Top Flite TOPA0950 - Manual (Page 30)

30
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.
Take it easy with the P-51 Mustang ARF 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. Also, at slower speeds, lower the
fl aps and note any trim change. 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 and
fl aps 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. 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.
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!
Make a copy of this identifi cation tag and put it
on or inside your model.