Top Flite TOPA0101 - Manual (Page 42)

Get help from an experienced 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, shirt 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 will not leak 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 recommendations. 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 Aeronautics Official Safety Code:
GENERAL (Excerpt)
1. I will not fly my model aircraft in sanctioned
events, air shows, or model flying demonstrations
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
approximately 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 used to supervise flying to avoid having
models fly in the proximity of full scale aircraft.
3. Where established, I will abide by the safety
rules for the flying site I use, and I will not willfully
and deliberately fly my models in a careless,
reckless and/or dangerous manner.
7. I will not fly my model unless it is identified with
my name and address or AMA number, on or in
the model.
9. 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 first flight of a
new or repaired model.
2. I will not fly my model aircraft in the presence of
spectators until I become a qualified flier, unless
assisted by an experienced helper.
3. I will perform my initial turn after takeoff away
from the pit or spectator areas, and I will not
thereafter fly over pit or spectator areas, unless
beyond my control.
FLYING
The Top Flite F4U Corsair is a great flying sport
scale airplane that flies smoothly and predictably,
yet is highly maneuverable. It does not have the
self-recovery characteristics of a primary trainer.
Therefore you must either have mastered the basics
of R/C flying or seek the assistance of a competent
R/C pilot to help you with your first flights.
TAKEOFF
If you have dual rates on your transmitter, set the
switches to “high rate” for takeoff, especially when
taking off in a crosswind. Although this F4U has
good low speed characteristics, you should always
build up as much speed as your runway will permit
before lifting off, as this will give you a safety margin
in case of a “flame-out.” When you first advance the
throttle and the tail begins to lift, the plane will start
to turn left (a characteristic of all “taildraggers.”) Be
ready for this and correct by applying sufficient right
rudder to hold it straight down the runway. The left-
turning-tendency will go away soon after the tail is
up and the plane picks up speed. Be sure to allow
the tail to come up. Depending on the surface you
are flying from, you will need to apply very little or no
up elevator until flying speed is obtained. Holding
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