E-flite Ascent EP Park Glider ARF User Manual

Instruction Manual

• Almost-Ready-to-Fly

• Speed 400 motor w/folding propeller included

• Lightweight fiberglass fuse w/bolt-on wing

Specifications

Wingspan............................................................ 54 in (1384 mm)

Length .............................................................. 323⁄8 in (822 mm)

Wing Area .................................................... 331 sq in (21.4 dm2)

Flying Weight .................................................... 19.5 oz (552.8 g)

Radio ........................................ 3-channel w/2 sub-micro servos

Battery ................................................ 7- or 8-cell 500–800mAh

Electronic Speed Control .......................................... 15–20 amps

™

™

3

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Radio Equipment Required. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Additional Required Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Required Tools and Adhesives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Kit Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Section 1. Mounting the Wing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Section 2. Installing the Horizontal and Vertical Tail Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Section 3. Installing the Elevator and Rudder Servos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Section 4. Installing the Elevator and Rudder Control Horns and Linkages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Section 5. Installing the Speed Control and Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Section 6. Balancing and Control Throw Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Section 7. Preflight Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Section 8. Glide Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Section 9. Thermal Soaring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Section 10. In-Flight Adjustments for Performance and Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Pitch Attitude
Minimum Sink Speed
Maximum Lift/Drag (L/D) Speed
Best Penetration Speed

AMA Safety Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Table of Contents

Thank you for purchasing the Ascent electric park glider. E-flite’s
Ascent offers the modeler an ARF (almost-ready-to-fly) electric
park glider that is pre-built to a high level of craftsmanship. It is
unique in that it comes with the electric motor and folding pro­peller installed, complete with preassembled wiring harness,
saving a significant amount of construction time.

The precovered and trimmed Ascent is a high-quality speed
400-power park glider that can be flight ready in just a few
evenings. The world of electric-powered park gliders is extremely
challenging and rewarding. It is your skill and knowledge of the
surrounding atmosphere, combined with the design capabilities

of your model, that will result in your ability to defy the laws of
gravity and produce flights of unbelievable distance and duration.

With the electric motor, you can climb 300–500 feet (thermal
hunting altitude) several times, resulting in flight times of up to
an hour or more as you soar from thermal to thermal. We have
included sections on "Thermal Soaring" and "Flight Trimming
for Performance and Conditions" to help you achieve the most
enjoyment from your Ascent. We believe you will have many
enjoyable hours of challenging and rewarding flight. Happy
thermal hunting!

An R/C aircraft is not a toy! If misused, it can cause serious
bodily harm and damage to property. Fly only in open areas,
preferably AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) approved
flying sites, following all instructions included with your radio.
Always assume the electric motor can come on at any time so
use extreme caution.

Before beginning assembly of your Ascent, we strongly suggest
that you read through this instruction manual so you can
become familiar with the parts and the assembly sequence.
Assemble the kit according to the sequence provided in the
instruction manual. Do not attempt to modify or change the kit
design as doing so could adversely change the models flying
characteristics.

Seek Assistance

If you are new to R/C we suggest you find an experienced pilot
to check out your aircraft and help you with the first few flights.

This will help prevent damage to your model and will speed up
the learning process making your R/C experience all the more
enjoyable. You can contact local R/C clubs or your dealer to
obtain the names of experienced R/C pilots who would be willing
to help you with your first few flights.

Although this is an ARF (Almost-Ready-to-Fly) kit, it does have
some construction features that can be challenging to the less
experienced modeler. If you encounter difficulty in any construction
sequence, please feel free to contact one of our technicians—
we stand ready to provide any assistance we can concerning the
construction of your E-flite Ascent ARF. Contact us at:

Horizon Hobby, Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, IL 61822
[phone]
www.horizonhobby.com

4

Introduction

Warning

• 3-channel radio system

• 7- or 8-cell battery pack

• Micro Receiver (JRPR610)

• Sub-Micro Servos (2) (JRPS241)

• 20-Amp Mini ESC w/Brake (EFLA105)

