Great Planes Patriot XL Kit - GPMA0450 - Manual (Page 44)

The Great Planes Patriot XL is a great-flying model that flies
smoothly and predictably. The Great Planes Patriot XL does
not, however, possess the self-recovery characteristics of a
primary R/C trainer and should be flown only by
experienced R/C pilots.
Before you get ready to take off, see how the model handles
on the ground by doing a few practice runs at low speeds
on 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 take off into the wind. 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 Patriot XL 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.
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, 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 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 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.
FLYING
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