fasteners such as the screws that hold the wheel collars on,
screws that hold the carburetor arm (if applicable), screw-
lock pushrod connectors, etc.
❏
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 by
pulling hard on the control surfaces.
❏
9. Reinforce holes for wood screws with thin CA where
appropriate (servo mounting screws, metal bracket
mounting screws, 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 and that all servo arms are secured to the servos
with the screws included with your radio.
❏
12. Secure connections between servo wires and Y-
connectors or servo extensions and the connection between
the battery pack and the on/off switch with vinyl tape, heat
shrink tubing or special clips suitable for that purpose.
❏
13. Make sure any servo extension cords used do not
interfere with other systems (servo arms, pushrods, etc.).
❏
14. Secure the pressure tap (if used) to the muffler with high
temp RTV silicone, thread locking compound or J.B. Weld.
❏
15. Make sure the fuel lines are connected and are
not kinked.
❏
16. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers). Use a
prop reamer to enlarge the mounting hole so the propellers
fit on your engine.
❏
17. Tighten the propeller nut and spinner.
❏
18. Place your name, address, AMA number and
telephone number on or inside the model.
❏
19. Cycle the receiver battery pack (if necessary) and
make sure it is fully charged.
❏
20. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before
the first flight.
❏
21. Range check the radio when you get to the flying field.
The Christen Eagle II ARF is a great-flying model that flies
smoothly and predictably. It is, however, an aerobatic biplane
and does not possess the self-recovery characteristics of a
primary R/C trainer and should be flown only by experienced
R/C pilots.
Fuel Mixture Adjustments
Fully-cowled engines often run at higher temperatures than
un-cowled engines. For this reason, the fuel mixture should
be richened so the engine runs at about 200 rpm below
peak speed. By running the engine slightly rich, you will help
prevent dead-stick landings caused by overheating.
Before taking off, 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 pushrod so the model will
roll straight down the runway. If you need to “regroup” before
the first takeoff, 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 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 rapidly, but smoothly advance the throttle (but also,
don’t
slam it!). 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 flying site
will practically allow before gently applying up elevator, lifting
the model into the air. At this moment more right rudder may
be required 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 traffic pattern. Stay
alert but rest assured that if your Eagle has been balanced
and otherwise setup correctly, it will fly quite predictably.
Takeoff
If flying with the optional flying wires, make sure the
retainers have been installed on all the flying wire clevises.
CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES): If,
while flying, you notice an alarming or unusual sound
such as a low-pitched “buzz,” this may indicate control
surface
flutter. Flutter occurs when a control surface (such
as an aileron or elevator) or a flying surface (such as a
wing or stab) rapidly vibrates up and down (thus causing
the noise). In extreme cases, if not detected immediately,
flutter can actually cause the control surface to detach or
the flying surface to fail, thus causing loss of control
followed by an impending crash. The best thing to do
when flutter is detected is to slow the model immediately
by reducing power, then land as soon as safely possible.
Identify which surface fluttered (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 fluttered
once, under similar circumstances it will probably flutter
again unless the problem is fixed. Some things which can
cause flutter are; Excessive hinge gap; Not mounting
control horns solidly; Poor fit 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 flutter, flying an over-
powered model at excessive speeds.
Fuel Mixture Adjustments
FLYING
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