Great Planes Matt Chapman CAP 580 Giant ARF - GPMA1285 - Manual (Page 26)

• Generally, it is recommended that no attempt should be
made to fly a radio controlled model aircraft with a gasoline
engine in which the model aircraft weight would exceed 12
pounds per cubic inch of engine displacement (under
powered), or be less than 5 pounds per cubic inch of
engine displacement (overpowered). Example: Using a 3
cu. in. engine, a model would likely be under powered at an
aircraft weight greater than 36 pounds. With the same
engine, an aircraft weighing less than 15 pounds would
likely be overpowered.
• Servo arms and control horns should be rated heavy-duty.
Glass filled servo arms and control horns are highly
recommended.
• Control surface linkages are listed in order of preference:
1. Cable system (pull-pull). A tiller bar is highly
recommended along with necessary bracing.
2. Arrow-shaft, fiberglass or aluminum, 1/4" or 5/16" OD.
Bracing every six (6) to ten (10) inches is highly
recommended.
3. Tube-in-tube (Nyrod). Bracing every few inches is
highly recommended. Inner tube should be totally
enclosed in outer tube.
4. Hardwood dowel, 3/8" OD. Bracing every six (6) to ten
(10) inches is highly recommended.
• Hinges should be rated heavy-duty and manufactured
primarily for use in giant-sized aircraft. Homemade and
original design hinges are acceptable if determined to be
adequate for the intended use.
• Clevis (steel, excluding heavy-duty ball links) and
attachment hardware should be heavy-duty 4-40 thread-
and-rod type. 2-56 thread size rod is acceptable for some
applications (e.g. throttle). Clevises must have lock nuts and
sleeve (fuel tubing) or spring keepers.
• Propeller tips should be painted or colored in a visible and
contrasting manner to increase the visibility of the propeller
tip arc.
❏
1. Fuelproof all areas exposed to fuel or exhaust residue
such as the firewall, wing tube openings, etc.
❏
2. Check the C.G. according to the measurements
provided in the manual.
❏
3. Be certain the battery and receiver are securely
mounted in the fuse. Simply stuffing them into place
with foam rubber is not sufficient.
❏
4. Extend your receiver antenna and make sure it has a
strain relief inside the fuselage to keep tension off the
solder joint inside the receiver.
❏
5. Balance your model laterally as explained in
the instructions.
❏
6. Use threadlocking compound to secure critical fasteners
such as the set screws that hold the wheel axles to the
struts, screws that hold the carburetor arm (if
applicable), screw-lock pushrod connectors, etc.
❏
7. Add a drop of oil to the axles so the wheels will turn freely.
❏
8. Make sure all hinges are securely glued in place and
that the hinge points have been oiled.
❏
9. Reinforce holes for wood screws with thin CA where
appropriate (servo mounting screws, cowl mounting
screws, etc.).
❏
10.Confirm that all controls operate in the correct direction
and the throws are set up according to the manual.
❏
11.Make sure there are silicone retainers on all the
clevises and that all servo arms are secured to the
servos with the screws included with your radio.
❏
12.Secure connections between servo wires and
Y-connectors or servo extensions, and the connection
between your battery pack and the on/off switch with
vinyl tape, heat shrink tubing or special clips suitable
for that purpose.
❏
13.Make sure any servo extension cords you may have
used do not interfere with other systems (servo arms,
pushrods, etc.).
❏
14.Secure the pressure tap (if used) to the muffler with high
temp RTV silicone, thread locking compound or J.B.
Weld.
❏
15.Make sure the fuel lines are connected and are
not kinked.
❏
16.Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
❏
17.Tighten the propeller nut and spinner.
❏
18.Place your name, address, AMA number and telephone
number on or inside your model.
❏
19.Cycle your receiver battery pack (if necessary) and
make sure it is fully charged.
❏
20.If you wish to photograph your model, do so before
your first flight.
❏
21.Range check your radio when you get to the flying field.
A fully cowled engine may run at a higher temperature than
an un-cowled engine. For this reason, the fuel mixture
should be richened so the engine runs at about 200 rpm
below peak speed. By running the engine slightly rich, you
will help prevent dead-stick landings caused by overheating.
Fuel Mixture Adjustments
FLYING
During the last few moments of preparation your mind may
be elsewhere anticipating the excitement of the first flight.
Because of this, you may be more likely to overlook certain
checks and procedures that should be performed before the
model is flown. To help avoid this, a check list is provided to
make sure these important areas are not overlooked. Many
are covered in the instruction manual, so where appropriate,
refer to the manual for complete instructions. Be sure to
check the items off as they are completed.
CHECKLIST
26