Great Planes Curtis P-6E Hawk EP Biplane ARF - GPMA1164 - Manual (Page 22)

22
FLYING
The Curtiss P-6E Hawk is a great-fl ying model that fl ies
smoothly and predictably. It does not, however, possess the
self-recovery characteristics of a primary R/C trainer and
should be fl own only by experienced R/C pilots. We recommend
the Curtiss P-6E Hawk be fl own from hard surfaces or very
short grass fi elds.
CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES): If,
while fl ying, you notice an alarming or unusual sound such
as a low-pitched “buzz,” this may indicate control surface
fl utter. Flutter occurs when a control surface (such as an
aileron or elevator) or a fl ying surface (such as a wing or
stab) rapidly vibrates up and down (thus causing the noise).
In extreme cases, if not detected immediately, fl utter can
actually cause the control surface to detach or the fl ying
surface to fail, thus causing loss of control followed by an
impending crash. The best thing to do when fl utter is detected
is to slow the model immediately by reducing power, then
land as soon as safely possible. Identify which surface
fl uttered (so the problem may be resolved) by checking all
the servo grommets for deterioration or signs of vibration.
Make certain all pushrod linkages are secure and free of
play. If it fl uttered once, under similar circumstances it will
probably fl utter again unless the problem is fi xed. Some
things which can cause fl utter are; Excessive hinge gap;
Not mounting control horns solidly; Poor fi t of clevis pin in
horn; Side-play of wire pushrods caused by large bends;
Excessive free play in servo gears; Insecure servo mounting;
and one of the most prevalent causes of fl utter; Flying an
over-powered model at excessive speeds.
Takeoff
Before you get ready to takeoff, see how the model handles
on the ground by doing a few practice runs at low speeds on
the runway. Hold “up” elevator to keep the tail wheel on the
ground. If necessary, adjust the tail wheel so the model will
roll straight down the runway. If you need to calm your nerves
before the maiden fl ight bring the model back into the pits,
peak the battery and check all fasteners and control linkages
for peace of mind.
Remember to takeoff directly into the wind. When you’re
ready, point the model straight down the runway, hold a bit
of up elevator to keep the tail on the ground to maintain tail
wheel steering, then gradually advance the throttle. As the
model gains speed decrease up elevator allowing the tail to
come off the ground. One of the most important things to
remember with a tail dragger is to always be ready to apply
right rudder to counteract engine torque. Gain as much speed
as your runway and fl ying site will practically allow before
gently applying up elevator, lifting the model into the air. At
this moment it is likely that you will need to apply more right
rudder to counteract motor torque. Be smooth on the elevator
stick, allowing the model to establish a gentle climb to a safe
altitude before turning into the traffi c pattern.
Flight
For reassurance and to keep an eye on other traffi c, it is a
good idea to have an assistant on the fl ight line with you. The
Curtiss P-6E Hawk with the recommended power system will
only require full throttle in short bursts for some aerobatic
maneuvers. Most aerobatic fl ight can be performed at around
1/3 rd to ½ throttle. If you observe the fl ight of some of the best
aerobatic pilots, they very seldom use full throttle.
Take it easy with the Curtiss P-6E Hawk for the fi rst fl ight,
gradually getting acquainted with it as you gain confi dence.
Adjust the trims to maintain straight and level fl ight. After fl ying
around for a while, and while still at a safe altitude with plenty
of battery, practice slow fl ight and execute practice landing
approaches by reducing the throttle to see how the model
handles at slower speeds. Add power to see how she climbs
as well. Continue to fl y around, executing various maneuvers
and making mental notes (or having your assistant write them
down) of what trim or C.G. changes may be required to fi ne
tune the model so it fl ies the way you like. Mind your battery
power level, but use this fi rst fl ight to become familiar with your
model before landing. With most electric planes it is best to
have a timer set on your transmitter or a separate timer with
an alarm to alert you when the battery may be getting low.
This will require a few fl ights before determining the maximum
fl ight time you can achieve with the batteries. This will prevent
the downwind auto motor cutoff over the end of the fl ying fi eld.
With the plane properly trimmed you will want to get started
with some aerobatics. This plane is capable many aerobatic
maneuvers. Loops, rolls, inverted fl ight and spins are all within
the capability of the Curtiss P-6E Hawk
Landing
To initiate a landing approach, lower the throttle while on the
downwind leg. Allow the nose of the model to pitch downward
to gradually bleed off altitude. Continue to lose altitude, but
maintain airspeed by keeping the nose down as you turn onto
the crosswind leg. Make your fi nal turn toward the runway (into
the wind) keeping the nose down to maintain airspeed and
control. Level the attitude when the model reaches the runway
threshold, modulating the throttle as necessary to maintain
your glide path and airspeed. If you are going to overshoot,
smoothly advance the throttle (always ready on the right rudder
to counteract torque) and climb out to make another attempt.
When you’re ready to make your landing fl are and the model
is a foot or so off the deck, smoothly increase up elevator until
it gently touches down. Once the model is on the runway and
has lost fl ying speed, hold up elevator to place the tail on the
ground, regaining tail wheel control. We fi nd that the airplane
lands best using high elevator rates, though you may not need
those rates for many of the maneuvers you perform in fl ight.
One fi nal note about fl ying your model. Have a goal or fl ight
plan in mind for every fl ight. This can be learning a new
maneuver(s), improving a maneuver(s) you already know,
or learning how the model behaves in certain conditions
(such as on high or low rates). This is not necessarily to
improve your skills (though it is never a bad idea!), but more