Great Planes Escapade EP/GP ARF - GPMA1200 - Manual (Page 27)

27
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. Tell
him to remind you to throttle back once the plane gets to a
comfortable altitude. While full throttle may be desirable for
takeoff, most models fl y more smoothly at reduced speeds.
If you’re a less-experienced modeler, your fi rst priority will be
to throttle back to reach a comfortable fl ying speed where
the model will react somewhat slower than it would at full-
throttle. The next priority will be to adjust the trims to get the
model to fl y straight-and-level.
Once the model has been trimmed, continue to fl y around
for a few minutes getting used to how the model performs.
Test the model’s response to the high and low rate settings.
After fl ying around for a while (and while still at a safe altitude
with plenty of fuel) 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
the model 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 fuel level, but use this fi rst fl ight to become familiar
with your model before landing.
Landing
When you’re ready to land, lower the throttle while on the
downwind leg. Allow the nose to pitch downward gradually
bleeding off altitude but maintaining air speed. Make a 180°
turn into the wind and line up with the runway keeping the
nose down all the while maintaining airspeed and control.
Level the attitude when the model reaches the runway
adding power as necessary to maintain your glide path and
airspeed. If you are going to overshoot, smoothly advance
the throttle 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.
One fi nal note about fl ying your Escapade. 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
importantly so you do not surprise yourself by impulsively
attempting a maneuver and suddenly fi nding that you’ve run
out of time, altitude or airspeed. Every maneuver should be
deliberate, not impulsive. For example, if you’re going to do a
loop, check your altitude, mind the wind direction (anticipating
rudder corrections that will be required to maintain heading),
remember to throttle back at the top, and make certain you
are on the desired rates (high/low rates). A fl ight plan greatly
reduces the chances of crashing your model just because of
poor planning and impulsive moves. Remember to think.
Have a ball!
But always stay in control and fl y in a safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!