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band before using it; discard any that have cracks. Rubber
bands can be conditioned by storing the oily ones in a zip-top
storage bag partially filled with talcum powder or corn starch.
Both products will absorb the oil.
TAXIING
Start the engine and set the throttle trim for a slow, steady idle.
Have a helper hold the plane while you work the controls.
Upon release, advance the throttle slightly to start rolling, then
back-off the power to prevent going too fast and possibly
taking off.
When you feel comfortable, advance the throttle a little while
standing behind the plane to get the feel of a takeoff roll, but
pull back on the power before the model lifts off. Try this
several times, adding a little more power each time. If the
plane starts to veer off, immediately cut the power to prevent
a mishap.
TAKEOFF
Taxi into position, pointing directly into the wind. Although this
model has good low speed characteristics, you should always
build up as much speed as your runway will permit before
lifting off, as this will give you a safety margin in case the
engine stops. Advance the throttle smoothly to the wide-open
setting. When the plane has sufficient flying speed, lift off by
smoothly applying a little up elevator (don’t force it off into a
steep climb!), and climb out
gradually
, trying to keep it straight
and the wings level. Climb to about 100 feet before starting a
VERY gentle turn by moving the aileron stick. Apply a little
more back pressure on the elevator stick as the model turns.
Stop the turn by moving the aileron stick in the opposite
direction until the wings are level, then return the stick to the
neutral position. Pull the power back to 1/2 throttle.
FLYING
We recommend that you take it easy with your model for the
first several flights and gradually “get acquainted” with the
plane as your engine becomes fully broken-in.
Add and practice one maneuver at a time, learning how your
model behaves in each one. For ultra-smooth flying and
normal maneuvers, we recommend using the low rate
settings. High rate control throws will give your model enough
control for loops, barrel rolls, and many other basic aerobatic
maneuvers.
After you are comfortable flying the SkyVista, it is time to try
some basic aerobatics. When learning a new maneuver, stay
plenty high so you can recover if you make a mistake. It takes
a lot of practice to do these precisely. Practice and master
them one at a time. Practice as often as you can. Eventually
the flying will become instinctive whereas you won’t think
about moving the sticks (like driving a car). Just keep on
burning fuel and you will be an expert in no time!
The Loop
Enter straight and level, gradually add up elevator, just before
the top of the loop, reduce the elevator slightly to keep the loop
round. Once on top of the loop, cut the engine power and pull
the airplane around to end up at the same point where you
started.
The Roll
From straight and level, pull the nose up slightly just before
giving smooth aileron input. This will help keep altitude during
the maneuver. As the plane rolls inverted give a very slight
amount of down elevator (not too much or too fast) to keep
altitude. As the plane continues to roll past inverted, release
the elevator. When the plane approaches upright, release the
ailerons.
The Split “S” Turn
The Split “S” is a turn around maneuver that is easy to do and
looks impressive to your friends. Please note that you will lose
altitude with this maneuver so don’t do it too close to the
ground. Fly straight and level, roll the plane until it is inverted,
cut the throttle down to 1/3 and simple pull the elevator to
complete the down side of a loop. You will exit facing the other
direction upright and level.
The Immelmann Turn
This maneuver is similar to the Split S. Fly straight and level,
pull up as if doing a loop. Just before you reach the top of the
loop, roll the plane upright with aileron. You will exit facing the
other direction upright and level.
The Stall Turn (commonly referred to as the Hammerhead)
Enter the maneuver straight and level at full throttle. Pull up
gently (1/4 loop) until you are vertical, slowly reduce the
throttle to 1/3 and apply full rudder. Once the plane turns
reduce the throttle to idle and let it come straight down. Gently
pull up elevator so the plane will exit the maneuver at the
same altitude it was when it entered. Slowly add power and fly
out straight and level. This maneuver can be rather difficult to
do consistently. Here are some tips that work for the
experts...Give a blip of throttle at the top to help pull the model
around. Apply a small amount of opposite aileron to help keep
the wings lined up through the stall. Hold the rudder through
the stall until the down line is established to keep the tail from
wagging.
CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES):
If,
while flying, you notice any unusual sounds, such as a low-
pitched “buzz,” this may be an indication of control surface
“flutter.” Because flutter can quickly destroy components of
your airplane, any time you detect flutter you must immediately
cut the throttle and land the airplane! Check all servo
grommets for deterioration (this will indicate which surface
fluttered), and make sure all pushrod linkages are slop-free. If
it fluttered once, it will probably flutter again under similar
circumstances unless you can eliminate the slop or flexing in
the linkages. Here are some things which can result in flutter:
excessive hinge gap; not mounting control horns solidly;
