Top Flite TOPA0905 - Manual (Page 41)

considered. This should be considered a minimum
for smaller aircraft and higher torque servos are
strongly encouraged for larger aircraft. The use of
one servo for each aileron and one for each
stabilizer half is strongly recommended. Use of dual
servos is also recommended on larger aircraft.
• On board batteries should be, at a minimum, 1000
mAh up to 20 lbs., 1200 mAh to 30 lbs., 1800 mAh
to 40 lbs., and 2000 mAh over 40 lbs. flying weight.
The number and size of servos, size and loads on
control surfaces, and added features should be
considered as an increase to these minimums.
Batteries should be able to sustain power to the
onboard radio components for a minimum of one
hour total flying time before recharging.
• Dependable, redundant and fail safe battery systems
are recommended.
• The use of anti-glitch devices for long leads
is recommended.
• There is no maximum engine displacement limit, as it
is the position of this body that an under powered
aircraft presents a greater danger than an over
powered aircraft. However, the selections of engine
size relative to airframe strength and power loading
mandates good discretionary judgment by the
designer and builder. Current AMA maximums for
engine displacement are 6.0 cu. in. for two stroke and
9.6 cu. in. for four stroke engines. These maximums
apply only to AMA Sanction competition events such
as 511, 512, 515 and 520. All non competition events
should be sanctioned as Class C events, in which
these engine size maximums do not apply.
• Generally, it is recommended that no attempt should
be made to fly a radio controlled model aircraft with
a gasoline engine in which the model aircraft weight
would exceed 12 pounds per cubic inch of engine
displacement (under powered), or be less than 5
pounds per cubic inch of engine displacement
(overpowered). Example: Using a 3 cu. in. engine, a
model would likely be under powered at an aircraft
weight greater than 36 pounds. With the same
engine, an aircraft weighing less than 15 pounds
would likely be overpowered.
• Servo arms and control horns should be rated heavy-
duty. Glass filled servo arms and control horns are
highly recommended.
• Control surface linkages are listed in order
of preference:
1. Cable system (pull pull). A tiller bar is highly
recommended along with necessary bracing.
2. Arrow-shaft, fiberglass or aluminum, 1/4" or 5/16"
OD. Bracing every six (6) to ten (10) inches is
highly recommended.
3. Tube in tube (Nyrod). Bracing every few inches
is highly recommended. Inner tube should be
totally enclosed in outer tube.
4. Hardwood dowel, 3/8" OD. Bracing every six
(6) to ten (10) inches is highly recommended.
• Hinges should be rated heavy-duty and manufactured
primarily for use in giant-sized aircraft. Homemade
and original design hinges are acceptable if
determined to be adequate for the intended use.
• Clevis (steel, excluding heavy-duty ball links) and
attachment hardware should be heavy-duty 4-40
thread-and-rod type. 2-56 thread size rod is acceptable
for some applications (e.g. throttle). Clevises must have
lock nuts and sleeve (fuel tubing) or spring keepers.
• Propeller tips should be painted or colored in a visible
and contrasting manner to increase the visibility of the
propeller tip arc.
CHECK LIST
❏
1. Fuelproof all areas exposed to fuel or exhaust
residue such as the cowl ring, cowl mounting
blocks, wing saddle area, etc.
❏
2. Check the C.G. according to the measurements
provided in the manual.
❏
3. Be certain the battery and receiver are securely
mounted in the fuse. Simply stuffing them into
place with foam rubber is not sufficient.
❏
4. Extend your receiver antenna and make sure it
has a strain relief inside the fuselage to keep
tension off the solder joint inside the receiver.
❏
5. Balance your model laterally as explained in
the instructions.
❏
6. Use threadlocking compound to secure critical
fasteners such as the set screws that hold the
wheel axles to the struts, screws that hold the
carburetor arm (if applicable), screw-lock
pushrod connectors, etc.
❏
7. Add a drop of oil to the axles so the wheels will
turn freely.
❏
8. Make sure all hinges are securely glued in place.
During the last few moments of preparation your
mind may be elsewhere anticipating the excitement
of the first flight. Because of this, you may be more
likely to overlook certain checks and procedures
that should be performed before the model is flown.
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.
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