Generally, it is recommended that no attempt should be
made to fly a radio controlled model aircraft with a gasoline
engine in which the model aircraft weight would exceed
twelve (12) pounds (underpowered) per cubic inch of
engine displacement, or be less than five (5) pounds
(overpowered) per cubic inch of engine displacement.
Example: Using a 3 cu. in. engine, a model would likely be
underpowered at an aircraft weight greater than 36 pounds.
With the same engine, an aircraft weighing less than 15
pounds would likely be overpowered.
Servo arms and wheels should be rated heavy duty. Glass-filled
servo arms and control horns are highly recommended.
Control surfaces linkages are listed in order of preference:
1. Cable system (pull-pull). A tiller bar is highly
recommended along with necessary bracing.
2. Arrow Shaft, fiberglass or aluminum, 1/4" or 5/16" O.D.
bracing every six (6) to ten (10) inches is highly recommended.
3. Tube-in-tube (nyrod). Bracing every few inches is highly
recommended. Inner tube should be totally enclosed in
outer tube.
4. Hardwood dowel, 3/8" O.D. bracing every six (6) to ten
(10) inches is highly recommended.
Hinges should be rated heavy duty and manufactured for
Giant Scale use primarily. Homemade and original design
hinges are acceptable if determined to be adequate for the
intended use.
Clevis (steel, excluding heavy-duty ball links) and
attachment hardware should be heavy duty 4-40 threaded
rod type. 2-56 threaded size rod is acceptable for some
applications (e.g. throttle). Clevis is to have lock nuts and
sleeve or spring keepers.
Propeller tips should be painted or colored in a visible and
contrasting manner so as to increase the visibility of the
propeller tip arc.
❏
1. Fuelproof all areas exposed to fuel or exhaust
residue such as the cowl mounting blocks, wing
saddle area, etc.
❏
2. Check the C.G. according to the measurements
provided in the manual.
❏
3. Be certain the battery and receiver are securely
mounted in the fuse. 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. Use thread locking compound to secure critical
fasteners such as the set screws that hold the wheel
axles to the struts, 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.
❏
9. Reinforce holes for wood screws with thin CA where
appropriate (servo mounting screws, cowl 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-harness or servo extensions, and the connection
between your 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 you may have
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 not kinked.
❏
16. Use an incidence meter to check the wing for twists
and attempt to correct before flying.
❏
17. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
❏
18. Tighten the propeller nut and spinner.
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.
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