Great Planes Yak-54 3D Indoor EP ARF - GPMA1131 - Manual (Page 19)

19
IMPORTANT: The Yak 54 3D Indoor EP ARF has been
extensively flown and tested to arrive at the throws at
which it flies best. Flying your model at these throws will
provide you with the greatest chance for successful first
flights. If, after you have become accustomed to the way
the Yak flies, you would like to change the throws to suit
your taste, that is fine. However, too much control throw
could make the model difficult to control, so remember,
“more is not always better.”
Balance the Model (C.G.)
More than any other factor, the C.G. (balance point)
can have the greatest effect on how a model flies, and
may determine whether or not your first flight will be
successful. If you value this model and wish to enjoy it for
many flights,
DO NOT OVERLOOK THIS IMPORTANT
PROCEDURE. A model that is not properly balanced
will be unstable and possibly unflyable.
At this stage the model should be in ready-to-fly condition
with all of the systems in place including the brushless motor,
landing gear, the radio system, and battery pack.
o 1. A “ +” mark has been included on the fuselage, at the
rear of the servo mounts, as a reference for balancing the
model.
The recommended C.G. is located 3/4" [19 mm] in
front of this mark.
This is where your model should balance for the first
flights. Later, you may wish to experiment by shifting
the C.G. up to
1-1/4" [32 mm] forward of the mark or
back, to the mark, to change the flying 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 difficult to slow for landing.
Moving the C.G. aft makes the model more maneuverable,
but could also cause it to become too difficult to control.
In any case,
start at the recommended balance point
and do not at any time balance the model outside the
specified range.
o 2. With all parts of the model installed (ready to fly) lift the
model upside-down at the balance point you desire.
o 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. If
possible, relocate the battery pack and receiver to minimize
or eliminate any additional ballast required.
o 4. IMPORTANT: If you found it necessary to add any
weight or move components, recheck the C.G. after the
changes have been made
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 23 (or on the decal sheet) 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 and receiver batteries the night
before you go flying, and at other times as recommended by
the radio manufacturer.