Top Flite TOPA0130 - Manual (Page 51)

the tail to come up. Depending on the surface
you are flying from, you will need to apply very
little to no up elevator until flying speed is
obtained. Don't hold the tail on the ground with
too much up elevator, as the Texan will become
airborne prematurely and will possibly stall.
When the plane has sufficient flying speed, lift
off by smoothly applying up elevator (don't "jerk"
it off to a steep climb!), and climb out gradually.
Do not use flaps for your initial takeoff. After you
have the feel of the Texan, takeoffs may be
made with the flaps set at 50%.
1.20 4-STROKE
NOTE: If you have installed a 1.20 4-stroke
engine, throttle management on takeoff and
throughout the flight is a must! Your first few
flights should be made using slightly more than
half throttle for takeoff. Allow the tail to come up,
then lift off when sufficient speed has been
obtained. Apply power gradually until you
become familiar with the Texans flight
characteristics. Avoid “Power Diving” when
using a 1.20 engine.
FLYING: We recommend that you take it easy
with your Texan for the first several flights,
gradually "getting acquainted" with this realistic
warbird as your engine gets fully broken-in. Add
and practice one maneuver at a time, learning
how she behaves in each. For ultra-smooth
flying and normal maneuvers, we recommend
using the "low rate" settings as listed on page
47. "High rate" elevator may be required for
crisp snap rolls and spins. "High rate" rudder is
best for knife edge. Speed is the key to good
knife-edge performance. With a 1.20 engine
installed, the Texan really scoots along, so good
throttle management should be used when
performing high "G" diving maneuvers such as
split-S and loops.
CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C
AIRPLANES): If, while flying, you notice any
unusual sounds, such as a low-pitched "buzz,"
this may be an indication of control surface
"flutter." Because flutter can quickly destroy
components of your airplane, any time you
detect flutter you must immediately cut the
throttle and land the airplane! Check all servo
grommets for deterioration (this will indicate
which surface fluttered), and make sure all
pushrod linkages are slop-free. If it fluttered
once, it probably will flutter again under similar
circumstances unless you can eliminate the
slop or flexing in the linkages. Here are some
things which can result in flutter: excessive
hinge gap; not mounting control horns solidly;
sloppy fit of clevis pin in horn; elasticity present
in flexible plastic pushrods; side-play of pushrod
in guide tube caused by tight bends; sloppy fit
of Z-bend in servo arm; insufficient glue used
when gluing in the elevator joiner wire or aileron
torque rod; excessive flexing of aileron, caused
by using too soft balsa aileron; excessive "play"
or "backlash" in servo gears; and insecure
servo mounting.
LANDING: When it's time to land, fly a normal
landing pattern and approach. The Texan will
probably bleed off airspeed more rapidly than
the spor t planes you are used to. For this
reason, keep a few clicks of power on until you
are over the runway threshold. For your first
landings, plan to land slightly faster than stall
speed and on the main wheels, as this is the
easiest way to land your AT-6. Later, with a little
technique, you will find you can make slow, 3-
point landings.
Full flaps make the Texan very steady in
the landing pattern, but just carry a little extra
power to make up for the extra drag. The extra
drag of the flaps also allows you to make
shorter, steeper approaches. Touch and go's
and go-arounds can be accomplished with full
flaps, but be ready to use a little more up
elevator so have your "high rates" on. It is
preferred to have the flaps up or at half setting
for takeoffs and climb-outs because the plane
will accelerate and climb much better.
Have a ball! But always stay in
control and fly in a safe manner.
If you enjoyed building the Top Flite AT-6 Texan,
try one of these other outstanding .60 size Gold
Edition kits as your next project.
(TOPA0120) Top Flite P-40E Warhawk
64" Wingspan, 8 - 10.5 lb.
(TOPA0110) Top Flite P-51D Mustang
65" Wingspan, 8 - 10 lb.
(TOPA0100) Top Flite F4U Corsair
62" Wingspan, 7 - 9.5 lb.
51