Hobbico SkyVista Assembly Instructions Manual

™

Innovative Prebuilt R/C Sport Aircraft

Assembly Instructions

© Copyright 1998 HCAZ3082 for HCAA2202 V 1.0

• Innovative Pre-Built Aerobatic

Trainer

• Builds with 2 tools in 1 evening

• No gluing, cutting, covering or
painting required

2

Congratulations!. You now own one of the most unique model
airplanes in the world. The Hobbico®SkyVista™can be built in
just one evening using common tools. Please read through the
instruction manual before beginning assembly to familiarize
yourself with the kit.

The SkyVista is a sport aircraft featuring a symmetrical airfoil.
Aerobatics are a joy with this aircraft. It is capable of loops,
rolls, inverted flight, hammerheads and more! All this while
maintaining outstanding low-speed handling characteristics.
The plane takes off and lands easily and is amazingly stable.
Stalls are gentle and controllable.

Please note, although the SkyVista can be a gentle handling
aircraft, it is not a beginners kit! You should be able to
competently fly an aileron equipped trainer before flying this
plane. The Hobbico AirVista trainer is the perfect choice for
learning to fly.

Your SkyVista is not a toy, but rather a sophisticated, working
model that functions very much like an actual airplane.
Because of its realistic performance, the SkyVista, if not
assembled and operated correctly, could possibly cause injury
to yourself or spectators and damage property.

To make your R/C modeling experience totally enjoyable,
we

recommend that you get help from an experienced,

knowledgeable modeler for your first flights. You will learn

faster and avoid risking your model before you’re truly ready to
solo. Your local hobby shop has information about flying clubs
in your area whose membership includes qualified instructors.

You can also contact the national Academy of Model
Aeronautics (AMA), which has more than 2500 chartered
clubs across the country. Through any one of them, instructor
training programs and insured newcomer training are
available.

Contact the AMA at:

You only need two tools to build the SkyVista:

❏ (1) Medium Phillips Screwdriver (#1)
❏ (1) Pliers

For convenience, these additional tools will make the job a
little easier:

❏ (1) Hobby knife with #11 blade
❏ (1) Adjustable wrench
❏ (1) Large Phillips Screwdriver (#2)
❏ (1) Scissors
❏ (1) Diagonal Cutter

❏ 4-channel radio system with 4 servos
❏ We recommend the Top Flite

®

Power Point®brand of props

(see the engine manufacturer’s recommendations)

❏ .40-size two-stroke engine

NO GLUE REQUIRED!

ACCESSORIES REQUIRED TO

FINISH YOUR SKYVISTA

OPTIONAL TOOLS

REQUIRED TOOLS

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN 47302

Office: [phone]

Toll Free: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Web Site: http://www.modelaircraft.org

PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF &

OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE IMPORTANT

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

INTRODUCTION

O.S.®.40 LA
OSMG0040

Inch Scale

0" 1" 2" 3" 4" 5" 6" 7"

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180

Metric Scale

1 (1) Right Wing Panel
2 (1) Left Wing Panel
3 (1) Steel Wing Joiner Rod
4 (1) Plywood Center Rib Assembly
5 (1) Fuselage
6 (1) Fin/Rudder Assembly
7 (1) Stab/Elevator Assembly
8 (2) 4mm Landing Gear Wire
9 (1) 4mm Nose Gear Strut
10 (3) Wheels
11 (4) Plastic Dowel Caps
12 (2) Wing Dowels (Wood)
13 (1) Plywood Servo Tray
14 (1) 1.5mm Wire for Nose Gear Steering
15 (1) Spinner Assembly
16 (1) Steering Arm
17 (14) #64 Rubber Bands
18 (1) Foam Sheet
19 (1) Cowl
20 (4) Metal Landing Gear Straps

Hardware included with the kit:

(7) 3 x 5mm Screws
(1) 3 x 8mm Screw
(4) Nylon Torque Rod Horns
(4) Nylon Servo Connectors
(5) Nylon Clevis
(1) Fuel Tubing
(5) Clevis Retainer
(2) Brass Pushrod Connector
(2) Nylon Retainers For Brass Pushrod Connectors
(2) 2-56 Wire Pushrod for Elevator/Rudder
(2) 2-56 Wire Pushrod for Aileron

(1) 2-56 Wire Pushrod for Throttle
(7) Metal Wheel Collars
(1) White Decal Strip
(1) Window Decal Sheet
(16) 2.5 x 10mm Sheet Metal Screws
(4) #4 x 5/8" Sheet Metal Screws
(2) 4-40 Lock Nuts
(2) 4-40 x 1/8" Phillips Head Screw
(6) #4 Washers
(1) Fuel Tank Assembly
(4) 4 x 20mm Screws
(4) 4mm Washers
(4) 4mm Lock Washers
(4) 4mm Nuts
(1) Metal “T” Pin
(1) Small Rubber Band

