91

activity sixteen

Activity Credit: Credit and Permission to Reprint – Hobbico Inc. has graciously given the Civil AirPatrol permission to reprint the photos and owner’s manual instructions here for one or more of theirReady to Fly (RTF) RC airplanes. More model aircraft, parts, and accessories can be found athttp://www.flyzoneplanes.com and http://www.hobbico.com/. Hobbico also provides the Real FlightRC Simulators that have assisted RC student pilots gain a well grounded initial flying experience athome, in their schools, and CAP units nationwide.

Electric RC Airplane (RTF):Calypso Motor Glider

Objectives students and cadets will– will assemble the calypso glider

is is an intermediate level RC airplane and an entry level sailplane combined. e assemblyof the aircraft is not difficult, but the RC pilot needs to remember it is a fully aerobatic 4-channelRC airplane. An RC pilot should be comfortable with an RC flight simulator first, such as theReal Flight Basic Flight Simulator that is being supplied to CAP unit AEOs in RC STEM kits.ere are several powered glider/sailplanes you can master on the simulator. RC flight can be usedfor an engaging and safe exploratory activity to excite students and deepen their understandingabout science and the physics of flight. is activity reinforces the concepts about air pressure,drag, and how aircraft use control surfaces to climb, turn, and maintain stable flight. With added

speed and full aerobaticcapabilities, this activity willhelp RC pilots’ flying skills.

92

MATERIALSBefore assembly, take an inventory of this kit to make

sure it is complete, and inspect the parts to make sure theyare of acceptable quality. If any parts are missing or are notof acceptable quality, or if you need assistance withassembly, contact Hobbico Product Support.

Only one tool is really needed, a medium size Phillipshead screwdriver. The CA glue and Activator are nice tohave for when things need patching or mending.

• Phillips Head Screw Driver.• A small ruler (inches or metric) to measure rudder andelevator throws.• Great Planes Pro CA+ Medium (GPMR6007).• Great Planes CA Activator Foam Safe 2oz. Pump(GPMR6035).• Photos and sketches are placed before each step theyrefer to. Frequently you can study photos in followingsteps to get another view of the same parts.• Stabilizer and wing incidences and motor thrust angleshave been factory-built into this model. However,some technically minded modelers may wish to checkthese measurements anyway. To view this informationvisit the website at: www.greatplanes.com and click on“Technical Data.” Due to manufacturing tolerances,which will have little or no effect on the way yourmodel will fly, please expect slight deviations betweenyour model and the published values.

BACKGROUND A motor glider is a fixed-wing aircraft that can be

flown with or without engine power. The FAI GlidingCommission Sporting Code definition is: A fixed-wingaerodyne equipped with a means of propulsion (MoP),capable of sustained soaring flight without thrust fromthe means of propulsion.[1] In the US, a powered glidermay be certificated for up to two occupants, up to 850kg maximum weight, and with a maximum ratio ofweight to wing span squared of 3 kg/m2.[2] Similarrequirements exist in European JAA/EASA regulations,at a maximum weight of 750 kg.Most motor gliders are equipped with a propeller,

which may be fixed, feathering, or retractable. Howeverjet engine-powered motor gliders are now availablefrom some manufacturers, some of which are intendedfor use only as "sustainer" engines, i.e. for sustaininggliding flight rather than as self-launching aircraft. Self-launching retractable propeller motor gliders

have sufficient thrust and initial climb rate to take offwithout assistance, or they may be launched as with aconventional glider. The engines also have a startermotor and a large battery to allow the engine to bestarted on the ground, and an alternator to rechargethe battery. A two-blade propeller is typically coupled tothe engine via a belt reduction drive. In older designs,the propeller alignment must be checked by the pilotusing a mirror, before it is retracted into the fuselage;however in current production gliders, propelleralignment is fully automatic. Photos below of the ASH-26E powered sailplane.

NATIONAL STANDARDSScience Standards:Content Standard: Science as Inquiry

• Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry• Understanding about scientific inquiry

Content Standard: Physical Science• Motions and forces

Content Standard: Science and Technology• Abilities of technological design• Understandings about science and technology

Content Standard: History and the Nature of Science• Science as a human endeavor• Historical perspectives• Unifying Concepts and Processes• Evidence, models, and explanation

Technology Standards:Content Standard: The Designed World

• Standard 20: Students will develop anunderstanding of and be able to select and useconstruction technologies.

Photos courtesy of http://www.alexander-schleicher.de/

93

PROCEDUREThis lesson will refer you to the instruction manual for the

Calypso RTF RC plane. It is a typical sample of what similarmodels’ instructions would be like. It would be impossible topresent a lesson plan that covers all types of RC planes andconstruction methods available in the hobby. The following aregiven as general considerations:The Calypso fuselage/wing design is typical of today’s

leading sailplanes and gliders. With foam construction, abrushless electric power system and 4 micro servos already inplace, this RTF powered glider can be turning heads anddrawing attention at the field within minutes after installing yourbattery!

