Great Planes F-86 Sabre Micro EDF RTF - GPMA1770 - Manual (Page 9)

9
CHOOSE A FLYING SITE
The Micro F-86 Sabre is a fast fl ying model and an adequate
space free of trees and buildings is required. A park or open
fi eld that is at minimum the size of two football fi elds side-to-
side with no obstructions or your local AMA sanctioned fl ying
fi eld would be ideal. The F-86 can handle winds as much as
10 mph. However, we recommend your fi rst fl ew fl ights be
done in calm conditions so you can safely trim the model and
become accustomed to its fl ying characteristics.
The included landing gear will allow the plane to take off and
land on a smooth paved surface. The surface should be in
good condition and free of debris. At least 100' [30m] of runway
is recommended. If wind is present, confi rm that the plane
can take off
directly into the wind when taking off from the
ground. If the runway is not oriented with the wind direction,
we recommend you remove the landing gear so you can hand
launch the plane into the wind.
RANGE CHECK
With the transmitter turned on and the battery plugged into
the Micro F-86, walk 50' [15m] from the aircraft and check the
control functions for proper operation.
HAND LAUNCHING AND
GROUND TAKEOFFS
It is a good idea to have a helper hand launch the F-86 for
the fi rst few fl ights until you are comfortable with its fl ying
characteristics.
Hand Launching
Hold the airplane by the fuselage just behind the wing. Point
the plane directly into the wind and at a slight upward angle of
15 to 20 degrees with the wings level with the horizon. Apply
full throttle and toss the plane into the wind, taking care to
launch it straight without any rotation. The F-86 does not require
an aggressive launch to achieve fl ying speed. A hand launch
similar to the effort applied when throwing a dart is all that
is needed. Immediately following the plane’s launch, apply a
little up elevator to gain altitude and be prepared to make any
corrections with the ailerons. Once you are at a comfortable
altitude, throttle back to a comfortable speed, make your fi rst
turn and begin to trim the model for straight and level fl ight.
Ground Takeoff
Set the plane on the runway pointed directly into the wind.
Arm the ESC and apply full throttle to get the plane rolling.
Be prepared with the rudder to make any corrections in order
to keep the plane rolling straight down the runway. Allow the
F-86 about 30-40' [9-12m] to gain enough ground speed.
Then, gradually apply a little up elevator to get airborne. Avoid
applying too much elevator early during your ascent because
a lack of airspeed may stall the model and you will not have
enough altitude to recover. Once at a comfortable altitude,
throttle back to a comfortable speed, make your fi rst turn and
begin to trim the model for straight and level fl ight.
FLIGHT
The F-86 is a predictable fl ier and the controls are responsive.
Be prepared for this during your fi rst few fl ights by maintaining
altitude and get a feel for the roll rate. The plane is capable of
fl ying at a minimum of 1/2 to 3/4 throttle. Reduce your airspeed
until you have the plane trimmed out. Begin by practicing wide,
level turns and avoid over-controlling. The plane will maintain
airspeed and therefore be more responsive when the circuits
around your airspace are fl uid and controlled. Because the jet
is small and is capable of fast rolls and tight loops, be sure to
stay focused and do not fl y outside your capabilities.
Expect fl ight times of approximately 3 minutes (using full
throttle) with the included battery. Allow yourself excess time
to prepare for your landing approach. When it’s time to land,
make your fi nal pass with the wind, slow the model and make
a wide banking turn into the wind approaching your landing
spot. Maintain approximately 1/4 throttle and allow the plane
to descend, being sure to keep the plane at a level attitude.
When the plane is about one foot off the deck, apply some
up elevator to fl are the model and cut the throttle.
If the motor begins to pulse, the battery is depleted and can
no longer adequately power the motor. The F-86 can still be
controlled after this point. As soon as you hear the motor pulse,
turn into the wind as soon as possible and immediately land
the plane. Failing to do so may result in you landing "dead
stick" (completely without power) and your model may suffer
damage from an uncontrolled landing. We strongly encourage
you to use a fl ight timer set for three minutes (safe fl ying time
with a fully charged battery) and allow yourself enough time
to make your landing approach before the timer goes off.