E-flite F-4 Phantom 32 DF - Manual (Page 38)

38 E-flite F-4 Phantom 32 DF Assembly Manual
Range Test your Radio
Before each flying session, and especially with a new
model, it is important to perform a range check. It
is helpful to have another person available to assist
during the range check. If you are using a Spektrum ™
transmitter, please refer to your transmitter’s manual for
detailed instructions on the range check process.
 1. With the model resting on the ground, stand 30
paces (approximately 90 feet) away from the model.
 2. Face the model with the transmitter in your
normal flying position. Be sure the throttle is in the
full down position and plug the flight battery into
the speed control.
 3. As you move the controls, watch to be sure the
airplane’s motor and controls operate smoothly.
You should have total control of the model at 30
paces (90 feet).
 4. If control issues exist, call the appropriate
Horizon Product Support office (see addresses
listed in the Warranty Services section of this
manual) or go to horizonhobby.com to find a local
Spektrum distributor in your country for service
when using a Spektrum radio system.
Flying your Model
Now that you have finished your F-4 Phantom 32
and it’s ready to go, make one final check on a few
things first. Is the main battery fully charged? Is the
transmitter fully charged? Are the dual rates and travel
adjustments set for the first flight? The F-4 Phantom
32 is very responsive and it is highly recommended
that you take off with high rate, then switch to low
rate right after takeoff. Check that the center of gravity
has been verified and the timer has been set. We
recommend that the timer be set for 3 minutes on the
first flight. 3 minutes of flight will give you a good
safety margin for a few landing approaches. The F-4
Phantom 32 will consistently give you 4+ minutes of
high-speed flight. If you use power management, 6+
minutes is easily achieved.
Only fly this airplane at a sanctioned flying field, as
it is not a parkflyer. Turn on the transmitter, plug in
the flight battery, and turn on the switch for the radio.
Check all control surfaces and basic motor operation.
Check the motor at full throttle. Pick the model up and
cycle the retracts. If everything is working properly, you
are ready for flight.
Taxi the model onto the runway. Make a few taxi tests
and get the nose gear steering adjusted so the model
rolls straight down the runway. For your first flight
leave, the flaps up on takeoff until you are familiar
with its flying characteristics. Set the dual rates to the
high position. If you have set the rudder and steering
separately, you can also set the nose gear for a lower
rate that is not linked to the control surface rates and
can allow for a much smoother takeoff.
Takeoff
While applying power, slowly steer with the rudder to
keep the model straight. The airplane should accelerate
quickly, and as the model gains flight speed, you will
want to rotate when you feel comfortable. Generally,
very slight back pressure on the elevator will allow
the airplane to rotate smoothly at a comfortable, safe
airspeed. The F-4 Phantom 32 will climb out at a nice
angle of attack.
Trimming and Flight Characteristics
After takeoff, gain some altitude, retract the landing
gear and switch to low rates. Climb to a safe altitude
and begin to trim the model. Once you have the model
trimmed, you will want to get an idea of the flight
quality with the flaps down and the model slowed
down. Slow the model down to a little below half
power and drop the flaps to the middle position. Check
the trim again and also note if the model needs any
up or down elevator compensation. At this time, you
may also need to come back up on the power a little.
Now try full flaps and note any other trim changes.
The F-4 Phantom 32 will fly very nicely with full flaps
and is very predictable in this configuration. Drop the
landing gear and switch back to high rate to check
the trim once again in landing configuration. Once
you are happy with this, retract the gear, pull the flaps
up, and switch back to low rate and start to enjoy the
performance of the F-4 Phantom 32. You will find the
model tracks very well through all aspects of flight.
From high-speed passes, inverted flight, loops, and
rolls, you will be flying like a true “jet jock” in no time.
Get a feel for all rate settings. High rates are used
mainly for takeoff and landings and low rates are for
normal and precision flight.