Replacement Parts:

In the event that you need replacement parts, contact your hobby
dealer and ask for the following:

Wing Tips (HCAA3566)
Right Wing Panel (HCAA3567)
Left Wing Panel (HCAA3568)
Aileron Servo Tray and Wing Joiner Rod (HCAA3569)
Fuse and Servo Tray (HCAA3570)
Fin Set (HCAA3571)
Cowl (HCAA3572)

3

1

2

5

3

4

19

12

11

17

13

20

18

8

15

15

10

16

14

10

6

7

9

SkyVista Parts List

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the parts of the SkyVista.

If you need help or have any questions

during assembly, please contact us at:

[phone]

or e-mail us at

[e-mail]

See more of our products at

www.hobbico.com

Need Help?

4

Install the rubber grommets with brass
inserts to each of the four servos.

NNoottee::

Your system may look slightly

different. Consult your radio instructions.

CC..

Tur n off your receiver switch followed by
the transmitter. Your servos are now
properly centered.

NNoottee::

If you bump or move your servos

during assembly, simply repeat this step.

SECTION 1

SECTION 1

Radio System Preparation

STEP 1: Unpack your Radio System

STEP 2: Connect your Radio System

BB..

Install the Brass Pushrod
Connectors onto

TTWWOO

of the arms.

CC..

Squeeze the nylon retainers in place
using your pliers.

AA..

From your radio system, select four
arms that look like an “X” or Star and
snap off the sides with your pliers.
(A diagonal cutter works well also).

STEP 3: Choose the Control Arms

AA..

Connect your radio
system and turn it on.

BB..

Position the “trim levers”
and sticks as shown.

ON

Throttle

Receiver
Battery

Servos

Transmitter

Switch

(Off)

Receiver

Brass Connector

Brass Connector (2)

4-40 Screw

4-40 Screw (2)

Nylon Retainer

Nylon Retainer (2)

Actual Size

Elevator

Enlarge

Enlarge

Enlarge

Tip! Hold the drill
bit with a pliers and
turn the arm.

Aileron

Rudder

Throttle

“X” Horn

Remove the wheels.

Charge your radio system following the
manufacturer’s instructions. This is usually
an overnight process.

Your grommets
may install like
one of these.

Throttle Trim

Star Horn

or

DD..

Enlarge the selected holes in the
servo arms using a #48 (5/64")
drill bit.

5

AA..

Connect the three servos to the receiver
according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

BB..

Connect the battery to the receiver switch
harness and the switch to the “battery”
socket on the receiver (the extra wire on the
switch is for charging your system).

CC..

Connect the extension
wire to the aileron socket.

STEP 5: Connect the Servos to the Receiver

Install the remaining
servo in the plywood
aileron servo tray. Note
the orientation and
routing of the
servo wire.

STEP 7: Install the Aileron Servo

STEP 6: Install the Receiver and Battery

AA..

Position one servo
in each pre-cut hole
as shown. Note
the orientation.

BB..

Using the screws
that came with
the radio system,
attach the servos
to the tray. Do not
overtighten.

CC..

Attach the servo
arms as shown in
the drawing.

STEP 4: Install the Servos

DD..

Tear or cut the foam
sheet in half and wrap
the receiver and the
receiver battery.

Use two #64 rubber
bands to secure the
receiver to the top and
the battery to the bottom
of the servo tray.

Rudder
Servo

Throttle
Servo

Plywood
Servo Tray

Receiver

Battery

IMPORTANT NOTE!

Unwrap the antenna
wire.

Servo Tray

Aileron
Servo

Plywood Aileron
Servo Tray

Elevator
Servo

6

SECTION 2

SECTION 2

Wing Assembly

Assemble the wing together
with the steel rod.

STEP 2: Assemble the Wing

Apply the white tape around
the center of the wing to hold
the assembly together.

STEP 3: Apply the Tape

Install the nylon torque rod horns
to the Ailerons, Rudder and
Elevator.

Adjust the height of the horns so
they are approximately 3/4" from
the surface.

STEP 1: Install the FOUR Torque Rod Horns

Steel Rod

Wing Panel

The servo wire
should exit along the
edge of the servo
tray as shown.

Wing Panel

Alignment Peg

Nylon Torque Rod Horn (4)

Actual Size

1

2

3/4"

4

3

AAiilleerroonn

Right Wing
(Upside Down)

Left Wing
(Upside Down)

RRuuddddeerr

Fin

EElleevvaattoorr

Horizontal
Stabilizer

Plywood
Aileron Tray

7

SECTION 3

SECTION 3

Fuselage Assembly

Tail and Wing Dowel Installation

Part

Part

One

One

The nylon horn
should be towards
the fuselage bottom.

