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Preflight, Flying your piper pawnee arf – E-flite Piper Pawnee 15e ARF User Manual

Page 45

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E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual

Preflight

Check Your Radio

Before going to the field, be sure that your batteries are fully

charged per the instructions included with your radio. Charge

both the transmitter and receiver pack for your airplane. Use

the recommended charger supplied with your particular radio

system, following the instructions provided with the radio. In

most cases, the radio should be charged the night before going

out flying.
Before each flying session, be sure to range check your radio.

See your radio manual for the recommended range and

instructions for your radio system. Each radio manufacturer

specifies different procedures for their radio systems. Next, start

the motor. With the model securely anchored, check the range

again. The range test should not be significantly affected. If it is,

don’t attempt to fly! Have your radio equipment checked out by

the manufacturer.

Note: Keep loose items that can get entangled in

the propeller away from the prop. These include

loose clothing, or other objects such as pencils and

screwdrivers. Especially keep your hands away from the

propeller.

Double-check that all controls (aileron, elevator, rudder and

throttle) move in the correct direction.
Check the radio installation and make sure all the control

surfaces are moving correctly (i.e. the correct direction and with

the recommended throws). Test run the motor and make sure

it transitions smoothly from off to full throttle and back. Also

ensure the engine is installed according to the manufacturer’s

instructions, and it will operate consistently.
Check all the control horns, servo horns, and clevises to make

sure they are secure and in good condition. Replace any items

that would be considered questionable. Failure of any of these

components in flight would mean the loss of your aircraft.

Flying Your Piper Pawnee ARF

Ensure you have set the model up correctly and have the CG set

per the instructions. Taxi into the wind and set the throttle trim so

the motor idles with the prop spinning. You will need about 200

feet to take off so ensure you have plenty of room. We fly at the

local club field instead of at a park with the Piper Pawnee. It

is a substantially larger model than a park flyer and has much

more mass. Do not use flaps for your first takeoff. Power up

slowly but smoothly while steering the model with the rudder

and begin your takeoff roll. You will find the model accelerates

out quickly and the tail will come up when it is ready. After

about 100 feet and while at full power, apply up elevator in a

smooth motion until the model lifts from the ground.
Once in the air you will find the Piper Pawnee is in its element.

Straightline flight is easy as well as high-banked turns. This

plane grooves like no other 15-size electric on the market today.

Aileron rolls are smooth and precise. Loops are strong and

large. The Piper Pawnee will pick up speed very quickly and

can fly at a brisk pace if you so choose. It is very leisurely in

the air at around 5/8 throttle. Once you are up and have the

model trimmed out, climb to a safe altitude and put the flaps

down. Set them for both the mid and full rate and note for any

trim changes. Have your helper make note of any significant

trim changes to the elevator and then set up to land.
Set up to land on the downwind leg and select full flaps. You

will find you will need to carry a small amount of power when

flaps are deployed. Come around from base leg to final with

the nose pointing down at the runway, flaps full down. Adjust

power as needed, flying towards your touchdown point. At

about 2 feet above the ground and beginning to feel ground

effect, reduce power and maintain a flat glide slop until

touchdown on the main wheels occurs. The model enjoys tail-

high landings with full flaps all day long. You will be looking

like a pro in no time. If you elect to land without the flaps

deployed, a flared, three-point landing is recommended as your

best approach.
We hope you enjoy many happy flights with your new E-flite

Piper Pawnee.