Great Planes Pitts Special 1/3 Scale ARF MonoKote - GPMA1218 - Manual (Page 39)

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19. Place your name, address, AMA number and
telephone number on or inside your model.
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20. Cycle your receiver battery pack (if necessary) and
make sure it is fully charged.
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21. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before
your first flight.
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22. Range check your radio when you get to the flying
field. Perform the range check with the engine
running and without the engine running.
The Pitts Special ARF is a great-flying model that flies
smoothly and predictably. The Pitts Special ARF does
not, however, possess the self-recovery characteristics
of a primary R/C trainer and should be flown only by
experienced R/C pilots. This model is truly the best
flying Pitts Special on the market today; it is extremely
stable at slow speeds, very solid in any flying attitude,
but remains remarkably aerobatic. You can have a great
deal of confidence in this model.
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.
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. Be ready to apply right rudder to counteract
engine torque if necessary. 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.
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 Pitts Special 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.
Flight
Takeoff
CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES): If,
while flying, you notice any unusual sounds, such as a low-
pitched “buzz,” this may indicate control surface
flutter.
Because flutter can quickly destroy components of your
airplane, any time you detect flutter you must immediately
cut the throttle and land the airplane! Check all servo
grommets for deterioration (this may indicate which surface
fluttered) and make sure all pushrod linkages are secure and
free of play. If the control surface fluttered once, it probably
will flutter again under similar circumstances unless you can
eliminate the free-play or flexing in the linkages. Here are
some things which can cause flutter: Excessive hinge gap;
Not mounting control horns solidly; Poor fit of clevis pin in
horn; Side-play of pushrod in guide tube caused by tight
bends; Poor fit of Z-bend in servo arm; Insufficient glue used
when gluing in the elevator or flap joiner wire; Excessive
play
or backlash in servo gears; and Insecure servo mounting.
Fuel Mixture Adjustments
FLYING
39