HITEC Sky Scout (KIT) - Manual (Page 15)

15
Fly high with Hitec
Section Three: Preparing Your Model for Flight
Before attempting flight ensure that your controls are set up properly and give the appropriate response to your transmitter inputs. A complete set up
guide appears at the end of this manual in Appendix B: Transmitter Control Surface Movements. If you have any questions about this consult with a
local experienced flier or your local RC Hobby Retailer or contact Hitec Customer Support.
1. Check Transmitter Inputs
It is important to set the correct control surface travels, otherwise your model will not respond to your control commands smoothly and evenly. To do
this you need to complete all the electrical connections as described in the RC system instructions.
NOTE: when we refer to a model aircraft, the terms “right” and “left” always apply to the model when viewed from above, with the nose pointing away
from the you.
ELEVATOR: Up-elevator (stick back, towards you) should be about 5 mm; down elevator (stick forward, away from you) approx. 4 mm.
RUDDER: The rudder should move 10 mm to either side of center, as measured from the widest part of the control surface.
AILERONS: The ailerons should deflect 8 mm up and 4 mm down. When you move the aileron stick to the right, the aileron on the right-hand wing
should deflect up; that on the left-hand wing down. If your radio control system does not include the required mixing to set up differential aileron travel
(as described above), the model will still fly well with symmetrical (non-differential) travels. If you are a beginner, you will probably notice no difference in
any case. However, accurate rolling maneuvers are more difficult to fly with symmetrical aileron travels.
NOTE: If you cannot set the recommended travels using your transmitter’s adjustment facilities, you will have to re-position the pushrod connections,
using different holes at the servo or horn.
2. Setting the control surface travels
Like every aircraft, your Sky Scout must be balanced correctly if it is to fly well and stably. To check the Center of Gravity (CG) you must first assemble
your model completely as if you were ready to fly, and install the flight battery.
The correct CG is marked at a point about 5 mm from the rear edge of the wing joiner cover, and the model must balance at this point. This
setting corresponds to about 78 mm aft of the wing root leading edge, measured either side of the fuselage.
Support the model under both wings on two fingertips at the marked point, and it should balance level.
Minor corrections can be made by adjusting the position of the flight battery. Once you have established the correct position for the battery, mark this in
the fuselage to ensure that it is always positioned correctly.
3. Balancing the model
Safety is of the utmost importance when flying any model aircraft. Third party insurance is mandatory. If you join a model club or association, suitable
coverage will usually be available through the organization. It is your personal responsibility to ensure that your insurance is adequate (i.e. that its cover
includes powered model aircraft).
Always fly in such a way that you do not endanger yourself or others. Bear in mind that even the best RC systems are subject to outside interference.
No matter how many years of accident-free flying you have there is always the possibility of an unforeseen problem or error that can cause an accident
Make it your job to keep your models and your radio control system in perfect operating condition at all times.
Check and observe the correct charging procedure for the batteries you are using.
Before every flight, check that the battery, the wings and the tail panels are attached and firmly seated. Check in turn that each control
surface is operating correctly!
Where to fly – Using Airfields
1) Use an official model airfield if possible when flying your model.
2) Check that other pilots and spectators are positioned safely before flying your model.
3) Wait for other pilots to land their models if they are flying already.
4) Always remember that the pilot is responsible for any outcome that may occur during the flight.
5) Do not fly the plane behind yourself or others.
6) Seek help from an experienced pilot for your first flight.
7) Do not fly under the influence of alcohol or drugs or if you are feeling ill.
8) Be sure to do pre-flight safety checks of the model before flying.
4. Safety
If you have no prior experience with flying a radio controlled model, please take the time to read through the “Appendix A” entitled “The
basics of model flying”.