Great Planes de Havilland Tiger Moth EP ARF - GPMA1134 - Manual (Page 14)

14
FLYING
Ground Check & Range Check
When you get to your fl ying site follow the manufacturer’s
instructions that came with your radio to ground check the
operational range of your radio. This should be done both with
the motor off and with the motor running at various speeds.
If the motor or control surfaces do not respond correctly or
move erratically without command, do not fl y! Find and
correct the problem fi rst. Look for loose servo connections or
broken or loose motor or battery wires.
Flight
Taking off from the ground is desirable if you are fl ying
indoors or outdoors where there is a smooth runway surface.
However, if no smooth surface is available the Tiger Moth
may easily be hand-launched.
No matter where you fl y, the fi rst thing you should do is
check the controls after turning on the transmitter and
connecting the battery. Make sure the controls respond and
in the correct direction.
To take off from the ground, simply set the model down facing
into any prevailing breeze. Smoothly advance the throttle all
the way. Initially, the rudder will have little effect, but after a
second or two when there is suffi cient airfl ow the rudder will
become effective. Use the rudder to steer the model.
When the Tiger Moth has gained suffi cient fl ying speed apply
“up” elevator, establishing a gentle (20 – 30-degree) climb.
If hand-launching your Tiger Moth, double-check to make
sure that the controls are working correctly. Then, apply full
throttle. Facing into any prevailing wind, gently toss the Tiger
Moth into the air. Apply “up” elevator to establish a climb.
Once well clear of the ground make the fi rst turn away from
yourself. Use the trims to get the model to fl y straight-and-
level at your preferred fl ying speed—in smaller arenas/
gymnasiums you will probably be most comfortable fl ying
your Tiger Moth at about 1/4 – 1/3 throttle. In larger arenas
or outdoors you will probably fl y your Tiger Moth at 1/2 or
higher throttle settings.
Execute turns to see how the Tiger Moth reacts. The Tiger
Moth should be able to execute tightly-banked turns with a
diameter of approximately 15’–20’ [4.5m – 6m] (although
this is not so important if you are fl ying in a large arena or
outdoors). If, during the tightest turns the Tiger Moth noses
up and seems to get “stuck” in the turn, nose weight may be
required. If you don’t feel the Tiger Moth fl ies slowly enough
or if it doesn’t react quickly enough to your control inputs, tail
weight (or removing a portion of any nose weight) may help.
While the Tiger Moth is still high in the air and you have
plenty of battery power, another good exercise is to cut the
throttle and observe how the Tiger Moth glides. This will give
you an indication of what it will do when it’s time to land.
When ready to land, simply cut motor power and make
the fi nal turn to your landing area. Allow the Tiger Moth to
establish a slightly nose-down attitude to maintain airspeed.
If necessary, modulate the throttle and elevator to control
the glide path. As you get closer to the ground continue to
apply “up” elevator, causing the Tiger Moth to fl y slower and
slower until it fi nally touches down the precise moment it can
no longer fl y.
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!