
FLYING
The Fokker DR-1 EP ARF is a great-flying model that flies
smoothly and predictably. The Fokker DR-1 EP ARF does
not, however, possess the self-recovery characteristics of a
primary R/C trainer and should be flown only by experienced
R/C pilots.
CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES): If,
while flying, you notice an alarming or unusual sound such
as a low pitched “buzz,” this may indicate control surface
flutter. Flutter occurs when a control surface (such as an
aileron or elevator) or a flying surface (such as a wing or
stab)rapidlyvibratesupanddown(thuscausingthenoise).
In extreme cases, if not detected immediately, flutter can
actually cause the control surface to detach or the flying
surface to fail, thus causing loss of control followed by
an impending crash. The best thing to do when flutter is
detected is to slow the model immediately by reducing
power, then land as soon as safely possible.Identify which
surface fluttered (so the problem may be resolved) by
checkingalltheservogrommetsfordeteriorationorsignsof
vibration.Makecertainall pushrodlinkagesaresecureand
free of play.If it fluttered once, under similar circumstances
it will probably flutter again unless the problem is fixed.
Some things which can cause flutter are; Excessive hinge
gap; Not mounting control horns solidly; Poor fit 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 flutter;
Flying an over-powered model at excessive speeds.
Takeoff
The Fokker DR-1 EP ARF has a tail skid rather than a
conventional tailwheel. This prevents you from having
complete control while trying to taxi. If your field has short
grassor is paved,it is recommendedthat yousetthe airplane
on the runway pointed into the wind to ready the plane for
takeoff. If your field has very thick or tall grass you should
consider hand-launching the airplane.
With the plane pointed into the wind, arm the motor as per
the ESC instructions and slowly advance the throttle. Apply
full power and launch the model into the wind with the wings
level with the horizon. Gradually add “up elevator” when the
plane picks up speed to begin a gentle climb.At this moment
it is likely that you will need to apply more right rudder to
counteract motor torque. Be smooth on the elevator stick,
allowing the model to establish a gentle climb to a safe
altitude before turning into the traffic pattern.
Flight
For reassurance and to keep an eye on other traffic, it is a
good idea to have an assistant on the flight line with you.Tell
him to remind you to throttle back once the plane gets to a
comfortable altitude.Take it easy with the Fokker DR-1 EP
ARF for the first few flights, gradually getting acquainted with
it as you gain confidence.
Adjust the trims to maintain straight and level flight. After
flying around for a while, and while still at a safe altitude
with plenty of battery power remaining, practice slow flight
and execute practice landing approaches by reducing the
throttle to see how the model handles at slower speeds.Add
power to see how she climbs as well.Continue to fly around,
executing various maneuvers and making mental notes (or
having your assistant write them down) of what trim or C.G.
changes may be required to fine tune the model so it flies the
way you like. The Fokker DR-1 EP ARF will perform loops,
hammerheads, inverted flight and rolls.
When performing rolls you will find that the rolls are more
of a barrel roll. It is recommended you are at a safe altitude
before attempting the roll until you have become familiar with
the characteristics of the airplane. Mind your battery power
but use this first flight to become familiar with your model
before landing.
Landing
WWI planes like the Fokker DR-1 are notorious for their
poor ground handling. Your model has been designed for
maximum control without excessively deviating from scale
lines.This said, the airplane is a little trickier on the ground
than other models you may have flown. We have specified
a high and low rate for the elevator. For normal flying you
will find the low rate elevator is more than adequate. You
might want to switch to the high rate for landing.The airplane
has a tendency to nose over. The additional throw provided
by the high rate elevator will help to minimize nose-overs
when landing. The Fokker DR-1 EP ARF has lots of drag
and slows down quickly when power is reduced.Practice the
landing procedure with more altitude first, then try landing!
To initiate a landing approach, lower the throttle while on
the downwind leg. Allow the nose of the model to pitch
downward to gradually bleed off altitude. Continue to lose
altitude, but maintain airspeed by keeping the nose down
as you turn onto the crosswind leg. Make your final turn
toward the runway (into the wind) keeping the nose down to
maintain airspeed and control. Level the attitude when the
model reaches the runway threshold. At this point it is best
to keep up the air speed and the RPM of the motor, flying the
plane to the ground.The plane will land best if you fly it to the
ground landing first on the main wheels and allowing the tail
to naturally settle as the speed decreases. Three point stall
landings will also work but are trickier to do on a consistent
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