Instruction manual

produce more aerodynamic lift from the wing, allowing a
slower takeoff and landing speed. Flaps are often found on
scale models, but usually not on basic trainers.
Flare - The point during the landing approach in which the
pilot gives an increased amount of up elevator to smooth
the touchdown of the airplane.
Flight Box - A special box used to hold and transport all
equipment used at the flying field.
Flight Pack (or Airborne pack) - All of the radio equipment
installed in the airplane, i.e., Receiver, Servos, Battery,
Switch Harness.
Flutter - A phenomenon whereby the elevator or aileron
control surface begins to oscillate violently in flight. This
can sometimes cause the surface to break away from the
aircraft and cause a crash. There are many reasons for this,
but the most common are excessive hinge gap or
excessive “slop” in the pushrod connections and control
horns. If you ever hear a low-pitched buzzing sound,
reduce throttle and land immediately.
Frequency Control - The FCC has allowed the 72MHz
band to be used for R/C aircraft operations. This band is
divided up into many different channels in which you can
choose a radio system. You should be aware that certain
areas have frequencies in which there is pager interference.
This is why it is always a wise move to check with your local
hobby shop to find out any channels that may be
troublesome in the area you wish to fly.
Fuel Overflow Line (Vent) - The fuel line is either open to
atmospheric pressure or attaches to the muffler pressure
nipple to pressurize the fuel tank for better fuel flow to the
engine. This is the line through which the fuel will overflow
when the tank is full.
Fuel Pick Up-Line - The fuel line in the fuel tank through
which fuel travels to the carburetor. Typically a flexible tube
with a weight or “Clunk” on the end which allows it to follow
the fuel with changes in aircraft attitude. This is the line
through which the tank is filled.
Fuselage - The body of an airplane.
Glitch - Momentary radio problem that never happens
unless you are over trees or a swamp.
Glow Plug - The heat source for igniting the fuel/air mixture
in the engine. When starting the engine a battery is used to
heat the filament. After the engine is running, the battery
can be removed. The wire filament inside the plug is kept
hot by the “explosions” in the engine’s cylinder. (See next
heading and “Idle Bar” Plug.)
Glow Plug Clip/Battery - A 1.2-volt battery, which is connected
to the glow plug on a model airplane engine for starting. The
battery is removed once the engine is running steadily.
Grease-In - A very smooth, gentle landing without a hint of
a bounce.
Hit (or to be hit) - Sudden radio interference which causes
your model to fly in an erratic manner. Most often caused
by someone turning on a radio that is on your frequency,
but can be caused by other radio sources miles away.
Horizontal Stabilizer - The horizontal tail surface at the
back of the fuselage which provides aerodynamic pitch
stability to the airplane.
Idle Bar Plug - This type of glow plug has a “bar” across
the tip to help prevent raw fuel from being splashed onto
the glow element. Too much raw fuel will cool the plug and
prevent it from igniting the fuel/air mixture. An idle bar is a
help in obtaining a low idle speed.
Lateral Balance - The left-right or side-to-side balance of
an airplane. An airplane that is laterally balanced will track
better through loops and other maneuvers.
Leading Edge (LE) - The very front edge of the wing or
stabilizer. This is the edge that hits the air first.
Muffler - A device attached to the exhaust stack of the
engine to reduce noise and increase back pressure which
helps low speed performance. Note: Most R/C Clubs
require the use of mufflers.
Muffler Baffle - A restrictor plate inside the muffler which
reduces engine noise. This plate can be removed to
increase power, but only if there are no noise restrictions
where you fly.
Needle Valve - Adjustment on a carburetor used to set proper
fuel/air mixture. Some carburetors have separate needle
adjustments for low and high throttle. Typically, turning the
needle clockwise (threading in) leans the mixture (less fuel), and
vice versa. However, there are a few exceptions—refer to the
engine manufacturer’s instructions.
NiCd - Nickel Cadmium battery. Rechargeable batteries which
are typically used as power for radio transmitters and receivers.
Nitro - Nitromethane, a fuel additive which increases a
model engine’s ability to idle low and improves high speed
performance. Ideal nitro content varies from engine to
engine. Refer to the engine manufacturer’s instructions for
best results. Nitro content in fuel is indicated by the percent
of the fuel.
Ni-Starter - A self-contained battery and glow plug clip,
used when starting the engine. (See Glow Plug Clip.)
Pitch Axis - The airplane axis controlled by the elevator.
Pitch is illustrated by holding the airplane at each wing tip.
Raising or lowering the nose is the pitch movement. This is
how the climb or dive is controlled.
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