Top Flite TOPA0145 - Manual (Page 44)

We use a Top Flite Precision Magnetic Prop
Balancer (TOPQ5700) in the workshop and keep a
Great Planes Fingertip Prop Balancer (GPMQ5000)
in our flight box.
Ground check your model
If you are not thoroughly familiar with the operation
of R/C models, ask an experienced modeler to
inspect your radio installation and control surface
set-up. Follow the engine manufacturer's instructions
to break-in your engine. After you run the engine on
your model, inspect your model closely to make sure
all screws remain tight and your pushrods and
connectors are secure.
Range check your radio
Ground check the range of your radio before the first
flight of the day. With the transmitter antenna
collapsed and the receiver and transmitter on, you
should be able to walk at least 100 feet away from
the model and still have control. Have an assistant
stand by your model and, while you work the
controls, tell you what the control surfaces are doing.
Repeat this test with the engines running at various
speeds with an assistant holding the model, using
hand signals to show you what is happening. If the
control surfaces do not respond correctly, do not fly!
Find and correct the problem first. Look for loose
servo connections or broken wires, corroded wires
on old servo connectors, poor solder joints in your
battery pack or a defective cell in your battery pack,
or a damaged receiver crystal from a previous crash.
ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
NOTE: Failure to follow these safety precautions
may result in severe injury to yourself and others.
Store model fuel in a safe place away from high heat,
sparks or flames. Do not smoke near the engine or
fuel as it is very flammable. Engine exhaust gives off
a great deal of deadly carbon monoxide so do not
run the engine in a closed room or garage.
Get help from an experienced pilot when you are
learning to operate engines.
Use safety glasses when you operate model engines.
Do not run the engine near loose gravel or sand; the
propeller may throw loose material in your face or eyes.
When you start and run the engine, keep your face
and body as well as all spectators away from the
plane of rotation of the propeller.
Always be aware and very conscious of hand
movements and be deliberate in your reach for the
needle valve, glow plug clip, or other items near a
spinning propeller.
Keep loose clothing, shirt sleeves, ties, scarfs, long
hair or loose objects away from the prop. Be
conscious of pencils, screw drivers or other objects
that may fall out of your shirt or jacket pockets.
Use a chicken stick or electric starter and follow the
instructions to start your engine.
Make certain the glow plug clip or connector is
secure so that it will not pop off or get into the
running propeller.
Ask an assistant to hold the model from the rear
while you start the engines and operate the controls.
Make all engine adjustments from behind the
rotating propeller.
The engine gets hot! Do not touch the engine during
or immediately after you operate it. Make sure fuel
lines are in good condition so fuel will not leak onto
a hot engine and cause a fire.
To stop the engine, close the carburetor barrel (rotor)
or pinch the fuel line to discontinue the fuel flow. Do
not use your hands, fingers or any body part to stop
the engine. Never throw anything into the prop of a
running engine.
AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts)
Read and abide by the following Academy of Model
Aeronautics Official Safety Code:
GENERAL
1. I will not fly my model aircraft in sanctioned
events, air shows, or model flying demonstrations
until it has been proven to be airworthy by having
been previously successfully flight tested.
2. I will not fly my model aircraft higher than
approximately 400 feet [120m] within 3 miles [4.8km]
of an airport without notifying the airport operator. I
will give right of way to and avoid flying in the
proximity of full scale aircraft. Where necessary an
observer shall be used to supervise flying to avoid
having models fly in the proximity of full scale aircraft.
3. Where established, I will abide by the safety rules
for the flying site I use and I will not willfully and
deliberately fly my models in a careless, reckless
and/or dangerous manner.
4. I will not fly my model unless it is identified with my
name and address or AMA number, on or in the model.
5. I will not operate models with pyrotechnics (any
device that explodes, burns, or propels a projectile of
any kind).
RADIO CONTROL
1. I will have completed a successful radio
equipment ground check before the first flight of a
new or repaired model.
2. I will not fly my model aircraft in the presence of
spectators until I become a qualified flier, unless
assisted by an experienced helper.
3. I will perform my initial turn after takeoff away from
the pit or spectator areas and I will not thereafter fly
over pit or spectator areas, unless beyond my control.
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