GREAT PLAINS EXTRA 300SP Instruction Manual

SPECIFICATIONS

Wingspan:

Length:

Weight:

50 in [1270mm]

47.75 in [1215 mm]

3.5 – 4 lb [1590 –1810 g]

Wing Area:

Wing

Loading:

478 in

16 –19 oz/ft
[46 – 49 g/dm2]

WARRANTY

Great Planes® Model Manufacturing Co. guarantees this kit to

be free from defects in both material and workmanship at the
date of purchase. This warranty does not cover any component
parts damaged by use or modification. In no case shall Great
Planes’ liability exceed the original cost of the purchased kit.
Further, Great Planes reserves the right to change or modify this
warranty without notice.

In that Great Planes has no control over the final assembly or
material used for final assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor
accepted for any damage resulting from the use by the user of
the final user-assembled product. By the act of using the
user-assembled product, the user accepts all resulting liability.

If the buyer is not prepared to accept the liability associated
with the use of this product, the buyer is advised to return

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

2

[30.8 dm2]

2

this kit immediately in new and unused condition to the
place of purchase.

To make a warranty claim send the defective part or item to
Hobby Services at the address below:

Include a letter stating your name, return shipping address, as
much contact information as possible (daytime telephone
number, fax number, e-mail address), a detailed description of
the problem and a photocopy of the purchase receipt. Upon
receipt of the package the problem will be evaluated as quickly
as possible.

Radio: 4 channel radio (minimum)

5 channel computer radio with mixing
capabilities (for separate ailerons)

Motor: RimFire 42-50-800

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Dr. Suite 1

Champaign IL 61822 USA

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT

INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.

Entire Contents © 2014 Great Planes Model Mfg. A subsidiary of Hobbico, Inc.

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

GPMA1188

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Academy of Model Aeronautics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Radio Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Receiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Servos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Motor Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

ESC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Flight Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

3D Set-up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Optional Pilot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Required Adhesives & Building Supplies. . . . . . . . . . . 4

Optional Supplies & Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

KIT INSPECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

KIT CONTENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

PREPARATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

ASSEMBLE THE WINGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Install the Ailerons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Install the Aileron Servos & Pushrods . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Install the Main Landing Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Install the Stabilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Install the Rudder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Install the Tail Wheel Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Install the Motor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

INSTALL THE RADIO SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Install the Elevator Servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Install the Receiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Install the Rudder Servo and Rudder

Pull-Pull Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Install the Cowl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Apply the Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Check the Control Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Set the Control Throws. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Finish the Model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Balance the Model (C.G.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Balance the Model Laterally. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

PREFLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Identify Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Charge the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Balance Propellors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Range Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

AMA SAFETY CODE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Radio Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

CHECK LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

FLYING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

INTRODUCTION

The full scale Extra 300SP is the choice of many airshow

performers. The Extra 300SP is known for its tremendous
power and ability to perform all-out aerobatics. Great Planes
has taken the best qualities of the full scale aircraft and reduced
it down to a lightweight, 50" electric powered ARF.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to

the “Extra 300SP” visit the Great Planes web site at www.
greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, and then select
the “Extra 300SP” ARF. If there is new technical information
or changes to this model a “tech notice” box will appear in the
upper left corner of the page.

Academy of Model Aeronautics

We urge you to join the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics)

and a local R/C club. The AMA is the governing body of model
aviation and membership is required to fl y at AMA clubs.

