Great Planes Spitfire 40 Kit - GPMA0179 - Manual (Page 36)

Whenever you go to the flying field, check the operational range
of the radio before the first flight of the day. First, make sure no
one else is on your frequency (channel). With your transmitter
antenna collapsed and the receiver and transmitter on, you
should be able to walk at least 100 feet away from the model
and still have control. While you work the controls have a helper
stand by your model and tell you what the control surfaces are
doing.
Repeat this test with the engine running at various speeds
with a helper holding the model. If the control surfaces are not
always responding correctly,
do not fly! Find and correct the
problem first. Look for loose servo connections or corrosion,
loose bolts that may cause vibration, a defective on/off switch,
low battery voltage or a defective cell, a damaged receiver
antenna, or a receiver crystal that may have been damaged
from a previous crash.
Note: Failure to follow these safety precautions may result
in severe injury to yourself and others.
Keep all engine fuel in a safe place, away from high heat,
sparks or flames, as fuel is very flammable. Do not smoke near
the engine or fuel. Remember that the engine exhaust gives off
a great deal of deadly carbon monoxide.
Do not run the
engine in a closed room or garage.
Get help from an experienced pilot when learning to operate
engines.
Use safety glasses when starting or running engines.
Do not run the engine in an area of loose gravel or sand; the
propeller may throw such material in your face or eyes.
Keep your face and body as well as all spectators away from the
plane of rotation of the propeller as you start and run the engine.
Keep ALL items away from the prop, including: radio neck
straps, loose clothing, shirt sleeves, ties, scarfs, long hair or
loose objects such as pencils, screwdrivers that may fall out of
shirt or jacket pockets into the prop.
When using a “chicken stick” or electric starter; follow the
instructions supplied with the starter or stick. Make certain the
glow plug clip or connector is secure so that it will not pop off or
otherwise get into the running propeller.
Make all engine adjustments from behind the rotating
propeller.
The engine gets hot! Do not touch it during or after operation.
Make sure fuel lines are in good condition so fuel will not leak
onto a hot engine causing a fire.
To stop the engine, cut off the fuel supply by closing off the fuel
line or follow the engine manufacturer’s recommendations. Do not
use hands, fingers or any body part to try to stop the engine. Do
not throw anything into the prop of a running engine.
Read and abide by the following Academy of Model
Aeronautics Official Safety Code:
General
1. I will not fly my model aircraft in sanctioned events, air shows,
or model flying demonstrations until it has been proven to be
airworthy by having been previously successfully flight tested.
2. I will not fly my model aircraft higher than approximately 400
feet within 3 miles of an airport without notifying the airport
operator. I will give right of way to, and avoid flying in the
proximity of full-scale aircraft. Where necessary an observer
shall be used to supervise flying to avoid having models fly in
the proximity of full-scale aircraft.
3. Where established, I will abide by the safety rules for the
flying site I use, and I will not willfully and deliberately fly my
models in a careless, reckless and/or dangerous manner.
7. I will not fly my model unless it is identified with my name and
address or AMA number, on or in the model.
9. I will not operate models with pyrotechnics (any device that
explodes, burns, or propels a projectile of any kind).
Radio Control
1. I will have completed a successful radio equipment ground
check before the first flight of a new or repaired model.
2. I will not fly my model aircraft in the presence of spectators
until I become a qualified flier, unless assisted by an
experienced helper.
3. I will perform my initial turn after takeoff away from the pit or
spectator areas, and I will not thereafter fly over pit or spectator
areas, unless beyond my control.
4. I will operate my model using only radio control frequencies
currently allowed by the Federal Communications Commission.
CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES): If, while flying,
you notice any unusual sounds, such as a low-pitched “buzz,” this
may indicate control surface “flutter.” Because flutter can quickly
destroy components of the airplane, any time you detect flutter you
must
immediately cut the throttle and land the airplane! Check all
servo grommets for deterioration (this may indicate which surface
fluttered), and make sure all pushrod linkages are slop-free. If it
fluttered once, it will probably flutter again under similar
circumstances unless you can eliminate the slop or flexing in the
linkages. Here are some things which can result in flutter: Excessive
hinge gap; Not mounting control horns solidly; Sloppy fit of clevis pin
in horn; Elasticity present in flexible plastic pushrods; Side-play of
pushrod in guide tube caused by tight bends; Sloppy fit of Z-bend in
servo arm; Insufficient glue used when gluing in the elevator joiner
wire or aileron torque rod; Excessive flexing of aileron, caused by
using too soft balsa; Excessive “play” or “backlash” in servo gears;
and Insecure servo mounting.
FLYING
AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpt)
Engine Safety Precautions
Range Check Your Radio
36