Remember to launch into the wind. When you’re ready, point
the model straight into the wind, and apply full throttle.
Throw the model straight and level with a good toss. If using
the brushed power package, the Siren ARF will fly off of
your hand and fly level until it picks up speed. The climb
angle will be around 20-30 degrees. If you are using the
brushless power package, the Siren ARF will fly off your
hand and start a vertical climb if you apply elevator. Using
this power system, you should keep in mind the amount of
power that your motor is producing and avoid prolonged
climbs. The model will climb rapidly and become a spec in
the sky within ten to fifteen seconds of launch.
For reassurance and to keep an eye on other traffic, it is a good
idea to have an assistant on the flight 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 fly more smoothly at reduced speeds.
Take it easy with the Siren ARF for the first few flights,
gradually getting acquainted with it as you gain confidence.
Adjust the trims to maintain straight and level flight. After
flying around for a while, and while still at a safe altitude with
plenty of battery, practice slow flight and execute practice
landing approaches by reducing the throttle to see how the
model handles at slower speeds. Add power to see how she
climbs as well. Continue to fly 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 fine tune the model so it flies the way you
like. Mind your fuel level, but use this first flight to become
familiar with your model before landing.
If it is your intention to perform high-speed passes, then
make sure that you shut off power while at altitude before
diving. This way the folding propeller will fold and the
airplane will pick up maximum speed.
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 final 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. If you are going to
overshoot, smoothly advance the throttle and climb out to
make another attempt. When you’re ready to make your
landing flare and the model is a foot or so off the deck,
smoothly increase up elevator until it gently touches down.
The Siren ARF is a very efficient electric glider and as such
it will lose very little altitude as it glides. Keep some reserve
power in the first few landings to get used to its gliding path.
One final note about flying your model. Have a goal or flight
plan in mind for every flight. 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 finding 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 flight 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 fly in a
safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!
Landing
Flight
Takeoff
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.
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