Align the holes in the
fuselage with the holes
in the stab.

Insert the Stabilizer into the Fuselage.

STEP 1: Install the Horizontal Stabilizer

Insert the Fin into the fuselage. Use the
two 4-40 lock nuts along with washers
to hold the tail in place.

STEP 2: Install the Fin

STEP 3: Install the Wing Dowels

Fuselage Bottom

4-40 Lock Nut (2)

#4 Washer (2)

Actual Size

2.5 x 10mm Screw (4)

Actual Size

AA..

Install the window decals.

B. Use the screwdriver to

open the dowel holes.

CC..

Insert the two wood
dowels into the fuselage.
Install the Plastic
Dowel Caps.

You may need to hold one screw with a pliers
while installing the other side.

8

AA..

Insert the Black Nozzle into the Rubber “Stopper.”

BB..

Cut the fuel line to 2-3/4" (70mm) and install it onto the black nozzle and to
the Metal fuel pickup (commonly referred to as the “clunk”).

CC..

Insert the stopper into the tank and tighten the cap. You may need to
lubricate the stopper with skin oil (best found on the sides of your nose) to
help it install easier.

STEP 1: Assemble the Fuel Tank

Fuel Tank and Radio Tray Installation

Part

Part

T

T

wo

wo

AA..

Insert the fuel tubing into the holes located
on the firewall.

BB..

Attach the tube that goes through the left
hole to the black nozzle. Attach the tube that
goes through the right hole to the top nozzle on
the tank.

NNoottee::

The middle nozzle will not

be used.

CC..

Carefully install the fuel tank into the fuselage
while pulling the tubing from the front.

STEP 2: Install the Fuel Tank

Insert the two longest Pushrods into
the tubes from inside the fuselage.

The longer of
the two
pushrods
goes here.

STEP 3: Insert the Pushrods

DD..

Slide the fuel tank in place. Make sure the fuel line
is not pinched during installation. This will cut off
the fuel supply to the engine.

Cut to 2-3/4” long.

Pushrod

Bottom of
Fuel Tank

Rubber Stopper

Cap

Black
Nozzle

Clunk

Actual Size

Fuel Line

NNoottee::

“Left” and “Right”
are as viewed from the
rear of the upright

airplane.

9

BB..

Secure it in place with four #4 x 5/8" screws
and washers.

CC.. NNoottee::

If you bump the servo arms, re-center

them as shown in section 1.

STEP 4: Install the Radio Tray

AA..

Insert the pushrods from the bottom of the servo arms
(for easier installation remove the arms from the servos).

BB..

Install the nylon pushrod retainers.

STEP 5: Hook Up the Servos

Nylon Pushrod Retainer (2)

AA..

Install the radio tray into
the fuselage.

#4 x 5/8” Screw (4)

#4 Washer (4)

Actual Size

Actual Size

Make sure the
servo wires do
not get pinched.

Cut the white
tubes if they are
in the way.

AA..

Install the two remaining clevises with retainers
onto the short pushrod wires.

BB..

Connect the rods using the nylon retainers.

CC..

Adjust the clevises so the ailerons are centered
when the servo is centered.

STEP 8: Install the Aileron Pushrods

CC..

Attach the switch to the

left side of the fuselage.

STEP 7: Attach the Switch

AA..

Slide a silicone clevis retainer onto each
wire pushrod.

BB..

Make sure the servos do not move.

CC..

Screw the clevises on so that the control
surfaces are centered. Attach the clevises
to the horns.

DD..

Slide the retainers over the
clevises.

STEP 6: Attach the Clevises to the Control Surfaces

Nylon Clevis (2)

Silicone Clevis
Retainer

Note: If the pushrods
are too short, turn the
servos around.

Nylon Clevis

Silicone Clevis
Retainer

Silicone Clevis
Retainer

Antenna Wire

Actual Size

Retainer

Silicone Clevis
Retainer (2)

10

AA..

Position a cut-off
servo arm from
page 4 on

the
antenna wire about
6" away from the
receiver. This is
called “strain

relief.”

BB..

Route the antenna
wire through the
longer slot where
you installed
the switch.

11

AA..

Insert the steering pushrod wire through the outer hole in
the nylon steering arm. Slide the wire into the tube so
that it will extend through the brass connector on the
rudder servo.

BB..

Place a 4mm metal collar over the nose gear strut. Slide
the strut in place capturing the steering arm between the
bottom bracket and engine mount.

