GREAT PLANES ElectriFly PBY Catalina Instruction Manual - Page 19

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GREAT PLANES ElectriFly PBY Catalina Instruction Manual

FLYING

The PBY Catalina is a great-ﬂ ying model that ﬂ ies smoothly

and predictably. The PBY Catalina 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 placing the airplane in the water for takeoff, be sure you

have plugged in the battery, armed the motors and performed

a range check of the radio system. Make sure the rubber

plug is secured in the fuselage. With everything in proper

working condition, place the airplane into the water. Taxi the

plane to get a feel for the handling. You will ﬁ nd the plane taxis

well but when you begin the high speed takeoff run you need

to have a light touch on the rudder. Over controlling with the

rudder could result in a ground loop. When you are at high

speed on the water be prepared to control the wing with the

ailerons, keeping the wings level and not digging in a tip ﬂ oat.

Remember to takeoff directly into the wind. As the model

gains speed the airplane will get up on the step and become

light on the water. 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.

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, this model ﬂ ies more smoothly at reduced speeds.

Flight

Take it easy with the PBY Catalina 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 fuel, practice slow ﬂ ight and execute practice

landing approaches by reducing the throttle 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.

Be aware of the time spent in the air, making sure you have

enough battery to land and taxi back. Use this ﬁ rst ﬂ ight to

become familiar with your model before 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/

water (into the wind) keeping the nose down to maintain

airspeed and control. Level the attitude when the model

reaches a couple of feet from the water, 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 when the model is a foot or so off the water,

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 in certain conditions

(such as on high or low rates). This is not necessarily to

improve your skills (though it is never a bad idea!), but more

importantly so you do not surprise yourself by impulsively

attempting a maneuver and suddenly ﬁ nding that you've run

out of time, altitude or airspeed. Every maneuver should be

deliberate, not impulsive. For example, if you're going to do a

loop, check your altitude, mind the wind direction (anticipating

rudder corrections that will be required to maintain heading),

remember to throttle back at the top, and make certain you

are on the desired rates (high/low rates). A ﬂ ight plan greatly

reduces the chances of crashing your model just because of

poor planning and impulsive moves. Remember to think.

But always stay in control and ﬂ y in a safe manner.

GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!

Landing

Have a ball!