Great Planes Reactor Bipe 3D EP ARF - GPMA1580 - Manual (Page 25)

25
FLYING
Although the Reactor Bipe is an easy fl ying airplane, like
most precision aerobatic airplanes it tends to “go where it’s
pointed.” It does not possess the self-recovery characteristics
of a primary R/C trainer and should be fl own only by
experienced R/C pilots.
CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES): If,
while fl ying, you notice an alarming or unusual sound such
as a low-pitched “buzz,” this may indicate control surface
fl utter. Flutter occurs when a control surface (such as an
aileron or elevator) or a fl ying surface (such as a wing or
stab) rapidly vibrates up and down (thus causing the noise).
In extreme cases, if not detected immediately, fl utter can
actually cause the control surface to detach or the fl ying
surface to fail, thus causing loss of control followed by
an impending crash. The best thing to do when fl utter is
detected is to slow the model immediately by reducing
power, then land as soon as safely possible. Identify which
surface fl uttered (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 fl uttered once, under similar circumstances
it will probably fl utter again unless the problem is fi xed.
Some things which can cause fl utter are; Excessive hinge
gap; Not mounting control horns solidly; Poor fi t 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 fl utter:
Flying an over-powered model at excessive speeds.
Takeoff
If you have access to a smooth, paved runway, we suggest
using it to takeoff, especially for the fi rst few fl ights. Position
the Reactor Bipe onto the runway pointed into the wind.
Slowly advance the throttle stick to half throttle, pulling gently
up on the elevator. 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 accustomed to the takeoff
characteristics of the Reactor Bipe, they can be performed
quickly, only requiring fi ve to ten feet of runway until the
model is airborne.
If you do not have access to a smooth runway, the Reactor
Bipe can be hand launched. For the fi rst fl ight, 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 Bipe hold the plane by
the fuselage just behind the canopy. Throttle up to full power,
and have your helper give the plane a gentle underhanded
toss at about 30° angle upward into the wind. The high thrust
to weight ratio will allow the plane to accelerate to fl ying
speed almost instantly. Climb to a comfortable altitude and
throttle back to a lower power setting.
Flight
For reassurance and to keep an eye on other traffi c, it is a
good idea to have an assistant on the fl ight 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 fl y more smoothly at reduced speeds.
Take it easy with the Reactor Bipe for the fi rst few fl ights,
gradually getting acquainted with it as you gain confi dence.
Adjust the trims to maintain straight and level fl ight. After
fl ying around for a while, and while still at a safe altitude,
practice slow fl ight 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 fl y 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 fi ne
tune the model so it fl ies the way you like. Mind the time on
your battery pack, but use this fi rst fl ight to become familiar
with your model before landing.
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 fi nal 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 fl are 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 fl ying speed, hold up elevator to place the
tail on the ground, regaining tail wheel control.
One fi nal note about fl ying your model. Have a goal or fl ight
plan in mind for every fl ight. 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 fi nding 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),