Multiplex Pico Serie Notice De Construction page 11

10. Elevon travels
The travel of the elevons must be set correctly to achieve a
balanced control response. When elevator is applied (forward
elevons should rise by about 20 mm
/ back stick), both
when you pull the stick back, and fall by about 20
mm when you move the stick forward. Aileron travel
should be +/- 15 mm, i.e. there should be no
differential. Measure these travels at the widest point
of the elevons. If you cannot achieve these travels with your
radio control system, you will need to adjust the mechanical
linkages.
11. Balancing
The Twin-Jet, like any other aircraft, must be balanced at a
particular point in order to achieve stable flying
characteristics. Assemble your model, ready to fly, and install
the flight battery. You will find moulded-in marks on the
underside of the wing roots, close to the hand-grip recesses.
Support the model at this point on two fingertips, and it
should balance level. If it does not, you can move the flight
battery forward or aft to correct the balance point. Once the
correct position is found, mark the battery cradle inside the
model to ensure that the pack is always replaced in the same
position. The drive battery is provided with its own "safety
belt" in the form of a strong rubber band. Please be sure to fit
it before each flight, to avoid embarrassing accidents.
Be sure to fit the rubber band which holds the canopy in place
before you fly the model.
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The marked CG produces a model which is safe and
comfortable to control when the elevons are at neutral. The
model should be launched with a powerful throw and the
nose angled up at about 10°, so that it has sufficient ground
clearance when picking up airspeed. Once it is up to speed,
the trims should be adjusted so that the model climbs gently
at full throttle. Depending on your personal flying style, you
may find that you have trimmed the elevons slightly down
when you land the model. However, please be sure to reset
them to neutral before the next flight.
12. Gilding the lily - applying a little decoration
The kit is supplied with a multi-colour decal sheet 16. Cut out
the individual name placards and emblems and apply them
to the model in the position shown in the kit box illustration,
or in an arrangement which you find pleasing. The cabin can
be coloured using a waterproof felt-tip pen, continuing the
colour down to the edge.
13. Preparing for the first flight
For the first flight wait for a day with as little breeze as possible.
The early evening is often a good time.
Be sure to carry out a range check before the first flight.
Just before the flight, charge up the transmitter battery and
the flight pack using the correct procedure. Ensure that "your"
channel is not already in use before you switch on the
transmitter.
Ask your assistant to walk away from the model, holding the
transmitter. The aerial should be fitted but completely
collapsed.
Your assistant should operate one of the functions constantly
while you watch the servos. The non-controlled servo should
stay motionless up to a range of about 80 m, and the
controlled one should follow the stick movements smoothly
and without any delay. Please note that this check can only
give reliable results if the radio band is clear of interference,
and if no other radio control transmitters are in use - even on
other channels. If the range check is successful, repeat it with
the motors running. There should be only a very slight
reduction in effective radio range with the motor turning.
If you are not sure about anything, please don't risk a flight.
Send the whole system (including battery, switch harness and
servos) to the service department of your RC system
manufacturer and ask them to check it.
The first flight ...
Don't try an unpowered test-glide with this model!
The model is designed for hand-launching, and should always
be launched exactly into any wind.
If you are a beginner to model flying we strongly
recommend that you ask an experienced model pilot to
help you for the first few flights.
Allow the model to climb to a safe height, then adjust the
trim sliders on the transmitter until the model flies in a
perfectly straight line "hands off" .
While the model is still at a safe altitude, switch off the motors
and try out the model's controls on the glide. Carry out a "dry
run" landing approach at a safe height, so that you are
prepared for the real landing when the battery runs flat.
Don't try any tight turns at first, and especially not on the
landing approach at low altitude. Leave the risky manoeuvres
until you are confident of the model's handling. It is always
better to land safely at some distance from you, than to force
the model back to your feet and risk a heavy landing.
15. Safety
Safety is the First Commandment when flying any model
aircraft. Third party insurance should be considered a basic
essential. If you join a model club suitable cover will usually
be available through the organisation. It is your personal
responsibility to ensure that your insurance is adequate (i.e.
that it covers powered model aircraft).
Make it your job to keep your models and your radio control
system in perfect order at all times. Check the correct charging
procedure for the NC batteries used in your RC set. Make use
of all sensible safety systems and precautions which are
advised for your system. An excellent source of practical
accessories is the MULTIPLEX main catalogue, as our products
are designed and manufactured exclusively by practising
modellers for other practising modellers.
Always fly with a responsible attitude. You may think that
flying low over other people's heads is proof of your piloting
skill; others know better. The real expert does not need to
prove himself in such childish ways. Let other pilots know
that this is what you think too. Always fly in such a way that
you do not endanger yourself or others. Bear in mind that
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