Great Planes Super Decathlon 40 Kit - GPMA0185 - Manual (Page 39)

also have insurance to cover you in case of a flying accident.
(The AMA address is listed on the front cover of this instruc-
tion book).
If a club and its flying site are not available, you need to
find a large, grassy area at least 6 miles away from any other
R/C radio operation like R/C boats and R/C cars and away
from houses, buildings and streets. A schoolyard may look
inviting but it is too close to people, power lines and possible
radio interference.
GROUND CHECK THE MODEL
If you are not thoroughly familiar with the operation of R/C
models, ask an experienced modeler to check to see that you
have the radio installed correctly and that all the control
surfaces do what they are supposed to. The engine operation
must also be checked and the engine "broken in" on the
ground by running the engine for at least two tanks of fuel.
Follow the engine manufacturer's recommendations for
break-in. Check to make sure all screws remain tight, that
the hinges are secure and that the prop is on tight
RANGE CHECK YOUR RADIO
Wherever you do fly, you need to check the operation of
the radio before every time you fly. This means with the
transmitter antenna collapsed and the receiver and transmit-
ter on, you should be able to walk at least 100 feet away from
the model and still have control. Have someone help you.
Have them stand by your model and, while you work the
controls, tell you what the various control surfaces are doing.
Repeat this test with the engine running at various
speeds with an assistant holding the model. If the control
surfaces are not acting correctly at all times, do not fly! Find
and correct the problem first
Get help from an expenenced pilot when learning to
operate engines.
Use safety glasses when starting or running engines.
Do not run the engine in an area of loose gravel or sand;
as the propeller may throw such material in your face or eyes.
Keep your face and body as well as all spectators away
from the plane of rotation of the propeller as you start and run
the engine.
Keep items such as these away from the prop: loose
clothing, shin sleeves, ties, scarfs, long hair or loose objects
(pencils, screw drivers) that may fall out of shirt or jacket
pockets into the prop.
Use a "chicken stick" device or electric starter; follow
instructions supplied with the starter or stick Make certain
the glow plug clip or connector is secure so that it will not pop
off or otherwise get into the running propeller.
Make all engine adjustments from behind the rotating
propeller.
The engine gets hot! Do not touch it during or after
operation. Make sure fuel lines are in good condition so fuel
is not leaked onto a hot engine causing a fire.
To stop the engine, cut off the fuel supply by closing off
the fuel line or follow the engine manufacturer's recommen-
dations. Do not use hands, fingers or any body part to try to
stop the engine. Do not throw anything into the prop of a
running engine.
AMA SAFETY CODE
Read and abide by the following Academy of Model Aero-
nautics Official Safety Code:
GENERAL
ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
NOTE: Failure to follow these safety precautions
may result in severe injury to yourself and others.
Keep all engine fuel in a safe place, away from heat,
sparks or flames, as fuel is very flammable. Do not smoke
near the engine or fuel; remember that the engine exhaust
gives off a great deal of deadly carbon monoxide. Therefore
do not run the engine in a closed room or garage.
1. I will not fly my model aircraft in competition or in the
presence of spectators until it has been proven to be airworthy
by having been previously successfully flight tested.
2. I will not fly my model aircraft higher than approxi-
mately 400 feet within 3 miles of an airport without notifying
the airport operator. I will give right of way to, and avoid
flying in the proximity of full scale aircraft. Where necessary
an observer shall be utilized to supervise flying to avoid
having models fly in the proximity of full scale aircraft.
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