Top Flite TOPA0400 - Manual (Page 55)

FIND A SAFE PLACE TO FLY
Since you have chosen the Giant P-51D, we
assume that you are an experienced modeler.
Therefore, you should already know about AMA
chartered club flying fields and other safe places to
fly. If for some reason you are a relatively
inexperienced modeler and have not been
informed, we strongly suggest that the best place
to fly is an AMA chartered club field. Ask the AMA
or your local hobby shop dealer if there is a club in
your area and join. Club fields are set up for R/C
flying and that makes your outing safer and more
enjoyable. The AMA address and telephone
number is in the front of this manual. If a club and
flying site are not available, find a large, grassy
area at least 6 miles away from houses, buildings
and streets and any other R/C radio operation like
R/C boats and R/C cars. A schoolyard may look
inviting but is too close to people, power lines and
possible radio interference.
GROUND CHECK THE MODEL
Inspect your radio installation and confirm that all
the control surfaces respond correctly to the
transmitter inputs. The engine operation must also
be checked by confirming that the engine idles
reliably, transitions smoothly and rapidly to full
power and maintains full power, indefinitely. The
engine must be “broken-in” on the ground by
running it for at least two tanks of fuel. Follow the
engine manufacturer’s recommendations for
break-in. Make sure all screws remain tight, that
the hinges are secure and that the prop is on tight.
Cycle and fully charge the batteries before going
to the flying field.
RANGE CHECK YOUR RADIO
Whenever you go to the flying field, check the
operational range of the radio before the first flight
of the day. First, make sure no one else is on your
frequency (channel). With your transmitter on, you
should be able to walk at least 100 feet away from
the model and still have control. While you work
the controls, have a helper stand by your model
and tell you what the control surfaces are doing.
Repeat this test with the engine running at various
speeds while a helper holds the model. If the
control surfaces are not always responding
correctly, do not fly! Find and correct the problem
first. Look for loose servo connections or
corrosion, loose bolts that may cause vibration, a
defective on/off switch, low battery voltage or a
defective receiver battery, a damaged receiver
antenna, or a receiver crystal that may have been
damaged from a previous crash.
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
high heat, sparks or flames, as fuel is very
flammable. Do not smoke near the engine or fuel;
and remember that the engine exhaust gives off a
great deal of deadly carbon monoxide. Do not run
the engine in a closed room or garage.
Get help from an experienced pilot when learning
to operate engines.
Be sure to use safety glasses when starting or
running engines.
Do not run the engine in an area of loose gravel or
sand; 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 these items away from the prop: loose
clothing, shirt sleeves, ties, scarfs, long hair or
loose objects such as pencils or screwdrivers that
may fall out of shirt or jacket pockets into the prop.
Use a “chicken stick” or electric starter to start the
engine. Do not use your fingers to flip the
propeller. 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 right
after operation. Make sure fuel lines are in good
condition so fuel will not leak onto a hot engine,
causing a fire.
To stop a glow engine, cut off the fuel supply by
closing off the fuel line or following the engine
manufacturer’s recommendations. Do not use
hands, fingers or any other body part to try to stop
the engine. To stop a gasoline powered engine, a
kill switch should be connected to the engine coil.
Do not throw anything into the propeller of a
running engine.
AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpt)
Read and abide by the following Academy of
Model Aeronautics Official Safety Code:
GENERAL
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.
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