Radio and Power Systems Requirements
Field Equipment Required
Optional Field Equipment
Required Tools and Adhesives
Limited Warranty Period
Limited Warranty & Limits of Liability
Safety Precautions
Questions, Assistance, and Repairs
Questions or Assistance
Inspection or Repairs
Warranty Inspection and Repairs
Non-Warranty Repairs
Safety, Precautions, and Warnings
Before Starting Assembly
Using the Manual
Section 1: Aileron Servo Installation
Section 2: Landing Gear and Tail Installation
Section 3A: Two-Stroke Engine Installation
Section 3B: Electric Motor Installation
Section 4: Final Assembly
Control Throws
Recommended Center of Gravity (CG)
Horizon Hobby, Inc. guarantees this product to be free from defects in both material and workmanship at the date of
purchase.
4
Page 5
Limited Warranty & Limits of Liability
Pursuant to this Limited Warranty, Horizon Hobby, Inc. will, at its option, (i) repair or (ii) replace, any product determined
by Horizon Hobby, Inc. to be defective. In the event of a defect, these are your exclusive remedies.
This warranty does not cover cosmetic damage or damage due to acts of God, accident, misuse, abuse, negligence,
commercial use, or modification of or to any part of the product. This warranty does not cover damage due to improper
installation, operation, maintenance, or attempted repair by anyone other than an authorized Horizon Hobby, Inc. service
center. This warranty is limited to the original purchaser and is not transferable. In no case shall Horizon Hobby’s
liability exceed the original cost of the purchased product and will not cover consequential, incidental or collateral
damage. Horizon Hobby, Inc. reserves the right to inspect any and all equipment involved in a warranty claim. Repair
or replacement decisions are at the sole discretion of Horizon Hobby, Inc. Further, Horizon Hobby reserves the right to
change or modify this warranty without notice.
REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE CONSUMER.
HORIZON HOBBY, INC. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
As Horizon Hobby, Inc. has no control over use, setup, final assembly, modification or misuse, no liability shall be
assumed nor accepted for any resulting damage or injury. By the act of use, setup or assembly, the user accepts all
resulting liability.
If you as the purchaser or user are not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this product, you are
advised to return this product immediately in new and unused condition to the place of purchase.
Safety Precautions
This is a sophisticated hobby product and not a toy. It must be operated with caution and common sense and requires
some basic mechanical ability. Failure to operate this product in a safe and responsible manner could result in injury or
damage to the product or other property. This product is not intended for use by children without direct adult supervision.
The product manual contains instructions for safety, operation and maintenance. It is essential to read and follow all the
instructions and warnings in the manual, prior to assembly, setup or use, in order to operate correctly and avoid damage
or injury.
Questions, Assistance, and Repairs
Your local hobby store and/or place of purchase cannot provide warranty support or repair. Once assembly, setup or use
of the product has been started, you must contact Horizon Hobby, Inc. directly. This will enable Horizon to better answer
your questions and service you in the event that you may need any assistance.
Questions or Assistance
For questions or assistance, please direct your email to productsupport@horizonhobby.com, or call 877.504.0233 toll
free to speak to a service technician.
5
Page 6
Inspection or Repairs
If your product needs to be inspected or repaired, please call for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA). Pack the
product securely using a shipping carton. Please note that original boxes may be included, but are not designed to
withstand the rigors of shipping without additional protection. Ship via a carrier that provides tracking and insurance for
lost or damaged parcels, as Horizon Hobby, Inc. is not responsible for merchandise until it arrives and is accepted at
our facility. Include your complete name, address, phone number where you can be reached during business days, RMA
number, and a brief summary of the problem. Be sure your name, address, and RMA number are clearly written on the
shipping carton.
Warranty Inspection and Repairs
To receive warranty service, you must include your original sales receipt verifying the proof-of-purchase date. Providing
warranty conditions have been met, your product will be repaired or replaced free of charge. Repair or replacement
decisions are at the sole discretion of Horizon Hobby.
Non-Warranty Repairs
Should your repair not be covered by warranty and the expense exceeds 50% of the retail purchase cost, you will be
provided with an estimate advising you of your options. You will be billed for any return freight for non-warranty repairs.
