Great Planes RV-4 Park Flyer Kit - GPMA0010 - Manual (Page 37)

the model has climbed to a safe altitude reduce the throttle
slightly to slow the model, yet maintain altitude. The RV-4
Park Flyer should fly well and maintain adequate airspeed
at about 1/2 to 3/4 throttle.
Adjust the elevator trim so the model flies level at the throttle
setting you are using. Adjust the aileron trim and rudder trim
to level the wings. It may take a few passes to get the trims
adjusted, but this should be your first priority once at a
comfortable altitude. Continue to fly around, executing turns
and making mental notes (or having your assistant take
notes for you) of what additional adjustments or C.G.
changes may be required to fine tune the model so it flies
the way you like.
If the RV-4 Park Flyer reaches a high enough altitude, you
may periodically cut off the motor power and glide. This may
extend the flight time by several minutes, especially if you fly
into a rising air current.
Because the RV-4 Park Flyer flies slowly, it requires little
room to land. Begin the landing approach by flying
downwind at an altitude of approximately 20 feet [6 meters].
When the airplane is approximately 50 to 100 feet [15 to 30
meters] past you, cut-off the motor power and make the
“final” 180° turn into the wind, aligning the airplane with the
runway or landing area. Do not dive the airplane, as it will
pick up too much speed. Instead, when you cut the power,
allow the airplane to establish a gradual descent.
Concentrate on keeping it heading into the wind toward the
runway. When the plane reaches an altitude of about 3 feet
[1 meter], gently apply a little “up elevator” to level the plane,
but be careful as too much up elevator will cause it to stall.
While holding a slight amount of up elevator the airplane will
slow and descend as it loses flying speed, thus touching
down on the runway.
Until you are able to accurately judge how far the RV-4 Park
Flyer can glide, it may be helpful to reserve some battery power
to run the motor so the plane can be flown back to the runway.
When speaking of small models, frequently a takeoff from the
ground is called an “ROG” (rise off ground) takeoff. Landings
on grass will be a little rough, but doing a ROG takeoff from
grass will probably not be possible with the RV-4 Park Flyer.
If planning an ROG takeoff, find a paved surface.
After you have trimmed the RV-4 Park Flyer for flight and
have become familiar with its flight characteristics, you may
execute ROG takeoffs. With the model on the runway and
pointing into the wind, gently apply power. Initially, the plane
may turn to the left or right because it has not gained
enough speed for the controls to become effective. Do your
best to get through this brief moment and maintain a
heading down the runway and into the wind. Make
corrections with the rudder to keep it rolling straight into the
wind. If the model veers too far off, cut the throttle and try
again. As the model begins to gain speed the controls will
become effective.
After the airplane has gained adequate speed (this requires
experience to gauge), gently pull back on the elevator stick
allowing the airplane to become airborne. Establish a gentle
climb the same as when you were hand-launching.
Best of luck and happy flying!
Great Planes RV-4
A natural for Sunday sport flying with a .40, the 54.65" span
RV-4 can also be an agile aerobat with a .46. Either way, it’s
a fast “build” – and a good fit – for intermediates. Precision-
formed ABS parts add detail with minimum work. Under the
butyrate canopy, the cockpit includes rollover bar and
instrument panels. Performance is realistic, too, with easy
low-speed handling and dual aileron servos. Flaps can be
added, and the nylon mount adjusts to fit a wide engine
range. Requires a 2-stroke .40 – .52 or 4-stroke .48 – .70
engine, Pitts-style muffler, 4–5 channel radio w/5–7 servos
(5 channel radio w/7 servos for optional flaps). GPMA0180
OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE FROM
GREAT PLANES
ROG (Rise off Ground) Takeoff
Landing
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