Flyzone Calypso RC Power Sailplane Features• Ready to fly in about 30-minutes. • Motor: Brushless 28 x 30 1300kVoutrunner, 18A ESC.• Rechargeable 11.1V 15C 1300mAh LiPo.

Schleicher ASH-26E SailplaneSpecificationsGeneral characteristics:• Crew: 1• Length: 23’ 2” (7.05 m)• Wingspan: 59’ 1” (18 m)• Height: 4’ 11” (1.51 m)• Wing area: 126 ft² (11.68 m²)• Empty weight: 792 lbs. (360 kg)• Loaded weight: 1155 lbs. (525 kg)• Powerplant: 1 × Diamond AE50R, 37 kW (50 hp)• Aspect ratio: 27.7

Performance:• Maximum speed: 170 mph (270 km/h)• Maximum Glide Ratio: 50• Rate of Sink: 0.48 m/s (94 ft/min)

VOCABULARY RTF: (Ready-To-Fly) Ready-To-Fly R/C Airplanes are

model aircraft for first-time R/C pilots or experiencedenthusiasts looking for a no-hassle box-to-sky experience.These airplanes require very little assembly, are great forbeginners, and come complete with radio, receiver, motor,prop, speed control, servos, battery and charger — everythingyou need to start flying. You put the parts together and chargethe flight battery using the charger that comes in the box withthe plane.

A clevis fastener is a three-piece fastenersystem consisting of a clevis, clevis pin, andtang. The clevis is a U-shaped piece that hasholes at the end of the prongs to accept theclevis pin. Clevises are used in a wide variety offasteners used in the farming equipment,sailboat rigging, and the aircraft industries.

Elevator/Rudder Throws: This is how far theelevator/rudder moves up or down, left or right with therudder/elevator stick on the transmitter.

• 4-Channel Tactic (TTX404) 2.4 GHz micro radiowith four micro servos.• Battery Charger: 12V DC powered balancingcharger with two LEDs to indicate charge status.• Throttle, rudder and elevator provide true 4-channel flight and maneuverability.• Propeller: 9x5 folding design, black in color.

SpecificationsStock Number: FLZA3000Wingspan: 73” (1855 mm)Wing Area: 526 in2 (33.9 dm2)RTF Weight: 29 oz (790-910 g)Wing Loading: 16.7-19.1 oz/ft² (51-58 g/dm2)Length: 47” (1195 mm)Center of Gravity (CG): ¼” (6.5 mm) ahead of spar

ContentsThe 73” Flyzone Calypso has everything included

you need to fly this powered glider right out of the box.No tools other than a Phillips screwdriver are requiredto get this RC plane in the air. All of the batteries go intolocations that require only thumb pressure to insert. Thecanopy is held in position by Velcro.

94

PROCEDUREAssembly • Photos and sketches are placed before the step theyrefer to. Frequently you can study photos in followingsteps to get another view of the same parts. Seebelow:

This AEX lesson will refer you to the instruction manualfor this RC plane and for specific steps and materialsneeded to complete this RC RTF kit. It would be impossible to present a lesson plan that

covers all types and construction available in the RChobby. The instruction is well illustrated and by carefulattention to detail, taking each step one at a time and notbeing in a hurry, you will produce a great flying RC plane.The following are given as general considerations. ThisRTF Airplane Kit:• Includes everything needed.• Flight-ready in only 30 minutes - 3 hours, dependingon the skills the person(s) assembling it have. • It is ideal for a CAP/AMA joint AE project during a

CAP meeting, followed up by flying it at an AMA flyingfield the next weekend using a buddy-box.

• You must assemble the model according to theinstructions. Do not alter or modify the model, asdoing so may result in an unsafe or unflyable model.In a few cases the instructions may differ slightly fromthe photos. In those instances the written instructionsshould be considered as correct.

You must take the time to build straight, true, and strong.

• You must correctly install all R/C and othercomponents so that the model operates correctly onthe ground and in the air.

The instructions are excellent and written very well. Thisis a project for the local AMA club to assist the CAP unit in.If this suggestion is put into action, everyone wins. TheAMA club helps and shares knowledge, as well as gets tohelp the CAP unit learn to fly a really great RC aircraft. TheCAP unit puts aerospace education into practical lessons offlight and RC pilot skills. This plane can be ordered at:http://www.flyzoneplanes.com/airplanes.htmlThe following is from the Flyzone Calypso RC Aircraft

Owner’s Instruction Manual. The Calypso RC Aircraftcomes with all required materials and assemblies. You willneed 30 minutes to an hour to assemble the plane. Youneed to take your time, and it is recommended you havesomeone assist you with assembling this type RC plane.

for your first flights. If you’re not a member of a club,your local hobby shop has information about clubs inyour area whose membership includes experiencedpilots.

