Great Planes ElectroStik EP RxR - GPMA7500 - Manual (Page 15)

15
9) Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person
touch a powered model in fl ight; nor should any part of the
model other than the landing gear, intentionally touch
the ground, except while landing.
CHECK LIST
During the last few moments of preparation your mind may
be elsewhere anticipating the excitement of the fi rst fl ight.
Because of this, you may be more likely to overlook certain
checks and procedures that should be performed before the
model is fl own. To help avoid this, a check list is provided to
make sure these important areas are not overlooked. Many
are covered in the instruction manual, so where appropriate,
refer to the manual for complete instructions. Be sure to
check the items off as they are completed.
❏
1. Check the C.G. according to the measurements provided in
the manual.
❏
2. Be certain that the battery and receiver are securely
mounted in the fuselage.
❏
3. Extend your receiver antenna and make sure it has a strain
relief inside the fuselage to keep tension off the solder joint
inside the receiver.
❏
4. Balance your model laterally as explained in the
instructions.
❏
5. Use threadlocking compound to secure critical fasteners
such as the set screws that hold the wheel axles to the
struts, etc.
❏
6. Add a drop of oil to the axles so the wheels will turn freely.
❏
7. Make sure all hinges are securely glued in place.
❏
8. Reinforce holes for wood screws with thin CA where
appropriate (servo mounting screws, etc.).
❏
9. Confi rm that all controls operate in the correct direction and
the throws are set up according to the manual.
❏
10. Make sure there are silicone retainers on all the clevises
and that all servo arms are secured to the servos with the
screws included with your radio.
❏
11. Make sure servo wires do not interfere with other systems
(servo arms, pushrods, etc.).
❏
12. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
❏
13. Tighten the propeller nut and spinner.
❏
14. Place your name, address, AMA number and telephone
number on or inside your model.
❏
15. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before your
fi rst fl ight.
❏
16. Range check your radio when you get to the fl ying fi eld.
FLYING
The Great Planes ElectroStik EP RXR is a great-fl ying
model that fl ies smoothly and predictably. The ElectroStik
EP RXR 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.
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; Side-play of wire
pushrods caused by large bends; Excessive free play in
servo gears; Unsecured 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 take off, 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.
Remember to take off 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 engine 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.