GREAT PLANES SU-31 Instruction Manual - Page 16
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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.
Remember to takeoff into the wind. When you're ready, point
the model straight down the runway, hold a bit of up elevator
to keep the tail on the ground, then gradually advance the
throttle. As the model gains speed decrease up elevator
allowing the tail to come off the ground. One of the most
important things to remember with a tail dragger is to always
be ready to apply right rudder to counteract motor torque.
Gain adequate speed before gently applying up elevator,
lifting the model into the air. Be smooth on the elevator stick,
allowing the model to establish a gentle climb to a safe
altitude before turning into the traffic pattern.
OK, ok - this is a highly aerobatic model. After the first flight,
a takeoff run of a few feet with a vertical climb might be in
order. But please, don't do this on the first flight. Get used to
the control throws first.
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 Sukhoi SU-31 ARF for the first flight,
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 life, practice slow flight and execute
Takeoff
Flight
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 charge, but use this first
flight 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 final 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 flare and the model is
a foot or so off the deck, smoothly increase up elevator until it
gently touches down. Once the model is on the runway and has
lost flying speed, hold up elevator to place the tail on the ground.
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. Remember to think.
Have a ball!
But always stay in control and fly in a safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!