Great Planes Ultimate 3D E-Performance ARF - GPMA1546 - Manual (Page 26)

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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 Ultimate Biplane onto the runway pointed into the wind.
Slowly advance the throttle stick to half throttle leaving
the elevator in the neutral position. 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 Ultimate, 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 Ultimate
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 Ultimate hold the plane by the
fuselage just in front of the canopy. Throttle up to full power,
and have your helper give the plane a gentle underhanded
toss at about 30-degree 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 Ultimate Biplane EP ARF 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 with plenty of battery charge, 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 your batteries, 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.
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),
remember to throttle back at the top, and make certain you
are on the desired rates (high/low rates). A fl ight plan greatly
reduces the chances of crashing your model just because of
poor planning and impulsive moves. Remember to think.
Have a ball!
But always stay in control and fl y in a safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!