Great Planes Spectra Electric Sailplane Kit - GPMA0540 - Manual (Page 32)

If a club and its flying site are not available, you need to
find a large, grassy area at least 6 miles away from any other
R/C radio operation and away from houses, buildings and
streets. A schoolyard may look inviting but it is usually too
close to people, power lines and possible radio interference.
If you are not thoroughly familiar with the operation of
R/C models, ask an experienced modeler to check to see that
you have the radio installed correctly and that all the control
surfaces do what they are supposed to.
airport operator. I will give right of way to, and avoid flying
in the proximity of full scale aircraft Where necessary an
observer shall be utilized to supervise flying to avoid having
models fly in the proximity of full scale aircraft.
3. Where established, I will abide by the safety rules for the
flying site I use, and I will not willfully and deliberately fly
my models in a careless, reckless and/or dangerous manner.
RADIO CONTROL
RANGE CHECK YOUR RADIO
Wherever you do fly, you need to check the operation of
the radio before every time you fly. This means with the
transmitter antenna collapsed and the receiver and transmit-
ter on, you should be able to walk at least 100 feet away from
the model and still have control. Have someone help you.
Have them stand by your model and, while you work the
controls, tell you what the various control surfaces are doing.
Do this test both with the motor running and without so you
can tell if the motor is producing any interference. If it is you
may have to add additional capacitors as shown below. If you
are using an electronic speed control, follow the manufactur-
ers instructions.
1. I will have completed a successful radio equipment
ground check before the first flight of a new or repaired
model.
2. I will not fly my model aircraft in the presence of
spectators until I become a qualified flyer, unless assisted by
an experienced helper.
3. I will perform my initial turn after takeoff away from the
pit, spectator and parking areas, and I will not thereafter
perform maneuvers, flights of any sort or landing approaches
over a pit, spectator or parking area.
FLYING
INSTALL THE WINGS
Install the wing on the fuselage using eight (8) #64 rubber
bands. If you built a two-piece wing it will help performance
slightly if you wrap the top of the center joint with a strip of
vinyl tape.
First of all, if you are flying with other flyers check to
make sure they are not flying or testing on the same
frequency as your model.
AMA SAFETY CODE
Read and abide by the following Academy of Model
Aeronautics Official Safety Code:
Try to find an experienced pilot to help you with your
first flights. Although the SPECTRA is very easy to fly, an
experienced pilot can save you a lot of time and possible
aggravation by helping you get your model in the air smoothly.
GENERAL
1. I will not fly my model aircraft in competition or in the
presence of spectators until it has been proven to be airworthy
by having been previously successfully flight tested.
2. I will not fly my model aircraft higher than approximately
400 feet within 3 miles of an airport without notifying the
HAND LAUNCHED TRIM FLIGHTS
It is a good idea to do a couple of trim flights, without the
motor running, before each flying session to make sure the
plane is still in trim and the radio is working properly. The
model will survive a hard landing from 5 feet much better
than it will one from several hundred feet. The first few trim
flights should be done over a grass field. The longer the grass
the better (more cushion).
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