CC..

Tighten the steering arm screw so the end of the steering
arm is positioned about 3/8" (10mm) from the firewall while
the nose gear is straight.

DD..

From the inside of the fuselage, tighten the screw to secure

the pushrod to the brass connector.

STEP 1: Install the Steering Hardware

Landing Gear Installation

Part

Part

Three

Three

AA..

Insert the two main landing
gear wires into the slots on the
bottom of the wing

BB..

Secure the landing gear using
four metal straps and eight

2.5 x 10mm screws.

CC..

Attach the wheels using the
4mm metal collars with the
3 x 5mm screws.

DD..

Attach the remaining wheel to
the nose gear strut.

STEP 2: Install the Main Landing Gear and Wheels

4mm Metal Collar (1)

4mm Metal Collar (6)

3 x 5mm Screw (1)

3 x 5mm Screw (6)

2.5 x 10mm Screw (8)

Metal Strap (4)

3 x 8mm Screw (1)

3 x 8mm Screw

Nylon Steering
Arm

IMPORTANT! Check and
retighten the engine
mount screws.

Note: Fuel tubes
omitted for clarity.

Metal Collar

2.5 x 10mm Screw

3 x 5mm
Screw

Pushrod
Tube

Nose Gear
Strut

3 x 5mm Screw

Pushrod

Use drill bit to
enlarge the
outside hole.

Actual Size

Actual Size

Actual Size

12

AA..

Remove the carburetor arm from the engine.

BB..

Attach the throttle pushrod to the outer hole in the arm.

STEP 2: Install the Throttle Control Linkage

Place the engine onto the engine
mount. The engine should be
positioned straight or slightly to
the right (NEVER LEFT).

Cut the fuel tubing
so that each tube
sticks out about 6".

Engine Installation

Part

Part

Four

Four

STEP 1: Install the Engine

CC..

Insert the throttle
pushrod into the guide
tube and through the
brass connector on the
throttle servo.

DD..

Reattach the carburetor arm to
the engine. Make sure it is
positioned so the carburetor
will completely open and close.

4 x 20mm Screw (4)

4 x 20mm Screws

Tip! If installing an O.S.

®

40
LA engine, install the back
two screws with the plates
first. Next, slide the engine
into position and install the
front screws. This is because
access is restricted due to
the remote needle valve.

4mm Nut (4)

4mm Nuts

Brass Connector

Carburetor arm

4mm Split Washer (4)

4mm Split Washers

Mounting Plates

Position the
engine straight
or slightly right.

Actual Size

Guide Tube

Carburetor Arm

3-5/8"

13

AA..

Position the cowl so the thrust
washer on the engine sticks out
1/8" (3mm). Make sure the
spinner does not contact the
cowl at any point.

STEP 4: Attach the Cowl and Install the Spinner

Attach the fuel tube that
comes out of the “left” hole in
the firewall, to the nozzle on
the carburetor.

Attach the remaining fuel
tubing to the muffler. This is
called the “vent line” or
“muffler pressure line.”

STEP 5: Attach the Fuel Lines

Note: For some
engines, you may
need to trim the
cowl to provide
access to the
needle valve.

BB..

At the holes in the cowl, use
the four 2.5 x 10mm screws to
attach the cowl in place.

If there is a lot of
extra tubing, you
may cut off some of
the excess.

STEP 3: Position the Cowl, Install the Muffler

Work the cowl around the
engine. Install the muffler.

TTIIPP!!!!!!

Position the prop so it is horizontal when you can feel
compression. (This way, if your engine quits in flight, the prop will
stop horizontal, therefore reducing the chance of prop breakage
due to a hard landing.)

Make sure the

prop is tight!

Muffler Pressure tap

To Carburetor

Left Side of Fuselage

2.5 x 10mm Screw (4)

Thrust
Washer

Actual Size

Nozzle

14

STEP 2: Apply the Decals

STEP 3: Attach the Wing

BB..

Use a cut-off servo arm for strain relief. Attach
the rubber band to the arm. (You may
need to enlarge the hole in the servo arm
with a drill bit.)

STEP 1: Attach the Antenna to the Fin

Final Assembly

Part

Part

Five

Five

CC..

Place the rubber band over the pin head and
adjust the strap so there is a slight amount of
tension on the antenna wire.

AA..

Insert the T- Pin into
the top of the fin just in
front of the plastic tip.

Longer
Slot

Use a cut-off
servo arm for
strain relief.

Strain
Relief

4

4

2

2

Important! Plug the aileron servo wire into
the receiver.

Attach the wing to the Fuselage using twelve
#64 rubber bands. Attach four on each side
and criss-cross the remaining four.

