E-flite Rhapsody 25e ARF - Manual (Page 20)

20 E-flite Rhapsody 25e ARF Assembly Manual
Flying your Rhapsody 25e ARF
As you taxi out to the runway you will find the ground
handling to be very gentle and easy. The wide stance
main gear and low angled stance keeps the model
tracking very straight through all aspects on the
ground. Once you are lined up on the runway ensure
you have your throttle trim set to where the motor is
spinning at a low idle setting. This is your flight idle.
Apply power smoothly and steering with rudder. You
will find the tail to come up very quickly and the model
will accelerate straight ahead effortlessly. Once up to
speed pull back slightly and ease the elevator control
to establish a solid shallow climb to altitude. Once at
altitude you will want to trim the model for level flight
at about ¾ power. Once trimmed try some basic stalls
to become comfortable with the model’s handling.
You will find the model stalls very gently and forward
routinely.
You will find the model is quite aerobatic and can
perform loops, rolls, inverted flight, and all the other
basic aerobatic maneuvers with ease. Landings are a
thing of beauty as you glide in and settle gently to a
3-point touch down. The model also likes to be wheel
landed, the choice is yours. We hope you enjoy your
Rhapsody as much as we enjoy ours.
Happy Landings!
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 page 22) or
go to horizonhobby.com to find a local Spektrum
distributor in your country for service if using a
Spektrum radio system.
Safety Do’s and Don’ts for Pilots
• Check all control surfaces prior to each takeoff.
• Do not fly your model near spectators, parking
areas or any other area that could result in injury to
people or damage of property.
• Do not fly during adverse weather conditions. Poor
visibility can cause disorientation and loss of control
of your aircraft. Strong winds can cause similar
problems.
• Do not take chances. If at any time during flight you
observe any erratic or abnormal operation, land
immediately and do not resume flight until the cause
of the problem has been ascertained and corrected.
Safety can never be taken lightly.
• Do not fly near power lines.
Daily Flight Checks
 1. Check the battery voltage of the transmitter
battery. Do not fly below the manufacturer’s
recommended voltage. To do so can crash
your aircraft.
When you check these batteries, ensure you have the
polarities correct on your expanded scale voltmeter.
 2. Check all hardware (linkages, screws, nuts,
and bolts) prior to each day’s flight. Be sure that
binding does not occur and that all parts are
properly secured.
 3. Ensure all surfaces are moving in the
proper manner.
 4. Perform a ground range check before each
day’s flying session.
 5. Prior to starting your aircraft, turn off your
transmitter, then turn it back on. Do this each time
you start your aircraft. If any critical switches are
on without your knowledge, the transmitter alarm
will sound a warning at this time.
 6. Check that all trim levers are in the
proper location.
 7. All servo pigtails and switch harness plugs
should be secured in the receiver. Make sure the
switch harness moves freely in both directions.