Top Flite TOPA0704 - Manual (Page 44)

44
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18. Cycle your receiver battery pack (if necessary)
and make sure it is fully charged.
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19. If you wish to photograph your model, do so
before your fi rst fl ight.
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20. Range check your radio when you get to the
fl ying fi eld.
FLYING
IMPORTANT!!! The Corsair is a great-fl ying model that
fl ies smoothly and predictably. The Corsair does not,
however, possess the self-recovery characteristics
of a primary R/C trainer and should be fl own only by
experienced R/C pilots.
FUEL MIXTURE ADJUSTMENTS
A fully cowled engine may run at a higher temperature
than an un-cowled engine. For this reason, the fuel
mixture should be richened so the engine runs at about
200 rpm below peak speed. By running the engine
slightly rich, you will help prevent dead-stick landings
caused by overheating.
CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES):
If, while fl ying, you notice an alarming or unusual
sound such as a low-pitched “buzz,” this may indicate
control surface
fl utter. Flutter occurs when a control
surface (such as an aileron or elevator) or a fl ying
surface (such as a wing or stab) rapidly vibrates up
and down (thus causing the noise). In extreme cases,
if not detected immediately, fl utter can actually cause
the control surface to detach or the fl ying surface
to fail, thus causing loss of control followed by an
impending crash. The best thing to do when fl utter
is detected is to slow the model
immediately by
reducing power, then land as soon as safely possible.
Identify which surface fl uttered (so the problem may
be resolved) by checking all the servo grommets
for deterioration or signs of vibration. Make certain
all pushrod linkages are secure and free of play. If
it fl uttered once, under similar circumstances it will
probably fl utter again unless the problem is fi xed.
Some things which can cause fl utter are; Excessive
hinge gap; Not mounting control horns solidly; Poor
fi t of clevis pin in horn; Side-play of wire pushrods
caused by large bends; Excessive free play in servo
gears; Insecure servo mounting; and one of the most
prevalent causes of fl utter; Flying an over-powered
model at excessive speeds.
TAKEOFF
Before you get ready to 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 calm your nerves before the maiden fl ight,
shut the engine down and bring the model back into
the pits. Top off the fuel, then check all fasteners and
control linkages for peace of mind.
Remember to takeoff into the wind. When you’re ready,
point the model straight down the runway, hold a bit of
up elevator to keep the tail on the ground to maintain tail
wheel steering, then gradually advance the throttle. As
the model gains speed decrease up elevator allowing the
tail to come off the ground. One of the most important
things to remember with a tail dragger is to always be
ready to apply
right rudder to counteract engine torque.
Gain as much speed as your runway and fl ying site will
practically allow before gently applying up elevator, lifting
the model into the air. At this moment it is likely that
you will need to apply more right rudder to counteract
engine torque. Be smooth on the elevator stick, allowing
the model to establish a
gentle climb to a safe altitude
before turning into the traffi c pattern.
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.
The Corsair has a great presence in the air and is fully
capable of all prototypical maneuvers that the full size
Corsair could do. Rolls, point rolls, wingovers and large
loops all look great and of course a low fl y by always
grabs the attention of those watching.
Take it easy with the Corsair 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. Deploy the fl aps to see how they affect the
plane, following the comments in the
LANDING section.
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
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. Continue to
lose altitude, but maintain airspeed by keeping the nose