Recommended JR System

J-Line™Quattro Lite System (JRPF404)
(Quattro transmitter, JR R610M Receiver and
2 each JR 241 Sub-Micro Servos)

AirPac™Micro (JRPF640)
(JR R610M receiver and 2 each
JR 241 sub-micro servos)

7- or 8-cell Ni-Cd battery pack 500–800mAh
Battery charger

5

Radio Equipment Required

Additional Required Equipment

JRPF404

Hobby knife
Phillips screwdriver
Hex Driver: 3/32"
Drill
Drill Bit: 1/16"
Sandpaper (medium)
Felt-tipped pen/pencil
Ruler
Double-sided foam tape or Velcro

®

Masking tape

Folding Propeller, 7 x 3 (EFL1079)
Fuselage with Tail Boom (EFL1077)
Wing Joiner Tube
Hardware
Main Wing Set (EFL1076—includes item C)
Tail Set (EFL1080)

6

Required Tools and Adhesives (not included in the kit)

Kit Contents

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

Parts Needed

Ascent fuselage
Right and left wing panel
Aluminum wing tube
Wing dowels (2)
4-40 x 1/2" hex screws (2)
4-40 washers (2)

Tools and Adhesives Needed

Hobby knife
Hex Driver: 3/32"
6-minute epoxy
Rubbing alcohol
Paper towels
Felt-tipped pen/pencil

Step 1. Locate the right and left wing panels and the two
1" wing dowels. Test fit the dowels into the predrilled holes
in the leading edge of each wing.

Step 2. Insert the dowels until there is 1/4" extending past the
leading edge of the wing. Mark the dowel where it enters the
leading edge. Remove the dowels from the wing.

Step 3. Using approximately 1/2 ounce of 6-minute epoxy, glue
the dowels into the leading edge of the wing. Be sure to get
plenty of epoxy into the hole in the leading edge. Use the marks
made in the previous step to reposition the wing dowels. Wipe
away any excess epoxy using rubbing alcohol and paper towels.
Allow the epoxy to cure before moving on to Step 4.

Step 4. Locate the aluminum wing tube and slide it into the
hole in the wing root of one wing panel as shown. The tube
should slide in approximately half of its length.

7

Section 1: Mounting the Wing

A

B

Step 5. Slide the other wing panel onto the wing tube, joining
the wing halves.

Note: The wing of the Ascent™is not glued together. The
wing panels separate to allow for ease of transportation.

Step 6. To mount the wing to the fuselage, slide the wing
dowels into the predrilled holes in the forward portion of the
wing saddle just behind the canopy.

Step 7. Secure the wing to the fuselage with the 4-40 x 1/2"
wing mounting hex screws and 4-40 washers provided. Use a
3/32" hex driver to tighten the wing screws.

Note: Remove the wing for now. You will need to re­install it during the alignment of the horizontal stabilizer.

8

A

B

Parts Needed

Fuselage assembly
Wing assembly
Horizontal stabilizer w/elevator
Vertical stabilizer w/rudder
Tail boom skid

Tools and Adhesives Needed

Hobby knife
Ruler/tape measure
30-minute epoxy
Rubbing alcohol
Paper towels
Masking tape
Felt-tipped pen/pencil
Sandpaper (medium)

Step 1. Locate the horizontal stabilizer with the elevator
attached. With the decals facing up, mark the center of the
stabilizer at the hinge line as shown. Also mark the center of
the tail boom inside below the fin slot with a felt-tipped pen.

Step 2. Place the horizontal stabilizer on the balsa wood saddle
under the tail boom and align the two marks made in Step 1.
The trailing edge of the tail boom should align with the hinge
line, allowing the elevator to move up and down. Use masking
tape to hold the horizontal stab to the boom.

Step 3. Mount the wing to the fuselage and use a long ruler
to measure the distance from the wing tip to the tip of the
horizontal stabilizers as shown in the illustration below. Carefully
adjust the horizontal stabilizer until the measurement (a) is equal
on both sides. Make sure to keep the marks on the trailing edge of
the stabilizer and tail boom aligned.