Please advise us of your preferred method of payment. Horizon Hobby accepts money orders and cashiers checks, as
well as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover cards. If you choose to pay by credit card, please include your
credit card number and expiration date. Any repair left unpaid or unclaimed after 90 days will be considered abandoned
and will be disposed of accordingly.
Electronics and engines requiring inspection or repair should be shipped to the following address (freight prepaid):
Horizon Service Center
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, Illinois 61822
All other products requiring inspection or repair should be shipped to the following address (freight prepaid):
Horizon Product Support
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, Illinois 61822
6
Page 7
Safety, Precautions, and Warnings
As the user of this product, you are solely responsible for operating it in manner that does not endanger yourself and
others or result in damage to the product or the property of others.
Carefully follow the directions and warnings for this and any optional support equipment (chargers, rechargeable battery
packs, etc.) that you use.
This model is controlled by a radio signal that is subject to interference from many sources outside your control. This
interference can cause momentary loss of control so it is necessary to always keep a safe distance in all directions around
your model, as this margin will help to avoid collisions or injury.
• Always operate your model in an open area away from cars, traffic, or people.
• Avoid operating your model in the street where injury or damage can occur.
• Never operate the model out into the street or populated areas for any reason.
• Never operate your model with low transmitter batteries.
• Carefully follow the directions and warnings for this and any optional support equipment (chargers, rechargeable
battery packs, etc.) that you use.
• Keep all chemicals, small parts and anything electrical out of the reach of children.
• Moisture causes damage to electronics. Avoid water exposure to all equipment not specifically designed and protected
for this purpose.
Before Starting Assembly
Before beginning the assembly of the Twist 60, remove each part from its bag for inspection. Closely inspect the fuselage,
wing panels, rudder, and stabilizer for damage. If you find any damaged or missing parts, contact the place of purchase.
If you find any wrinkles in the covering, use a heat gun or sealing iron to remove them. Use caution while working around
areas where the colors overlap to prevent separating the colors.
HAN101 – Sealing Iron
HAN141 – Sealing Iron
Sock
HAN100 – Heat Gun
HAN150 – Covering Glove
Using the Manual
This manual is divided into sections to help make assembly easier to understand, and to provide breaks between each
major section. In addition, check boxes have been placed next to each step to keep track of each step completed. Steps
with a single box (
repeating, such as for a right or left wing panel, two servos, etc. Remember to take your time and follow the directions.
) are performed once, while steps with two boxes ( ) indicate that the step will require
7
Page 8
Section 1: Aileron Servo Installation
Required Parts
• Wing panel w/ailerons
• Servo w/hardware (2)
• Servo extension, 9" (228mm) (2)
• Pre-assembled 3
Required Tools and Adhesives
• Drill • Thin CA
• Drill bit: 1/16" (1.5mm), 5/64" (2mm)
• Phillips screwdriver • Long servo arm
1
/2" (89mm) aileron linkage (2)
Step 1
Check to make sure the hinges have been securely glued
into place. Gently pull on each aileron to make sure the
hinges are secure. Avoid too much pressure which could
cause damage to the wing and aileron. Saturate each
hinge if you find any that are loose.
Step 2
Flex each aileron up and down a number of times to
break in the hinges.
8
Page 9
Section 1: Aileron Servo Installation
Step 3
Prepare an aileron servo by installing the grommets
and brass eyelets provided with the servo. Secure
a 9" (228mm) servo extension to the servo using a
commercially available connector or with string or
unwaxed dental floss.
Step 4
Tie the string that exits the servo opening to the servo
extension. Use the string to pull the servo lead through
the wing. Use a piece of tape to keep the extension from
falling back into the wing.
Step 5
Place the servo into the opening with the servo output
towards the trailing edge of the wing. Use a felt-tipped pen
to mark the locations for the four servo mounting screws.
Step 6
Remove the servo and drill the locations for the servo
mounting screws using a 1/16" (1.5mm) drill bit.
Apply a couple drops of thin CA to each hole to harden
the wood, which will help in preventing the screws from
damaging the wood.
9
Page 10
Section 1: Aileron Servo Installation
Step 7
Secure the servo using the screws provided with the
servo. Remove the stock servo horn and install a long
servo arm in its place. Remove the side of the arm that
does not align with the control horn.
