FLYING THE ELECTRA
LEARNING TO FLY
Flying R/C is both fun and challenging. As with other
portions of this book, the following section is meant to
introduce you to the basics. Read carefully before tak-
ing your model out to the field and attempting first
flights. And remember, becoming an R/C pilot takes
time and patience, but the rewards are well worth the
effort.
Equipment Checklist
Flight batteries, fully charged
Extra battery packs
Radio transmitter
Battery charger
Tools for tightening any parts that can vibrate
and loosen
Extra #64 rubber bands
Extra props and an extra spinner
Prop wrench
Bottle of
Super Jet
™
CGM SUPERTOTE
CHECK YOUR EQUIPMENT
Prior to going to the flying field, with radio batteries
fully charged, turn on both receiver (Rx) and transmit-
ter (Tx) and actuate all controls many times until you
are satisfied with all functions.
Before beginning each day's flying, make a range
check of your equipment in accordance with the man-
ufacturer's instructions. In general, with transmitter
antenna collapsed to 6"-8", you should have an at
least 100 foot range on the ground. To check this, turn
on both the transmitter and the receiver switches, set
the model heading away from you, and walk away
while transmitting signals to move the control surfaces.
Watch to see that no signals are missed until you are
at least 100 feet away. Only if the equipment works
perfectly should any flights be attempted. Again,
be
careful to not use your transmitter when anyone
else at the field is flying or testing on the same fre-
quency!
After the range check, stand behind the model and
make sure the control responses are correct. Moving
the control stick to the right should give right rudder
(on a 3-channel set-up) . Moving the stick back or
down on the Tx should move the elevator up, and vice
versa.
Finally, make sure that everything on your aircraft is
neatly and firmly in place-motor fastened down, servos
snugged down, receiver and battery wrapped in foam
rubber, etc. Prop and spinner must be tight. The
receiver antenna must be extended, not coiled up
inside the model. Nothing should be loose, or unfin-
ished, or unchecked.
With everything ready, the motor should be started for
a short time. While the motor is running, make sure the
control surfaces do not jitter or move until you com-
mand them and that the motor switch also responds
properly to your command.
With transmitter and receiver switched on, hand launch
the model directly into the wind. Gently correct the
flight path as necessary. If any adjustments are need-
ed to maintain straight and level flight, get experienced
help to move the clevises.
In flight control. most of the beginner's trouble comes
from over-controlling or holding a signal too long. It is
better to operate your transmitter slowly and smoothly.
A troublesome tendency is letting the model get down-
wind. New flyers should try to keep the model upwind
at all times prior to the landing approach.
If you are a novice, seek the help of an experienced
flyer. Do not hesitate to ask one of the better flyers at
the field for help. Usually, they are glad to spend a lit-
tle time to get somebody started right, and they very
likely were helped in the same manner themselves.
WHERE TO FLY
Fly only in areas sanctioned for R/C and known to be
free of radio interference. Ask your hobby dealer or
other modelers if there is an R/C flying field that is used
by a local R/C club. This is the ideal place to fly. If you
don't know of an R/C club nearby, contact the Academy
of Model Aeronautics (AMA), at the address on the
front of this booklet, for information on a club in your
area. Remember: R/C flying fields need to have rules
to help prevent accidents, so ask about them before
you turn on any of your equipment!
DO NOT TEST
your transmitter in the parking lot or anywhere
nearby until you are sure no one else is using your
radio frequency. This could cause another flyer to
crash and make you very unpopular!
If there is no club or other R/C flying site available,
locate a square area (preferably a grassy field), at least
four or five football fields long
, which is free of
power lines, trees, poles, houses, busy streets and
other obstructions. It must be at least three miles away
from any areas where other R/C models, such as
boats or cars, are operated. It should also have a rel-
atively smooth surface, as it will take practice to learn
precision landings. If you find a suitable location, turn
your receiver on for 2 or 3 minutes to check that no one
in the vicinity is operating an R/C device which could
affect your receiver and cause your plane to crash.
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