Step 4. Use a felt-tipped pen and mark the stabilizer on both
sides of the tail boom.

9

Section 2: Installing the Horizontal and Vertical

Tail Surfaces

A

B

a

a

Step 5. With the horizontal stabilizer still attached, make sure it
is parallel to the main wing as shown in the illustration below.
If needed, make adjustments by sanding the stab saddle until
the wing and stab are aligned parallel to each other.

Step 6. Remove the horizontal stabilizer from the tail boom.
Carefully remove the covering 1/16" inside the lines drawn in
Step 4 using a sharp hobby knife. Use caution and only cut
through the covering and not into the stabilizer itself, as doing
so will weaken the structure.

Step 7. Using 30-minute epoxy, glue the horizontal stabilizer to
the tail boom. Use the lines drawn in Step 4 to realign the
stabilizer. Wipe away excess epoxy using rubbing alcohol and
a paper towel. Re-check the alignment with the main wing and
allow the epoxy to cure before proceeding to Step 8.

Step 8. Slide the vertical fin and rudder assembly into the slot
at the rear of the tail boom. The hinge line should be even with
the back of the tail boom as shown. Also check that there is no
gap between the fin and tail boom.

Step 9. Using a felt-tipped pen, mark the rear portion of the fin
and the forward portion of the boom.

10

A

B

Step 10. Remove the fin from the boom. Using a sharp hobby
knife, remove the covering from the fin tab just inside the lines
drawn in the previous step.

Step 11. Carefully sand the tail boom inside the lines drawn in
Step 9 to remove the paint. Use masking tape to protect the
boom from the sandpaper.

Step 12. Using 30-minute epoxy, glue the vertical fin in place.
Make sure to get adequate epoxy inside the bottom portion of the
boom where the fin’s tab makes contact. Use masking tape to
hold the fin in place while the epoxy cures. Make sure the fin is
positioned 90 degrees to the horizontal stabilizer.

Step 13. Once the epoxy has cured, locate the boom skid and mark
its position on the bottom of the boom. The skid should be placed
in line with the vertical fin 90 degrees to the horizontal stabilizer.

Step 14. Trim the covering just inside the lines drawn in the
previous step and glue the skid in place using 6-minute epoxy.

11

A

A

B

B

Parts Needed

Fuselage assembly
Sub-Micro Servos (2) (JRPS241)

Tools and Adhesives Needed

Phillips head screwdriver

Step 1. Install the mounting hardware (grommets & eyelets)
supplied with your servos. Also remove the servo arms at
this time.

Step 2. Install the servos into the preinstalled servo tray in the
fuselage. Position the servos as shown with the output shaft
towards the nose of the plane. Be sure to feed the servo leads
through the hole at the forward portion of the tray.

Note: The elevator servo is mounted on the left, and the
rudder servo is mounted on the right.

Step 3. Secure the servos in place using the mounting screws
supplied with the servos.

12

Section 3: Installing the Elevator and Rudder Servos

A

B

Parts Needed

Fuselage assembly
Plywood control horns
Quick connects (2)
Control wires (2)

Tools and Adhesives needed

Hobby knife
Pliers
Phillips screwdriver
Medium CA

Step 1. Locate the precut slot in the elevator and rudder.
Carefully remove the covering over the slot using a sharp
hobby knife.

Step 2. Remove the elevator and rudder control wires from the
fuselage. Locate the two plywood control horns and install them
onto the Z-bends as shown.

Note: You must install the control horns onto the wires
and insert the wires back into the tail boom before gluing
the control horns to the elevator and rudder.

Step 3. Carefully slide the elevator and rudder control wires
back into their respective housing in the boom. Glue the control
horns into the control surfaces using medium CA. Make sure to
glue the horn in at 90 degrees to the control surface.

