Great Planes Extra 300S 1.60 ARF - GPMA1365 - Manual (Page 24)

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6. Use thread locking compound to secure critical
fasteners such as the screws that hold the
carburetor arm (if applicable), Screw-Lock pushrod
connectors, etc.
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7. Add a drop of oil to the axles so the wheels will
turn freely.
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8. Make sure all hinges are securely glued in place.
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9. Reinforce holes for wood screws with thin CA
where appropriate (servo mounting screws, cowl
mounting screws, etc.).
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10. Confirm that all controls operate in the correct
direction and the throws are set up according to
the manual.
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11. Make sure there are silicone retainers on all the
clevises and that all servo arms are secured to the
servos with the screws included with your radio.
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12. Secure the connections between servo wires and
Y-connectors or servo extensions, and the
connection between your battery pack and the
on/off switch with vinyl tape, heat shrink tubing or
special clips suitable for that purpose.
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13. Make sure any servo extension cords you may have
used do not interfere with other systems (servo
arms, pushrods, etc.).
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14. Secure the pressure tap (if used) to the muffler with
high temp RTV silicone, thread locking compound
or J.B. Weld.
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15. Make sure the fuel lines are connected and are
not kinked.
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16. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
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17. Tighten the propeller nut and spinner.
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18. Place your name, address, AMA number and
telephone number on or inside your model.
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19. Cycle your receiver battery pack (if necessary) and
make sure it is fully charged.
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20. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before
your first flight.
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21. Range check your radio when you get to the flying field.
The Extra 300S 1.60 ARF is a great-flying model that flies
smoothly and predictably. It does not, however, possess the
self-recovery characteristics of a primary R/C trainer and
should be flown only by experienced R/C pilots.
Fuel Mixture Adjustments
A fully cowled engine may run at a higher temperature than an
un-cowled engine. For this reason, the fuel mixture should be
richened so the engine runs at about 200 rpm below peak
speed. By running the engine slightly rich, you will help prevent
dead-stick landings caused by overheating.
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. Hold “up” elevator to keep the tail wheel on
the ground. If necessary, adjust the tail wheel so the model
will roll straight down the runway. If you need to calm your
nerves before the maiden flight, shut the engine down and
bring the model back into the pits. Top off the fuel, then
check all fasteners and control linkages for peace of mind.
Remember to takeoff into the wind. When you’re ready, point
the model straight down the runway, hold a bit of up elevator
to keep the tail on the ground to maintain tail wheel steering,
then gradually advance the throttle. As the model gains speed
decrease up elevator allowing the tail to come off the ground.
One of the most important things to remember with a tail
dragger is to always be ready to apply right rudder to
counteract engine torque. Gain as much speed as your
runway and flying site will practically allow before gently
applying up elevator, lifting the model into the air. At this
moment it is likely that you will need to apply more right rudder
to counteract engine torque. Be smooth on the elevator stick,
allowing the model to establish a gentle climb to a safe altitude
before turning into the traffic pattern.
Takeoff
CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES): If,
while flying, you notice an alarming or unusual sound such
as a low-pitched “buzz,” this may indicate control surface
flutter. Flutter occurs when a control surface (such as an
aileron or elevator) or a flying surface (such as a wing or
stab) rapidly vibrates up and down (thus causing the noise).
In extreme cases, if not detected immediately, flutter can
actually cause the control surface to detach or the flying
surface to fail, thus causing loss of control followed by an
impending crash. The best thing to do when flutter is
detected is to slow the model immediately by reducing
power, then land as soon as safely possible. Identify which
surface fluttered (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 fluttered once, under similar circumstances
it will probably flutter again unless the problem is fixed.
Some things which can cause flutter are; Excessive hinge
gap; Not mounting control horns solidly; Poor fit 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 flutter;
Flying an over-powered model at excessive speeds.
FLYING
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