Dynaflite DYFA2016 - Manual (Page 33)

Range Check Your Radio
Check the operational range of the radio before the
first flight. Before you turn your radio on the first
thing you always must do is make sure no one else
is on you frequency (channel). Most model flying
fields utilize frequency control so familiarize yourself
with their system. Collapse your transmitter antenna
and turn on the transmitter, then the receiver
(preferably the receiver should never be on by itself).
You should be able to walk at least 100 feet away
from the model and still have control. Have an
assistant stand by your model and tell you what the
control surfaces are doing while you operate them
from the transmitter.
If the control surfaces do not always respond
correctly, don't fly! Find and correct the problem
first. Look for loose servo connections or corrosion, a
defective on/off switch, low battery voltage or a
defective cell, a damaged receiver antenna or a
receiver crystal that may have been damaged from
a previous crash.
The Bobcat is intended for intermediate to
experienced fliers, but here are some flying notes for
those nearer the "intermediate" end of the scale.
If you are at a club site or another area where
there are other fliers present, make sure you
are not on the same frequency. Learn the
frequency control system if one is used.
If you are not an experienced pilot, find an expert to
help you with your first flights. Although the Bobcat
is an easy model to fly, an experienced pilot can
save you lots of time and frustration by helping you
get the Bobcat in the air and back to the ground
safely for the first couple of launches.
Make a couple of trim flights before each flying
session (and especially before the maiden voyage) to
make sure your Bobcat is properly trimmed and the
controls work properly. Fly the trim flights over a
clear, grassy field or strip. Turn on the transmitter
first, then the receiver. Hold the Bobcat by the
fuselage under the wing with the wings level, the
nose pointed slightly down and facing into the wind.
It is important that you hand launch the model with
the wings level and the nose pointing at a spot on
the ground about 50 feet ahead. Have a friend
stand to the side and tell whether the nose is
pointing up or down. If you launch your Bobcat with
the nose up or throw it too hard it will climb for a
few feet, stall and fall nose first straight into the
ground. With the nose pointed down slightly the
sailplane will accelerate until it picks up enough
speed to level off and glide. Launch the plane with a
gentle push forward. With a little practice you will
be able to launch the Bobcat perfectly so it makes a
long, straight flight path. Don't attempt to climb but
maintain altitude or a gentle descent.
Once you are confident with hand launching, you
If a club flying site is not available, find a large,
;
can execute gentle turns with a light touch of aileron
grassy area at least 6 miles away from houses, (and rudder if you've built it in). Go light on the
buildings, streets and other R/C activity like boats and ailerons - remember the wing will dip slightly when
cars. Avoid flying R/C models near traffic or areas you apply ailerons. Relax the ailerons just before the
such as parks, school yards, office buildings, etc. that model touches the ground. You can also practice
may attract unrestrained observers, "flaring" by slowly applying up elevator as the
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