Great Planes Giant Extra 330L Kit - GPMA0250 - Manual (Page 48)

When using a “chicken stick” 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
will not leak onto a hot engine causing a fire.
To stop the engine, use your gas engine’s kill switch or cut
off the fuel supply by closing off the fuel line or follow the
engine manufacturer’s recommendations. 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.
Read and abide by the following Academy of Model
Aeronautics Official Safety Code:
General
1. I will not fly my model aircraft in sanctioned events, air
shows, or model flying demonstrations 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 approximately
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 used 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.
7. I will not fly my model unless it is identified with my name
and address or AMA number, on or in the model.
9. I will not operate models with pyrotechnics (any device
that explodes, burns, or propels a projectile of any kind)
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 flier, unless assisted by
an experienced helper.
3. I will perform my initial turn after takeoff away from the pit
or spectator areas, and I will not thereafter fly over pit or
spectator areas, unless beyond my control.
4. I will operate my model using only radio control
frequencies currently allowed by the Federal
Communications Commission.
The Great Planes Extra 330L is a great flying semi-scale
sport model that flies smoothly and predictably, yet is highly
aerobatic. The Extra does not, however, possess the self-
recovery characteristics of a primary R/C trainer and should
only be flown by experienced RC pilots. This plane is fully
capable of performing a wide range of aerobatics — from
simple rolls to impressive knife edge loops. The Extra 330L
is limited only by your abilities and imagination. Have Fun!!
CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES): If,
while flying, you notice any unusual sounds, such as a
low-pitched “buzz”, this may indicate control surface
“flutter”. Because flutter can quickly destroy components
of the airplane, any time you detect flutter you must
immediately cut the throttle and land the airplane! Check
all servo grommets for deterioration and servos for
damaged gears (this may indicate which surface
fluttered), and make sure all pushrod linkages are slop-
free. If 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; Excessive flexing of aileron, caused
by using too soft balsa; Excessive “play” or “backlash” in
servo gears; and Insecure servo mounting.
Special Note about Flutter and Aerobatic Aircraft
Highly specialized aerobatic models such as the Extra
330L have very large control surfaces designed
specifically for performance at low air speeds. Aerobatic
models such as this ARE NOT INTENDED for high speed
passes and dives. Selection of a prop in the 10 pitch
range or lower is strongly recommended for its braking
effect, which keeps your aerobatic aircraft from excessive
speeds. (An added benefit is that it will provide you
increased vertical performance.) Even with excellent
control linkages, perfect glue joints, etc, an aerobatic
model such as this may well flutter due to excessive
airspeed, caused by full throttle application when
accelerating in a dive, especially while using high speed
props with a pitch over 10. This is NOT a flaw of the
aircraft, but rather a by-product of the desirable high
performance aerobatic capabilities of this model. We
recommend the use of 10 or lower pitch props and
appropriate throttle modulation, especially while diving, to
help you preserve your aerobatic aircraft.
FLYING
AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts)
48