Manual

15
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FLYING
The Sensei is a great-fl ying trainer that fl ies smoothly and
predictably. The Sensei does possesses some self-recovery
characteristics of a primary R/C trainer. However, if you have
never fl own an R/C plane before, we recommend you get some
help from an experienced R/C pilot for your fi rst few fl ights.
CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES): If,
while fl ying, you notice an alarming or unusual sound such
as a low-pitched “buzz,” this may indicate control surface
fl utter. Flutter occurs when a control surface (such as an
aileron or elevator) or a fl ying surface (such as a wing or
stab) rapidly vibrates up and down (thus causing the noise).
In extreme cases, if not detected immediately, fl utter can
actually cause the control surface to detach or the fl ying
surface to fail, thus causing loss of control followed by an
impending crash. The best thing to do when fl utter is detected
is to slow the model immediately by reducing power, then
land as soon as safely possible. Identify which surface
fl 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 fl uttered once, under similar circumstances it will
probably fl utter again unless the problem is fi xed. Some
things which can cause fl utter are; Excessive hinge gap;
Not mounting control horns solidly; Poor fi 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 fl utter; Flying an
over-powered model at excessive speeds.
Takeoff
Before you get ready to takeoff, see how the Sensei handles
on the ground by doing a few practice runs at low speed on
the runway. Note the amount of rudder steering required to
turn the plane. If you need to calm your nerves before the
maiden fl ight, bring the plane back to the pits, unplug and
remove the battery and peak charge it.
It is best to make the fi rst couple of fl ights with the sun at
your back. With the sun directly overhead the bottom of the
plane is in shadow and can sometime confuse the beginner
pilot. Do not take the fi rst fl ights with the sun in front of you.
Experienced pilots that have better control of the plane can
avoid fl ying into the sun. A beginner may not have the control.
To takeoff, point the plane into the wind and gradually advance
the throttle. Gain as much speed as your runway or fl ying
site will allow before gently applying up elevator, lifting the
model into the air. Be smooth on the elevator stick, allowing
the model to establish a gentle climb to a safe altitude before
turning into the traffi c pattern.
Flight
Take it easy with the Sensei for the fi rst few fl ights, gradually
getting acquainted with it as you gain confi dence. Adjust the
trims to maintain straight and level fl ight. After fl ying around
for a few minutes and while still at a safe altitude with plenty
of battery power remaining, practice slow fl ight and execute
practice landing approaches by reducing the throttle to see how
the model handles at slower speeds. Gradually add power to
see how it climbs. If you are a beginner, try to keep the plane
at the same altitude through the turns. Do not allow the plane
to get too far away from you or too high. The farther away it
gets, the more diffi cult it is to see what it is doing.
Landing
With electric planes it is best to land with some battery power
remaining. This will allow you to abort the landing and go around
again if needed. To initiate a landing approach, lower the throttle
while on the downwind leg (fl ying with the wind). Allow the nose
of the plane to pitch down slightly to lose altitude. Continue to
lose altitude, but maintain air speed by keeping the nose down
as you turn into the crosswind leg. Make your fi nal turn towards
the runway (into the wind) keeping the nose down to maintain
airspeed and control. Level the altitude when the model reaches
the landing area, adjusting the throttle to maintain your glide path
and airspeed. If the plane is coming in too high or too fast, slowly
advance the throttle and climb out to make another attempt. Once
the plane is a foot or so above the ground, smoothly increase
the elevator while reducing the throttle, bringing the nose of the
plane up slightly (fl aring). This will reduce the airspeed and gently
set the plane on the main wheels.
Some fi nal thoughts for the beginner pilot. Before taking off,
have a fl ight plan, determine which direction you’re going to fl y,
how high, what do you want to work on, keeping the plane level
through turns or fl ying coordinated turns with the rudder. You do
not want to surprise yourself by trying a maneuver such as a loop
and fi nding out you were not high enough. Learn the basic fl ying
skills well. All maneuvers are based on having full control of the
plane. So go out and practice, practice, practice.