Though joining the AMA provides many benefi ts, one of the

primary reasons to join is liability protection. Coverage is not
limited to fl ying at contests or on the club fi eld. It even applies
to fl ying at public demonstrations and air shows. Failure to
comply with the Safety Code (excerpts printed in the back of
the manual) may endanger insurance coverage. Additionally,
training programs and instructors are available at AMA club

sites to help you get started the right way. There are over 2,500
AMA chartered clubs across the country. Contact the AMA at
the address or toll-free phone number below:

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302-9252

Tele. [phone]

Fax [phone]

Or via the Internet at: http://www.modelaircraft.org

IMPORTANT!!! Two of the most important things you can

do to preserve the radio controlled aircraft hobby are to avoid
fl ying near full-scale aircraft and avoid fl ying near or over

groups of people.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Protect Your Model, Yourself & Others…

Follow These Important Safety Precautions

1. Your “Extra 300SP EP” should not be considered a toy, but
rather a sophisticated, working model that functions very

much like a full-size airplane. Because of its performance

capabilities, the “Extra 300SP EP,” if not assembled and
operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself or

spectators and damage to property.

2

2. You must assemble the model according to the instructions.

Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so may result in an

unsafe or unfl yable model. In a few cases the instructions may
differ slightly from the photos. In those instances the written
instructions should be considered as correct.

3. You must take time to build straight, true and strong.

4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in fi rst-class
condition, and a correctly sized motor and components (fuel
tank, wheels, etc.) throughout the building process.

5. You must correctly install all R/C and other components so
that the model operates correctly on the ground and in the air.

6. You must check the operation of the model before every

fl ight to insure that all equipment is operating and that the

model has remained structurally sound. Be sure to check
clevises or other connectors often and replace them if they
show any signs of wear or fatigue.

7. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not fl own this type
of model before, we recommend that you get the assistance
of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for your fi rst fl ights.

If you’re not a member of a club, your local hobby shop has

information about clubs in your area whose membership
includes experienced pilots.

8. WARNING: The cowl and wheel pants included in this kit
are made of fi berglass, the fi bers of which may cause eye,
skin and respiratory tract irritation. Never blow into a part

(wheel pant, cowl) to remove fi berglass dust, as the dust
will blow back into your eyes. Always wear safety goggles, a

particle mask and rubber gloves when grinding, drilling and
sanding fi berglass parts. Vacuum the parts and the work area
thoroughly after working with fi berglass parts.

We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top quality,
thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but ultimately the
quality and fl yability of your fi nished model depends on how
you build it; therefore, we cannot in any way guarantee the
performance of your completed model, and no representa­tions are expressed or implied as to the performance or
safety of your completed model.

9. Never charge LiPo batteries unattended.

Remember: Take your time and follow the instructions to
end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

This is a partial list of items required to fi nish the “Extra 300SP

EP” that may require planning or decision making before

starting to build.

Radio Equipment

A 4-channel radio system with four micro servos and micro

receiver are required for this plane. The servos and receiver
shown in the manual are Futaba® S3150 Slim Digital Servos
and the Futaba 617FS FASST 2.4 GHz receiver. A lower priced
alternative would be the Futaba 3115 Micro Precision Servo.

Transmitter

❍ 4-channel radio (minimum)

OR

❍ 5-channel computer radio with mixing capabilities

Receiver

❍ Futaba 617FS FASST 2.4 GHz receiver [FUTL7637]

Servos

❍ (4) Futaba S3150 Slim Digital Servos [FUTM0303]

[51.4 oz-in (3.7 kg-cm) of torque]

OR

❍ (4) Futaba S3115 Micro Precision Servos

[FUTM0415] [38.9 oz-in (2.8 kg-cm) of torque]

Connectors

❍ (1) “Y” harness [FUTM4135]
❍ (3) 16" [400mm] extension [FUTM4145]
❍ (1) 9" extension [FUTM3910]

Motor Recommendations

The Extra 300SP EP ARF comes with a mounting box for the

Great Planes RimFire brushless out-runner motor. The motor

has been tested with this plane and works well.

❍ Great Planes RimFire .32 (42-50-800) Brushless Out-

runner Motor [GPMG4700]

ESC

A brushless ESC (electronic speed control) is required for
the recommended motor set-up. We recommend using the:

❍ Great Planes Silver Series SS-45A Brushless ESC

[GPMM1840]

Flight Battery

We recommend the Great Planes ElectriFly LiPo 2200mAh

11.1V, 3200mAh 11.1V battery or FlightPower 2200mAh 11.1V
and the 2550mAh 11.1V with an APC 13"  8E propeller.

