Great Planes Escapade EP/GP ARF - GPMA1200 - Manual (Page 26)

26
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. Be certain you have checked and set the C.G. according
to the measurements provided in the manual.
❏
2. Be certain the battery and receiver are securely
mounted. Simply stuffi ng them into place with foam
rubber is not suffi cient.
❏
3. If using a radio on 72MHz, extend the receiver
antenna down through the antenna tube inside the
fuselage. If using a radio on 2.4GHz, make sure the
antenna(s) are mounted and oriented as suggested in
the instructions that came with the radio system.
❏
4. Make sure the model has been balanced laterally as
explained in the instructions.
❏
. 5. Use threadlocking compound to secure critical
fasteners such as the screws that hold the wheel
collars to the axles, screws that hold the carburetor
arm (if applicable), motor/engine mount bolts, 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 by
tugging on the control surfaces.
❏
8. Reinforce holes for wood screws with thin CA
where appropriate (servo mounting screws, aileron
control horns).
❏
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. Secure connections between servo wires and
Y-connectors or servo extensions, and the connection
between your battery pack and the on/off switch with
vinyl tape, heat shrink tubing or special clips suitable
for that purpose.
❏
12. Make sure any servo extension cords you may have
used do not interfere with other systems (servo arms,
pushrods, etc.).
❏
13. Make sure the fuel lines are connected and are
not kinked.
❏
14. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
❏
15. Tighten the propeller nut and spinner.
❏
16. Place your name, address, AMA number and telephone
number on or inside your model.
❏
17. Make sure your receiver battery pack is fully charged.
❏
18. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before
your fi rst fl ight.
❏
19. Range check your radio when you get to the
fl ying fi eld.
FLYING
The Escapade is a great-fl ying model that fl ies smoothly and
predictably. The Escapade does not, however, possess the
same self-recovery characteristics of a primary R/C trainer
and should be fl own only by pilots who have at least been
checked out on a high-wing trainer.
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
The Escapade is an ordinary low-wing trainer/sport model,
so there is nothing particular you will have to be “on guard”
for. But if you’re a relatively new R/C pilot here are a few
suggestions for getting your Escapade “up” and “down”
without any mishaps;
Make a few practice runs up and down the runway to see if
the tail wheel is centered so the model will track straight on
the ground—this is a little more important on paved runways
where the steering is more sensitive than on grass. A slight
amount of “veer” is okay because that can be controlled by
the rudder, but if the model veers too far you should use
pliers to bend the tail gear wire as necessary.
Remember to take off into the wind. Advance the throttle
moderately, but smoothly. When the model reaches an
acceptable fl ying speed (which it will do in a matter of seconds)
gently apply “up” elevator lifting the model into the air. During
the takeoff run and initial climbout, the model may require a
slight amount of right rudder to counter engine torque.
Allow the model to establish a safe, gentle climb—don’t “jerk”
the model into the air and don’t make a steep climbout until
you know how the model will react. Now is the time to be
smooth and in control.