Great Planes P-51D Mustang 40 Kit - GPMA0175 - Manual (Page 46)

(pencils, screw drivers) that may fall out of shut or jacket
pockets into the prop.
Use a "chicken stick" device or electric starter; follow
instructions supplied with the starter or stick. Make certain
the glow plug clip or connector is secure so that it will not pop
off or otherwise get into the running propeller.
Make all engine adjustments from behind the rotating
propeller.
The engine gets hot! Do not touch it during or after
operation. Make sure fuel lines are in good condition so fuel
is not leaked onto a hot engine causing a fire.
To stop the engine, cut off the fuel supply by closing off
the fuel line or follow the engine manufacturer's recommen-
dations Do not use hands, fingers or any body part to try to
stop the engine. Do not throw anything into the prop of a
running engine.
AMA SAFETY CODE
Read and abide by the following Academy of Model
Aeronautics Official Safety Code:
GENERAL
FLYING
The Great Planes P-51D Mustang is a great flying sport
scale airplane that flies smoothly and predictably, yet is
highly maneuverable. It does not have the self-recovery
characteristics of a primary trainer, therefore you must either
have mastered the basics of R/C flying or seek the assistance
of a competent R/C pilot to help you with your first flights.
TAKEOFF: If you have dual rates on your transmitter, set
the switches to "high rate" for takeoff, especially when taking
off in a crosswind. Although this P-51D has great low speed
characteristics, you should always build up as much speed as
your runway will permit before lifting off, as this will give
you a safety margin in case of a "flame-out" When you first
advance the throttle and the tail begins to lift, the plane will
start to turn left (a characteristic of all "taildraggers)". Be
ready for this, and correct by applying sufficient right rudder
to hold it straight down the runway The lefl-turning-tendency will quickly go away as soon as the tail is up and the
plane picks up speed. When the plane has sufficient flying
speed, lift off by smoothly applying a little up elevator (don't
"jerk" it off to a vertical climb'), and climb out gradually.
1. I will not fly my model aircraft in competition or in the
presence of spectators until it has been proven to be airworthy
by having been previously successfully flight tested.
2. I will not fly my model aircraft higher than approxi-
mately 400 feet within 3 miles of an airport without notifying
the airport operator. I will give right of way to, and avoid
flying in the proximity of full scale aircraft. Where necessary
an observer shall be utilized to supervise flying to avoid
having models fly in the proximity of full scale aircraft.
3. Where established, I will abide by the safety rules for the
flying site I use, and I will not willfully and deliberately fly
my models in a careless, reckless and/or dangerous manner.
RADIO CONTROL
1. I will have completed a successful radio equipment
ground check before the first flight of a new or repaired
model.
2. I will not fly my model aircraft in the presence of
spectators until I become a qualified flyer, unless assisted by
an experienced helper.
3. I will perform my initial turn after takeoff away from the
pit, spectator and parking areas, and I will not thereafter
perform maneuvers, flights of any sort or landing approaches
over a pit, spectator or parking area.
FLYING: We recommend that you take it easy with your P-
5 ID Mustang for the first several flights and gradually "get
acquainted" with this fantastic ship as your engine gets fully
broken-in. Add and practice one maneuver at a time, learning
how she behaves in each one. For ultra-smooth flying and
normal maneuvers, we recommend using the "low rate"
settings as listed on page 39. "High rate" elevator and rudder
may be required for crisp snap rolls and spins. "Low rate"
rudder is best for knife edge. If you notice any "sluggishness"
in the way your P-51D handles, it is probably a result of not
enough speed, in which case you should install a propeller
with increased pitch. Do not exceed the recommended "high
rate" throws for the rudder, as this will only result in pitch-
down when full rudder is applied. Speed is the key to good
knife-edge performance.
LANDING: When it's time to land, fly a normal landing
pattern and approach. If you find that it lands a little fast, you
might try dialing in a few clicks of up elevator when you cut
the throttle on the downwind leg of the landing pattern This
will automatically help to bleed off some of the speed. If your
P-51 D is built straight and true, you'll find that you can really
flare it out for slow, nose-high, full-stall landings without fear
of tip stalling.
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