GREAT PLANES Christen Eagle .46, Instruction Manual

33

CAUTION

 (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES): If, 

while fl ying, you notice an alarming or unusual sound such 
as a low-pitched “buzz,” this may indicate control surface 

fl utter.

 Flutter occurs when a control surface (such as an 

aileron or elevator) or a fl ying surface (such as a wing or 
stab) rapidly vibrates up and down (thus causing the noise). 
In extreme cases, if not detected immediately, fl utter can 
actually cause the control surface to detach or the fl ying 
surface to fail, thus causing loss of control followed by 
an impending crash. The best thing to do when fl utter is 
detected is to slow the model 

immediately

 by reducing 

power, then land as soon as safely possible. Identify 
which surface fl uttered (so the problem may be resolved) 
by checking all the servo grommets for deterioration or 
signs of vibration. Make certain all pushrod linkages are 
secure and free of play. If it fl uttered once, under similar 

circumstances it will probably fl utter again unless the 

problem is fi xed. Some things which can cause fl utter are; 

Excessive hinge gap; Not mounting control horns solidly; 
Poor fi t of clevis pin in horn; Side-play of wire pushrods 
caused by large bends; Excessive free play in servo 
gears; Insecure servo mounting; and one of the most 

prevalent causes of fl utter; Flying an over-powered model 
at excessive speeds.

Takeoff

Before you get ready to takeoff, see how the model handles 
on the ground by doing a few practice runs at 

low speeds

on the runway. Hold “up” elevator to keep the tail wheel on 
the ground. If necessary, adjust the tail wheel so the model 
will roll straight down the runway. If you need to calm your 
nerves before the maiden fl ight, shut the engine down and 

bring the model back into the pits. Top off the fuel, then check 
all fasteners and control linkages for peace of mind.

Remember to takeoff into the wind. When you’re ready, 

point the model straight down the runway, hold a bit of 
up elevator to keep the tail on the ground to maintain tail 
wheel steering, then gradually advance the throttle. As the 
model gains speed decrease up elevator allowing the tail to 

come off the ground. One of the most important things to 
remember with a tail dragger is to always be ready to apply 

right

 rudder to counteract engine torque. Gain as much 

speed as your runway and fl ying site will practically allow 
before gently applying up elevator, lifting the model into the 
air. At this moment it is likely that you will need to apply more 
right rudder to counteract engine torque. Be smooth on the 
elevator stick, allowing the model to establish a 

gentle

 climb 

to a safe altitude before turning into the traffi c pattern.

Flight

For reassurance and to keep an eye on other traffi c, it is a 
good idea to have an assistant on the fl ight 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 fl y more smoothly at reduced speeds.

Take it easy with the Eagle for the fi rst few fl ights, gradually 

getting acquainted with it as you gain confi dence. Adjust the 
trims to maintain straight and level fl ight. After fl ying around 
for a while and while still at a safe altitude with plenty of fuel, 
practice slow fl ight and execute practice landing approaches 
by reducing the throttle to see how the model handles at 
slower speeds. Add power to see how the model climbs as 
well. Continue to fl y 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 fi ne tune the model so it fl ies the way you like. Mind your 
fuel level, but use this fi rst fl ight 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. Continue to lose 
altitude, but maintain airspeed by keeping the nose down 
as you turn onto the crosswind leg. Make your fi nal 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 fl are and the model is a foot or so off the 
deck, smoothly increase up elevator until it gently touches 
down. Once the model is on the runway and has lost fl ying 
speed, hold up elevator to place the tail on the ground, 
regaining tail wheel control.

One fi nal note about fl ying your model. Have a goal or fl ight 

plan in mind for 

every 

fl ight. 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 fi nding 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 fl ight 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 fl y in a safe manner.

GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!