Apply the stripes to the cowl sides.
Trim the front to match the curve of the cowl.
Wrap the excess inside the back part

of the cowl and reinstall the screws.

Temporarily remove the bottom cowl screws.

15

Note: We recommend that you have your instructor help you

with the set up of your radio system.

CHECK THE CONTROL DIRECTIONS

1. Turn on the transmitter and then the receiver. Standing
behind the plane, make the following movements with the
transmitter and observe the control surfaces:

If any of the servo movements are wrong, reverse the servo
direction with the servo reversing switches on the transmitter.

ADJUST THE THROTTLE

2. For added safety and convenience, the throttle should be
set up so that the engine can be stopped using the throttle
trim. To do this, loosen the pushrod connector screw and move
the throttle pushrod so that the carburetor is completely
closed with the throttle stick and trim lever on the transmitter
fully back. (Note: If the carburetor does not fully close, adjust
the idle stop screw on the carburetor until it will.) Next, tighten
the screw on the pushrod connector. Test the trim lever by
advancing it to full. This will be a fast idle position with the
carburetor barrel open slightly (about 1/32" or .8mm).

Now move the throttle stick forward to full. Make sure that the
carburetor barrel opens all the way. (See sketch.) If it doesn't
open far enough or opens too far (bending the rod) move the
pushrod connector in or out on the servo arm and/or the
carburetor arm to gain or reduce movement. The throw will be
correct when the carburetor barrel will stop fully open at the
same time the throttle stick reaches full. With the throttle set
up properly, you should be able to run the engine with the trim
lever set midway to the full position (adjusted for a smooth but
slow idle). Then when it is time to stop the engine, simply pull
back on the trim to close the carburetor and the engine will
stop running.

ADJUST THE NOSE WHEEL

3. With the radio system on, adjust the steering pushrod at the
rudder servo, so that the nose wheel is straight. Tighten the
screw on the brass connector.

ADJUST THE CONTROL THROWS

4. Check the movement of the control surfaces. Use a ruler to
match our measurements listed below. If your radio features
dual rates, set up both the high and low rates following the
radio system’s instructions. If your radio does not have dual
rates, set up the plane using low rates first and increase the
throws as you get familiar with the plane.

Low Rate High Rate

Aileron 5/16" (8mm) up 7/16" (11mm) up

5/16" (8mm) down 7/16" (11mm) down

Elevator 1/4" (6.5mm) up 3/8" (9.5mm) up

1/4" (6.5mm) down 3/8" (9.5mm) down

Rudder 1/2" (13mm) left 3/4" (19mm) left

1/2" (13mm) right 3/4" (19mm) right

These are the suggested deflections from center.

RADIO SYSTEM SET-UP

Open Slightly (Idle)

Barrel Fully Open

SECTION 4

SECTION 4

Preparing For Flight

4-CHANNEL RADIO SET-UP

(STANDARD MODE 2)

ELEVATOR MOVES UP

4-CHANNEL

TRANSMITTER

RIGHT AILERON MOVES UP
LEFT AILERON MOVES DOWN

4-CHANNEL

TRANSMITTER

RUDDER MOVES RIGHT

4-CHANNEL

TRANSMITTER

4-CHANNEL

TRANSMITTER

FRONT WHEEL MOVES RIGHT

CARBURETOR WIDE OPEN

16

If you need more control movement, you can move the nylon
horn closer to the control surface or you can move the rod at
the servo away from the center of the servo horn. If you have
too much movement, reverse the process.

One leading cause of crashes is flying an airplane with its
control throws set differently from those recommended in the
instructions. The Great Planes AccuThrow™lets you quickly
and easily measure actual throws first, so you can make
necessary corrections before you fly . Large, no-slip rubber feet
provide a firm grip on covered surfaces without denting or
marring the finish. Spring tension holds AccuThrow’s plastic
ruler steady by each control surface. Curved to match control
motions, the ruler provides exact readings in both standard or
metric measurements. GPMR2405.

CHECK THE LATERAL BALANCE

Now that you have the model completed, this is a good time to
balance the airplane laterally (side-to-side). Here is how to
do it:

❏ 1. Attach the wing to the fuselage.
❏2. With the airplane sitting level, lift the model by the engine

propeller shaft and the bottom of the fuselage at the tail (this
may require two people). Do this several times.

❏ 3. If one wing always drops when you lift the model, it

means that side is heavy. Balance the airplane by attaching
weight to the lighter wing tip. Note: An airplane that has been
laterally balanced will track better in loops and other
maneuvers. Balancing weight is available from your local
hobby dealer.

CHECK THE FORE-AFT BALANCE (CENTER OF GRAVITY)

Note: This section is VERY important and must NOT be
omitted! Amodel that is not properly balanced will be unstable
and possibly unflyable.

