BEFORE YOU BEGIN 
Attend club meetings to obtain useful information about the hobby. Locate and visit the local hobby shops.

• Join the Academy of Model Aeronautics
• Obtain Nassau County Leisure Pass (Required for Nassau County residents) May be obtained at County Parks such as Eisenhower Park, Wantagh Park, etc.
• Obtain Cedar Creek Park Aerodrome Novice Flyer Permit from the Cedar Creek Park Administration building.
• Become thoroughly familiar with the Cedar Creek Park Aerodrome Rules and regulations.
• Learn the requirements to fly solo – obtain a Senior Flyers Permit. Requirements are in the field rules.
• Become familiar with the field Frequency Control System and the frequencies not used at the Cedar Creek Park Aerodrome.
• Attend Meroke Clubmeeting lectures geared for new flyers.
  
  
  EQUIPMENT NEEDED 
• A minimum four channel radio system with four servos and a “Buddy Box”.
• A minimum .40 size high wing trainer type plane with controls for the engine, ailerons, elevator, and rudder.
• A .40 size engine with appropriately sized propellers.
• Items to complete the plane such as: wheels, covering, fuel tank, fuel lines, etc.
• Fuel, electric engine starter, glow plug igniter, fuel pump, rubber bands, glow plugs, various small tools, flight box with power panel and battery, etc.
• Engines with fuel metering carburetors are preferred over those with air bleed carburetors since they are more reliable in the dusty and sandy conditions at the Cedar Creek Park Aerodrome.
• Choose propeller sizes recommended for sport flying in the engine instructions.
• Use long glow plugs with an idle bar for smoother engine idle.
  

 

CONSTRUCTION BASICS 

• Use locktite on engine mount and muffler mount bolts and nuts.
• Fuel proof the fuel tank compartment and the engine area.
• Dull the edges of sharp propeller blades.
• Secure the fuel tank with foam to prevent fuel foaming from vibrations.
• Wrap the radio receiver and battery with foam to prevent vibration damage or interference.
• Keep fuel line runs short and free of kinks.
• Provide muffler pressure to the fuel tank.
• Ensure all control surfaces are moving in the proper directions.
• Mount radio batteries forward of receivers to prevent crash damage.
• Route radio receiver antenna wires away from switches, wires, and servos to avoid radio interference.
• Avoid metal to metal connections at clevises and control horns or engine throttle arms to prevent radio interference.
• Securely fasten propeller nuts and spinners then tighten them again. Novice flyers frequently fail to tighten these properly for fear of damaging the propeller.
• Properly install and align the landing gear and wheels.
• Use a drop of super glue on wheel collars to keep them in place. Avoid gluing the wheels!
• Securely mount the wing with nylon bolts or rubber bands. Use at least 14 rubber bands – five front to rear on each side and four crisscrossed between diagonal dowels.
• Set up a tricycle landing gear plane so the fuselage is parallel to the ground. If the nose is too low the plane will jump into the air during takeoff. If the nose is too high the plane will bounce or porpoise during landings.
• Make sure the center of gravity (CG) is located per the plans or instructions. A tail heavy plane will be unstable. Move the battery pack to obtain the proper CG position. Avoid adding weights if possible.
• Align the fuselage, wing, horizontal stabilizer, and vertical stabilizer per the plans and instructions.
• Mount the engine with the proper side or down thrust specified in the plans or instructions.
• Set control surface maximum movement distances according to the plans or instructions.
• Have your assigned instructor make a final check of all of the above before the first flight.