GREAT PLANES Hellcat ARF Instruction Manual - Page 17
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CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES): If,
while flying, you notice an alarming or unusual sound such as
a low-pitched "buzz," this may indicate control surface flutter .
Flutter occurs when a control surface (such as an aileron or
elevator) or a flying surface (such as a wing or stab) rapidly
vibrates up and down (thus causing the noise). In extreme
cases, if not detected immediately, flutter can actually cause
the control surface to detach or the flying surface to fail, thus
causing loss of control followed by an impending crash. The
best thing to do when flutter is detected is to slow the model
immediately by reducing power, then land as soon as safely
possible. Identify which surface fluttered (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 fluttered once, under
similar circumstances it will probably flutter again unless the
problem is fixed. Some things which can cause flutter are;
Excessive hinge gap; Not mounting control horns solidly; Poor
fit 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
flutter; Flying an over-powered model at excessive speeds.
For the first flight, it is a good idea to have a friend launch the
airplane for you.This allows you to keep your hands on the radio
sticks and correct any trim problems that are present. Have your
friend hold the EP Hellcat ARF by the canopy. Throttle up to full
power, and have your friend give the plane a gentle
underhanded toss at about a 30° angle upward. Since the EP
Hellcat ARF has a very high thrust to weight ratio, the plane will
accelerate to flying speed almost instantly. Climb to a
comfortable altitude and throttle back to a lower power setting.
This plane flies great at about half-throttle when in standard
forward flight.
For reassurance and to keep an eye on other traffic, it is a good
idea to have an assistant on the flight 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 fly more smoothly at reduced speeds. Take it easy with
the EP Hellcat ARF for the first few flights, gradually getting
acquainted with it as you gain confidence. Adjust the trims to
maintain straight and level flight. After flying around for a while,
and while still at a safe altitude with plenty of battery power,
practice slow flight 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
fly 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 fine tune the model so it flies
the way you like. Mind your battery power, but use this first flight
to become familiar with your model before landing.
Launch
Flight
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 final turn toward
the landing area (into the wind), keeping the nose down to
maintain airspeed and control. Level the attitude when the
model reaches an altitude of about 10 feet, 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 and the model is a foot or so off
the deck, cut your throttle and smoothly increase up elevator
until it gently touches down on its belly. Make sure that you
cut your power completely before touchdown, or gearbox
damage may result.
One final note about flying your model: Have a goal or flight
plan in mind for every flight. 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 finding 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 flight plan greatly
reduces the chances of crashing your model just because of
poor planning and impulsive moves. Have a ball! But always
stay in control and fly in a safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!
Fill in and place the identification tag shown above on or
inside your model.
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