13

Section 4: Installing the Elevator and Rudder

Control Horns and Linkages

A

A

B

B

Elevator (left)

Rudder (right)

Step 4. Locate the short servo control arm include with your

servos. Install an easy connector onto the servo control arms as
shown. Clip off the servo arms that are not used.

Step 5. With the elevator and rudder centered and the servos at
their neutral position, slide the easy connectors onto the control
wires and secure the servo arms to the servos. The servo arm
should be 90 degrees to the control wire.

Note: It may be necessary to cut the control wires to allow
the easy connectors to slide on.

Step 6. Tighten the setscrews on the easy connectors, securing
the wires to the servo arms. Final adjustments will be made
when setting up the control throws in Section 6.

14

Parts Needed

Fuselage assembly
20-Amp Mini ESC w/Brake (EFLA105)
Micro Receiver (JRPR610)

Tools and Adhesives Needed

Drill
Drill Bit: 1/16"
Phillips screwdriver
Clear tape
Double-sided foam tape

This section describes the installation of the E-flite™Mini
20-Amp Electronic Speed Control (EFLA105). If using a different
electronic speed control please read and follow the manufacturers
installation instructions included with your unit.

Step 1. Remove the canopy from the fuselage using a small
Phillips screwdriver.

Step 2. Locate the switch in the fuselage at a position that will
not interfere with removing and installing the battery. Cut a slot
for the switch to come through the fuselage. Use the switch as a
guide to drill 1/16 pilot holes for the mounting screws.

Step 3. Mount the switch using a Phillips screwdriver and the
screws provided with the speed control.

Step 4. Connect the bullet connectors on the speed control
to the motor. Refer to the instructions included with your
speed control.

Step 5. Plug the speed control into the throttle channel of the
receiver. Connect the elevator and rudder servos into the appro­priate channel of your receiver.

15

Section 5: Installing the Speed Control

and Receiver

Step 6. Run the receiver antenna out of the fuselage through

one of the air exits and secure the antenna wire to the boom
with clear tape.

Step 7. Secure the receiver to the fuselage with double-sided
foam tape.

16

Parts Needed

Assembled Ascent™Park Glider
Flight pack installed

Tools and Adhesives Needed

Masking tape
Felt-tipped pen/pencil
Lead "Stick-on" weights (optional)

You will need to balance your model after you've completed
assembly and have installed the receiver, battery and servos.
The balancing of your Ascent is an important step that must not
be omitted. The center of gravity (CG) of your Ascent should be
2 3⁄8" behind the leading edge of the wing at the fuselage. Shift
the motor battery fully forward to balance the model if it is tail
heavy or add weight to the nose. If the model is nose-heavy, you
can shift the position of the receiver battery location in an
attempt to balance the model, or add weight to the tail boom.
Note that adding weight is the last option.

Step 1. To balance the model, it should be fully assembled with
the battery installed and ready to fly.

Step 2. Place a strip of masking tape on either side of the
wings lower surface, next to the fuselage. Mark the location of
the CG 2

3

⁄8" from the leading edge on the bottom of the wing on

both sides of the fuselage.

Step 3. Pick up the plane from a level position using one finger
under the wing on each mark. Shift the battery location or add
lead weight until the plane remains level when you pick it up.

The following control throws offer a good place to start with
your first flights. We recommend only one rate setting for the
Ascent, as you become more familiar with the handling of
you model you may wish to add a second rate setting to suit
your flying style.

Recommended Control Throws:

Elevator 1/2" up 1/2" down
Rudder 3/4" right and left

17

Section 6: Balancing the Control Throw

Recommendations

Control Throws

Perform these preflight checks on your Ascent park glider before
each flying session. Correct any issues before attempting to fly
your plane.

• Check the elevator and rudder for security

• Check the servos for security

• Make sure the control wires are secured to the control horns
and to the servo arms

• Check to make sure the wing mounting screws are tight and
the wing is securely mounted to the fuselage

• Inspect the motor and speed control wiring for chaffing
and damage

• Perform a range check of your radio control system following
the radio manufacturers instructions

• Ensure that the elevator and rudder are moving in the
correct directions

We strongly recommend that before you fly your new Ascent,
you first perform a test glide. Pick a flat spot that has soft, tall
grass and is free from obstructions. You first want to check out
the Ascent’s performance but also check your performance as a
pilot. It also allows you to make corrections to any building or
control defects that may have been overlooked. The test glide
should be done with an assistant on a calm day.

