Great Planes Reactor 3D EP ARF - GPMA1540 - Manual (Page 22)

❏
1. Check the C.G. according to the measurements
provided in the manual.
❏
2. Be certain the battery and receiver are securely
mounted in the fuse. Simply stuffing them into place
with foam rubber is not sufficient.
❏
3. 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.
❏
4. Balance your model laterally as explained in
the instructions.
❏
5. Add a drop of oil to the axles so the wheels will turn freely.
❏
6. Make sure all hinges are securely glued in place.
❏
7. Confirm that all controls operate in the correct direction
and the throws are set up according to the manual.
❏
8. Make sure that all servo arms are secured to the
servos with the screws included with your radio.
❏
9. 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.
❏
10. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
❏
11. Tighten the propeller nut and spinner.
❏
12. Place your name, address, AMA number and
telephone number on or inside your model.
❏
13. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before
your first flight.
❏
14. Range check your radio when you get to the flying field.
The Reactor 3D EP ARF is a great-flying model that flies
smoothly and predictably. The Reactor 3D EP ARF does not,
however, possess the self-recovery characteristics of a
primary R/C trainer and should be flown only by experienced
R/C pilots.
If you have access to a smooth, paved runway, we suggest
using it to takeoff, especially for the first few flights. Position
the Reactor 3D EP ARF onto the runway pointed into the
wind. Slowly advance the throttle stick to half throttle leaving
the elevator in the neutral position. As the tail rises off the
ground, slowly increase throttle and apply a bit of up
elevator to lift the model into the air.
As you become
accustom to the takeoff characteristics of the Reactor, they
can be performed quickly only requiring five to ten feet of
runway until the model is airborne.
If you do not have access to a smooth runway, the Reactor
3D EP ARF can be hand launched. For the first flight, it is a
good idea to have someone launch the airplane for you. This
allows you to keep your hands on the radio sticks and correct
any trim problems that are present.
Have the person launching the Reactor 3D EP ARF hold the
plane by the fuselage just below the canopy. Throttle up to full
power, and have your helper give the plane a gentle
underhanded toss at about a 30° angle upward into the wind.
The high thrust to weight ratio will allow the plane to accelerate
to flying speed almost instantly. Climb to a comfortable altitude
and throttle back to a lower power setting.
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
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.
CHECK LIST
22