14
RADIO CONTROL
1) I will have completed a successful radio equipment
ground check before the fi rst fl ight of a new or
repaired model.
2) I will not fl y my model aircraft in the presence of
spectators until I become a qualifi ed fl ier, unless
assisted by an experienced helper.
3) At all fl ying sites a straight or curved line(s) must be
established in front of which all fl ying takes place
with the other side for spectators. Only personnel
involved with fl ying the aircraft are allowed at or in
the front of the fl ight line. Intentional fl ying behind
the fl ight line is prohibited.
4) I will operate my model using only radio control
frequencies currently allowed by the Federal
Communications Commission.
5)
I will not knowingly operate my model within
three miles of any pre-existing fl ying site except
in accordance with the frequency sharing
agreement listed
[in the complete AMA Safety
Code].
9) Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person
touch a powered model in fl ight;
nor should any
part of the model other than the landing gear,
intentionally touch the ground, except while
landing.
FLYING
The Mini Contender EP ARF is a great-fl ying model
that fl ies smoothly and predictably. The Mini Contender
EP ARF does not, however, possess the self-recovery
characteristics of a primary R/C trainer and should be
fl own only by experienced R/C pilots.
CAUTION
(THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES):
If, while fl ying, you notice an alarming or unusual
sound such as a low-pitched “buzz,” this may indicate
control surface
fl utter.
Flutter occurs when a control
surface (such as an aileron or elevator) or a fl ying
surface (such as a wing or stab) rapidly vibrates up
and down (thus causing the noise). In extreme cases,
if not detected immediately, fl utter can actually cause
the control surface to detach or the fl ying surface
to fail, thus causing loss of control followed by an
impending crash. The best thing to do when fl utter
is detected is to slow the model
immediately
by
reducing power, then land as soon as safely possible.
Identify which surface fl uttered (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 fl uttered once, under similar circumstances it will
probably fl utter again unless the problem is fi xed.
Some things which can cause fl utter are; Excessive
hinge gap; Not mounting control horns solidly; Poor
fi t 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 fl utter; Flying an over-powered
model at excessive speeds.
TAKEOFF
Before you get ready to takeoff, see how the model
handles on the ground by doing a few practice runs
at
low speeds
on the runway. If necessary, adjust
the nose wheel so the model will roll straight down
the runway.
Remember to takeoff into the wind. When you’re ready,
point the model straight down the runway and gradually
advance the throttle. Gain as much speed as your
runway and fl ying site will practically allow before gently
applying up elevator, lifting the model into the air. At
this moment it is likely that you will need to apply more
right rudder to counteract motor torque. Be smooth
on the elevator stick, allowing the model to establish
a
gentle
climb to a safe altitude before turning into
the traffi c pattern.
FLIGHT
For reassurance and to keep an eye on other traffi c,
it is a good idea to have an assistant on the fl ight 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
fl y more smoothly at reduced speeds.
Take it easy with the Mini Contender EP ARF for the
fi rst few fl ights, gradually getting acquainted with it
as you gain confi dence. Adjust the trims to maintain
straight and level fl ight. After fl ying around for a while,
and while still at a safe altitude with plenty of battery
left, practice slow fl ight and execute practice landing
approaches to see how the model handles at slower
speeds. Add power to see how she climbs as well.
Continue to fl y 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 fi ne tune the model so it fl ies the way
you like. Mind your fl ight time, but use this fi rst fl ight
to become familiar with your model before landing.
LANDING
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
fi nal 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,
modulating the throttle as necessary to maintain your
glide path and airspeed. If you are going to overshoot,
smoothly advance the throttle (always ready on the
right rudder to counteract torque) and climb out to
make another attempt. When you’re ready to make
your landing fl are and the model is a foot or so off
the deck, smoothly increase up elevator until it gently
touches down.
One fi nal note about fl ying your model. Have a goal or
fl ight plan in mind for
every
fl ight. This can be learning
a new maneuver(s), improving a maneuver(s) you
already know, or learning how the model behaves
Summary of Contents for Mini Contender Ep
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