has reached enough altitude (50 to 100 feet [15 to 30m])
make the first turn away from yourself and the takeoff area.
Continue to control the model, keeping it on the intended
flight path while climbing at a comfortable rate.
Flight
Continue to fly the model in the “race track” pattern, making
the downwind turn toward you and the upwind turn away
from you. If you are experienced enough and can control
the model in different orientations, execute figure eights
turning the model toward you in the middle of the
“racetrack.” Throttle back or cut power altogether when you
get to an altitude where the Vista EP ARF will be able to
glide for a while. Add power when necessary to regain
altitude. Once you become an experienced pilot, you will
learn how to search for rising air currents where motor
power will no longer be necessary to remain aloft for ten,
twenty, thirty minutes or more. Total run time under full-
power should be approximately four to five minutes, so even
without the assistance of rising air currents, the Vista EP
ARF should be able to remain aloft for at least six minutes.
It will be time to land when either the motor shuts off and
the Vista EP ARF is no longer able to remain aloft, or when
motor power has significantly decreased, signaling that the
motor is about to shut off.
Landing
Most ESCs, including the supplied Great Planes ESC,
feature BEC (battery elimination circuitry) which distributes
power from the motor battery to both the motor
and the on-
board radio gear, thus eliminating the requirement for an
additional battery typically needed to power the radio gear.
When the motor battery gets too low, the BEC will
automatically discontinue power to the motor so there will
be enough power to operate the radio and maintain control
of the model. When the motor cuts off, immediately lower
the throttle stick and set up a landing approach that will be
into the wind. Then, glide the model in for a landing. Most of
the time (but not always) you will be able to advance the
throttle and get one last burst of power in case the model is
too far away to reach the landing area or if another landing
attempt is required altogether.
Intentionally waiting to land until after the motor has quit is
not a problem, but should be performed only by
experienced modelers who are able to plan well because
usually only one attempt will be possible. To avoid motor-
off “dead-stick” landings, monitor motor performance and
run time and bring the model in for a landing when you
notice motor performance significantly dropping. Align the
plane with the landing zone and always land into the wind.
Increase or decrease motor power as necessary to
maintain your descent. When the model is a foot or two
[.5m] from the ground, increasingly apply “up” elevator to
slow the model without allowing it to climb. “Skim” the
ground until flying speed is lost and the model finally
touches down as gently as possible. It will probably skid for
several feet, so a grassy landing area is preferred.
Congratulations! You’ve just made your first flight. Remove
the battery and, if the motor has been running for a while
and is still warm, allow it to cool before installing a charged
battery and making another flight.
One final note about flying your Vista EP ARF. Have a goal
or a flight plan in mind for each flight. Rather than taking to
the air without knowing what you are going to do, take a
minute to think about the next flight–whether it’s searching
for rising air currents (thermals) or learning how to control
the model in different orientations. A little planning ahead
should keep you from executing an impulsive maneuver you
weren’t actually ready for possibly resulting in a crash.
Have a ball! But always stay in control and fly in a
safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!
Cut out or copy the identification tag and put it on or inside
your model.
