Great Planes F-16 Falcon EDF ARF - GPMA1801 - Manual (Page 24)

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Once the bungee releases “keep the pedal to the metal” and
begin a shallow climb out. But be ready to make your fi rst turn
quickly, because it’s going to get pretty far away, fast.
Flying
Once the F-16 begins climbing simply fl y out, maintaining
a good climb rate and keeping the wings level. When ready,
bank into your fl ight pattern. If you feel the need, throttle back
to about 1/2 throttle to slow it down some.
Usually, the fi rst priority is to trim a plane for straight-and-level
fl ight. But because the F-16 can get so far away so quickly,
your other “fi rst” priority will be simply fl ying the plane to keep
it within visual range. You won’t have much time to let go of
the sticks for trim changes, so you’ll have to do some multi-
tasking! Again, you can always throttle back, but the F-16 still
covers much ground!
Once you have the model trimmed you should be able to fl y
full throttle for extended periods, but it’s a great idea to throttle
back in turns so it doesn’t get too far away. Fly “large” keeping
turns wide and smooth. One good turn-around maneuver is
to climb vertically, half roll, throttle back, then pull a 3/4 loop
to upright and level.
While at a high altitude with plenty of battery power, simulate
a landing approach by cutting the throttle and watch the F-16
glide. This will give you an indication of how it will land.
Landing
The landing procedure for the F-16 is the same as any other
model, with the exception that it doesn’t slow as much and
requires a longer approach. When ready to land, cut the throttle
all the way while on the downwind leg. The F-16 will establish
a gradual descent but will not slow very much unless there is a
headwind. Perform a large, banked turn allowing it to continue
its descent. When the F-16 reaches an altitude of just a foot
or so off the ground keep the wings level, continually applying
more and more up elevator to hold it off as long as you can
until the F-16 fi nally touches down. It will still be going fast so
make sure your landing is over smooth ground so it doesn’t
catch the nose or a wing tip. The F-16 never really fl ares like
a regular plane—it just loses fl ying speed before touching
down and skidding across the grass.
If at any point during your landing setup you realize you
are coming in too fast, simply throttle up, go around and try
again. And if you’re coming in too short simply apply throttle
to stretch the landing.
After each landing inspect the intake, fan and exhaust tube
and remove any grass or debris.
After a few fl ights you’ll have your F-16 all trimmed out for
level fl ight and be executing fl awless, anxiety-free bungee
launches, adrenaline-pumping fl ights and smooth, routine
landings right at your feet!
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
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!
Finally the F-16 will
touch down when it
can no longer
remain airborne.
Continue skimming the ground with
approximately 1' [0.3m] of altitude,
holding more and more elevator to
stay airborne as long as you can.
Position the
model a few
feet from the
ground.
Establish a
wide , long ,
descending
banked turn.
Cut the power
all the way.
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