TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................2
AMA............................................................................................2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS...........................................................2
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED..............................................3
Radio Components ..............................................................3
Battery & Charger ................................................................3
Adhesives & Building Supplies ............................................3
Optional Supplies & Tools ....................................................3
Hardware & Accessories......................................................3
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS .......................................3
Replacement Parts List........................................................3
KIT INSPECTION .......................................................................4
KIT CONTENTS .........................................................................4
METRIC/INCH RULER ...............................................................4
ASSEMBLY ................................................................................5
Preparations.........................................................................5
Join the Wings .....................................................................5
ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE ...................................................6
Join the Stabilizer.................................................................6
Join the Fin ..........................................................................7
Hook Up the Controls ..........................................................9
Mount the Receiver............................................................10
GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY ..........................................11
Check the ESC ..................................................................11
Check the Control Directions .............................................12
Set the Control Throws ......................................................12
Balance the Model (C.G.) ..................................................13
PREFLIGHT..............................................................................14
Identify Your Model.............................................................14
Charge the Batteries ..........................................................14
Range Check .....................................................................14
MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ..........................................14
AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts).............................................14
CHECK LIST ............................................................................15
FIND A SAFE PLACE TO FLY .................................................15
FLYING .....................................................................................15
Mount the Wing ..................................................................15
Takeoff................................................................................15
Flight ..........................................................Back Cover Page
Landing ......................................................Back Cover Page
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the TOWER HOBBIES Vista
™
EP
ARF motor glider. Identical in construction to the Vista ARF
sailpane, this EP version features a standard, 550-size
electric motor that eliminates the need to lay out the Hi-Start
launch system typically required for thermal soaring. This
EP version therefore requires less space and time to get
into the air! Easy-to-fly electric-powered motor gliders such
as this are a great way for beginners to get into the
hobby–they are relatively inexpensive and they fly and react
slowly enough to give novice flyers time to think and react.
And when those rising air currents (thermals) appear, the
Vista EP ARF can still soar with the best of them.
AMA
We urge you to join the AMA (Academy of Model
Aeronautics) and a local R/C club. The AMA is the
governing body of model aviation and membership is
required to fly at AMA clubs. Though joining the AMA
provides many benefits, one of the primary reasons to join
is liability protection. Coverage is not limited to flying at
contests or on the club field. It even applies to flying at
public demonstrations and air shows. Failure to comply with
the Safety Code (excerpts printed in the back of the
manual) may endanger insurance coverage. Additionally,
training programs and instructors are available at AMA club
sites to help you get started the right way. There are over
2,500 AMA chartered clubs across the country. Contact the
AMA at the address or toll-free phone number that follows.
IMPORTANT!!! Two of the most important things you can
do to preserve the radio controlled aircraft hobby are to
avoid flying near full-scale aircraft and avoid flying near or
over groups of people.
PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF &
OTHERS.....FOLLOW THESE IMPORTANT
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1. Your Vista EP ARF should not be considered a toy, but
rather a sophisticated, working model that functions very
much like a full-size airplane. Because of its performance
capabilities, the Vista EP ARF, if not assembled and
operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself or
spectators and damage to property.
2. You must assemble the model according to the
instructions. Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so
may result in an unsafe or unflyable model. In a few cases
the instructions may differ slightly from the photos. In those
instances the written instructions should be considered
as correct.
3. You must take time to build straight, true and strong.
4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in first-
class condition.
5. You must correctly install all R/C and other components
so that the model operates correctly on the ground and in
the air.
6. You must check the operation of the model before every
flight to insure that all equipment is operating and that the
model has remained structurally sound. Be sure to check
clevises or other connectors often and replace them if they
show any signs of wear or fatigue.
7. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not flown this
type of model before, we recommend that you get the
assistance of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for your
first flights. If you’re not a member of a club, your local
hobby shop has information about clubs in your area whose
membership includes experienced pilots.
8. While this kit has been flight tested to exceed normal use,
if the plane will be used for extremely high-stress flying the
modeler is responsible for taking steps to reinforce the
high-stress points.
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302
Tele: (800) 435-9262
Fax (765) 741-0057
Or via the Internet at:
http://www.modelaircraft.org
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