Step 8
Step 9
Attach the clevis to the control horn. With the radio system
on and the aileron trim and stick centered, check that the
aileron is centered when viewed from the wing tip. Adjust
the length of the linkage if necessary.
Step 10
Enlarge the outer hole of the servo arm using a 5/64"
(2mm) drill bit. Remove the pushrod keeper from the
linkage and slide the bend to the servo arm. Secure the
pushrod to the servo arm by replacing the pushrod keeper.
Use tape on the servo lead to prefvent it from falling back
into the wing.
Step 11
Repeat Steps 1 through 10 for the remaining aileron servo.
10
Page 11
Section 2: Landing Gear and Tail Installation
Required Parts
• Landing gear w/wheels • Fuselage
• 1" (25mm) tail wheel • Rudder assembly
• Stabilizer assembly • 4-40 locknut (3)
•#4 washer (3) •#8 washer (3)
• 5/64" wheel collar • 4-40 setscrew
• 8-32 x 3/4" machine screw (3)
• Pre-assembled 4
• Pre-assembled 4
3
/4" (120mm) rudder linkage
1
/4" (108mm) elevator linkage
Required Tools and Adhesives
• Servo w/hardware (2) • Long servo arm (2)
• Adjustable wrench
• Threadlock
• 18" (458mm) servo extension (2)
Step 1
Attach the landing gear to the bottom of the fuselage using
three 8-32 x 3/4" machine screws and three #8 washers.
Put a little threadlock on the screws to prevent them from
vibrating loose during flight.
Step 2
Slide the threaded rods from the rudder assembly into the
holes in the stabilizer. The two forward rods go through
the stabilizer as shown.
Step 3
Slide the rudder/stabilizer onto the fuselage. Guide the
threaded rods through the stabilizer saddle then through
the holes in the bottom of the fuselage.
Step 4
Secure the tail assembly to the fuselage using three
#4 washers and three 4-40 locknuts. Do not over-tighten
the nuts and crush the fuselage.
11
Page 12
Section 2: Landing Gear and Tail Installation
Step 5
Secure the tail wheel into position using the 5/64" wheel
collar and the 4-40 setscrew. Use threadlock on the
setscrew to prevent it from vibrating loose.
Step 6
Attach an 18" (458mm) servo extension to the rudder
servo. Center the servo using the radio and install a long
servo arm onto the servo. Use the photo to determine
which arm to trim off, as it will hit the elevator if left in
place. Mount the rudder servo into the fuselage using the
same procedure as the aileron servo.
Step 7
Install the pre-assembled 4
With the radio on, adjust the length of the linkage so the
rudder is centered.
3
/4" (120mm) rudder linkage.
Step 8
Repeat Steps 6 and 7 to install the elevator servo
and linkage.
Mount the engine mount onto the firewall using four
8-32 x 1" screws and four 8-32 blind nuts.
1
/4" screw (4)
1
/2" (370mm) pushrod tube
1
/2" (420mm) throttle pushrod
/2" (64mm) spinner w/hardware
Note: Use the outer holes for
mounting the engine mount.
Step 2
Position the engine on the engine mount so the drive
washer is 5" (127mm) ahead of the firewall. Mark the
location of the engine mounting bolts using a felt-tipped
pen. Use a 5/32" (4mm) drill bit to drill the holes in the
engine mount.
Hint: Use a drill press to get the holes in
the mount perpendicular to the mount.
13
Page 14
Section 3A: Two-Stroke Engine Installation
Step 3
Slide the 14
the pre-drilled hole in the firewall through to the throttle
servo tray. Mount the engine to the mount using four
8-32 x 1
8-32 locknuts.
1
/2" (370mm) throttle pushrod tube into
1
/4" screws, four #8 washers and four
Step 4
Slide the 16
pushrod tube and attach the clevis to the carburetor arm.
1
/2" (420mm) throttle pushrod into the
Step 5
Install the muffler onto your engine using the instructions
provided with the engine as a guide.
14
Page 15
Section 3A: Two-Stroke Engine Installation
Step 6
Install the propeller and spinner onto the engine.
Consult the instructions provided with your engine
for further details.
Step 7
Place the rubber bands into the notches in the former
inside the fuselage as shown.
Step 8
Place the tank inside the fuselage with the vent towards
the top of the fuselage. Use the rubber bands to hold the
fuel tank in position inside the fuselage.