Hint: A good time during the day is very early in the
morning or at dusk when the wind is calm. You want to be
able to concentrate on what the model is doing, and have
time to think about what you're doing. We will assume you
have an assistant during the following steps.

Step 1. Range check your radio system and check the control
throws. Make sure the control surfaces move in the proper
direction.

Step 2. Have the assistant hold the Ascent under the wing
near the CG and run forward until they can sense the wing
developing lift. Don't release the glider yet. See if the model
wants to lift. If not, add a bit of up elevator trim and try again.

Step 3. This step may take some practice on the part of your
assistant. What you want them to do now is run forward, but
a bit faster, with the nose of the plane pointed at the horizon
with the wings level (not nose down or nose up). Then thrust
the Ascent forward in a line straight toward the horizon and
release it.

Step 4. When the assistant releases the model, watch it
carefully. A properly trimmed aircraft will fly straight gliding
to a smooth landing about 50 feet away. If the Ascent pitches
nose down, the CG is too far back and you have a nose-heavy

condition. Remove some weight from the nose. If the Ascent
pitches nose up sharply, and stalls, you have a tail-heavy condition
(the CG is too far forward), and you need to remove weight from
the tail or move the battery and receiver further forward.

Step 5. Turns to the left or right after launch can be adjusted
through use of right or left rudder trim.

Important: Make any trim adjustments in small incre­ments. Large changes can result in abrupt turns resulting
in tip stalls and loss of control.

Step 6. If you have to make large trim adjustments on your
transmitter, you may have other problems, such as warps.
Check the wings, elevator, and rudder to make sure there are
no warps in the airframe. Make sure the wings are aligned and
mounted properly on the fuselage. When you have the Ascent
trimmed and the CG adjusted so it glides properly in a "hands off"
manner, return you transmitter trim switches to their neutral
position, then make the appropriate mechanical linkage corrections
to return the control surfaces to their test glide positions.

Step 7. After you have made the necessary corrections, glide
test the model again to make sure it is trimmed properly with the
transmitter trims in neutral.

Step 8. You are now ready to launch under power. Apply power
and have your assistant run forwards as before. Gently throw the
Ascent at a point on the horizon. Let the aircraft gain speed
before attempting to make any abrupt changes in direction.
Remember to make small control inputs; you do not want to stall
close to the ground. Use a slight bit of up elevator and allow the
Ascent to make a gentle climb to 200–300 feet. You can then
shut down the motor and go hunting for thermals.

18

Section 7: Preflight Checks

Section 8: Glide Test

A key component to soaring is the air mass the park glider flies
in. Also, there is an energy source producing lift, either a warm
air thermal (thermal lift), or the wind rising as it meets an obsta­cle such as a hill or a line of mountains (ridge lift). We will limit
our discussion to describing thermal soaring.

We will be using the electric motor to launch our park glider to
altitude. Once at altitude we shut down the motor and the park
glider will soar, eventually to return to earth until we use the
motor to climb again. How then does a park glider stay aloft for
long periods of time and travel long distances? Some force has
to provide sufficient lift to overcome gravity when the motor is
not used.

One such force is the thermal. The thermal is simply a column of
rising warm air. Warm air is lighter (less dense) than cooler air
and thus rises. The term "differential heating" is used to describe
the generation of thermals. Descending cool air is known as "sink."

Balloonists to launch and fly their hot air balloons use the principle
of warm vs. cool air. They create and trap warm air inside the
balloon envelope, and the warm air displaces the cool air, causing
the balloon to inflate and rise until air begins to cool inside the
envelope. The balloonist simply uses a propane heater to warm
the air again and the balloon rises again or maintains its altitude.

