Top Flite TOPA0905 - Manual (Page 43)

Flight
For reassurance and to keep an eye on other traffic,
it is a good idea to have an assistant on the flight 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
fly more smoothly at reduced speeds.
Take it easy with the Staggerwing for the first few
flights, gradually getting acquainted with it as you
gain confidence. Adjust the trims to maintain straight
and level flight. After flying around for a while, and
while still at a safe altitude with plenty of fuel,
practice slow flight 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 fly 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 fine
tune the model so it flies the way you like. Prior to
landing you may want to experiment with the use of
the flaps and flying at slow speeds. Mind your fuel
level, but use this first flight to become familiar with
your model before landing.
Landing
To initiate a landing approach, lower the throttle while
on the downwind leg. Allow the nose of the model to
pitch downward to gradually bleed off altitude.
Deploy the flaps. A small amount of ballooning will
occur but the plane should begin to settle as you lose
speed. (We found that mixing in 2 degrees of down
elevator minimized this tendency. You may wish to
experiment with a flap to elevator mix). When
deploying the flaps do not allow the plane to pitch up
and stall. Make elevator corrections as needed to
maintain a steady descent.
(Note: Flaps are not
required for landing but they will substantially reduce
the landing speed. We recommend the use of flaps
for the Staggerwing.) Continue to lose altitude, but
maintain airspeed by keeping the nose down as you
turn onto the crosswind leg. Make your final 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 decrease
the engine and touch down level on the main wheels.
The tail will settle on the runway as you begin to lose
speed. Once the model is on the runway and has lost
flying speed, hold up elevator to place the tail on the
ground, regaining tail wheel control. From our
experience, this plane lands best if you do a two
point landing on the main wheels rather than trying to
flare to a three point landing.
One final note about flying your model. Have a goal or
flight plan in mind for every flight. 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 finding 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 flight 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 fly in
a safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!
ITEMS AVAILABLE FOR YOUR
STAGGERWING
Futaba ® S9001 Coreless BB Servo
FUTM0075
Ideal for airplanes, sailplanes,
helis, even nitro or electric
boats, the S9001 features a
coreless motor for smooth, fast
response and a final gear with
dual ball bearings for fast transit time. It comes with
“J” connector, one attached servo horn, three extra
horns and mounting hardware. One year warranty.
Length: 1.59 in.
Width: 0.78 in.
Height: 1.42 in.
Weight: 1.69 oz.
Torque: 54.1 oz-in (4.8V); 72.2 oz-in (6V)
Transit time: 0.22 sec./60° (4.8V); 0.18 sec./60° (6V).
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