Great Planes F-16 Falcon EDF ARF - GPMA1801 - Manual (Page 23)

23
Bungee-Launch
The great thing about the bungee launch is it’s pretty much
“automatic.” The results are much more consistent than hand-
launching and you should be able to get a perfect bungee-
launch every time. Also, bungee-launching the F-16 by yourself
is much easier than hand-launching it by yourself, but for
the fi rst one or two, it’s still a good idea to have an assistant
launch it for you so your hands will be ready on the transmitter.
NO
YES
Find a suitable location to string out the bungee that is fl at or
has a downhill grade—try not to launch uphill. And be sure
the ground will hold the stake securely. Push the stake fi rmly
into the ground at about a 45 degree angle away from the
launch, then unwind the bungee so the launch will be directly
into the wind. As you unwind, inspect the tubing and chord to
make sure there are no cuts, cracks, tears or other defects
and make sure the line and chord are
securely connected
to the rings and stake.
When ready, turn on the transmitter and connect the battery. As
you should always do before every fl ight,
double-check that
the controls are responding properly and in the correct
direction
, then arm the motor and run it up for a second to
make sure it is making full power.
Pick up the tow ring (do not connect it to the model yet) and
stretch out the bungee by walking approximately twenty-fi ve
steps (approximately 70' [21m]). Connect the bungee to the
tow hook on the underside of the fuse. For launching, the
model should be held by the fuselage just in front of the
vertical fi n as shown.
Hold the model waist-high away from your side so the plane
won’t catch your leg. If using an assistant, inform him of your
intentions, make sure he acknowledges, then apply full throttle.
Holding the F-16 at approximately a 30 to 40 degree angle,
don’t just let go, but give it a good push into the air, wings
level. All within a matter a few seconds, the F-16 will initially
climb, level off, then possibly angle slightly downward before
the elevator takes over and the F-16 over-fl ies the bungee.
From the moment the plane is released from your (or your
assistant’s) hand, you should initially be holding some up
elevator working the stick as necessary to keep the plane level
or slightly climbing. Also be ready on the ailerons to keep the
wing level so the F-16 doesn’t veer off to the side (though the
trim would have to be pretty far off for this to happen).
Now you’re in the clear.
Allow the F-16 to gain speed
and begin climbout.
Expect
the F-16 to briefly
dive before it gains enough
velocity to establish a climb. You
should be able to pull full elevator to
keep it airborne.
Throw the F-16 about as hard as
you can at approximately a 30 to
40-degree angle.
1
2
3