Great Planes VFO ARF EP Aerobat - GPMA1135 - Manual (Page 14)

14
We also found that using 40% exponential helped
controllability. For Futaba radios this is -40%. On other
brands the exponential may need to be +40%. See your
radio’s instruction manual to determine proper setting.
Install the Propeller
❏
1. Install the propeller to the motor with the “O” ring
supplied with the motor.
Balance the Model (C.G.)
More than any other factor, the C.G. (center of gravity/
balance point) can have the greatest effect on how a
model fl ies and could determine whether or not your fi rst
fl ight will be successful. If you value your model and wish
to enjoy it for many fl ights, DO NOT OVERLOOK THIS
IMPORTANT PROCEDURE. A model that is not properly
balanced may be unstable and possibly unfl yable.
At this stage the model should be in ready-to-fl y condition
with all of the components in place including the complete
radio system, motor, battery and prop.
❏
1. Use a fi ne-point felt tip pen to mark lines on the bottom
of the wing on both sides of the fuselage 12" [305mm] back
from the nose of the fuselage.
This is where your model should balance for the fi rst
fl ights. Later, you may experiment by shifting the C.G. 1/2”
[13mm] forward or 1/2” [13mm] back to change the fl ying
characteristics. Moving the C.G. forward will improve the
smoothness and stability, but the model will then be less
aerobatic (which may be fi ne for less-experienced pilots).
Moving the C.G. aft makes the model more maneuverable
and aerobatic for experienced pilots. In any case, start at
the recommended balance point and do not at any time
balance the model outside the specifi ed range.
❏
2. With the wing attached to the fuselage, all parts of the
model installed including the battery (ready to fl y), lift it at the
balance point you marked.
❏
3. If the tail drops, the model is “tail heavy.” Move the
battery pack and/or receiver forward to get the model to
balance. If the nose drops, the model is “nose heavy.” Move
the battery pack and/or receiver aft.
❏
4. After moving the battery re-check the C.G.
PREFLIGHT
Identify Your Model
No matter if you fl y at an AMA sanctioned R/C club site or
if you fl y somewhere on your own, you should always have
your name, address, telephone number and AMA number
on your model. It is required at all AMA R/C club fl ying sites
and AMA sanctioned fl ying events. Fill out the identifi cation
tag on page 16 and place it on your model.
Charge the Batteries
Follow the battery charging instructions that came with your
radio control system to charge the batteries. You should
always charge your transmitter and receiver batteries the night
before you go fl ying, and at other times as recommended by
the radio manufacturer.
Balance Propellers
Carefully balance your propeller and spare propellers before
you fl y. An unbalanced prop can be the single most signifi cant
cause of vibration that can damage your model. Not only
will engine mounting screws and bolts loosen, possibly with
disastrous effect, but vibration may also damage your radio
receiver and battery. Vibration can also cause your fuel to
foam, which will, in turn, cause your engine to run hot or quit.
We use a Top Flite Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer
(TOPQ5700) in the workshop and keep a Great Planes
Fingertip Prop Balancer (GPMQ5000) in our fl ight box.