12
✰
3. Turn on the transmitter and plug in the fl ight battery. One at
a time, operate each control on the airplane using the sticks
on the transmitter. Make certain each control is responding
correctly. This must be done before every fl ight. There are
several types of malfunctions that can be discovered by
performing this elementary task, thus saving your model!
Range Check the Radio
Ground check the operational range of your radio before the fi rst
fl ight of the day. With the transmitter antenna collapsed and the
receiver and transmitter on (refer to your radio manual if using
a 2.4GHz system), you should be able to walk at least 100 feet
away from the model and still have control. Have an assistant
stand by your model and, while you work the controls, tell you
what the control surfaces are doing. Repeat this test
with the
motor running
at various speeds with an assistant holding the
model, using hand signals to show you what is happening. If the
control surfaces do not respond correctly,
do not fl y!
Find and
correct the problem fi rst. Look for loose servo connections or
broken wires or a damaged receiver crystal from a previous crash.
If you cannot fi nd the problem, ask an experienced modeler for
assistance or call Product Support.
FLYING
Do not attempt to fl y by yourself.
IMPORTANT:
Be aware of your proximity to R/C club sites. If
there is an R/C site within six miles of where you are fl ying, and
if you are operating your model on the same frequency at the
same time as somebody else, there is a
strong
possibility that
one or both models will crash due to radio interference. There
is
great
potential for an out-of-control model to cause property
damage and/or severe personal injury. We
strongly
urge you to
fl y at a R/C club site where frequency control is in effect so you
can be assured you will be the only one fl ying on your channel.
Taxiing
Remember, it is assumed that your instructor is operating the
model for you.
Before the model is ready for takeoff, it must fi rst be set up to roll
straight down the runway. Place the plane on the runway and, if
your fl ying fi eld permits, stand behind the model. Advance the
throttle just enough to allow the model to roll. If the model does
not roll straight down the runway, adjust the rudder trim on your
transmitter until it does.
Note:
Crosswinds may affect the direction
the model rolls, so this test should be done in calm conditions,
or with the model facing directly into the wind. With the plane
now taxiing straight, adjust the position of the rudder pushrod in
the adjustable clevis to return the rudder to the neutral position
if necessary.
Takeoff
If possible, takeoff directly into the wind. If you are experienced,
taking off in a crosswind is permissible (and sometimes
necessary—depending upon the prevailing wind conditions and
runway heading). Taking off into the wind will help the model
roll straight and also reduces ground speed for takeoff. Taxi the
model onto the runway or have an assistant carry it out and set
it down, pointing down the runway into the wind. When ready,
gradually advance the throttle while simultaneously using the
left stick (rudder/nose wheel) to steer the model. Gain as much
speed as the runway and fl ying site will practically allow before
gently applying up elevator lifting the model into the air. Be ready
to make immediate corrections with the ailerons to keep the
wings level, and be smooth on the elevator stick, allowing the
model to establish a gentle climb to a safe altitude before making
the fi rst turn (away from yourself). Do not “yank” back the elevator
stick forcing the plane into too steep of a climb. This could cause
the model to quit fl ying and stall. The Hobbico Mini NexSTAR
EP includes a powerful brushless motor that will safely pull your
airplane up at a 45° angle.
Flight
Once airborne, maintain a steady climb and make the initial turn
away from the runway. When at a comfortable, safe altitude,
throttle back to slow the model, thus giving you time to think and
react. The Hobbico Mini NexSTAR EP should fl y well at half or
slightly less than half throttle. Adjust the trims so the plane fl ies
straight and level with the sticks centered. After fl ying around for
a while, and while still at a safe altitude with plenty of battery
charge remaining, practice slow fl ight and execute practice
landing approaches by reducing the throttle further to see how the
model handles when coming in to land. Add power to see how the
model climbs as well. Continue to fl y around while learning how
the model responds. Mind your remaining battery charge, but use
this fi rst fl ight to become familiar with the model before landing.
Landing
When ready to land, reduce the power while fl ying downwind just
before making the 180° turn toward the runway. 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 while turning. Apply up elevator to level the plane
when it reaches the end of the runway and is about fi ve to ten
feet off the ground. If the model is too far away, carefully add
a small amount of power to fl y the model closer. If going too
fast, smoothly advance the throttle and allow the model to gain
airspeed. Then, apply elevator to climb out and go around to make
another attempt. When fi nally ready to touch down, continue to
apply up elevator, but not so much that the airplane will climb.
Continue to apply up elevator while the plane descends until it
gently touches down.
The Mini NexSTAR EP has been designed to make landing
approaches short and easy. The Speed Brake Training Flaps excel
at maintaining fl ying speed even in steep dives, and when the
airplane is leveled-out, they also help to increase lift. You can also
make a long landing approach and use throttle to keep the airplane
fl ying at a very low speed until you reach the runway threshold
where you should cut the throttle for the airplane to land.
After you have landed and disconnected the fl ight battery, adjust
the pushrods on the ailerons, elevator and rudder as necessary
so the trim levers on the transmitter may be returned to center.
This will not be required on any of the controls that did not need
trim adjustments.
Summary of Contents for NexSTAR mini EP RxR
Page 16: ... ...
