Top Flite TOPA0220 - Manual (Page 49)

❏ 1. Fuelproof all areas exposed to fuel or exhaust
residue such as the firewall/engine compartment,
fuel tank compartment, wing saddle area, trailing
edge of the wing and the flap area and wheel wells
(if your model has flaps and retracts), etc.
❏ 2. Check the C.G. according to the measurements
provided in the manual.
❏ 3. Secure the battery and receiver with a strip of
balsa or plywood. Simply stuffing them into place
with foam rubber is not sufficient.
❏ 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. Secure critical fasteners with thread locking
compound (the screws that hold the carburetor
arms, set screws on wheel collars, screw-lock
pushrod connectors).
❏ 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 (control horns, hatches, etc,).
❏ 10. Confirm 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.
❏
12. Fasten all servo arms to the servos with the
screws included with your radio.
❏ 13. 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 or heat shrink tubing.
❏ 14. Make sure any servo extension cords you may
have used do not interfere with other systems (servo
arms, landing gear, pushrods, etc.).
❏ 15. Make sure your fuel lines and pressure line are
properly connected and are not kinked.
❏ 16. Use an incidence meter to check the wing for
twists and correct before flying.
❏ 17. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
❏
18. Tighten the propeller nuts.
❏
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 this
before your first flight.
❏ 22. Range check your radio when you get to the
flying field.
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 learn
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
their 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 engine and operate the controls.
C C C C H H H H E E E E C C C C K K K K L L L L II II S S S S T T T T
During the last few moments of preparation your
mind may be elsewhere anticipating the
excitement of your first flight. Because of this, you
may be more likely to overlook certain checks
and procedures that should be performed after
your model is built. To help avoid this, we’ve
provided a checklist to make sure you don’t
overlook these important areas. 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 you
complete them (that’s why we call it a check list!).
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