Great Planes Fundango Park Flyer Kit - GPMA0050 - Manual (Page 24)

maneuvers, flights of any sort or landing approaches over a
pit, spectator or parking area.
4. I will operate my model using only radio control frequencies
currently allowed by the Federal Communications Commission.
IMPORTANT: The Fundango is a great park flyer that flies
smoothly and predictably, yet is surprisingly aerobatic. It
does not, however, possess the self-recovery characteristics
of a primary R/C trainer and should only be flown by
experienced RC pilots. If you know how to fly, but are not
experienced with aerobatic models, seek the assistance of a
competent, experienced R/C pilot who can check your model
for airworthiness and help you fly it.
The Fundango is capable of performing a broad range of
aerobatics - from simple loops and rolls to impressive rolling
circles. Have Fun!
Whether you have built your Fundango with or without landing
gear, hand-launching is recommended for the first few flights
until you get the model properly trimmed and set up for flight.
Turn on the transmitter and plug the battery into the speed
control. Turn on the receiver by following the instructions
that came with the speed control.
IMPORTANT: Confirm that the transmitter operates the
controls by moving the sticks and watching the surfaces
respond. Occasionally, electric models have been launched
with the transmitter turned off or the battery disconnected
from the speed control!
When ready to launch, an assistant should hold the model
by the sides of the battery pack just behind the landing gear
and raise the model above his head. Point the model into
the wind. With the pilot
(that would be you!) standing behind
the plane, fully advance the throttle to start the motor. As
soon as the motor is at full power, the hand-launcher should
gently toss the plane into the air at a level or slightly nose-
up attitude. Be certain the model is being launched into the
wind and be immediately ready to make corrections to keep
the airplane flying straight, level and into the wind.
When the model has gained adequate flying speed under its
own power, gently pull the elevator stick back until the
airplane starts a gradual climb. Be gentle on the elevator
and don't panic. If you pull too hard and notice the model
losing speed, release the elevator stick and allow the model
to regain airspeed.
Continue a gradual climb and establish a gentle turn (away
from other people) until the model reaches an altitude of 75
to 100 feet.
Fly on low control rates until you have become accustomed
to the Fundango. If you find that the model is a bit of a
handful, throttle back to slow it down, allowing time to think
clearly and react.
Once at a comfortable altitude, the first priority is to adjust
the trims so the model flies straight and level. Continue to fly
around, executing turns and making mental notes (or having
your assistant take notes for you) of what additional
adjustments or C.G. changes may be required to fine tune
the model so it flies the way you like.
Before it's time to land, climb to a safe altitude and cut the
throttle to an idle and note how the model reacts. Do this a
few times so you know what to expect when it's time to land.
After you've gotten a few trim flights under your belt and you
are comfortable with the way the Fundango flies, you can
“cut it loose” and start flying some aerobatic maneuvers.
Remember to keep your maneuvers at a safe altitude until
you know what to expect.
The Fundango lands about the same as any other model, it
just requires much less space! When it's time to land, fly a
normal (but smaller) landing pattern and approach. Keep a
few clicks of power on until you are over the runway
threshold. This model does not stall hard on landing and will
3-point nicely. If flying without landing gear, land with the
throttle off to avoid a prop strike.
If you have built the Fundango with landing gear you may take
off from a smooth surface—it probably won't takeoff from grass.
After you have trimmed the Fundango for flight and have
become familiar with its characteristics, you may execute
ROG takeoffs. Taking-off on the low rate settings is
recommended. Place the model on the runway pointing into
the wind. Typically, with most R/C models it is best to
advance the throttle smoothly and allow the plane to build
up as much speed as possible before lifting off. However,
with the Fundango it is best to get the model into the air
quickly. To do this, advance the throttle rapidly and allow the
model to lift from the runway as soon as it reaches flying
speed—which should be about fifteen feet or less. You will
have little directional control until the model is in the air, but
if taking off into the wind the model should track fairly
straight on its own. Once in the air establish a climb the
same as when you were hand-launching.
Best of luck and happy flying!
ROG (Rise Off Ground) Takeoff
Landing
Flight
Takeoff
FLYING