Going Solo: The Basics...

Hand Launch

• On Warbird models, the Transmitter Mode should be set to “A” (Low Rate).
• While holding the transmitter in one hand, push throttle slider full on (up) with the thumb.
• Take a couple of steps forward and firmly launch directly into the wind. When releasing, ensure the wings are level and the fuselage is parallel with the ground.
• Keep steering into the wind and hold at full throttle in a slight climb until you have reached a height of at least 50 feet.
• On reaching this altitude, it is safe to steer in the desired direction as well as adjust the throttle input to control altitude and speed.

Runway Takeoff (ROG) – Super Cub and T-28 Trojan Only

Your HobbyZone® Super Cub / T-28 Trojan  can be launched by way of a runway takeoff (ROG). However, this is not recommended for inexperienced pilots.

• Make sure your landing gear is properly installed.
• Stand behind your Super Cub and point it directly into the wind on smooth asphalt or concrete.
• Apply FULL power via the throttle slider and adjust the control stick as necessary to keep the aircraft headed directly into the wind.
• If the battery is fully charged, your Super Cub should lift off the ground in approximately 30 feet (12 meters).
• Apply some UP elevator by pulling back on the stick, and the plane will lift off of the ground in a shorter distance. Remember, only a small amount of UP is needed. Excessive UP elevator will cause a stall after your aircraft has left the ground.

Flying

• After launching, your aircraft will climb at full throttle. Keep the throttle full on until you have reached an altitude of at least 50 feet (15 meters). At the same time, make sure that you continue to keep the airplane flying directly into the wind.
• Make right and left adjustments, as necessary, to keep the plane headed directly into the wind. After you have reached a minimum of 50-100 feet of altitude, you can begin to make directional changes that you desire.
• Control range is 2500 feet (762meters), so if you fly beyond that, you will lose control of your airplane. At that distance, however, you would likely lose sight of your airplane before you’d lose control.
• Don’t let your airplane get too far downwind from you. Always fly with the airplane UPWIND from you. Failure to do this could result in a flyaway! Remember, the wind is stronger as your plane flies higher in the air.
• It’s ok to fly higher, just be cautious and watch how your plane reacts to the wind. Most of the time, you can fly at higher altitudes at half-throttle. This is great for smooth, easy flying when you’re first learning to fly, and conserves battery power.

Circuits

It may be helpful to fl y in smooth large ovals at higher altitudes so that you can get used to steering the plane with the nose coming at you. Flying the with plane coming towards you takes some practice and is one of the hardest things to get used to when you first begin to fly.

For sharp turns, move the stick in the direction you want to turn and add a bit of UP elevator at the same time (pull back on the stick). The plane will make a sharper banking turn.

Your ParkZone/HobbyZone plane is equipped with a third channel for elevator (pitch control). Pulling back on the stick provides up elevator. Pulling too far back on the elevator to climb too quickly will cause the airplane to enter a stall (make the nose of the plane come down). To avoid crashing from a stall, always maintain enough altitude to recover. Just after a stall has occurred, the nose of the airplane will fall and the plane will look like it is diving. To pull out of a stall, simply pull back slowly on the stick (partial up elevator) once your plane has built up airspeed as it decreases in altitude.

Do not try to climb too fast by pulling all the way back on the stick (up elevator), or your plane may stall. Instead, climb by giving small amounts of elevator.

Damage/bends to the wings or tail can greatly affect flight control. Replace damaged parts immediately.

Once you have become more experienced and familiar with the Spitfire, you can switch from Mode A to Mode B. Mode B no longer limits the travel of the control surfaces.

Landing your Plane

When you begin to notice that your aircraft longer climbs well under full power (normally after approximately 8-10 minutes), the battery is getting low and it is time to land. Bring your aircraft directly into the wind and toward the desired landing spot. Gradually reduce throttle (giving a small amount of down elevator if you choose) in order to reach an altitude of approximately 10 feet (3 meters). At this point, reduce the throttle even more until it is eventually at no throttle and your plane should glide in softly for a landing. Avoid damage to your aircraft by land on a smooth soft surface such as grass.

Expert Tip: As you get better and more experienced at flying, try adding a bit of “up” elevator just prior to landing to “flare” the plane. With some practice, your landings should become smooth and on target.

Auto Cut-off: When the battery gets low enough, this feature will automatically shut off the motor and save enough battery power to maintain directional control so you can land correctly and safely. If the motor cuts off, prepare to land immediately. If you are gliding down and have some time to rest the battery, you may re-arm the motor by moving the throttle slider back to off and then advancing it again. This will only allow the motor to run briefly, and may allow you to better adjust your landing. Do not re-arm the motor more than once.
 
WARNING: Do not attempt to catch the airplane or injury may occur. Remember, there is a spinning propeller on the front of the plane that can cause injury! Also, remember to cut power to the motor right before landing to prevent damage to the propeller.

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