❏ 1. Accurately mark the balance point on the bottom of the

wing on both sides of the fuselage. The balance point is
located 3-3/8" (85mm) back from the leading edge. This is the
balance point at which your model should balance for your first
flights. Later, you may wish to experiment by shifting the
balance up to 1/4" (6mm) forward or back to change the flying
characteristics. Moving the balance forward may improve the
smoothness and arrow-like tracking, but it may then require
more speed for takeoff and make it more difficult to slow down
for landing. Moving the balance aft makes the model more
agile with a lighter and snappier “feel.” In any case, please
start at the location we recommend and do not at any time
balance your model outside the recommended range.

❏ 2. With the wing attached to the fuselage, all parts of the

model installed (ready to fly), and an empty fuel tank, position
your fingertips at the marked balance point.

❏ 3. Lift the model. If the tail drops when you lift, the model is

“tail heavy” and you must add weight* to the nose. If the nose
drops, it is “nose heavy” and you must add weight* to the tail
to balance.

Note: Nose weight may be easily installed by using a Heavy
Spinner Hub or gluing lead weights to the firewall. Tail weight
may be added by using Great Planes (GPMQ4485) “stick-on”
lead weights.

*If possible, first attempt to balance the model by changing the
position of the receiver battery and receiver. If you are unable
to obtain good balance by doing so, then it will be necessary
to add lead weights to the nose or tail to achieve the proper
balance point.

BALANCE YOUR MODEL

17

Improve the flight of your SkyVista with the Great Planes C.G.
Machine’s exact balancing. The C.G. Machine’s stable,
“hands-off” operation eliminates the potential for error . It works
with all airplanes weighing up to 40 pounds–regardless

of size or

wingspan. GPMR2400.

CHARGE THE BATTERIES

Follow the battery charging procedures in your radio
instruction manual. You should always charge your transmitter
and receiver batteries the night before you go flying, and at
other times as recommended by the radio manufacturer.

BALANCE THE PROPELLER

Balance your propellers carefully before flying. An unbalanced
prop is the single most significant cause of damaging
vibration. Not only will engine mounting screws and bolts
vibrate out, possibly with disastrous effect, but vibration will
also damage your radio receiver and battery. Vibration may
cause your fuel to foam, which will, in turn, cause your engine
to run rough or quit.

We use a Top Flite®Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer
(#TOPQ5700) in the workshop and keep a Great Planes

®

Fingertip Balancer (#GPMQ5000) in our flight box.

FIND A SAFE PLACE TO FLY

The best place to fly your R/C model is an AMA (Academy of
Model Aeronautics) chartered club field. Ask your hobby shop

dealer if there is such a club in your area and join. Club fields
are set up for R/C flying and that makes your outing safer and
more enjoyable. The AMA also can tell you the name of a club
in your area. We recommend that you join the AMAand a local
club so you can have a safe place to fly and have insurance to
cover you in case of a flying accident. (The AMA address is
listed on page 2 of this instruction book).

If a club and its flying site are not available, you need to find a
large, grassy area at least 6 miles away from any other R/C radio
operation like R/C boats and R/C cars and away from houses,
buildings and streets. A schoolyard may look inviting but it is too
close to people, power lines and possible radio interference.

GROUND CHECK THE MODEL

If you are not thoroughly familiar with the operation of R/C
models, ask an experienced modeler to check to see that you
have the radio installed correctly and that all the control
surfaces do what they are supposed to. The engine operation
also must be checked and the engine “broken-in” on the
ground by running the engine for at least two tanks of fuel.
Follow the engine manufacturer’s recommendations for break­in. Check to make sure all screws remain tight, that the hinges
are secure and that the prop is on tight.

RANGE CHECK YOUR RADIO

Check the operation of the radio before each time you fly . First,
make sure no one else is on your frequency (channel). With
the transmitter antenna collapsed and the receiver and
transmitter on, you should be able to walk at least 100 feet
away from the model and still have control. Have someone
help you. Have them stand by your model and, while you work
the controls, tell you what the models various control surfaces
are doing.

Repeat this test with the engine running at various speeds with
an assistant holding the model. If the control surfaces are not
always acting correctly, do not fly! Find and correct the
problem first.

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Note: Failure to follow these safety precautions may result in
severe injury to yourself and others.

Keep all engine fuel in a safe place, away from high heat,
sparks or flames, as fuel is very flammable. Do not smoke
near the engine or fuel; and remember that the engine exhaust
gives off a great deal of deadly carbon monoxide. Therefore do
not run the engine in a closed room or garage.

Get help from an experienced pilot when learning to operate
engines.

