Great Planes Extra 300S 1.60 ARF - GPMA1365 - Manual (Page 25)

For reassurance and to keep an eye on other traffic, it is a
good idea to have an assistant on the flight 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 fly more smoothly at
reduced speeds.
Take it easy with the Extra 300S 1.60 ARF for the first few
flights, gradually getting acquainted with it as you gain
confidence. Adjust the trims to maintain straight and level
flight. After flying around for a while, and while still at a safe
altitude with plenty of fuel, practice slow flight and execute
practice landing approaches by reducing the throttle to see
how the model handles at slower speeds. Add power to see
how she climbs as well. Continue to fly around, executing
various maneuvers and making mental notes (or having
your assistant write them down) of what trim or C.G.
changes may be required to fine tune the model so it flies
the way you like. Mind your fuel level, but use this first flight
to become familiar with your model before landing.
The Extra 300S 1.60 ARF is capable of doing virtually all
aerobatic maneuvers including 3-D flying. Before flying with 3-
D control throws it is recommended that you fly the plane at
the recommended high and low rates. Maneuvers such as
rolls, loops, snaps, hammerheads, etc can all be executed on
low rates. Use of high rates will allow for more advanced
maneuvers such as the lomcevak, flat spin and knife-edge.
Use of the 3-D rates will make the plane unstable.
Unsuspecting pilots could find themselves in trouble quickly
with these extreme control throws. If you are inexperienced
with 3-D flying we recommend you practice a couple of
mistakes high until you become familiar with the plane's
characteristics. If your radio has multiple rate capability, use of
a rate switch that will allow you to toggle back and forth
between normal and 3-D rates is a good idea.
You will find that with the plane properly set up, there is not
any maneuver that the Extra 300S 1.60 ARF is not capable
of performing. You will only be limited by your ability!
To initiate a landing approach, lower the throttle while on
the downwind leg. Allow the nose of the model to pitch
downward to gradually bleed off altitude. Continue to lose
altitude, but maintain airspeed by keeping the nose down
as you turn onto the crosswind leg. Make your final turn
toward the runway (into the wind) keeping the nose down to
maintain airspeed and control. Level the attitude when the
model reaches the runway threshold, modulating the
throttle as necessary to maintain your glide path and
airspeed. If you are going to overshoot, smoothly advance
the throttle (always ready on the right rudder to counteract
torque) and climb out to make another attempt. When
you’re ready to make your landing flare and the model is a
foot or so off the deck, smoothly increase up elevator until
it gently touches down. Once the model is on the runway
and has lost flying speed, hold up elevator to place the tail
on the ground, regaining tail wheel control.
One final note about flying your model. Have a goal or flight
plan in mind for every flight. This can be learning a new
maneuver(s), improving a maneuver(s) you already know,
or learning how the model behaves in certain conditions
(such as on high or low rates). This is not necessarily to
improve your skills (
though it is never a bad idea!), but more
importantly so you do not surprise yourself by impulsively
attempting a maneuver and suddenly finding that you’ve
run out of time, altitude or airspeed. Every maneuver
should be deliberate, not impulsive. For example, if you’re
going to do a loop, check your altitude, mind the wind
direction (anticipating rudder corrections that will be
required to maintain heading), remember to throttle back at
the top, and make certain you are on the desired rates
(high/low rates). A flight plan greatly reduces the chances
of crashing your model just because of poor planning and
impulsive moves. Remember to think.
Have a ball! But always stay in control and fly in a safe
manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!
Landing
Aerobatics
Flight
25