Great Planes Seawind .60-.91 ARF - GPMA1360 - Manual (Page 25)

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18. Place your name, address, AMA number and
telephone number on or inside your model.
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19. Cycle your receiver battery pack (if necessary) and
make sure it is fully charged.
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20. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before
your first flight.
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21. Range check your radio when you get to the
flying field.
The Seawind ARF is a great-flying model that flies smoothly
and predictably. The Seawind 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.
A fully cowled engine may run at a higher temperature than an
un-cowled engine. For this reason, the fuel mixture should be
richened so the engine runs at about 200 RPM below peak
speed. By running the engine slightly rich, you will help
prevent dead-stick landings caused by overheating.
The Seawind ARF takes off from the ground similar to any
other tricycle landing gear airplane. It is recommended that no
flaps be used during take off until the pilot becomes familiar
with how the plane handles with flaps.
Before the model is ready for takeoff, it must first be set up to
roll straight down the runway. With the engine running at a low
idle, place the plane on the runway and, if your flying field
permits, stand behind the model. Advance the throttle just
enough to allow the model to roll. If the model does not roll
straight down the runway, shut the engine off and adjust the
nose gear pushrod as necessary. Do not use the rudder trim
to correct the nose wheel because this will also affect the
rudder. Note: Crosswinds may affect the direction the model
rolls, so this test should be done in calm conditions, or with the
model facing directly into the wind.
If possible, takeoff directly into the wind. If you are an
experienced pilot, taking off in a crosswind is permissible (and
sometimes necessary–depending upon the prevailing wind
conditions and runway heading).Taking off into the wind will
help the model roll straight and also reduces ground speed for
takeoff. Taxi the model onto the runway or have an assistant
carry it out and set it down, pointing down the runway into the
wind. When ready, gradually advance the throttle while
simultaneously using the left stick (rudder/nose wheel) to
steer the model. Gain as much speed as the runway and flying
site will practically allow before gently applying up elevator,
lifting the model into the air. Be ready to make immediate
corrections with the ailerons to keep the wings level, and be
smooth on the elevator stick, allowing the model to establish a
gentle climb to a safe altitude before making the first turn
(away from yourself). Do not “yank” back the elevator stick,
forcing the plane into too steep of a climb which could cause
the model to quit flying and stall.
Do a few taxi runs on the water before attempting to take off.
Get used to how the model handles in water. As you use the
water rudder to turn, you will notice that the Seawind ARF has
a tendency to dip a wing tip float. This is normal as the CG of
the airplane causes the airplane to shift balance on the main
hull. It is possible that at low speeds part of the wing might
also dip slightly under water. This is the reason all the wing tips
and servo bays need to be sealed.
As you get ready to take off, align the airplane into the wind
and then add throttle slowly. Concentrate on keeping the
wings level using the ailerons while controlling heading with
the rudder. The model should get up on the step within 50 feet.
Let the plane pick up speed and gently pull up on the elevator
to take off. The take off run length will vary depending on the
engine used. If the water is perfectly calm, add about 1/2 flaps
Taking Off from the Water
Taking Off from the Ground
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.
Fuel Mixture Adjustments
FLYING
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