Nature generates thermals by the sun heating darker ground or
objects more that lighter colored surfaces. The dark object
absorbs the sun's heat becoming warm and thus warming the
air above it.

For a thermal to be formed, the sun (or a heat source, such as a
hot metal roof, factory, etc.,) will heat the ground or surrounding
air in one location faster or warmer than the surrounding air. The
warm ground will warm the air above it and cause the air to
begin to rise. Rising warm air can take on the form of a column
or a funnel. Usually the part of the thermal near the ground is
small and expands outward as it rises in altitude.

Since the warming of air is usually a much smaller area than the
total area, the thermal updraft will be faster than the cooler
downdraft motion of air. This cooler downdraft of air is referred
to as "sink" and causes glider flights to be of a much shorter
duration as the lift generated by the wing is overcome by the
downward motion of the air.

To stay aloft one's task is to move from one thermal to another,
utilizing the lift created by rising warm air. In level flight, a glider
continuously descends in relation to the surrounding air. The
only way to sustain flight in a glider beyond the sink time in still
air (without a motor) is to fly in an air mass that is rising at a
rate greater than the sink rate of the glider.

Thermals usually cannot be seen. (An exception is a "dust
devil—a small thermal that has picked up dust making it
visible.) One can sometimes "feel" the presence of a thermal.
A breath of air in an otherwise calm spot indicates the presence
of a thermal. A shift in the wind (in a light breeze) probably
indicates airflow into a thermal. And one can watch for the
graceful soaring of birds, such as hawks and eagles to locate
the presence of thermals.

Sometimes the wind will cause the thermal to bend or break
causing a warm air bubble that slowly travels downwind as it
rises. Thermals can vary in strength, rising at speeds of a few
hundred to over a thousand feet per minute.

19

Section 9: Thermal Soaring

Thermal Forms (Column)

Thermal Forms (Bubble)

20

As you are flying your Ascent

™

, watch it carefully. If you were in a
full-size glider, you would be able to feel the "bump" of entering
a thermal. Now you must depend on signs the glider gives as it
approaches or enters a thermal.

When the Ascent flies near a thermal that is rising, the wing
closest to the thermal will also try to rise, causing the aircraft to
"rock" slightly. The nearness of a thermal will cause the glider to
"turn away" without any control input from the pilot.

There are several ways of entering a thermal. One is to continue
the thermal induced turn for 270 degrees. If the thermal is on
your right, turn left for 270 degrees and enter at a right angle to
the original flight path.

The second method is to make a wide 180-degree turn back into
the thermal.

Once in the thermal, you will need to try to stay in the center of
the lift. Slow down by increasing the up elevator "trim" until the
park glider is just above stall (minimum sink) speed. Make easy
banking turns to find the area of highest lift (thermal core). When
you have found the core of lift, tighten the turns to stay within
the core of highest lift.

As you gain experience, you will find it easier to locate thermals
and track their progress.

270° Turn Into a Thermal

180° Turn Into a Thermal

Flying in the Core of a Thermal

21

• Pitch Attitude

• Minimum Sink Speed

• Maximum Lift/Drag (L/D) Speed

• Best Penetration Speed

Once the fundamentals of launch, trim, and control of the
Ascent

™

are learned, it's time to consider getting the most out of
the it's ability to perform. To do that, one must learn how to trim
your Ascent for maximum performance, whatever the current
conditions are at the time. The key to trimming for maximum
performance is to become knowledgeable of three key speeds:
minimum sink, maximum lift/drag (L/D), and best penetration.
These three speeds are what we call airspeeds, not ground
speeds (the aircraft's speed across the ground). Thus the
airspeed of the plane is relative to the air mass surrounding it.

Pitch Attitude

To determine the Ascent’s airspeed, you will have to watch care­fully for its pitch attitude. Pitch attitude can best be described as
the amount (degree) the nose of the aircraft is above or below a
line relative to the horizon. The angle of attack term is used to
describe the angle between the chord (width) of the wing and the
direction the wing moves through the air.