Step 9
Attach the lines from the fuel tank to the engine. The
green line will attach to the fuel inlet, and the red to
the muffler pressure.
15
Page 16
Section 3A: Two-Stroke Engine Installation
Step 10
Use a hobby knife to remove the covering over the hole
in the rear of the fuselage hatch for the 4-40 screw.
Place the fuselage hatch into position and secure it using
the 4-40 x 1/2" socket head screw.
Step 11
Step 12
Remove the servo horn and attach the pushrod connector
to the throttle servo arm using the connector backplate.
You will need to enlarge the hole in the servo arm using a
5/64" (2mm) drill bit.
Step 13
Install the throttle servo into the fuselage. Turn on the
radio system and center the throttle stick and trim. Slide
the pushrod into the brass connector. Position the servo
horn onto the servo so the horn is perpendicular to the
servo centerline.
Use the radio to move the throttle to the low setting
using the stick and trim. Move the pushrod so the
carburetor is closed. Secure the pushrod wire using a
3mm x 5mm machine screw.
Step 14
Check that the throttle operates from the radio without
binding at low and high throttle. Use the ATV setting
of the radio or change the position of the clevis at the
carburetor or the pushrod connector at the servo to
eliminate any binding.
16
Page 17
Section 3B: Electric Motor Installation
Required Parts
• Fuselage • 8-32 blind nut (4)
• Plywood battery tray (F&R)
• 2" (51mm) aluminum motor spacer (4)
• 8-32 x 2
1
/2" machine screw (4)
• Hook and loop strap (2)
1
• 2
/2" (64mm) spinner w/hardware
Required Tools and Adhesives
• Phillips screwdriver • Threadlock
• Hobby knife • 6-minute epoxy
• Soldering iron • Solder
• Drill
• Drill bit: 11/64" (4.5mm)
• Female Deans connector w/wire
• Male Deans connector (3)
Step 1
Enlarge the outer mounting holes in the X-mount of the
motor using an 11/64" (4.5mm) drill.
Step 2
Attach the X-mount to the back of the motor using the
hardware provided with the motor. Remember to put a
drop of threadlock on each of the screws to prevent them
from vibrating loose.
Step 3
Attach the motor to the firewall using the four 2" (51mm)
aluminum motor spacers, four 8-32 x 2
screw and four 8-32 blind nuts. Use the holes that are
closer to the opening in the firewall when attaching the
motor. Use threadlock on the screws here as well.
1
/2" machine
17
Page 18
Section 3B: Electric Motor Installation
Step 4
Build a wiring harness for the batteries using a female
connector and two male connectors. Follow the wiring
in the photo so the motor sees the voltage increase of
the two batteries.
Step 5
Solder the appropriate connectors onto the speed control.
Step 7
Use 6-minute epoxy to glue the front and rear battery
tray into the fuselage. The rear tray has a tab that will key
into the former, while the front tray fits flush against the
backside of the firewall.
Step 8
Remove the covering from the bottom of the fuselage to
allow for cooling air through the fuselage.
Note: If you only plan on using this controller
in your Twist™, you can combine Steps 4
and 5 by incorporating the harness with the
speed control so the controller is positioned
in place of the single female connector.
Step 6
Prepare the front and rear battery trays by routing the hook
and loop straps through the trays.
18
Page 19
Section 3B: Electric Motor Installation
Step 9
Plug the motor into the speed control. Secure the
batteries using the hook and loop strap. Plug the speed
control into the receiver. Mount the speed control inside
the fuselage so it will not interfere with the installation
and removal of the batteries.
Step 11
Once the motor is working and rotating in the correct
direction, unplug the wiring harness for safety. Use a
hobby knife to remove the covering from the opening that
is closest to the magnets so the hatch can be removed.
Snap the battery hatch back onto the fuselage.
Note: Apply a piece of hook and loop (not
included) in the batteries and battery tray if
you find the batteries slide forward or aft.
Step 10
Turn on the radio system. Plug the wiring harness
assembled in Step 4 into the batteries and speed control.
Use the throttle on the transmitter to check that everything
is working correctly. Check that the motor is rotating
counterclockwise. If not, follow the directions included
with the speed control to correct the situation.
Step 12
Install the propeller and spinner using the instructions
included with your particular motor.