Check the engine bolts occasionally and retighten.

PREPARING TO FLY YOUR SKYVISTA

18

Use safety glasses when starting or running engines.
Do not run the engine in an area of loose gravel or sand, as

the propeller may throw such material in your face or eyes.
Keep your face and body as well as all spectators away from

the rotation of the propeller as you start and run the engine.
Keep items such as these away from the prop: loose clothing,

shirt sleeves, ties, scarfs, long hair or loose objects (pencils,
screwdrivers) that may fall out of shirt or jacket pockets into
the prop.

Use a “safety stick” device or electric starter; follow
instructions supplied with the starter or stick. Make certain the
glow plug clip or connector is secure so that it will not pop off
or otherwise get into the running propeller.

Make all engine adjustments from behind the rotating propeller.

IMPORTANT: Never reach around a rotating propeller.

The engine gets hot! Do not touch it during or after operation.
Make sure fuel lines are in good condition so fuel will not leak
onto a hot engine.

To stop the engine, cut off the fuel supply by closing off the fuel
line or follow the engine manufacturer’s recommendations. Do
not use hands, fingers or any body part to try to stop the
engine. Do not throw anything into the propeller of a

running engine.

Read and abide by the following Academy of Model
Aeronautics Official 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 aircraft higher than approximately 400
feet within 3 miles of an airport without notifying the airport
operator. I will give right of way to, and avoid flying in the
proximity of, full scale aircraft. Where necessary an observer
shall be used 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.

7. I will not fly my model unless it is identified with my name
and address or AMAnumber, on or in the model.

9. I will not operate models with pyrotechnics (any device that
explodes, burns, or propels a projectile of any kind).

RADIO CONTROL

1. I will have completed a successful radio equipment ground
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 (FCC).

The moment of truth has finally arrived. You’ve put a lot of
effort into building your model and it looks great! Protect your
investment by following a few simple tips:

1. Do one last look over before you head out to your flying
field. It’s easier to fix problems in the workshop instead of the
flight line.

2. Become familiar with starting your engine, and break it in
before going for your first flight. Be sure the engine will stop
when the trim lever is pulled all the way back.

3. Check your flight box. It should include a starting battery
and glo-plug clip (or ni-starter), “chicken stick” for flipping the
prop, fuel and a means of filling the

tank, a couple of small

screwdrivers, #64 rubber bands,

spare prop and glo-plug, 6"
adjustable wrench, and a pair of needle nose pliers. In addition
to tools, you should also take along some paper towels and
spray window cleaner to remove fuel residue after each flight.

4. When you load up to go to the flying field be sure that the
batteries have charged for at least 14 hours, and that you have
your fuselage, wing, transmitter, and flight box. And, most
important, you have your AMA license.

5. Range check the radio! See page 17.

USING RUBBER BANDS

The rule of thumb is to use two #64 rubber bands per pound
of model weight. If your model weighs in at 6 pounds, you
need 12 rubber bands. It doesn’t matter too much how many
you run straight across the wing or how many are criss­crossed, so long as the last two are criss-crossed. This trick
stops the other bands from popping off. Do not use oily rubber
bands for more than a few flying sessions. Check each rubber

FLYING YOUR SKYVISTA

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpt)

19

band before using it; discard any that have cracks. Rubber
bands can be conditioned by storing the oily ones in a zip-top
storage bag partially filled with talcum powder or corn starch.
Both products will absorb the oil.

TAXIING

Start the engine and set the throttle trim for a slow, steady idle.
Have a helper hold the plane while you work the controls.
Upon release, advance the throttle slightly to start rolling, then
back-off the power to prevent going too fast and possibly
taking off.

When you feel comfortable, advance the throttle a little while
standing behind the plane to get the feel of a takeoff roll, but
pull back on the power before the model lifts off. Try this
several times, adding a little more power each time. If the
plane starts to veer off, immediately cut the power to prevent
a mishap.

TAKEOFF

Taxi into position, pointing directly into the wind. Although this
model has good low speed characteristics, you should always
build up as much speed as your runway will permit before
lifting off, as this will give you a safety margin in case the
engine stops. Advance the throttle smoothly to the wide-open
setting. When the plane has sufficient flying speed, lift off by
smoothly applying a little up elevator (don’t force it off into a
steep climb!), and climb out gradually, trying to keep it straight
and the wings level. Climb to about 100 feet before starting a
VERY gentle turn by moving the aileron stick. Apply a little
more back pressure on the elevator stick as the model turns.
Stop the turn by moving the aileron stick in the opposite
direction until the wings are level, then return the stick to the
neutral position. Pull the power back to 1/2 throttle.

