Top Flite TOPA0965 - Manual (Page 32)

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 AT-6 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 fuel, 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. Prior to landing you may want to
experiment with the use of the fl aps and fl ying at slow
speeds. Mind your fuel level, 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. Deploy
the fl aps. A small amount of ballooning will occur but
the plane should begin to settle as you lose speed.
We found that mixing in 2 degrees of down elevator
minimized this tendency. You may wish to experiment
with a fl ap to elevator mix. When deploying the fl aps
do not allow the plane to pitch up and stall. Make
elevator corrections as needed to maintain a steady
descent. (Note: Flaps are not required for landing but
they will substantially reduce the landing speed. We
recommend the use of fl aps for the AT-6.) 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
decrease the engine and touch down level on the
main wheels. The tail will settle on the runway as you
begin to lose speed. Once the model is on the runway
and has lost fl ying speed, hold up elevator to place
the tail on the ground, regaining tail wheel control.
From our experience, this plane lands best if you do
a two point landing on the main wheels rather than
trying to fl are to a three point landing. Raise the fl aps
before taxiing back.
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!