19
Page 20
Section 4: Final Assembly
Required Parts
• Fuselage • Wing
• 1/4-20 x 1
• Canopy
Required Tools and Adhesives
• Canopy glue • Flat screwdriver
• Felt-tipped pen • Masking tape
• 1/4" foam
1
/2" nylon bolt (2)
Step 1
Wrap the receiver and receiver battery in 1/4" foam to
protect them from vibration.
Step 3
Place the receiver and receiver battery into the fuselage.
Use epoxy mixing stick to make braces inside the fuselage
to prevent the receiver and receiver battery from shifting
during flight.
Note: When using an electrick motor and
a smaller 270 mAh pack, you can place the
pack underneath the throttle servo tray to
provide for more room for the motor batteries.
Step 2
Plug the throttle, elevator and rudder servo leads, as well
as the switch harness, into the receiver. Route the receiver
antenna to the rear of the fuselage. A tube has been preinstalled for routing the receiver antenna wire.
Step 4
Mount the switch harness in the side of the fuselage. The
switch should be on the opposite side of the muffler when
using a glow engine.
20
Page 21
Section 4: Final Assembly
Step 5
Position the canopy onto the fuselage. Use a felt-tipped
pen to trace the outline of the canopy onto the fuselage.
Step 6
Use sandpaper to lightly sand inside the line drawn on the
fuselage. Also sand the inside of the canopy where it will
rest on the fuselage.
Step 7
Use canopy glue to secure the canopy to the fuselage.
Use masking tape to hold the canopy in position until
the glue fully cures.
Step 8
Attach the wing to the fuselage using two 1/4-20 x 1
nylon bolts.
1
/2"
21
Page 22
Control Throws
The amount of control throw should be adjusted as closely
as possible using mechanical means, rather than making
large changes electronically at the radio. By moving
the position of the clevis at the control horn toward the
outermost hole, you will decrease the amount of control
throw of the control surface. Moving it toward the control
surface will increase the amount of throw. Moving the
pushrod wire at the servo arm will have the opposite
effect: Moving it closer to center will decrease throw,
and away from center will increase throw. Work with a
combination of the two to achieve the closest or exact
control throws listed.
Aileron Low Rate 7/8" (22mm) up/down
Aileron High Rate 1
1
/4" (32mm) up/down
Note: Aileron throw is measured at
the trailing edge tip of the aileron.
Elevator Low Rate 1
Elevator High Rate 2
1
/4" (32mm) up/down
3
/4" (70mm) up/down
Rudder 4" (102mm) right/left
Note: Rudder throw is measured
at the bottom of the rudder.
Once the control throws have been set, slide the clevis
retainers over the clevis to prevent them from opening
during flight.
Note: Elevator throw is measured at the
inboard trailing edge of the elevator.
Recommended Center of Gravity (CG)
An important part of preparing the aircraft for flight is
properly balancing the model. This is especially important
when various engines are mounted.
Caution: Do not inadvertently skip this step!
The recommended Center of Gravity (CG) location
for the Twist 60 is 5
7
/8"–61/2" (149mm–165mm) behind
the leading edge of the wing against the fuselage. Make
sure the aircraft is inverted when measuring the CG. If
necessary, move the battery pack or add weight to either
the nose or the tail until the correct balance is achieved.
Stick-on weights are available at your local hobby store
and work well for this purpose.
22
Page 23
Pre-Flight
Charge both the transmitter and receiver pack for your
airplane. Use the recommended charger supplied with
your particular radio system, following the instructions
provided with the radio. In most cases, the radio should
be charged the night before going out flying.
Check the radio installation and make sure all the
control surfaces are moving correctly (i.e. the correct
direction and with the recommended throws). Test run
the engine and make sure it transitions smoothly from
idle to full throttle and back. Also ensure the engine is
tuned according to the manufacturer’s instructions,
and it will run consistently and constantly at full throttle
when adjusted.
Adjusting the Engine
Step 1
Check all the control horns, servo horns and clevises to
make sure they are secure and in good condition. Replace
any items that would be considered questionable. Failure
of any of these components in flight would mean the loss
of your aircraft.
Step 3
Completely read the instructions included with your
engine and follow the recommended break in procedure.
Step 2
At the field, adjust the engine to a slightly rich setting at
full throttle and adjust the idle and low-speed needle so
that a consistent idle is achieved.