Minimum Sink Speed

In our discussion of thermals, we know sink is the cooler air
moving downward to replace the warm air that is rising.
Minimum sink speed is the speed at which a park glider loses
altitude most slowly. As the term then implies, minimum sink
speed gives the glider the maximum amount of time aloft from a
given altitude. This is the speed to fly at when you are circling in
thermals, or whenever you need the maximum lift the glider can
produce. The pitch attitude will appear to be more nose-up.

To determine what this speed is for your Ascent, fly it at a slow
speed, slowing down until it just stalls, then, trim it to fly
at a speed just above where it begins to stall. Observe the pitch
attitude at this speed. You will need to practice flying at this
speed without stalling so you can come back to it whenever
you want to when you are in a thermal or trying to maintain
maximum lift.

Maximum Lift/Drag (L/D) Speed

This is the speed at which you can fly the maximum distance for
a given altitude. It's used when you move from one thermal to
another, or when you need to cover the maximum distance over
ground. This will be a moderately faster airspeed than the mini­mum sink speed. You will have to experiment by starting from
the minimum sink speed and add small amounts of down trim to
increase speed slightly. This is the speed the Ascent performs
the best for duration, and the speed at which you will do most of
your flying. It will take practice until you are familiar with the
Ascent's attitude at this speed. Remember you will be flying
slightly faster, at a lower pitch attitude as compared to minimum
sink speed.

Best Penetration Speed

This is the speed at which the Ascent EP will travel forward
against the wind or a thermal, as far and as quickly as possible.
This speed will vary with the conditions, such as windy situations
or very strong thermals. You will want to use this speed to
escape from very strong lift (or sink). This speed has a more
pronounced nose down appearance, which will vary with the
conditions encountered. It will also not be a consistent attitude,
but vary with the strength and direction of the lift/sink or wind.

Once you have learned to launch and control your Ascent in a
consistent manner, you will want to then proceed with practicing
these three speeds. Remember these are trim speeds, so you will
be using your trim lever to obtain them. For maximum perform­ance, remember to use trim sparingly, don't depend on the stick,
as you will only impart small movements that result in drag and
battery drain.

Practice smooth control inputs and use the trim lever.
(Remember you trimmed the Ascent in the first flights, and then
set the mechanical linkages to reflect the trim imparted.
You then set your trim levers back to neutral. Now you know
why we performed that procedure, to allow you to use the trim
lever for in-flight trim to better control flight performance.)

There are other things that can be done to bring the performance
level of your Ascent to its absolute best. However, they should
not be attempted until you have become proficient in the launch,
control, and trim of your model.

The more you learn how to trim your Ascent for optimum
performance, the more fun you can have chasing thermals!

Section 10: In-Flight Adjustments for

Performance and Conditions

Pitch
Attitude

Longitudinal

Axis

Nose

Center of

Gravity

Horizon

Line Relative to Horizon

22

Model Flying MUST be in accordance with this Code in order for
AMA Liability Protection to apply.

General

1. I will not fly my model aircraft in sanctioned events, air

shows, or model flying demonstrations until it has been
proven to be airworthy by having been previously, success­fully flight-tested.

2. I will not fly my model higher than approximately 400 feet

within 3 miles of an airport without notifying the airport
operator. I will give right-of-way and avoid flying in the
proximity of full-scale aircraft. Where necessary, an observer
shall be utilized to supervise flying to avoid having models
fly in the proximity of full-scale aircraft.

3. Where established, I will abide by the safety rules for the

flying site I use, and I will not willfully and deliberately fly
my models in a careless, reckless and/or dangerous manner.

4. At all flying sites a straight or curved line(s) must be estab-

lished in front of which all flying takes place with the other
side for spectators. Only personnel involved with flying the
aircraft are allowed in front of the flight line. Flying over the
spectator side of the line is prohibited, unless beyond the
control of the pilot(s). In any case, the maximum permissible
takeoff weight of the models with fuel is 55 pounds.

