Great Planes VFO ARF EP Aerobat - GPMA1135 - Manual (Page 15)

15
Ground Check and Range Check
Always ground check the operational range of your radio before
the fi rst fl ight of the day following the manufacturer’s instructions
that came with your radio. This should be done once with the
motor off and once with the motor running at various speeds. If
the control surfaces do not respond correctly, do not fl y! Find
and correct the problem fi rst.
AMA SAFETY CODE
Read and abide by the following excerpts from the Academy of
Model Aeronautics Safety Code. For the complete Safety Code
refer to Model Aviation magazine, the AMA web site or the Code
that came with your AMA license.
General
1) I will not fl y my model aircraft in sanctioned events, air
shows, or model fl ying demonstrations until it has been proven
to be airworthy by having been previously, successfully fl ight
tested.
2) I will not fl y my model aircraft higher than approximately 400
feet within 3 miles of an airport without notifying the airport
operator. I will give right-of-way and avoid fl ying in the proximity
of full-scale aircraft. Where necessary, an observer shall be
utilized to supervise fl ying to avoid having models fl y in the
proximity of full-scale aircraft.
3) Where established, I will abide by the safety rules for the
fl ying site I use, and I will not willfully and deliberately fl y my
models in a careless, reckless and/or dangerous manner.
5) I will not fl y my model unless it is identifi ed with my name and
address or AMA number, on or in the model. Note: This does not
apply to models while being fl own indoors.
7) I will not operate models with pyrotechnics (any device that
explodes, burns, or propels a projectile of any kind).
Radio Control
1) I will have completed a successful radio equipment ground
check before the fi rst fl ight of a new or repaired model.
2) I will not fl y my model aircraft in the presence of spectators
until I become a qualifi ed fl ier, unless assisted by an experienced
helper.
3) At all fl ying sites a straight or curved line(s) must be
established in front of which all fl ying takes place with the other
side for spectators. Only personnel involved with fl ying the
aircraft are allowed at or in the front of the fl ight line. Intentional
fl ying behind the fl ight line is prohibited.
4) I will operate my model using only radio control frequencies
currently allowed by the Federal Communications Commission.
5) I will not knowingly operate my model within three miles
of any pre-existing fl ying site except in accordance with the
frequency sharing agreement listed [in the complete AMA
Safety Code].
9) Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch
a powered model in fl ight; nor should any part of the model
other than the landing gear, intentionally touch the ground,
except while landing.
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
to the fuse.
❏
3. Confi rm that all controls operate in the correct direction
and the throws are set up according to the manual.
❏
4. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
❏
5. Tighten the propeller nut and spinner.
❏
6. Place your name, address, AMA number and telephone
number on your model.
❏
7. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before your
fi rst fl ight.
❏
8. Range check your radio when you get to the fl ying site.
FLYING
The Pogo is obviously a different kind of airplane that is
going to take a slightly different approach to taking off and
landing.
The following gives you an idea of the best way to achieve a
successful fi rst fl ight of the VFO Pogo. It is important to become
familiar with the fl ight instructions before attempting to fl y the
Pogo. In addition to these fl ight instructions we have also posted
an instructive video that will explain and show the fi rst fl ights of
the model. Log onto “www.electrifl y.com/parkfl yers/gpma1135.
html” and review the video. Once you view the video you will
see and understand just how easy and fun the airplane can be.
Trimming the Model
Before attempting your fi rst fl ight you should trim the model. It
is best to do the trimming and fl ying of the Pogo indoors. If you
must do it outdoors there must be very little or no wind. The
easiest way to trim the Pogo is with a helper. First, be sure your
helper is wearing safety glasses. Have him hold the airplane in
both hands as shown on the following page.