KAVAN Der mini Falke 710mm - Instruction manual

KAV02.4315

KAVAN Der mini Falke - kit

Introduction

The Der mini Falke (Mini Falcon) is a free-flight hand launch glider designed for beginners building their first model. You will need basic modelling tools, glues and protective dope, which will also be useful for future projects. Read this manual and study the supplied building plan thoroughly before starting assembly.

Before you start

1. If you are new to model aircraft, ask an experienced modeller to check your completed model and help you with the first flights. Your model shop or local model flying club can help you find an instructor.
2. Build the model according to these instructions. Do not alter or modify it, as this can make it unsafe or unable to fly. Take time to build everything straight, true and strong.
3. Check the kit for missing or damaged parts before starting. Familiarise yourself with each component and contact your dealer immediately if a replacement is needed.
4. Trial fit every part before gluing. Check that you have the correct part and that it fits properly; extra glue cannot compensate for a poor fit.
5. Use the centre of gravity (CG) position marked on the supplied building plan. Balance the model before the first flight as described in Pre-flight preparation.

Note

Your dealer cannot accept kits for return if construction has begun.

Safety precautions

Danger

This model is not a toy. Even though it is light and slow in flight, incorrect handling can cause injury or damage. Build, test and fly it responsibly, following the instructions, applicable model flying safety rules and common sense.

Use suitable tools and accessories in good condition. Install all parts correctly and check the model before the first and every subsequent flight. Do not fly a damaged model. Beginners should fly with help from an experienced modeller.

Children under the age of 14 must operate the model under adult supervision. Fly in calm weather or a light breeze at a safe site away from obstacles.

Features

• Suitable as a first glider
• Designed and manufactured in the Czech Republic
• Extensively pre-processed parts
• Easy to build
• Good flight characteristics

Technical specifications

Parameter	Value
Wingspan	710 mm
Length	505 mm
All-up weight	70 g

Set contents

The assembly instructions use the supplied fuselage, wing and tail parts, wing assembly jig, wing dowel, hinge wire, rubber band, ballast, stickers and building plan. Check all parts against the plan before starting. Sandpaper and this instruction manual are also included.

Recommended glues

Use a solvent-based modelling glue (UHU® Hart, Kanagom or similar), water-resistant white glue (KAV56.9960 / KAV56.9961, BISON Super Wood or similar), or medium cyanoacrylate glue (KAV56.9952).

Recommended dopes

Use KAVAN protective dope (KAV56.9988) and its matching thinner (KAV56.9992 / KAV56.9992A).

Tools and accessories

Prepare a perfectly flat building board that accepts pins (at least 150×700 mm), a builder's square, sanding blocks or sponges with 180–200 and 360–400 grit sandpaper, modelling pins (KAV66.0355), a soft flat 1/4"–3/8" brush, a modelling knife, wire cutters and a drill with a Ø3mm bit. Protect the building plan and board with thin clear plastic film; a large polyethylene bag cut open is suitable.

Main section

Building plan

Use the supplied full-size building plan to identify the numbered parts, wing assembly jig, hinge positions and CG mark. References below point to this plan. (Fig. 1)

Assembly

Wing

1. Carefully sand the entire surface of wing halves no. 1 and no. 2.
2. Glue the three parts of the wing assembly jig together as shown in the centre of the building plan. (Fig. 1)
3. Join the wing halves on the flat building board, with plastic film under the joint to prevent the wing sticking to the board. Pin one half to the board and support the other with the assembly jig. Allow the glue to cure thoroughly.
4. Sand both outer wing panels no. 3 and glue them to the wing centre section one at a time, using the assembly jig.
5. Once the glue has cured, sand the wing smooth and glue reinforcement plate no. 4 in place.
6. Apply three light coats of thinned protective dope to the whole wing. Allow each coat to dry and sand it lightly with fine sandpaper before continuing.

Fuselage and tail

1. Lightly sand fuselage sides no. 5 and no. 7, then glue them to centre section no. 6.
2. Sand tail boom longerons no. 10 and glue them to the fuselage nose.
3. Glue fin parts no. 12 and no. 13 together on a flat board protected with plastic film. Once dry, round the leading and trailing edges.
4. Glue the fin between tail boom longerons no. 10.
5. Trial fit brace no. 11 between longerons no. 10. It must fit freely without forcing; sand it if necessary, then glue it in place.
6. Glue wing seat supports no. 8 to the fuselage and allow them to dry thoroughly.
7. Open the hole in the fuselage nose with a Ø3mm drill bit, then insert wing retaining dowel no. 9.
8. Cut the rudder from fin no. 12. Make holes for the wire hinges at the dashed lines on the plan: carefully insert a modelling pin into the front edge of the rudder and enlarge the hole by gently rotating the pin. Make all corresponding holes in the rudder and fin. Cut two approximately 8mm pieces of the supplied wire and glue them halfway into the fin. Once dry, glue the rudder onto the protruding wires. (Fig. 1)
9. Lightly sand horizontal tailplane no. 14.
10. Prepare and attach the elevator with wire hinges in the same way as the rudder.
11. Lightly bevel the sides of the tabs on top of fin part no. 13 so they fit the matching slots in horizontal tailplane no. 14.
12. Glue the horizontal tailplane to the fin. Use the wing assembly jig to check that the two surfaces are perpendicular.
13. Apply three light coats of thinned protective dope to the fuselage and tail. Allow each coat to dry and sand it lightly with fine sandpaper, as for the wing.

Pre-flight preparation

1. Apply the supplied stickers.
2. Fasten the wing to the fuselage with the supplied rubber band.
3. Add ballast to the nose compartment to obtain the correct CG. Support the wing with your fingertips at the position marked ⌖ on the fuselage plan. The fuselage should remain level. If the nose rises, add nose ballast; if the tail rises, remove some ballast. (Fig. 1)
4. Before every flight, check that the wing is correctly positioned on the fuselage, the wing and tail are aligned, the model is balanced and all parts are undamaged and secure.

Caution

Use the CG mark on the supplied building plan. The source manual does not specify a numerical CG distance. Do not guess this position or launch an unbalanced model.

First flights and trimming

1. Choose a calm day and a flat grassy site away from roads, ponds, power lines and other obstacles. Tall grass helps protect the model during initial trimming.
2. Launch directly into the wind every time. Throw a few blades of grass into the air to check its direction.
3. Hold the model under the wing with the wings level. Give it a gentle, straight push with the nose pointing slightly down. Never launch nose-up or more than 10° nose-down. The model needs enough forward speed to fly; simply placing it in the air is insufficient.
4. Observe the glide. With the wing and tail correctly aligned and the CG correct, the model should glide smoothly with level wings and its nose slightly down.
5. If it dives steeply and lands a few paces ahead, bend the elevator slightly up. If it climbs, stalls and repeatedly pitches up and down, bend the elevator slightly down.
6. If the model turns left, bend the rudder slightly right; if it turns right, bend it slightly left. Directions are viewed from behind the model.
7. Repeat the tests and make small adjustments until the model glides smoothly for a good distance. Check the wing position before each launch.

Appendix

Manufacturer's responsibility

As the kit manufacturer, we supply a high-quality kit and detailed instructions. The flight characteristics and performance of the finished model depend on how you build it. Since we cannot control how you complete and operate the model, we cannot assume responsibility for damage caused by or related to the operation of your completed model.