you learn how much fl ight time you are getting you can
adjust your timer accordingly. Always be conservative so the motor
won’t quit unexpectedly and you will have enough battery to land
under power. Ending your fl ight before the ESC cutoff shuts off
power to the motor will help maximize the lifespan of the battery.
FLYING
The Corsair is a great-fl ying model that fl ies smoothly and
predictably. The Corsair does not, however, possess the self-
recovery characteristics of a primary R/C trainer and should be
fl own only by experienced R/C pilots.
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. Note the amount of rudder steering required to turn the
plane. If you need to calm your nerves before the maiden fl ight,
bring the model back into the pits, unplug the battery and top it off.
Remember to takeoff into the wind. When you’re ready, point
the model straight down the runway and gradually advance the
throttle. 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. 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. Assistants
are great for helping make trim adjustments on the transmitter if
excessive trim is required.
Take it easy with the Corsair 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 battery
power remaining, practice slow fl ight and execute practice landing
approaches with the fl aps, checking 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 battery power. We recommend
setting the timer on your transmitter or using a separate timer
with an alarm to alert you when it is time to land. Electric motors
are very reliable, but if you fl y until the battery cutoff on the ESC
stops the motor, it’s still a dead stick landing, the same as with
a glow engine.
Landing
To initiate a landing approach, lower the throttle while on the
downwind leg. Lower the landing gear and the fl aps. Adjust
the throttle to allow the nose of the plane to pitch downward
to gradually bleed off altitude. Continue to lose altitude, but
maintain airspeed by keeping the nose down as you turn into 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 plane reaches the runway threshold,
adjusting the throttle as needed to maintain your glide path and
airspeed. Use the throttle to adjust the plane’s altitude. It may
require a couple of landing attempts to get the “feel” of how the
plane slows down. If you are going to be long on the landing,
slowly increase the throttle, gently applying up elevator. When the
plane is a foot above the runway, smoothly increase up elevator
until the plane gently touches down.
One fi nal note about fl ying your Corsair. 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