Great Planes Super Sportster Brushless EP ARF - GPMA1161 - Manual (Page 21)

21
CHECK LIST
During the last few moments of preparation your mind may
be elsewhere anticipating the excitement of the fi rst fl ight.
Because of this, you may be more likely to overlook certain
checks and procedures that should be performed before the
model is fl own. To help avoid this, a check list is provided
to make sure these important areas are not overlooked.
Many are covered in the instruction manual, so where
appropriate, refer to the manual for complete instructions.
Be sure to check the items off as they are completed.
❏
1. Check the C.G. according to the measurements provided
in the manual.
❏
2. Be certain the battery and receiver are securely mounted
in the fuse. Simply stuffi ng them into place with foam rubber
is not suffi cient.
❏
3. Extend your receiver antenna (if applicable).
❏
4. Balance your model laterally as explained in the
instructions.
❏
5. Add a drop of oil to the axles so the wheels will turn freely.
❏
6. Make sure all hinges are securely glued in place.
❏
7. Confi rm that all controls operate in the correct direction
and the throws are set up according to the manual.
❏
8. Make sure that all servo arms are secured to the servos
with the screws included with your radio.
❏
9. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
❏
10. Tighten the propeller nut and spinner.
❏
11. Place your name, address, AMA number and telephone
number on or inside your model.
❏
12. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before
your fi rst fl ight.
❏
13. Range check your radio when you get to the fl ying fi eld.
FLYING
The Super Sportster EP BL ARF is a great-fl ying model
that fl ies smoothly and predictably. The Sportster 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
If you have access to a smooth, paved runway, we suggest
using it to takeoff, especially for the fi rst few fl ights. Position
the Sportster onto the runway pointed into the wind. Slowly
advance the throttle stick to half throttle leaving the elevator
in the neutral position. As the tail rises off the ground, slowly
increase throttle and apply a bit of up elevator to lift the
model into the air.
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. 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 models fl y more smoothly at reduced speeds.
Take it easy with the Super Sportster EP BL ARF 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 charge, practice slow fl ight
and execute practice landing approaches by reducing the