Great Planes 38% Extra 330S ARF - GPMA1290 - Manual (Page 25)

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Double-check the control directions before every fl ight. And
for the fi rst fl ight, takeoff on low rates. Remember to takeoff
into the wind, point the model straight down the runway, hold
a bit of up elevator to keep the tail down, and then gradually
advance the throttle. Do not use full-throttle for takeoff until
you have become familiar with the engine power. As the
model gains speed decrease up elevator, allowing the tail
to come off the ground. Be ready to apply right rudder to
counteract engine torque. When the plane has reached fl ying
speed gently apply up elevator, being ready on the ailerons
and rudder to keep the wings level and the nose pointed
straight-ahead. Establish a gentle climb and make your fi rst
turn away from the pits.
CAUTION: 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; worn or loose-fi tting
control linkages; Worn servos or excessive free play in
servo gears; Insecure servo mounting; and one of the most
prevalent causes of fl utter; Flying at excessive speeds.
Flight
When the plane has become airborne, have your assistant
keep an eye on other traffi c and remind you to throttle back
if necessary—do not use full throttle until you have become
familiar with the model and it has been trimmed! Once at
cruise, the fi rst thing you should do is reach a safe altitude
and trim the model for “hands-off,” straight-and-level fl ight.
Then you may test different control throw rates one at a time.
While still at a safe altitude, slow the model to see how it
reacts. Take it easy with your 38% Extra for the fi rst few fl ights,
gradually getting acquainted with it as you gain confi dence.
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 ready to land, make a few “test passes” at reduced
throttle settings learning how the model glides and the rate
it bleeds off air speed. To initiate a landing approach, lower
the throttle while on the downwind leg and allow the nose
to pitch downward to gradually bleed off altitude. Continue
to lose altitude, but maintain airspeed by keeping the nose
down as you turn onto the crosswind leg. Make your fi nal turn
toward the runway (into the wind) keeping the nose down to
maintain airspeed and control. Level the attitude when the
model reaches the runway threshold, modulating the throttle
as necessary to maintain your glide path and airspeed. If
you are going to overshoot, smoothly advance the throttle
(always ready to apply right rudder to counteract torque) 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, continue to gradually increase up elevator until it gently
touches down. Once the model is on the runway and has lost
fl ying speed, switch to high elevator and rudder rates so the
model will be easier to taxi. If necessary, hold up elevator to
hold the tail on the ground.
One fi nal note about fl ying. 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
altitude or airspeed. Every maneuver should be calculated
and 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!