Pre-Flight Check
1. Clean the dust dirt, and oil off of the surface of the airplane.
2. Check to make sure all nuts, bolts, and screws are securely
fastened.
3. Check all control surfaces to see if they are properly attached.
4. Check the range of the radio system as the manufacturer
recommends.
5. Check that all controls move smoothly and in the proper directions.
6. Check the level of charge in the transmitter and receiver batteries.
7. Check that the area being used is free of obstacles and debris.
8. Check the frequencies currently in use at the field and in your
area.
9. Check the level of the fuel tank to be sure it is full.
10. Double check the radio operation.
Flight Safety
• If this airplane happens to be your first radio controlled airplane, we
strongly suggest that you ask a skilled pilot or instructor to help you
learn how to fly. You should also suggest to him to take the maiden
flight to see what problems (if any) that need to be worked out. There
will be enough to worry about on your first solo flight without having
to worry about whether or not it is properly set up.
• Fly in an open field without any obstructions. For example, trees,
power lines, buildings, crowds of people, etc., are obstacles that the
plane may hit and cause damage.
• If you are a novice pilot, local area clubs have been formed and are
very willing to help you with any questions you may have. Many of
the clubs even have club trainer airplanes that they will actually teach
you to fly with. This helps prevent disappointing crashes on your first
flights. Addresses of local area clubs can be located from your local
area hobby shop and/or by writing to: Academy of Model Aviation,
1810 Samuel Morse Drive, Reston, VA 22090.
• Fly the model at reduced throttle until you get to know the flight
characteristics.
• When adjusting the needle valve just prior to flight, hold the plane at
a 45* nose up altitude, full open throttle and adjust the throttle for top
performance as the manufacturer's instructions suggest.
Take-Off
The airplane may be taxied around on a smooth/open section of
pavement without the wing after the engine has been adjusted and the
radio has been properly checked. Become familiar with controlling the
plane on the ground with the rudder, in the air you will find that most of the
time you will be using a combination of elevator and ailerons to turn the
plane because they are more effective in the air. On the ground, the
rudder is more effective. A transition will need to be made once the plane
leaves the ground. That transition, from using the rudder on the ground
to using the ailerons once it leaves the ground, will take a little practice.
One good rule of thumb is to always take off directly into the wind (if there
is any). This will prevent the wind from trying to blow the model from side-
to-side and will not take as much runway as if you were trying to take off
downwind.
Once you feel comfortable with the way it handles on the ground, it
comes time for you to concentrate very much on the airplane's movements.
As you are ready for take-off, simply point the nose into the wind and
slowly advance the throttle up to full throttle. At this point the plane will be
going very fast and will be very sensitive to your rudder inputs. Use
smooth inputs to correct the plane from wandering off of the runway. Once
the plane is at take-off speed, slowly pull back on the elevator stick. This
will cause the plane to leave the ground. At this point, notice whether the
plane tends to turn, climb or dive, and make the necessary opposite
control inputs to keep the plane on a gentle climb in the desired direction.
Flight
Once the plane has reached a safe altitude, reduce the throttle to
about half power. If the airplane is properly set up (i.e. correct C.G., trims
all centered, engine properly set), the plane should be very stable without
any wandering tendencies. It the plane does tend to go more in one
direction than another, use your trim levers on your transmitter to correct
this. Do not look at the transmitter while adjusting trims. Then while the
plane is flying straight, adjust the elevator trim to correct abnormal
climbing or diving. If the trims will not overcome a turn or a climbing
tendency, land the model immediately and check for improper setup.
Landing
There is an old saying that states, "You do not have to take off...
But you do have to land." Therefore, be ready to land at all times during
your flight. The engine may not stay running through a complete tank of
fuel for one reason or another. It is suggested to time the "run time" of a
complete tank before flight. That way you know approximately what to
expect and when you need to land before the fuel runs out.
Set up your landing approach downwind at 100-200 feet up and 500-
800 feet away depending on the height of the plane and the strength of the
wind. Approach into the wind and slowly reduce the throttle to the closed
position. Concentrate on the glide path of the plane, taking notice of
whether the plane will reach the beginning of the runway or if it will
overshoot the runway completely. With smooth, deliberate inputs, use
your engine power and your elevator to adjust the glide path so the plane
will touch down smoothly on the beginning of the runway at its slowest
speed. It will still seem very fast and will use the complete runway to slow
down.
After-Flight Maintenance
• Remove all excess fuel from the fuel tank as this fuel can become
jelly-like and cause clogging of the fuel lines as well as clogging the
engine's carburetor valves.
• Always use after-run oil in the engine to prevent corrosion.
• Check and double check that the transmitter and receiver switches
are switched to the off positions.
• Wipe off the excess oil that will collect on the wing and fuselage. Use
a light-duty cleanser to help cut through the oil.
• Remove fresh fuel from the surface of the plane immediately as
different brands can cause clouding of the surface.
• Replace any bent, marred, or dinged props as they can fly apart at
any time when the engine is turning.
• Completely check the aiplane for damage to the wings, landing gear,
covering and repair as needed before your next flight.
Repair
If damage should occur, wipe the broken area clean with a clean rag to
remove all debris. Use epoxy glue to repair. Do not use Cyanoacrylate
adhesive near any foam parts as it will deteriorate the foam.
Fully Assembled Hobbistar 60
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