Top Flite TOPA0712 - Manual (Page 38)

38
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
Zero 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!
The Zero is a very solid fl ying airplane. It will perform all
of the typical maneuvers a WWII fi ghter was capable of.
Loops, rolls and hammerheads are performed as you
would expect. With the landing gear retracted, there
is nothing more impressive than a high speed fl y by
to show off the airplane to all of those watching. The
airplane has a wide fl ight envelope. When the landing
gear is retracted and the throttle fully open the airplane
is fast. With the fl aps deployed the airplane fl ies very
slow, yet remains stable. 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 with the fl aps deployed, fl ying at slower speeds.
LANDING
To initiate a landing approach, put the gear down, and
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 down as you turn onto
the crosswind leg. In the crosswind leg deploy the
fl aps. 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.
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.
Raise the landing gear.
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 Zero 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. Mind your fuel level, but
use this fi rst fl ight to become familiar with your model
before landing.
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