Range Test Your Radio
Range check your radio system before each flying
session. This is accomplished by turning on your
transmitter with the antenna collapsed. Turn on the radio
in your airplane. With your airplane on the ground, you
should be able to walk 30 paces away from your airplane
and still have complete control of all functions. If not,
don’t attempt to fly! Have your radio equipment checked
out by the manufacturer.
Before you fly, be sure that your engine idles reliably,
transitions and runs at all throttle settings. Only when this
is achieved should any plane be considered ready
for flight.
23
Page 24
Maintaining Your Twist 60 ARF
The following is a check list that you should follow
every time you have completed a flying session with
your Twist 60. Doing so will keep your aircraft
in the best flying condition.
Clean Up
If you are flying with a glow engine you will want to clean
your Twist 60 before loading it into your vehicle to head
home. Use a cleaner such as Windex or 409 and a paper
towel to wipe down the exterior of your plane, removing
the fuel residue. Remember a clean plane will last longer
since the fuel won’t be allowed to soak into any exposed
wood. Even an electic may need a little cleaning to remove
any grass or bugs from the airframe.
Checking the Propeller
Check to make sure the propeller is tightly secured to
the engine. If not, remove the spinner and use a crescent
wrench to tighten it back down. If you have had any notso-great landings, you will want to inspect the propeller
for any damage. Small nicks and scratches can quickly
become fractures, causing the propeller to be unsafe for
flight. Always carry a few spare propellers so a damaged
propeller can be replaced at the field, increasing your
flying time per trip to the field.
Checking the Clevises
Inspect the aileron, elevator and rudder clevises to make
sure they are connected and in good working order. If
you find a clevis that is showing signs of wear or is
broken, replace it with a new clevis. Also check the nylon
connectors at the servo for any wear or damage. If they
look worn or in bad shape, replace them as well.
Checking the Control Horns
Inspect the control horns to make sure they have not
crushed the wood of the control surface. If so, remove the
control horn screws to remove the control horn. Place 2–3
drops of thin CA into each of the screw holes. In addition,
use a T-pin to poke small holes in the covering in the area
where the control horn mounts, then saturate the area with
thin CA. This will harden the wood and give the control
horns a solid surface to be mounted to.
Checking the Wheel Collars
Check the setscrews on the main and tail wheel wheel
collars to make sure they are not loose. Use a 1.5mm
hex wrench to tighten the setscrews. It is suggested if
they loosen frequently to remove them, apply threadlock
to the setscrews, then secure the wheel collars back
into position.
Check the Muffler Bolts
If you are flying with a glow engine, use a 2.5mm hex
wrench to make sure the bolts holding the muffler onto the
engine are tight and have not vibrated loose during flight.
Check the Engine or Motor Mount Bolts
Remove the spinner and propeller from the engine (or
motor) and then remove the cowling from the fuselage.
Remove the muffler from the engine (if using a glow
engine). Use a Phillips screwdriver and adjustable
wrench to make sure the four bolts securing the engine
to the mount are tight. Use a Phillips screwdriver to
check that the bolts holding the mount to the firewall
are tight as well.
24
Page 25
Glossary of Terms
•
Ailerons: Each side of this airplane has a hinged
control surface (aileron), located on the trailing edge of
the wing. Move the aileron stick on the transmitter left,
the left aileron moves up and the right aileron moves
down. Moving the left aileron up causes more drag and
less lift, causing the left wing to drop down. When the
right aileron moves down, more lift is created, causing
the right wing to rise. This interaction causes the
airplane to turn or roll to the left. Perform the opposite
actions, and the airplane will roll to the right..
•
Clevis: The clevis connects the wire end of the pushrod
to the control horn of the control surface. A small clip,
the clevis has fine threads so that you can adjust the
length of the pushrod.
•
Control Horn: This arm connects the control surface
to the clevis and pushrod.
•
Dihedral: The degree of angle (V-shaped bend)
at which the wings intersect the fuselage is called
dihedral. More dihedral gives an airplane more
aerodynamic stability. Some sailplanes and trainer
planes with large dihedral dispense with ailerons and
use only the rudder to control the roll and yaw.
•
Elevator: The hinged control surface on the back of the
stabilizer that moves to control the airplane’s pitch axis.
