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  • RC Park Flyer -- Flying Tips
  • From "Radio Control Hobbies"
    episode RCH-107
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    Figure A

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    Figure B

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    Figure C

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    Figure D

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    Figure E

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    Figure F

    Flying Tips

    With the Tipsy Trainer (TM) park flyer assembled and outfitted with its motor, servos and control linkages, the model is ready to fly. Chris Chianelli offers some tips for flying these electrically powered RC planes.



    • Park flyers can be flown almost anywhere outdoors. An open, grassy area -- with some areas of high grass and some of low grass -- is ideal. Particularly for beginners, high grass is desirable as it serves as a landing cushion.



    • Important: Before flying your RC park flyer, check to make sure that there is not a sanctioned RC flying field within 2 miles of your chosen location.



    • Make sure that the batteries (figure A) are charged per the manufacturer's instructions.



    • Replace the canopy, and secure it with a rubber band.



    • Before launching, turn on the radio transmitter (figure B) and check the operation of the control linkages. Make certain that both the rudder and elevator are operating properly (figure C).



    • To hand-launch a park flyer, hold the flyer so that the fuselage is horizontal (figure D). Avoid launching with the nose pointed either down or up. Hold the flyer as level as possible, and give it a light toss forward.



    • Using your radio transmitter (figure E), direct the plane upward. For your first flight, gain considerable altitude before you attempt your first turn. Work to get the feel for how your plane flies. Avoid full-throttle or over-control of the plane. Once it is aloft, strive to let the plane "fly itself" as much as possible -- with your controls simply redirecting its path slightly, in small adjustments.



    • Practice left turns first, until you feel comfortable with those. Then try some right turns.



    • When you're ready to land your flyer, look for a spot with high grass (figure F) to cushion the landing.



    Tipsy Trainer specs:

    Wingspan.....35 inches
    Weight.....11 ounces
    Speed.....5 to 20 mph
    Power.....Electric
    Price.....$255, as shown



    In the segment that follows, Chris Chianelli takes a look at the wide variety of park flyers that are available.




    RESOURCES :
    Hobby Lobby International

    A retailer of radio-control model planes.
    www.hobby-lobby.com/diynet.htm


    Hobby Lobby International, Inc.
    Brentwood, TN 37027
    Phone: 615-373-1444
    Fax: 615-377-6948
    Website: www.hobby-lobby.com

    Tipsy Trainer park flyer
    www.hobby-lobby.com/diynet.htm
    Hobby Lobby International, Inc.
    Brentwood, TN 37027
    Phone: 615-373-1444
    Fax: 615-377-6948
    Website: www.hobby-lobby.com

    RC Modeler magazine
    RC Modeler magazine
    Sierra Madre, CA 91025
    Fax: 626-355-1476
    Website: www.rcmagazine.com

  • ALSO IN THIS EPISODE: