Top Flite TOPA0400 - Manual (Page 58)

FLYING
The Top Flite Giant P-51D is a great-flying scale
warbird that flies smoothly and predictably. The
P-51 does not, however, possess the self-recovery
characteristics of a primary R/C trainer and should
be flown only by experienced RC pilots.
FUEL MIXTURE ADJUSTMENTS
A fully cowled engine may run at a higher
temperature than an un-cowled engine. For this
reason, the fuel mixture should be richened so the
engine runs at about 200 rpm below peak speed. By
running the engine slightly rich, you will help prevent
dead stick landings caused by overheating.
TAKEOFF
Takeoff on “high” rates if you have dual rates on
your transmitter and with the flaps up - especially if
you are taking off into a crosswind. For all models it
is good practice to gain as much speed as the
length of the runway will permit before lifting off.
This will give you a safety margin in case the engine
quits. When the plane has gained enough flying
speed to safely lift off, gradually and smoothly apply
up elevator and allow the model to climb at a
shallow angle (do not yank the model off the ground
into a steep climb!)
FLIGHT
We recommend that you take it easy with your
P-51 for the first several flights, gradually “getting
acquainted” with this great model as your engine
gets fully broken in. If you feel as though you have
your hands full, keep this in mind: pull back on the
throttle stick to slow the model down. This will make
everything happen a little slower and allow yourself
time to think and react. Add and practice one
maneuver at a time, learning how the P-51 behaves
in each. For smooth flying and normal maneuvers,
use the low rate settings as listed on page 53.
Sometimes well before it’s time to land, you should
climb your P-51 to a safe altitude, cut the throttle to
an idle, lower the flaps completely and check out the
model’s low speed characteristics. Do this a few
times so you know what to expect upon landing and
how the P-51 handles stalls.
LANDING
When it’s time to land, fly a normal landing pattern
and approach. Lower the flaps completely, keeping
a few clicks of power on until you are over the
runway threshold. For your first few landings, plan
to land slightly faster than stall speed. Have a ball!
But always remember to think about your next
move and plan each maneuver before you do it.
Impulsively “jamming the sticks” without any
thought is what gets most flyers in trouble rather
than lack of flying skill. Happy Landings!
Caution (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C
AIRPLANES): If, while flying, you notice any
unusual sounds, such as a low-pitched “buzz”,
this may indicate control surface “flutter”.
Because flutter can quickly destroy components
or your airplane, any time you detect flutter you
must immediately cut the throttle and land the
airplane! Check all servo grommets for
deterioration (this may indicate which surface
fluttered) and make sure all pushrod linkages
are slop-free. If it fluttered once, it will probably
flutter again under similar circumstances unless
you can eliminate the slop or flexing in the
linkages. Here are some things which can result
in flutter: Excessive hinge gap; Not mounting
control horns solidly; Sloppy fit of clevis pin in
horn; elasticity present in flexible plastic
pushrods; Side-play of pushrod in guide tube
caused by tight bends; Sloppy fit of control rods
in servo horns; Insufficient glue used when
gluing in torque rods; Excessive flexing of
aileron, caused by using too soft balsa;
Excessive “play” or “backlash” in servo gears;
and insecure servo mounting.
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