Great Planes Super Stearman EP ARF - GPMA1150 - Manual (Page 22)

22
CHECK LIST
During the last few moments of preparation your mind
may be elsewhere anticipating the excitement of the fi rst
fl ight. Because of this, you may be more likely to overlook
certain checks and procedures that should be performed
before the model is fl own. To help avoid this, a check list
is provided to make sure these important areas are not
overlooked. Many are covered in the instruction manual,
so where appropriate, refer to the manual for complete
instructions. Be sure to check the items off as they are
completed (that’s why it’s called a
check list! ).
❏
1. Check the C.G. according to the measurements provided
in the manual.
❏
2. Be certain the battery and receiver are securely mounted
in the fuse. Simply stuffi ng them into place with foam rubber
is not suffi cient.
❏
3. If you use 72 MHz, extend your receiver antenna and
make sure it has a strain relief inside the fuselage to keep
tension off the solder joint inside the receiver.
❏
4. Balance your model laterally as explained in the
instructions.
❏
5. Use threadlocking compound to secure critical fasteners
such as the set screws that hold the wheel axles to the struts,
screws that hold the carburetor arm (if applicable), screw-lock
pushrod connectors, etc.
❏
6. Add a drop of oil to the axles so the wheels will turn freely.
❏
7. Make sure all hinges are securely glued in place.
❏
8. Reinforce holes for wood screws with thin CA where
appropriate (servo mounting screws, cowl mounting
screws, etc.).
❏
9. Confi rm that all controls operate in the correct direction
and the throws are set up according to the manual.
❏
10. 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.
❏
11. Secure 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.
❏
12. Make sure any servo extension cords you may
have used do not interfere with other systems (servo arms,
pushrods, etc.).
❏
13. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
❏
14. Tighten the propeller nut and spinner.
❏
15. Place your name, address, AMA number and telephone
number on or inside your model.
❏
16. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before
your fi rst fl ight.
❏
17. Range check your radio when you get to the fl ying fi eld.
FLYING
The Great Planes Super Stearman EP is a great-fl ying model
that fl ies smoothly and predictably. The Super Stearman EP
does not, however, possess the self-recovery characteristics of
a primary R/C trainer and should be fl own only by experienced
R/C pilots.
CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES): If,
while fl ying, you notice an alarming or unusual sound such
as a low-pitched “buzz,” this may indicate control surface
fl utter. Flutter occurs when a control surface (such as an
aileron or elevator) or a fl ying surface (such as a wing or
stab) rapidly vibrates up and down (thus causing the noise).
In extreme cases, if not detected immediately, fl utter can
actually cause the control surface to detach or the fl ying
surface to fail, thus causing loss of control followed by
an impending crash. The best thing to do when fl utter is
detected is to slow the model
immediately by reducing
power, then land as soon as safely possible. Identify which
surface fl uttered (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 fl uttered once, under similar circumstances
it will probably fl utter again unless the problem is fi xed.
Some things which can cause fl utter are; Excessive hinge
gap; Not mounting control horns solidly; Poor fi t 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 fl utter;
Flying an over-powered model at excessive speeds.
Takeoff
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 fl ight, shut the motor 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 fl ying 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 traffi c pattern.