Great Planes Sequence F3A EP ARF - GPMA1575 - Manual (Page 21)

21
This is where your model should balance for the fi rst
fl ights. Later, you may wish to experiment by shifting the
C.G. up to 5/8" [16mm] forward or 3/8" [9.5mm] back to
change the fl ying characteristics. Moving the C.G. forward
may improve the smoothness and stability, but the model
may then require more speed for takeoff and make it more
diffi cult to slow for landing. Moving the C.G. aft makes
the model more maneuverable, but could also cause it to
become too diffi cult to control. In any case, start at the
recommended balance point and do not at any time
balance the model outside the specifi ed range.
❏
2. With the wing attached to the fuselage, and all parts
of the model installed (ready to fl y), place the model upside-
down on a Great Planes CG Machine, or lift it upside-down
at the balance point you marked.
❏
3. If the tail drops, the model is “tail heavy” and the battery
pack and/or receiver must be shifted forward or weight must
be added to the nose to balance. If the nose drops, the
model is “nose heavy” and the battery pack and/or receiver
must be shifted aft or weight must be added to the tail to
balance. (See the Aft Tail Servo Installation section on
page 16.) If possible, relocate the battery pack and receiver
to minimize or eliminate any additional ballast required. If
additional weight is required, nose weight may be easily
added by using a “spinner weight” (GPMQ4645 for the 1 oz.
[28g] weight, or GPMQ4646 for the 2 oz. [57g] weight). If
spinner weight is not practical or is not enough, use Great
Planes (GPMQ4485) “stick-on” lead. A good place to add
stick-on nose weight is to the fi rewall (don’t attach weight
to the cowl—it is not intended to support weight). Begin by
placing incrementally increasing amounts of weight on the
bottom of the fuse over the fi rewall until the model balances.
Once you have determined the amount of weight required,
it can be permanently attached. If required, tail weight may
be added by cutting open the bottom of the fuse and gluing
it permanently inside.
Note: Do not rely upon the adhesive on the back of the
lead weight to permanently hold it in place. Over time, the
adhesive may fail and cause the weight to fall off. Use #2
sheet metal screws, RTV silicone or epoxy to permanently
hold the weight in place.
❏
4. IMPORTANT: If you found it necessary to add any weight,
recheck the C.G. after the weight has been installed.
Balance the Model Laterally
❏
1. With the wing level, have an assistant help you lift the
model by the motor propeller shaft and the bottom of the
fuse under the TE of the fi n. Do this several times.
❏
2. If one wing always drops when you lift the model, it means
that side is heavy. Balance the airplane by adding weight to the
other wing tip. An airplane that has been laterally balanced
will track better in loops and other maneuvers.
PREFLIGHT
Identify Your Model
No matter if you fly at an AMA sanctioned R/C club site
or if you fly somewhere on your own, you should always
have your name, address, telephone number and AMA
number on or inside your model. It is required at all AMA
R/C club flying sites and AMA sanctioned flying events.
Fill out the identification tag on page 24 and place it on
or inside your model.
Charge the Batteries
Follow the battery charging instructions that came with
your radio control system to charge the batteries. You
should always charge your transmitter battery the night
before you go fl ying, and at other times as recommended
by the radio manufacturer.
CAUTION: Unless the instructions that came with your
radio system state differently, the initial charge on new
transmitter batteries should be done for 15 hours using
the slow-charger that came with the radio system.
This will “condition” the batteries so that the next charge
may be done using the fast-charger of your choice. If the
initial charge is done with a fast-charger the batteries may
not reach their full capacity and you may be fl ying with
batteries that are only partially charged.
Balance Propellers
Carefully balance your propeller and spare propellers
before you fl y. An unbalanced prop can be the single most
signifi cant cause of vibration that can damage your model.