User Manual

51
FLYING
The Giant F6F Hellcat ARF is a great- ying model that  ies
smoothly and predictably. The Giant F6F Hellcat ARF does
not, however, possess the self-recovery characteristics of a
primary R/C trainer and should be  own only by experienced
R/C pilots.
Fuel Mixture Adjustments
A fully cowled engine may run at a higher temperature than
an un-cowled engine. For this reason, the fuel mixture should
be richened so the engine runs at about 200 rpm below
peak speed. By running the engine slightly rich, you will help
prevent dead-stick landings caused by overheating.
CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES): If,
while  ying, you notice an alarming or unusual sound such
as a low-pitched “buzz,” this may indicate control surface
 utter. Flutter occurs when a control surface (such as an
aileron or elevator) or a  ying surface (such as a wing or
stab) rapidly vibrates up and down (thus causing the noise).
In extreme cases, if not detected immediately,  utter can
actually cause the control surface to detach or the  ying
surface to fail, thus causing loss of control followed by
an impending crash. The best thing to do when  utter is
detected is to slow the model immediately by reducing
power, then land as soon as safely possible. Identify which
surface  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  uttered once, under similar circum-
stances it will probably  utter again unless the problem is
 xed. Some things which can cause  utter are; Excessive
hinge gap; Not mounting control horns solidly; Poor  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
 utter; Flying an over-powered model at excessive speeds.
Takeoff
If you are using the optional air retracts, remember to pump
them up before each  ight. 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 will roll straight down the runway. If
you need to calm your nerves before the maiden  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.
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, 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  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 traf c pattern.
Flight
For reassurance and to keep an eye on other traf c, it is a
good idea to have an assistant on the  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  y more smoothly at reduced speeds.
Take it easy with the Giant F6F Hellcat ARF for the  rst few
 ights, gradually getting acquainted with it as you gain
con dence. Adjust the trims to maintain straight and level
 ight. After  ying around for a while, and while still at a safe
altitude with plenty of fuel, practice slow  ight and execute
practice landing approaches by reducing the throttle and
lowering the  aps to see how the model handles at slower
speeds. Add power to see how she climbs as well. Continue to
 y around, executing various maneuvers and making mental
notes (or having your assistant write them down) of what trim