Top Flite TOPA0950 - Manual (Page 29)

29
CHECK LIST
During the last few moments of preparation your mind
may be elsewhere anticipating the excitement of the
fi rst fl ight. Because of this, you may be more likely to
overlook certain checks and procedures that should
be performed before the model is fl own. To help
avoid this, a check list is provided to make sure these
important areas are not overlooked. Many are covered
in the instruction manual, so where appropriate, refer
to the manual for complete instructions. Be sure to
check the items off as they are completed.
❏
1. Fuelproof all areas exposed to fuel or exhaust
residue such as the cowl mounting blocks,
wing saddle area, etc.
❏
2. Check the C.G. according to the measurements
provided in the manual.
❏
3. Be certain the battery and receiver are securely
mounted in the fuselage. Simply stuffi ng them
into place with foam rubber is not suffi cient.
❏
4. Extend your receiver antenna and make sure
it has a strain relief inside the fuselage to keep
tension off the solder joint inside the receiver.
❏
5. Balance your model laterally as explained in
the instructions.
❏
6. Use threadlocking compound to secure critical
fasteners such as the set screws that hold the
wheel axles to the struts, screws that hold
the carburetor arm (if applicable), screw-lock
pushrod connectors, etc.
❏
7. Add a drop of oil to the axles so the wheels will
turn freely.
❏
8. Make sure all hinges are securely glued in place.
❏
9. Reinforce holes for wood screws with thin CA
where appropriate (servo mounting screws,
cowl mounting screws, etc.).
❏
10. Confi rm that all controls operate in the correct
direction and the throws are set up according
to the manual.
❏
11. Make sure there are silicone retainers on all the
clevises and that all servo arms are secured
to the servos with the screws included with
your radio.
❏
12. Secure connections between servo wires and
Y-connectors or servo extensions, and the
connection between your battery pack and the
on/off switch with vinyl tape, heat shrink tubing
or special clips suitable for that purpose.
❏
13. Make sure any servo extension cords you may
have used do not interfere with other systems
(servo arms, pushrods, etc.).
❏
14. Secure the pressure tap (if used) to the muffl er
with high temp RTV silicone, threadlocking
compound or J.B. Weld.
❏
15. Make sure the fuel lines are connected and
are not kinked.
❏
16. Use an incidence meter to check the wing for
twists and attempt to correct before fl ying.
❏
17. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
❏
18. Tighten the propeller nut and spinner.
❏
19. Place your name, address, AMA number and
telephone number on or inside your model.
❏
20. Cycle your receiver battery pack (if necessary)
and make sure it is fully charged.
❏
21. If you wish to photograph your model, do so
before your fi rst fl ight.
❏
22. Range check your radio when you get to the
fl ying fi eld.
FLYING
The P-51 Mustang ARF is a great-fl ying model that
fl ies smoothly and predictably. The P-51 Mustang
ARF 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