Flying Large Scale RC Planes

In RC Planes of RC Plane Enthusiast (August 14, 2008 8:00 am)

By Mike Maddoix

Before you fly your Large Scale RC Plane, you have to make sure all systems are functioning properly. How do I do this? Well, that is a valid question; I’m hoping to answer it here. You’re going to check and recheck everything. If anything comes back unsatisfactorily, you’re not going to fly today. It’s better to get it fixed and fly another day than put your plane at risk. Always remember that you are the flight commander as well as the ground crew. Putting a dysfunctional plane in the air is never a good idea and it can be dangerous.

Most large RC planes are assembled right before they are ready to fly. You have to remember that you are responsible for this. You have to make sure that all assembly steps are completed correctly. It is up to you to decide if your plane is airworthy. Take this responsibility seriously, your plane’s survival depends on it.

Batteries are a vital part of your plane. Make sure they are charged. You can buy battery checkers; you should use a devise that will put a load on your batteries while they are being checked. If your batteries are marginal, don’t fly; charge them completely prior to any flight. A good charge can take anywhere from 16-18 hours, so it’s a good idea to charge the day before any flight.

Check the fuel clunk line. Most fuel tanks are stored in the front of the plane. This can cause problems with the clunk line bending around and moving to the front of the tank. With the clunk line in this position, you will lose the engine on take off. This is just a disaster waiting to happen, so you should take the extra time and check the clunk line.

Check all fuel line connections, making sure they are secure. Make sure the line is at the correct diameter and is compatible with the fuel you are using. Remember that not all fuel is interchangeable. All fuel should be run through a filter and the filter needs to be changed on a regular basis. Many pilots of large scale RC planes have a filter in the filling line. Clean fuel enhances the way your engine performs. It also increases reliability. Taking the time now, will greatly reduce costs later.

Retracts require a thorough check. You will want to pump them up and make sure they can hold air. Anywhere between 80-100 psi, and you should be able to get through 4 or 5 gears before losing any pressure. If you lose pressure after two cycles, you probably should check for leaks. If you don’t find any leaks, get a larger storage tank. I personally think that metal tanks are more reliable than the plastic types. After you repair the system, recheck. You should check the pressure in both the retracted as well as extended positions. Make sure the gear locks are working as designed. If a retractable tail wheel is being used, make sure the steering doesn’t interfere with retracting. Double check all collars, these hold the wheels on the axels. I have seen many large scale RC aircrafts take off and leave a wheel behind rolling down the runway.

Flight control surfaces are next. Make sure all linkages are secure and tight. You are required to use some type of method to insure control linkages will not become disconnected in flight. Make sure they are properly secured and that they deflect in the right direction when commanded to do so from the transmitter. Make sure the throws are even and opposite flight surfaces have equal travel when compared to the opposite control surface. I am not saying they need to travel the same distance in each direction, they just need to be in the same distance movement when compared to the opposite surface moving in the same direction. When the right aileron is up, it should move the same distance in the up direction as the left aileron moves when the stick is moved in the opposite direction. Both should go the same distance up and both should go the same distance down when they are compared side to side. This is really critical on flaps if the plane is equipped with them.

Large scale remote control planes need flaps and they should be built whenever possible. They are extremely effective for landing and they dramatically increase slow flight stability. Also make sure that all of your flight surfaces are securely mounted and that all hinges are securely mounted and free of any bind. Double check every thing a second time and if anything is not right DON”T FLY. Fix the problem and then get ready to fly. Make sure you check all of the servo mounts as well. They will loosen up and losing a servo mount could be the end of your plane so look them over before you fly.

Check the engine mount and the muffler before every flight. Vibration is your enemy and it is difficult to remove all of the vibration. Carefully balancing the prop helps but there will always be some vibration. It will loosen everything over time so stay on top of this. Also check the prop for an signs of problems and don’t fly with a damaged prop. If you loose a blade in flight it will destroy the airplane. Don’t chance it. The money you spend to replace a bad prop is far less than replacing your entire airplane.

If your plane passes the complete inspection it’s time to put on your pilot hat and sunglasses and get ready to put your pride and joy into the air. The next unit will cover Radio range checking, starting and engine prove out, taxi and takeoff procedures.

Flying large scale RC planes is different and there are several things you need to know before you fly. Understanding the things that can happen before they do happen will aid you in being able to correctly react and give you the chance to enjoy the reason you took all of this on in the first place. Armed with this knowledge, you will be able to enjoy your new hobby.

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