❍ Great Planes ElectriFly LiPo 2200mAh 11.1V 30C

discharge w/balance plug [GPMP0861]

❍ Great Planes ElectriFly LiPo 3200mAh 11.1V 25C

discharge w/balance plug [GPMP0871]

❍ FlightPower Pro50 LiPo 2200mAh 11.1V 50C

(FPWP5000)

❍ FlightPower Pro50 LiPo 2550mAh 11.1V 50C

(FPWP5040)

❍ APC 13"  8E Propeller (APCQ3080)

For all out 3D type fl ying we recommend the Great Planes
ElectriFly LiPo 4S 14.8V 2200mAh 30C (GPMP0862) battery
with an APC 12  6E (APCQ 1260) propeller. A voltage regulator

3

will also be required to power the receiver. Be sure to follow the
ESC instructions for using a separate power source (voltage

regulator or receiver battery) for the receiver.

3D Set-Up

❍ Great Planes ElectriFly LiPo 4S 14.8V 2200mAh 30C

discharge w/balance plug [GPMP0862]

❍ FlightPower LiPo Pro50 4S 14.8V 2550mAh 50C

[FPWP5041]

❍ APC 12  6E Propeller (APCQ4130)
❍ ElectriFly Voltage Regulator (GPMM1920)
❍ Great Planes Parallel ESC Adapter Deans® Ultra

Plug® Connector (GPMM3141)

Optional Pilot

❍ Williams Brothers 1/4 Pilot Bust Kit Sportsman pilot

(WBRG1160)

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Required Adhesives & Building Supplies

This is the list of adhesives and building supplies required to

fi nish the Extra 300SP EP. Order numbers are provided in

parentheses.

❍ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro CA (GPMR6001)
❍ 1/2 oz. [15g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007)
❍ Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)
❍ Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❍ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6 mm], 5/64" [2mm], 3/32" [2.4mm]
❍ #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❍ #11 blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)
❍ Small T-pins (100, HCAR5100)

Optional Supplies & Tools

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that

will help you build the Extra 300SP EP.

❍ 2 oz. [57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❍ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❍ CA debonder (GPMR6039)
❍ Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❍ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❍ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❍ Threadlocker thread locking cement (GPMR6060)
❍ AccuThrow Defl ection Gauge (GPMR2405)
❍ CG Machine™ (GPMR2400)
❍ 21st Century® sealing iron [COCR2700]
❍ 21st Century iron cover [COVR2702]

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

● There are three types of screws used in this kit:

Sheet Metal Screws are designated by a number and a
length. For example #6  3/4" [19mm].

This is a number six screw

that is 3/4" [19mm] long.

Machine Screws are designated by a number,
threads per inch, and a length. For example

4-40  3/4" [19mm].

This is a number four screw

that is 3/4" [19mm] long with

forty threads per inch.

● When you see the term test fi t in the instructions, it means

that you should fi rst position the part on the assembly

without using any glue, then slightly modify or custom

fi t the part as necessary for the best fi t.

● Whenever the term glue is written you should rely upon

your experience to decide what type of glue to use. When

a specifi c type of adhesive works best for that step, the
instructions will make a recommendation.

● We recommend 30-minute epoxy only, because you will

need the working time or the additional strength.

● Photos and sketches are placed before the step they refer

to. Frequently you can study photos in following steps to
get another view of the same parts.

● The Extra 300SP EP is factory-covered with Top Flite

MonoKote fi lm. Should repairs ever be required, MonoKote

can be patched with additional MonoKote purchased
separately. MonoKote is packaged in six-foot rolls, but
some hobby shops also sell it by the foot. If only a small

piece of MonoKote is needed for a minor patch, perhaps a
fellow modeler would give you some. MonoKote is applied
with a model airplane covering iron, but in an emergency a
regular iron could be used. A roll of MonoKote includes full

instructions for application. Following are the colors used
on this model and order numbers for six foot rolls.

