Flying, Takeoff, Flight – Great Planes Edge 540 3D Indoor EP ARF - GPMA1128 User Manual

Page 19

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5. Make sure all wires are clear of servo arms

and pushrods.

6. Make sure all hinge tape is securely attached.

7. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).

8. If you wish to photograph your model, do so

before your fi rst fl ight.

9. Range check your radio when you get to the

fl ying fi eld.

FLYING

The Edge 540 Indoor is an airplane suitable for both indoor

and outdoor fl ying. If you plan on fl ying outdoors, make sure
that you choose days with very light to calm winds (less than
5 mph). If this is your fi rst experience with an indoor-style
foamie, seek help from experienced modelers. Join a local
fl ying club or ask your local hobby dealer where the nearest
approved fl ying sites are in your area.

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. 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; 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

The Edge 540 can take off from a smooth surface (ROG) or

can be easily hand-launched. If you want to perform an (ROG)
takeoff, make sure the surface you are using is free of holes
that can fl ip the plane over or break the landing gear. Rise-off-
ground (ROG) takeoffs should be reserved for indoor fl ying
and should be performed with the model rolling away from

you and others. For the fi rst fl ight set the controls to low rate.
If for the fi rst fl ight the plane is to be hand-launched, have an
assistant hand launch it. This will allow you, the pilot, to have

both hands on the control sticks to make any fl ight corrections
if the plane is out of trim. Once the Edge 540 has been fl own
and trimmed out, you will be able to hand launch the plane
easily by yourself. If you are fl ying outdoors, always takeoff
into the wind.

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. While
full throttle is usually desirable for takeoff, the Edge 540 will
fl y great at ½ to ¼ throttle indoors.

Take it easy with the Edge 540 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 by reducing the throttle to see
how the model handles at slower speeds. Add power to
see how it climbs as well. Continue to fl y around, executing

various maneuvers such as gentle rolls, loops, stalls and
hammerheads, 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. It is best to have a timer set to alert you when
it is time to land.

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