Pulling the transmitter’s control stick toward the bottom
of the transmitter moves the elevator upward, and the
airplane begins to climb. Push the control stick forward,
and the airplane begins to dive.
•
Fuselage: The main body of an airplane.
• Pitch Axis: The horizontal plane on which the
airplane’s nose is raised or lowered. By moving the
elevator, you can raise the airplane’s nose above the
pitch axis (climb) or lower it below the pitch axis (dive).
•
Pushrod: The rigid mechanism that transfers
movement from the servo to the control surface.
•
Roll Axis: The horizontal plane on which the airplane’s
wings are raised or lowered. By adjusting the ailerons,
you can drop a wing tip below the roll axis and cause
the airplane to bank or roll.
•
Rudder: The hinged control surface on the vertical
stabilizer that controls the airplane’s yaw. Moving the
rudder to the left causes the airplane to yaw left; moving
the rudder to the right causes it to yaw right.
•
Servo: The servo transforms your transmitter
commands into physical adjustments of the airplane.
•
Servo Output Arm: A removable arm or wheel
that connects the servo to the pushrod (also called
servo horn).
•
Spinner: Term describing the nose cone that covers
the propeller hub.
•
Threadlock: A liquid that solidifies; used to prevent
screws from loosening due to vibration.
• Torque Rods: Inserted into the ailerons, these rigid
wire rods run along the wing’s trailing edge, then bend
downward and connect to the pushrod.
• Vertical Stabilizer: The vertical flying surface of the
tail gives an airplane stability while in flight.
•
Hinge: Flexible pieces used to connect the control
surface to the flying surface. All hinges must be
glued properly and securely to prevent the airplane
from crashing.
•
Horizontal Stabilizer: The horizontal flying surface of
the tail gives the airplane stability while in flight.
• Leading Edge: The front of a flying surface.
•
Main Landing Gear: The wheel and gear assembly
the airplane uses to land. It is attached to the bottom of
the fuselage.
•
Wheel Collar: The round retaining piece that anchors
wheels in place on the wheel axle.
•
Wing: The lifting surface of an airplane.
•
Yaw Axis: The vertical plane through which the
airplane’s nose rotates as it yaws to the left or to the
right. The rudder controls the yaw axis.
25
Page 26
2006 Official AMA
National Model Aircraft Safety Code
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) The maximum takeoff weight of a model is 55
pounds, except models flown under Experimental
Aircraft rules.
5) I will not fly my model unless it is identified with
my name and address or AMA number, on or in the
model. (This does not apply to models while being
flown indoors.)
6) 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.
7) 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), or 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.)
8) I will not consume alcoholic beverages prior to,
nor during, participation in any model operations.
9) Children under 6 years old are only allowed
on the flight line as a pilot or while receiving
flight instruction.
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) At all flying sites a straight or curved line(s) must
be established in front of which all flying takes place
with the other side for spectators. Only personnel
involved with flying the aircraft are allowed at or in
the front of the flight line. Intentional flying behind the
flight line is prohibited.
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.)
26
Page 27
2006 Official AMA
National Model Aircraft Safety Code
5) Flying sites separated by three miles or more
are considered safe from site-to site interference,
even when both sites use the same frequencies. Any
circumstances under three miles separation require
a frequency management arrangement, which may
be either an allocation of specific frequencies for
each site or testing to determine that freedom from
interference exists. Allocation plans or interference
test reports shall be signed by the parties involved
and provided to AMA Headquarters. Documents of
agreement and reports may exist between (1) two
or more AMA Chartered Clubs, (2) AMA clubs and
individual AMA members not associated with AMA
Clubs, or (3) two or more individual AMA members.
6) For Combat, distance between combat engagement
line and spectator line will be 500 feet per cubic
inch of engine displacement. (Example: .40 engine
= 200 feet.); electric motors will be based on
equivalent combustion engine size. Additional safety
requirements will be per the RC Combat section of the
current Competition Regulations.
7) 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.
8) With the exception of events flown under AMA
Competition rules, after launch, except for pilots or
helpers being used, no powered model may be flown
closer than 25 feet to any person.
9) Under no circumstances may a pilot or other
person touch a powered model in flight.
Organized RC Racing Event
10) 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, which 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.
11) RC 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 position in the air at all times.