FLYING

We recommend that you take it easy with your model for the
first several flights and gradually “get acquainted” with the
plane as your engine becomes fully broken-in.

Add and practice one maneuver at a time, learning how your
model behaves in each one. For ultra-smooth flying and
normal maneuvers, we recommend using the low rate
settings. High rate control throws will give your model enough
control for loops, barrel rolls, and many other basic aerobatic
maneuvers.

After you are comfortable flying the SkyVista, it is time to try
some basic aerobatics. When learning a new maneuver, stay
plenty high so you can recover if you make a mistake. It takes
a lot of practice to do these precisely. Practice and master
them one at a time. Practice as often as you can. Eventually
the flying will become instinctive whereas you won’t think
about moving the sticks (like driving a car). Just keep on
burning fuel and you will be an expert in no time!

The Loop

Enter straight and level, gradually add up elevator, just before
the top of the loop, reduce the elevator slightly to keep the loop
round. Once on top of the loop, cut the engine power and pull
the airplane around to end up at the same point where you
started.

The Roll

From straight and level, pull the nose up slightly just before
giving smooth aileron input. This will help keep altitude during
the maneuver. As the plane rolls inverted give a very slight
amount of down elevator (not too much or too fast) to keep
altitude. As the plane continues to roll past inverted, release
the elevator. When the plane approaches upright, release the
ailerons.

The Split “S” Turn

The Split “S” is a turn around maneuver that is easy to do and
looks impressive to your friends. Please note that you will lose
altitude with this maneuver so don’t do it too close to the
ground. Fly straight and level, roll the plane until it is inverted,
cut the throttle down to 1/3 and simple pull the elevator to
complete the down side of a loop. You will exit facing the other
direction upright and level.

The Immelmann Turn

This maneuver is similar to the Split S. Fly straight and level,
pull up as if doing a loop. Just before you reach the top of the
loop, roll the plane upright with aileron. You will exit facing the
other direction upright and level.

The Stall Turn (commonly referred to as the Hammerhead)

Enter the maneuver straight and level at full throttle. Pull up
gently (1/4 loop) until you are vertical, slowly reduce the
throttle to 1/3 and apply full rudder. Once the plane turns
reduce the throttle to idle and let it come straight down. Gently
pull up elevator so the plane will exit the maneuver at the
same altitude it was when it entered. Slowly add power and fly
out straight and level. This maneuver can be rather difficult to
do consistently. Here are some tips that work for the
experts...Give a blip of throttle at the top to help pull the model
around. Apply a small amount of opposite aileron to help keep
the wings lined up through the stall. Hold the rudder through
the stall until the down line is established to keep the tail from
wagging.

CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES): If,
while flying, you notice any unusual sounds, such as a low­pitched “buzz,” this may be an indication of control surface
“flutter.” Because flutter can quickly destroy components of
your airplane, any time you detect flutter you must immediately
cut the throttle and land the airplane! Check all servo
grommets for deterioration (this will indicate which surface
fluttered), and make sure all pushrod linkages are slop-free.

If
it fluttered once, it will probably flutter again under similar
circumstances unless you can eliminate the slop or flexing in
the linkages. Here are some things which can result in flutter:
excessive hinge gap; not mounting control horns solidly;

sloppy fit of clevis pin in horn; elasticity present in flexible
plastic pushrods; side-play of pushrod in guide tube caused by
tight bends; sloppy fit of Z-bend in servo arm; insufficient glue
used when gluing in the elevator joiner wire or aileron torque
rod; excessive flexing of aileron, caused by using too soft
balsa aileron; excessive “play” or “backlash” in servo gears;
and insecure servo mounting.

LANDING

When it’s time to land, fly a normal landing pattern and
approach as follows: Reduce the power to about 1/4 and fly a
downwind leg far enough out from the runway to allow you to
make a gentle 180 degree turn. As you make the turn into the
wind for your final approach, pull the throttle back to idle. Allow

the plane to keep descending on a gradual glide slope until
you are about 3 feet off the runway. Gradually apply a little up
elevator to flare for landing. You should apply just enough up
elevator to hold the plane just off the runway while the excess
speed bleeds off. The model should settle onto the runway for
a slow, slightly nose-high landing. If your approach looks short,
add in a little power to extend the glide. If you are too high, add
throttle slowly and go around for another try. Do not try to
“force” the airplane to land.

Good luck and have fun flying your model, but always
stay in control and fly in a safe manner.

BUILDING NOTES

Kit Purchased Date: _______________________

Where Purchased:_________________________

Date Construction Started: __________________

Date Construction Finished: _________________

Finished Weight: __________________________

Date of First Flight: ________________________

FLIGHT LOG

Printed in USA