PIPER J-3 CUB Kit Manual
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13. FLYING
If you are a newcomer to model flying it is suggested that you not attempt flying without the assistance of a modeler with
experience. Contact your local model club or ask your hobby dealer for the names of good fliers in your vicinity and a
suitable location for flying. Many hours of work are involved in the construction of a model and it can all be lost in a
moment of beginner's indecision. A skilled flyer can help you to get past the first critical test and trimming flights without
damage to the model and give instructtion in proper control.
If a good, smooth take-off surface is not available, the model may be hand-launched. Holding the model just behind the
landing gear with the left hand and under the tail with the right, run into the wind at a fast trot and thrust the model forward
with the nose slightly down in a spear
-throwing motion. It is not necessary to achieve a lot of velocity in the launch- it is
more important that it be released smoothly and with wings level. The model may dip slightly and then should begin
climbing at a slight angle. If it does not begin to climb after about fifty feet of flight, apply a small amount of up elevator to
lift the nose.
Use rudder or aileron to keep the wings level and headed straight into the wind until about 75 feet of altitude is obtained.
Keep first turns gentle and not steeply banked. Stay up wind of the transmitter. Use trim levers on your radio equipment
where necessary to obtain straight and level flight with the control sticks in neutral position but don't attempt to make these
adjustments until the model is at a good altitude. Throttle back at altitude to find out the model characteristics in a gliding
condition so that some indication is seen of what to expect during the landing approach. It is a good idea to make several
practice landing approaches at a good altitude to get the feel of the model for this approaching critical maneuver. Make
your final and complete landing approach while your engine still has plenty of fuel remaining so that the engine is not liable
to stop before completion of the flight. This will allow application of power if the approach is being undershot. Notice the
percentage of missed landings at an R/C flying field. Those undershot greatly outnumber those missed by overshooting.
So if an approach that looks a little high is maintained, chances are good that a spot
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on landing can be made.
WARNING - DANGER! -Important: Read These Warnings:
Do Not fly control line or towline models within 300 feet of electric power lines. Instant death from electrocution
can result from coming near them. Direct contact is not necessary.
A model airplane motor gets very hot and can cause serious burns. Do not touch the motor during or after
operation.
Keep clear of the propeller. It can cut off a finger or put out an eye. Make sure the propeller is securely
fastened in place and is not cracked.
Model airplane fuel is flammable and poisonous. Take the same precautions while transporting and using it
that you would with a can of gasoline or a bottle of poison.
Remember that it is possible to lose control of a model airplane. Do not fly in locations where the model may
hit people or damage property if loss of control occurs.
Check your model and equipment regularly to insure it is in safe operating condition.