Top Flite TOPA0704 - Manual (Page 45)

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down as you turn onto the crosswind leg and deploy the
fl aps. When you deploy the fl aps expect it to balloon a
bit. It is not severe but watch for it.
(We found that if you
mix in 2 degrees of down elevator when the fl aps are
fully deployed that the ballooning was eliminated).
We
recommend you spend some time fl ying at altitude with
the fl aps deployed, fl ying at slower speeds. 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, regaining tail wheel control.
If you are not accustomed to an airplane with fl aps
you will discover that landings are slightly different.
A typical model without fl aps will generally initiate a
landing approach with a gradual reduction in altitude
so that on the fi nal approach you will be at a fairly low
altitude and will drive the airplane to the runway. The
Corsair lands best if you make your fi nal approach at
about 100 feet (30 meters) as you approach the end
of the runway. Gradually reduce your speed, and point
the nose towards the end of the runway, maintaining a
steady descent. Level the airplane about three feet (1
meter) above the runway and allow the plane to touch
down on the main gear and roll out until the tail naturally
settles onto the runway.
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!