Great Planes F-14 60 Kit - GPMA0435 - Manual (Page 55)

CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C
AIRPLANES) If, while flying, you notice any
unusual sounds, such as a low-pitched "buzz," this
may be an indication of control surface "flutter"
Because flutter can quickly destroy components of
your airplane, any time you detect flutter you must
immediately cut the throttle and land the airplane'
Check all servo grommets for deterioration (this
will indicate which surface fluttered), and make
sure a l l pushrod linkages are slop-free It it
fluttered once, it will probably flutter again under
similar circumstances unless you can eliminate the
slop or flexing in the linkages Here are some
things which can result in flutter Excessive hinge
gap, not mounting control horns solidly, sloppy fit
of clevis pin in horn, elasticity present in flexible
plastic pushrods, side-play of pushrod in guide
tube caused by tight bends, sloppy fit of Z-bend in
servo arm, insufficient glue used when gluing the
torque rods into the control surfaces, excessive
flexing of aileron, caused by using too soft balsa
aileron, excessive "play" or "backlash" in servo
gears, and insecure servo mounting
LANDING: When it's time to land, do a couple of slow
fly-by's at a safe altitude to become familiar with the
plane's slow flying characteristics The aerodynamic
design of the F-14 gives it a flying quality not often found
in R/C models You will notice that as the nose comes up,
the strakes start working and the fuselage starts adding
some lift As this happens, the plane will tend to balloon.
This is the same characteristic that helps give the F-14 its
maneuverability in normal flight Once the plane has
entered this "floating" stage it is still very controllable and
can be slowed down for a very gentle landing The trick
to making smooth slow landings is to slow the plane
earlier than normal and gently allow the plane to enter its
floating mode Then use the throttle to regulate the glide
path. It will take a little practice, but it sure is fun to
learn.
Have a ball! But always stay in control and fly
in a safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!
SEE THE FULL LINE OF GREAT PLANES
AIRPLANES AT YOUR HOBBY DEALER WE
HOPE YOU WILL SELECT ANOTHER
"GREAT PLANE" AS YOUR NEXT PROJECT
THANK YOU!
We recommend the following
CONTROL SURFACE THROWS:
NOTE: Throws measured at the widest part of the
control surface, w i t h f u l l deflection of the
transmitter stick.
ELEVATOR:
RUDDER:
AILERONS:
LOW RATE
1/2" both
directions
1/2" both
directions
1/4" both
directions
HIGH RATE
3/4" both
directions
As much as
possible
1/2" both
directions
NOTE: These control surface "throws" are
approximate and provide a good starting point for
the first flights with your F 14 You may wish to
change the throws slightly to provide the
smoothness or quickness you prefer Due to the
maneuverability of this model and the high control
surface throws that it will handle, it might be a
good idea to use exponential type control surface
movements if your radio is capable of this
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