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Secrets of Control Line Flying
By Brodak Manufacturing & Dist. Co., Inc.


Pre-Flight Instructions

Before attempting their first control-line flights, beginners in control-line flying must practice turning around counter-clockwise (model is flown in that direction) until he or she can accomplish turning without becoming unduly dizzy. If you will practice turning around about 20 or 30 turns at a time, for a day or two, you will find that the dizziness subsides and you will be able to turn with the model and keep yourself and the airplane under full control at all times. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! Dizziness may cause you to lose control which will result in a severe crash. If at all possible, secure the help of an experienced control-line flyer.

YOUR FIRST FLIGHT should be made on a calm day. Do not fly on windy days since wind may blow the airplane towards you, causing lines to go slack. This will cause a crash since lines must be taut in order to maintain control. You will need a helper to fly your model. Since the lines ofyour model are long, the model will make a large circle while flying. It would be best, therefore, to secure a flying site which is level and free from all obstructions, such as school yards or parking lots.

BE CERTAIN THERE ARE NO ELECTRIC WIRES OF ANY KIND ON YOUR FLYING SITE.

Mark off the center with a white cloth or something similar to be sure center is clearly visible at all times. With the flyer holding the handle, the helper should walk the model around the circle counter-clockwise with the lines fully extended to be certain of a clear flight path. Place the airplane so that the lines are fully extended with the handle in the center of the circle and any prevailing wind blowing from the rear of the airplane as shown with arrow. Now walk from the model to the control handle with one line in each hand to be certain that lines are separated and not tangled. Carefully examine the sketches showing how different positionsof the handle make corresponding changes in the position of the elevator which controls your flying.

Note: ALL MOTIONS MUST BE MADE BY PIVOTING YOUR ELBOW AND NOT BY BENDING THE WRIST!

This will result in smooth flying and maneuvering. Test the control movement while your helper holds the airplane so that the lines are taut. Practice them so that you will become familiar with the “feel” and get used to the fact that your wrist remains rigid and all movement comes from pivoting at the elbow. Notice that when you tilt the handle up towards you, the top line pulls the elevator up, which will cause the model to climb. When you tilt the handle away from you, the bottom line pulls the elevator down, causing model to descend. When the handle is vertical, the elevator is in flat neutral position, and model will fly level.

MAKING YOUR FIRST SOLO FLIGHT

Secrets of Control Line Flying
By Brodak Manufacturing & Dist. Co., Inc.

A control-line plane is flown in a counter-clockwise direction, taking off from the ground. Be certain any wind is behind airplane on take-off. After the controls are checked out, stand on the marker in the center of the circle, and have your helper start the engine. When your engine is running properly, the helper should point the nose of the airplane slightly away from the center of the circle, keeping the lines taut. The flyer once more checks the lines with the helper to be certain an up movement of the arm results in the up-movement of the elevator, and vice versa.
During flying, lines must always be taut. Slack lines will result in complete loss of control and a crash. If necessary, the flyer should step back to keep the lines taut. Upon the flyer’s signal, the helper should simply release model. Do not push, as it may result in a crack-up. With the flyer holding the handle in the neutral position, the model will take off smoothly from the ground within a couple of feet and will climb of its own accord.

To make the model climb higher, simply pivot your arm slowly upward. To make the model descend, pivot your arm slowly downward. Make all motions smoothly and the plane will respond immediately without any tendency to jerkiness.
Continue flying in a level position about 10 or 15 ft. high until the fuel supply is used up and the engine stops. The model will assume a smooth glide path and start to descend. It may be necessary for the flyer to move backward slightly to keep the lines taut. When the model has descended to about 2 or 3 ft. from the ground, lift your arm to give full up-control and your model will gracefully settle into a three-point landing. When the model has stopped, the flyer should remain in position while the helper retrieves the airplane. Both of you should walk back to the circle keeping the lines taut so that they don’t get tangled. The model should be wiped free from oil and accumulated dust and dirt.

THIS FLYING PROCEDURE SHOULD BE FOLLOWED UNTIL YOU BECOME AN EXPERT IN LEVEL FLYING AS DESCRIBED.

At the end of the flying day, carefully wind the lines. Drain fuel from the tank and cover the engine with a cloth to prevent dirt from entering the engine.