Great Planes Venus II 60 ARF - GPMA1027 - Manual (Page 28)

Before takeoff, see how the model handles on the ground by
doing a few practice runs at low speeds on the runway. Hold
“up” elevator to keep the tail wheel on the ground. If
necessary, adjust the tail wheel so the model will roll straight
down the runway. If you need to relax before the maiden
flight, turn the engine off and bring the model back into the
pits. Top off the fuel, then check all fasteners and control
linkages for peace of mind.
The Venus II is a stable, honest flier (as any pattern-type
plane should be). Takeoff is straightforward—just remember
to hold a bit of down elevator until she gets up-to-speed to
keep the tail on the ground. Get ready to apply a little right
rudder when the model rotates and lifts into the air.
Otherwise, be smooth on the controls and make a gentle
climbout to a safe altitude before making the first turn.
For reassurance and to keep an eye on other traffic, it is a
good idea to have an assistant on the flight line with you. If
a bit more time is needed to think and react, throttle back
once you get to a comfortable altitude—full throttle is usually
desirable for takeoff, but the Venus will fly well at reduced
speeds too.
Take it easy with the Venus for the first few flights, gradually
getting acquainted with it as you gain confidence. Adjust the
trims to maintain straight-and-level flight. After flying around
for a while, and while still at a safe altitude with plenty of fuel,
practice slow flight and execute a few stalls to see how the
model handles. Add power to see how she climbs as well.
Continue to fly 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 fine
tune the model so it flies the way you like. Mind your fuel
level, but use this first flight to become familiar with your
model before landing.
The same as takeoff, landing is routine and straightforward.
Cut the throttle (to idle) on the downwind leg, allow the nose
to pitch downward, bleed off altitude and maintain airspeed,
then make the final turn toward the runway. Level the plane
when it reaches the threshold modulating the throttle as
necessary to hold your glide path and airspeed. 3-point
landings are done with ease—just continue to increase up
elevator allowing the model to stall at the same time the
main gear touches. Once the model is on the runway, hold
up elevator to keep the tail wheel on the ground.
One final note about flying your model. Have a goal or flight
plan in mind for every flight. 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 finding 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 flight 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 fly in a safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!
Landing
Flight
Takeoff
28