10
EN
Flying the Manta
Consult local laws and ordinances before choosing a flying location.
Range Check your Radio System
Before you fly, range check the radio system. Refer to your specific transmitter
instruction manual for range test information.
Oscillation
Once the AS3X system is active (after advancing the throttle for the first time), you
will normally see the control surfaces react to aircraft movement. In some flight
conditions you may see oscillation (the aircraft rocks back and forth on one axis
due to overcontrol). If oscillation occurs, refer to the Troubleshooting Guide for
more information.
Flying
We recommend flying the Manta using line of sight for the first few flights, until
you are familiar with characteristics of the aircraft. Once you are comfortable, you
may proceed to flying the aircraft using FPV.
Always choose a wide-open space for flying. Due to the higher speeds of this
aircraft, it does require more room to fly than average foam models. It is ideal
for you to fly at a sanctioned flying field. If you are not flying at an approved site,
always avoid flying near houses, trees, wires and buildings. You should also be
careful to avoid flying in areas where there are many people, such as busy parks,
schoolyards, or soccer fields.
Hand Launching
For the first few flights, we recommend you use the help of a friend to hand
launch the model. Hold the aircraft with the finger grips on the underside of the
center section. Set the flight mode to Launch Mode. With the throttle off, give the
aircraft a firm throw directly into the wind at a slight upward angle (10 degrees
above the horizon). As you let go of the aircraft, advance the throttle and climb out.
CAUTION: DO NOT advance the throttle before tossing the aircraft.
Serious injury may result from the spinning propeller hitting your throwing
hand or arm. Always FIRST toss the aircraft, and THEN advance the throttle.
In flight trimming
During your first flight, while flying in either Intermediate or Experienced Mode,
trim the aircraft for level flight at 3/4 throttle. Make small trim adjustments with
your transmitter trim switches to straighten the aircraft’s flight path.
NOTICE: DO NOT attempt to trim the aircraft in Launch Mode.
After landing, adjust the linkages mechanically to account for trim changes and
then reset the trims to neutral. Ensure the aircraft will fly straight and level with no
trim or sub-trim.
Landing
For your first flights with the recommended battery pack, set your transmitter
timer to 3 minutes. After three minutes, land the aircraft. Adjust your timer for
longer or shorter flights once you have flown the model. If at any time the motor
pulses, land the aircraft immediately to recharge the flight battery. See the Low
Voltage Cutoff (LVC) section for more details on maximizing battery health and run
time.
Land the aircraft into the wind in a soft area, such as tall grass. Use a small
amount of throttle for the initial approach. Once the aircraft is on a proper ap-
proach angle, and the aircraft will land in the proper area, remove all throttle, but
maintain the descent. During approach and landing, keep the wings level and the
aircraft pointed into the wind. As you approach 2-3 feet in altitude, begin your
flare. Continue easing back on the elevator to bring the aircraft down gently on the
belly.
NOTICE: If a crash is imminent, reduce the throttle and trim fully. Failure to do so
could result in extra damage to the airframe, as well as damage to the ESC and
motor.
NOTICE: After any impact, always ensure the receiver is secure in the fuselage.
If you replace the receiver, install the new receiver in the same orientation as the
original receiver or damage may result.
NOTICE: Crash damage is not covered under warranty.
NOTICE: When you are finished flying, never leave the aircraft in direct sunlight
or in a hot, enclosed area such as a car. Doing so can damage the aircraft.
Low Voltage Cutoff (LVC)
When a Li-Po battery is discharged below 3V per cell, it will not hold a charge.
The ESC protects the flight battery from over-discharge using Low Voltage Cutoff
(LVC). Before the battery charge decreases too much, LVC removes power sup-
plied to the motor. Power to the motor pulses, showing that some battery power is
reserved for flight control and safe landing.
Disconnect and remove the Li-Po battery from the aircraft after use to prevent
trickle discharge. Charge your Li-Po battery to about half capacity before storage.
During storage, make sure the battery charge does not fall below 3V per cell. LVC
does not prevent the battery from over-discharge during storage.
NOTICE: Repeated flying to LVC will damage the battery.
Repairs
Repairs to the foam can be made using virtually any adhesive (hot glue, CA,
epoxy, etc). When parts are not repairable, see the Parts List for ordering a
replacement airframe. For a listing of all replacement components and optional
parts, refer to the list at the end of this manual.
NOTICE: When using cyanoacrylate (CA) adhesive to join or repair the airframe,
DO NOT allow the adhesive to contact or get close to the fpv camera lens. The
vapors from the adhesive will permanently fog the camera lens.
Post-Flight Inspection
Cleaning Make sure the battery is not connected before cleaning. Remove dust and debris with a soft brush or a dry lint free cloth.
Airframe Check the airframe for any cracks or other damage. Minor repairs to the foam can be made using CA or epoxy. Badly damaged parts should
be replaced.
Control Linkages Make sure the control horns are secure. Make sure the control rods are secure in the control horns. Make sure the clevises are tight and the
silicone retainers are in place.
Wiring Make sure wiring does not contact moving parts. Replace damaged wiring and loose connectors.
Fasteners Make sure there are no loose screws, other fasteners or connectors. Do not over tighten metal screws in plastic parts. Tighten screw so
parts are mated together, then turn screw only 1/8th of a turn more.
Propeller Make sure there is no damage to the propeller blades. Damage includes cracks, burrs, chips or scratches. Replace damaged parts before
the next flight.
Receiver Make sure the AR636 receiver is securely attached to the frame. Replace the double-sided tape when necessary. The aircraft will crash if
the receiver separates from the frame.
