49
Hangar 9 Alpha 40 ARF Assembly Manual
Check the Muffler Bolts
Use a 2.5mm hex wrench (Evolution 2-stroke) or box wrench
(Saito 4-stroke) to make sure the hardware holding the
muffler onto the engine is tight and has not vibrated loose
during flight.
Check the Engine Mount Bolts
Remove the spinner and propeller from the engine. Remove
the exhaust stacks from the fuselage, then remove the
cowling from the fuselage. Remove the muffler from the
engine, and then use a Phillips screwdriver to make sure the
four bolts securing the engine to the mount are tight.
Flight Preparations
Flight preparations must be checked each time you travel to
the flying field. Because your model will encounter a variety of
situations, it is best to keep an eye on the various components
of your model to keep it in the best flying condition.
Checking the Frequency
When using a 2.4GHz radio system, follow the guidelines for
use of these radio systems at your particular field.
Checking the Controls
Before starting your engine, check to make sure the controls
are operating in the correct directions and the linkages and
surfaces are not binding anywhere. Also look at the clevises
and clevis retainers to make sure they are secure and will not
come loose or fail in flight.
Fueling your Model
Fill the fuel tank with the proper fuel. Fill the tank by
connecting the fuel pump to the line going to the needle
valve or to the fuel dot on the side of the cowling.
Disconnect the fuel line attached to the pressure fitting of the
muffler; your tank is full when fuel begins to run out of the
pressure line. Reconnect the fuel lines to the needle valve
assembly or insert the plug into the fuel dot and connect the
line to the muffler.
Note
: It is very important to reconnect the lines to the
correct place. If they are reconnected incorrectly, the
engine will not run properly.
Safety do’s and don’ts for Pilots
• Ensure your batteries have been properly charged prior to
your initial flight.
• Keep track of the time the system is turned on so you will
know how long you can safely operate your system.
• Consult local laws and ordinances before choosing a
location to fly your aircraft.
• Perform a ground range check prior to the initial flight
of the day. See the “Daily Flight Checks Section” for
information.
• Check all control surfaces prior to each takeoff.
• Do not fly your model near spectators, parking areas or
any other area that could result in injury to people or
damage of property.
• Do not fly during adverse weather conditions. Poor
visibility can cause disorientation and loss of control of
your aircraft. Strong winds can cause similar problems.
• Do not point the transmitter antenna directly toward the
model. The radiation pattern from the tip of the antenna is
inherently low.
• Do not take chances. If at any time during flight
you observe any erratic or abnormal operation, land
immediately and do not resume flight until the cause of
the problem has been ascertained and corrected. Safety
can never be taken lightly.
dual Rate Recommendations
• We recommend that the rudder dual rate be set to Low
for takeoff to help minimize overcorrection during the
takeoff roll.
• We recommend the rudder dual rate be set to High for
landing to help maintain heading as the model transitions
from flying speed to taxi speeds.
• Elevator and Aileron dual rates should be adjusted
for personal feel and also if there is any unusual
wind conditions.
daily Flight Checks
Step 1
Check the battery voltage on both the transmitter and
the receiver battery packs. Do not fly below 4.3V on the
transmitter if you are using a Spektrum transmitter that uses
4-cells to power the transmitter. Do not fly below 9.5V on the
transmitter if you are using a JR or Spektrum transmitter that
uses 8-cells to power the transmitter. Do not fly if the receiver
pack is at or below 4.7V. To do so may crash your aircraft.
Note
: When you check these batteries, ensure you have the
polarities correct on your expanded scale voltmeter.
Step 2
Check all hardware (linkages, screws, nuts, and bolts) prior
to each day’s flight. Be sure that binding does not occur and
that all parts are properly secured.
Step 3
Ensure that all surfaces are moving in the proper manner.
Step 4
Perform a ground range check before each day’s flying session.
Step 5
Prior to starting your aircraft, turn off your transmitter, then
turn it back on. Do this each time you start your aircraft.
If any critical switches are on without your knowledge, the
transmitter alarm will warn you at this time.
Step 6
Check that all trim levers are in the proper location.
Step 7
All servo pigtails and switch harness plugs should be
secured in the receiver. Make sure that the switch harness
moves freely in both directions.
glossary of Terms
Ailerons
: Each side of this airplane has a hinged control
surface (aileron), located on the trailing edge of the wing.
Move the aileron stick on the transmitter left, the left aileron
moves up and the right aileron moves down. Moving the left
aileron up causes more drag and less lift, causing the left wing
to drop down. When the right aileron moves down, more lift is
created, causing the right wing to rise. This interaction causes
the airplane to turn or roll to the left. Perform the opposite
actions, and the airplane will roll to the right.
Clevis
: The clevis connects the wire end of the pushrod to
the control horn of the control surface. Being a small clip,
the clevis has fine threads so you can adjust the length of
the pushrod.
Control horn
: This arm connects the control surface to the
clevis and pushrod.
dihedral
: The degree of angle (V-shaped bend) at which the
wings intersect the fuselage is called dihedral. More dihedral