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CHECK LIST FLYING
During the last few moments of preparation your mind may be elsewhere anticipating the excitement of the fi rst fl ight.
Because of this, you may be more likely to overlook certain checks and procedures that should be performed before the model is fl own. To help avoid this, a check list is provided to make sure these important areas are not overlooked. Many are covered in the instruction manual, so where appropriate, refer to the manual for complete instructions. Be sure to check the items off as they are completed.
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1. Fuelproof all areas exposed to fuel or exhaust residue such as the cowl ring, cowl mounting blocks, wing saddle area, etc.
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2. Check the C.G. according to the measurements provided in the manual.
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3. Be certain the battery and receiver are securely mounted in the fuse. Simply stuffi ng them into place with foam rubber is not suffi cient.
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4. Extend your receiver antenna and make sure it has a strain relief inside the fuselage to keep tension off the solder joint inside the receiver.
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5. Balance your model laterally as explained in the instructions.
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6. Use threadlocking compound to secure critical fasteners such as the set screws that hold the wheel axles to the struts, screws that hold the carburetor arm (if applicable), screw-lock pushrod connectors, etc.
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7. Add a drop of oil to the axles so the wheels will turn freely.
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8. Make sure all hinges are securely glued in place.
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9. Reinforce holes for wood screws with thin CA where appropriate (servo mounting screws, cowl mounting
The Escapade is a great-fl ying model that fl ies smoothly and predictably. The Escapade 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
screws, etc.).
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10. Confi rm that all controls operate in the correct direction and the throws are set up according to the manual.
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11. Make sure there are silicone retainers on all the clevises and that all servo arms are secured to the servos with
Before you get ready to takeoff, see how the model handles on the ground by doing a few practice runs at low speeds on the runway. Hold “up” elevator to keep the tail wheel on the ground. If necessary, adjust the tail wheel so the model the screws included with your radio.
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12. Secure connections between servo wires and
Y-connectors or servo extensions, and the connection will roll straight down the runway. If you need to calm your nerves before the maiden fl ight, shut the engine down and bring the model back into the pits. Top off the fuel, then check all fasteners and control linkages for peace of mind.
between your battery pack and the on/off switch with vinyl tape, heat shrink tubing or special clips suitable for that purpose.
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13. Make sure any servo extension cords you may have used do not interfere with other systems (servo arms,
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 to maintain tail wheel steering, then gradually advance the throttle. As the model gains speed pushrods, etc.).
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14. Secure the pressure tap (if used) to the muffl er with high temp RTV silicone, thread locking compound or J.B. Weld.
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15. Make sure the fuel lines are connected and are not kinked.
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16. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
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17. Tighten the propeller nut and spinner.
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18. Place your name, address, AMA number and telephone number on or inside your model.
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19. Cycle your receiver battery pack (if necessary) and make sure it is fully charged.
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20. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before your fi rst fl ight.
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21. Range check your radio when you get to the fl ying fi eld.
23 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 engine torque. Gain as much speed as your runway and fl ying site will practically allow before gently applying up elevator, lifting the model into the air. At this moment it is likely that you will need to apply more right rudder to counteract engine torque. 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.
Flight
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, most models fl y more smoothly at reduced speeds.
Take it easy with the Escapade 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. Mind your fuel level, but use this fi rst fl ight to become familiar with your model before landing.
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 (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 fl are 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 fl ying speed, hold up elevator to place the tail on the ground, regaining tail wheel control.
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.
Have a ball! But always stay in control and fl y in a safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!
This model belongs to:
Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Phone Number
AMA Number
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