Great Planes Matt Chapman CAP 580 Giant ARF - GPMA1285 - Manual (Page 27)

Before you get ready to takeoff, see how the model handles on
the ground by doing a few practice runs at low speeds on the
runway. Hold a very small amount of “up” elevator to keep the
tail wheel on the ground. If necessary, adjust the tail wheel so
the model will roll straight down the runway. If you need to calm
your nerves before the maiden flight, shut the engine down
and bring the model back into the pits. Top off the fuel, then
check all fasteners and control linkages for peace of mind.
Remember to takeoff into the wind. When you’re ready, point
the model straight down the runway, hold a bit of up elevator
to keep the tail on the ground to maintain tail wheel steering,
then gradually advance the throttle. As the model gains
speed, decrease the up elevator, allowing the tail to come off
the ground. One of the most important things to remember
with a tail dragger is to always be ready to apply right
rudder to counteract engine torque. Gain as much speed as
your runway and flying site will practically allow before gently
applying up elevator, lifting the model into the air. At this
moment it is likely that you will need to apply more right
rudder to counteract engine torque. Be smooth on the
elevator stick, allowing the model to establish a gentle climb
to a safe altitude before turning into the traffic pattern.
For reassurance and to keep an eye on other traffic, it is a
good idea to have an assistant on the flight line with you. Tell
him to remind you to throttle back once the plane gets to a
comfortable altitude. While full throttle is usually desirable for
takeoff, most models fly more smoothly at reduced speeds.
Take it easy with the Great Planes 1/3-scale Matt Chapman
CAP 580 ARF for the first few flights, gradually getting
acquainted with it as you gain confidence. Adjust the trims to
maintain straight and level flight. After flying around for a while,
and while still at a safe altitude with plenty of fuel, practice slow
flight and execute practice landing approaches by reducing the
throttle to see how the model handles at slower speeds. Add
power to see how she climbs as well. Continue to fly 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 fine tune the model so it flies the
way you like. Mind your fuel level, but use this first flight to
become familiar with your model before landing.
To initiate a landing approach, lower the throttle while on the
downwind leg. Allow the nose of the model 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 final 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 on the right rudder to counteract torque) and
climb out to make another attempt. When you’re ready to
make your landing flare and the model is a foot or so off the
deck, smoothly increase up elevator until it gently touches
down. Once the model is on the runway and has lost flying
speed, hold up elevator to place the tail on the ground,
regaining tail wheel control.
One final note about flying your model. Have a goal or flight
plan in mind for every flight. This can be learning a new
maneuver(s), improving a maneuver(s) you already know,
practicing a competition sequence, 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
finding that you’ve run out of time, altitude or airspeed. Every
maneuver should be deliberate, not impulsive. For example, if
you’re going to try your first blender, check your altitude, mind
the wind direction, remind yourself of the proper procedure to
exit, and make certain you are on the desired rates (high/low
rates). A flight 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 fly in a safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!
Landing
Flight
Takeoff
CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES): If,
while flying, you notice an alarming or unusual sound such as
a low-pitched “buzz,” this may indicate control surface
flutter.
Flutter occurs when a control surface (such as an aileron or
elevator) or a flying surface (such as a wing or stab) rapidly
vibrates up and down (thus causing the noise). In extreme
cases, if not detected immediately, flutter can actually cause
the control surface to detach or the flying surface to fail, thus
causing loss of control followed by an impending crash. The
best thing to do when flutter is detected is to slow the model
immediately by reducing power, then land as soon as safely
possible. Identify which surface fluttered (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 fluttered once, under
similar circumstances it will probably flutter again unless the
problem is fixed. Some things which can cause flutter are;
Excessive hinge gap; Not mounting control horns solidly; Poor
fit of clevis pin in horn; Side-play of wire pushrods caused by
large bends; Excessive free play in servo gears; Insecure
servo mounting; and one of the most prevalent causes of
flutter; Flying an over-powered model at excessive speeds.
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