Safety ConsiderationsThe Calypso power glider should not be considered a

toy, but rather a sophisticated, working model thatfunctions very much like a full-size airplane. Because of itsperformance capabilities, the Calypso, if not assembledand operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to youor spectators and damage to property.

Flying the CalypsoThe Calypso is suitable for beginners because it can fly

slowly and react predictably and gently, but it is still highlyrecommended that those who have no radio control flyingexperience seek the assistance of an experienced pilot—especially for the first couple of flights. Beginners shouldfly only in calm conditions, but experienced pilots willembrace the challenge of flying the Calypso in winds up to20mph!

95

• Once assembly is complete, make sure the Center ofGravity (CG) is perfect. Reviews from many Calypsopilots state that the CG on this must be perfect forsatisfactory flights.

Pre-Flight Checks• You must check the operation of the model beforeevery flight to insure that all equipment is operatingand that the model has remained structurally sound.Be sure to check clevises or other connectors oftenand replace them if they show any signs of wear orfatigue.

Range Check• Most radio systems have a procedure for ground-checking the operational range. This usually involvessomething such as the pilot walking a distance awayfrom the model while operating the controls, with anassistant holding the model and confirming thateverything is operating correctly. Follow themanufacturer’s instructions that came with your radioto perform this check with the motor off and with themotor running at various speeds. If the radio does notpass the range check, do not fly! Find and correct theproblem first.• If you are not an experienced pilot or have not flownthis type of model before, we recommend that you getthe assistance of an experienced pilot in your RC club

96

EVALUATIONAEX for Senior Members Activity One: “Electric Radio

Control Model Aircraft” is ideal for students/cadets topractice and expand their RC piloting skills

EXTENSIONCompare this ARF RC airplane with a

MyRcDesigns.com aircraft that a student designs, buildsand flies. Make a presentation or demonstration of the

differences in the Night Vapor RTF indoor RC airplane anda similar foamie profile RC airplane and the Calypso.

HINTS & TIPS Upgrade your Battery Charger

The RTF and Tx-R versions of the Calypso include aGreat Planes 3S LiPo balancing Smart Charger. TheSmart Charger is a safe way to charge your LiPo battery,but it’s very basic and just enough to get you started. TheSmart Charger that comes with the plane charges at a rateof .8 Amps. It will take approximately one-and-a-half hoursor more to charge your battery. Eventually, you’ll want toget more batteries and an advanced charger to chargefaster and fly more!

A Battery Checker from any hobby shop or fromHobbico (HCAP0275) cannot be recommended enough. Aweak battery will fail in flight and much of the time resultsin a major crash. Checking your battery prior to installing itfor each flight is cheap insurance.

Heat from hot, sunny conditions may blister the foambeads under the black paint on the canopy. If your Calypsowill be resting or lying in the sun, cover the canopy with atowel or remove the canopy and place it in the shade.

LiPo batteries require special care and handling. Becertain to follow the instructions that came with your LiPobattery and charger to charge and handle them correctly.

RESOURCESAEX, for Senior Members Activity Eight: “Remote

Control Flight Simulator for Your Computer” is ideal forstudents/cadets to practice and get the “feel” of an RCpowered glider like the Calypso. Great Planes:http://secure.hobbyzone.com/gp/?gclid=CMWZka7sqK8CFQ1jhwod8EOyYg

Launch

The Calypso is simply hand-launched by advancing thethrottle and giving it a gentle toss directly into anyprevailing wind—it will basically fly out of your hand, so agentle throw is all that is needed. You’ll probably want tolaunch it at full-throttle the first time, but once you get usedto the Calypso and get it trimmed you could launch it atreduced power.Once

airborne the firstpriority will be toget your Calypsotrimmed forstraight-and-level flight usingthe flight trims onthe transmitter. The elevator may trim out differently at fullpower than it does power off, so trim it for the type of flyingyou will be doing most—sport-flying or thermaling (ifthermaling, you will want the Calypso to trim out with thepower off).You can maneuver the Calypso around the sky rather

like a sport model performing gentle aerobatics such asloops, rolls, Cuban 8s, stall turns and even inverted flight,or you can fly it like a glider using motor power to climb toaltitude, then shut off the power to search for lifting air.

When ready to land simply bring the Calypso aroundinto the wind, cut the power and allow it to descend. Youcan extend the flaps to slow the Calypso’s descent, butthis may also extend the glide path; so modulate the flapsas necessary. In breezy conditions the Calypso maydescend almost vertically. However you fly you shouldcalculate your fight time and use a timer so you don’t overdischarge your battery or end up having the motor quitunexpectedly causing a dead-stick landing. Dead-sticklandings are usually no problem unless you are flying on awindy day and cannot get your Calypso back to thelanding area.