The First Flight - Multiplex EasyGlider 4 Instrucciones De Montaje

correct location, so that you can be sure always to replace the
battery in the same position.
Fig. 34
9. FLYING
9.1 Safety
Safety is the First Commandment when flying any model aircraft.
Third party insurance is mandatory. 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 its cover includes powered model aircraft). Make
it your job to keep your models and your radio control system in
perfect order at all times. Check and observe the correct charging
procedure for the batteries you are using. 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 or our website www.multiplex.de.
MULTIPLEX products are designed and manufactured exclusively
by active modellers for practising modellers. Always fly with a
responsible attitude. Never fly low over other people's heads.
Reckless flying is no indication of real piloting ability, and real ex-
perts have no need to show off in this way. Let other pilots know
that this is what you think too, as it is in all our interests. Always fly
in such a way that you do not endanger yourself or others. Bear
in mind that even the best RC system in the world is subject to
outside interference. No matter how many years of accident-free
flying you have under your belt, you have no idea what will happen
in the next minute.
9.2 Before the first flight
For the first flight wait for a day with as little breeze as possible.
If this is your first model aircraft, your next step is to ask an expe-
rienced model pilot to help you, as things usually do not go well
if you try to manage on your own. Your local model flying club
should be able to help you find someone, or - failing that - your
nearest model shop may be able to assist you. Our flight simula-
tor for the PC can also provide valuable experience prior to your
"first real steps" in model flying. You can download the simulator
at no charge from our website www.multiplex-rc.de. You will also
need the matching interface cable for your MPX transmitter; this
is available from model shops (Order No. # 8 5153).
It is essential to carry out a range-check before the first
flight! Please follow the instructions laid down by your RC system
manufacturer.
The transmitter battery and flight pack must be fully charged using
the correct procedures before you fly the model. If you are not
using a 2.4 GHz radio control system, it is vital to check before
switching on your own transmitter that 'your' channel is not already
in use. If you are not certain of this or anything else, do not launch
the model! If you cannot identify the fault, pack up the whole radio
control system (including battery and servos) and send it to the
manufacturer's Service department for checking.

9.3 The first flight

The aircraft is designed to be hand-launched (always into wind).
If you are a beginner to model flying, we strongly recommend that
you ask an experienced modeller to help you for the first few flights.
Once the model has reached a safe height, adjust the control
surfaces using the trims on the transmitter, so that the model flies
straight and level "hands-off". Take the model up to a safe height
before switching the motor off and observing the model's response
on the glide. Carry out repeated simulated landing approaches at
a safe height, as this will prepare you for the real landing when
the battery is discharged. Avoid flying tight turns at first, especially
close to the ground, and in particular during the landing approach.
It is always better to land safely some distance away than to risk
a crash by forcing the model back to your feet.
FUNDAMENTAL RULE: before every flight check that the
battery, the wings and the tail assembly are securely fixed.
Ensure that all the control surface functions work correctly.
Check all the control surface linkages.
Please bear in mind that the motor heats up when running, and
must be allowed to cool down at regular intervals - especially on
very warm days. The power system of the EasyGlider 4 is desi-
gned to provide a brisk, efficient rate of climb. It is not intended to
run at full-throttle for the whole length of a battery charge. If you
do this, the motor could overheat and suffer permanent damage.
9.4 Thermal flying
Making the best use of flat field thermals is not particularly easy,
and calls for considerable skill and experience. Areas of rising
air are harder to detect and recognise at a flat field, because
they tend to occur at higher altitude than at the hillside, where it
is often possible to find lift while the model is cruising along the
edge of the slope, and then circle away in it. A thermal at a flat
field which occurs directly overhead is very hard to recognise,
and to exploit it to the full requires a highly skilled pilot. For this
reason it is always best to go thermal seeking off to one side of
where you are standing.
You will recognise thermal contact by the glider's behaviour. Good
thermals are obvious because the model will climb strongly, but
weak thermals take a practised eye to detect, and you will need a
lot of skill to make use of them. With a little practice you will be able
to recognise likely trigger points for thermals in the local landsca-
pe. The ground warms up in the sun's heat, but heat absorption
varies according to the type of terrain and the angle of the sun's
rays. The air over the warmer ground becomes warmer in turn,
and the mass of warm air flows along close to the ground, driven
by the breeze. Strong winds usually prevent thermal build-up. Any
obstruction - a shrub or tree, a fence, the edge of a wood, a hill, a
passing car, even your own model on the landing ap-proach - may
cause this warm air to leave the ground and rise. Imagine a drop
of water on the ceiling, wandering around aimlessly, and initially
staying stuck to the ceiling. If it strikes an obstruction it will fall on
your head. A triggered thermal can be thought of as the opposite
of the drop of water.
The most obvious thermal triggers include sharply defined snow
fields on mountain slopes. The air above the snow field is cooled,
and flows downhill; at the edge of the snow field, part-way down
the valley, the cool air meets warm air flowing gently uphill, and
pushes it up and away as if cut off by a knife. The result is an ext-
remely powerful but bumpy thermal bubble. Your task is to locate
the rising warm air and centre your model in it. You will need to
control the glider constantly to keep it centred, as you can expect
the most rapid climb rate in the core of the thermal. Once again,
this technique does demand some skill.
To avoid losing sight of the machine be sure to leave the thermal in
good time. Remember that a glider is always easier to see under
a cloud than against a clear blue sky.
9.5 Slope soaring
Ridge soaring is an extremely attractive form of model flying.
Soaring for hours on end in slope lift, without needing any outside
aid for launching is one of the finest of modelling experiences.
But take care - there are dangers for your model lurking at the
slope. Firstly, in most cases landing is much more difficult than at
a flat field site. It is usually necessary to land in the lee of the hill
where the air is turbulent; this calls for concentration and a high-
speed approach with last-minute airbrake extension. A landing on
the slope face, i.e. right in the slope lift, is even more difficult. Here
the trick is to approach slightly downwind, up the slope, and flare
at exactly the right moment, just before touch-down.
9.6 Pure gliding, aero-towing
It is also perfectly possible to fly the EasyGlider 4 as a pure glider,
i.e. without the motor. If you wish to launch the EasyGlider 4 by
aero-tow, you will need the glider nosecone (# 22 4350) in con-
23