5. At air shows or model flying demonstrations a single straight

line must be established, one side of which is for flying,
with the other side for spectators. Only those persons
accredited by the contest director or other appropriate official
as necessary for flight operations or as having duties or
functions relating to the conduct of the show or demonstration
are to be permitted on the flying side of the line. The only
exceptions which may be permitted to the single straight line
requirements, under special circumstances involving
consideration of site conditions and model size, weight,
speed, and power, must be jointly approved by the AMA
President and the Executive Director.

6. Under all circumstances, if my model weighs more than

20 pounds, I will fly it in accordance with paragraph 5 of
this section of the AMA Safety Code.

7. I will not fly my model unless it is identified with my name

and address or AMA number, on or in the model.
Note: This does not apply to models being flown indoors.

8. I will not operate models with metal-bladed propellers or

with gaseous boosts, in which gases other than air enter their
internal combustion engine(s); nor will I operate models with
extremely hazardous fuels such as those containing
tetranitromethane or hydrazine.

9. I will not operate models with pyrotechnics (any device that

explodes, burns, or propels a projectile of any kind) including,
but not limited to, rockets, explosive bombs dropped from
models, smoke bombs, all explosive gases (such as hydro­gen filled balloons), ground mounted devices launching a
projectile. The only exceptions permitted are rockets flown in
accordance with the National Model Rocketry Safety Code or
those permanently attached (as per JATO use); also those
items authorized for Air Show Team use as defined by AST
Advisory Committee (document available from AMA HQ).

In any case, models using rocket motors as a primary means
of propulsion are limited to a maximum weight of 3.3 pounds
and a G series motor. A model aircraft is defined as an aircraft
with or without engine, not able to carry a human being.

10.I will not consume alcoholic beverages prior to, nor during,
participation in any model operations.

Radio Control

1. I will have completed a successful radio equipment ground
range check before the first flight of a new or repaired model.

2. I will not fly my model aircraft in the presence of spectators
until I become a qualified flier, unless assisted by an
experienced helper.

3. I will perform my initial turn after takeoff away from the pit
or spectator areas, and I will not thereafter fly over pit or
spectator areas, unless beyond my control.

4. I will operate my model using only radio control frequencies
currently allowed by the Federal Communications Commission.
(Only properly licensed Amateurs are authorized to operate
equipment on Amateur Band frequencies.)

5. Separation of less than three miles between flying sites is
only acceptable if testing has been accomplished to determine
that no interference potential exists or a frequency sharing
arrangement between the clubs and/or individuals involved
is developed. Written confirmation of either of these two
alternatives, signed by a club officer of both clubs, or
individual AMA members from both clubs shall be provided
to AMA Headquarters.

6. For Combat, distance between flight line and spectator line
will be 500 feet per cubic inch of engine displacement.
(example: .40 engine = 200 feet)

7. An RC racing event, whether or not an AMA Rule Book
event, is one in which model aircraft compete in flight over
a prescribed course with the objective of finishing the course
faster to determine the winner.

A. In every organized racing event in which contestants, callers

and officials are on the course:

1. All officials, callers and contestants must properly wear

helmets that are OSHA, DOT, ANSI, SNELL or NOCSAE
approved or comparable standard while on the racecourse.

2. All officials will be off the course except for the starter

and their assistant.

3. “On the course” is defined to mean any area beyond the

pilot/staging area where actual flying takes place.

B. I will not fly my model aircraft in any organized racing event

which does not comply with paragraph A above or which
allows models over 20 pounds unless that competition event
is AMA sanctioned.

C. Distance from the pylon to the nearest spectator (line) will

be in accordance with the current Competition Regulations
under the RC Pylon Racing section for the specific event
pending two or three pylon course layout.

8. R/C Night Flying is limited to low-performance models (less
than 100 mph). The models must be equipped with a lighting
system that clearly defines the aircraft’s attitude at all times.

AMA SAFETY CODE

2002 Official AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code

Effective January 1, 2002

23

Notes

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www.horizonhobby.com

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