TOPQ0203 - Yellow TOPQ0202 - Orange
TOPQ0221 - Royal Blue TOPQ0201 - Missile Red

KIT INSPECTION

Before starting to build, take an inventory of this kit to make

sure it is complete, and inspect the parts to make sure they
are of acceptable quality. If any parts are missing or are not
of acceptable quality, or if you need assistance with assembly,

contact Product Support. When reporting defective or missing

parts, use the part names exactly as they are written in the
Kit Contents list.

Great Planes Product Support

3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1 Ph: [phone], ext. 5
Champaign, IL 61822 Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

4

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Great Planes Extra 300SP EP ARF

are available using the order numbers in the Replacement
Parts List that follows. The fastest, most economical service
can be provided by your hobby dealer or mail-order company.

Be certain to specify the order number exactly as listed in the
Replacement Parts List. Payment by credit card or personal

check only; no C.O.D.

If additional assistance is required for any reason contact
Product Support by e-mail at productsupport@greatplanes.

com, or by telephone at [phone].

To locate a hobby dealer, visit the Hobbico web site at www.

hobbico.com. Choose “Where to Buy” at the bottom of the menu
on the left side of the page. Follow the instructions provided
on the page to locate a U.S., Canadian or International dealer.

If a hobby shop is not available, replacement parts may also

be ordered from Tower Hobbies at www.towerhobbies.com,
or by calling toll free [phone].

Parts may also be ordered directly from Hobby Services by

calling [phone], or via facsimile at [phone], but
full retail prices and shipping and handling charges will apply.

Illinois and Nevada residents will also be charged sales tax. If

ordering via fax, include a Visa® or MasterCard® number and
expiration date for payment.

Mail parts orders Hobby Services
and payments by 3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1
personal check to: Champaign IL 61822

KIT CONTENTS

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

Order No. Description

GPMA5350
GPMA5351
GPMA5352
GPMA5353
GPMA5354
GPMA5355
GPMA5356
GPMA5357
GPMA5358
GPMA5359
GPMA5360

Wing
Fuselage
Tail Surface Set
Canopy
Landing Gear
Wheel Pants
Spinner
Cowl
Wing Tube
Decals
Wing Bolts

5

Kit Contents

1. Cowl

2. Fuselage

3. Canopy Hatch

4. Wing / Ailerons

5. Rudder

1

8

6. Horizontal Stabilizer

7. Elevator Halves

8. Spinner

3

2

4 4

6

7 7

13

9

10

12

11

11. Wheel Pants

12. Tail Wheel Assembly

13. Wing Tube

9. Landing Gear

10. Wheels

5

PREPARATIONS

1. If you have not done so already, remove the major

❏

parts of the kit from the box and inspect for damage. If any
parts are damaged or missing, contact Product Support at
the address or telephone number listed in the “Kit Inspection”
section on page 4.

2. Remove the tape and separate the elevators from the

❏

stab. Use a covering iron with a covering sock on medium
heat to tighten the covering on the wings, fuselage, etc. if
necessary. Apply pressure over sheeted areas to thoroughly
bond the covering to the wood. CAUTION: The Extra 300SP

EP was designed to be strong where needed, but lightweight

for excellent fl ight performance. Care must be taken when
assembling the plane to avoid damage.

ASSEMBLE THE WINGS

Install the Ailerons

Do the right wing fi rst so your work matches the photos
the fi rst time through.

Install the Aileron Servos & Pushrods

3. Install the servo into the servo opening. Drill a 1/16"

❏ ❏

[1.6 mm] hole through each of the mounting holes in the servo.
Install and then remove a servo mounting screw into each of
the holes you have drilled. Apply a drop of thin CA into the

holes to harden the threads. Once the glue has cured install
the servo into the servo opening using the hardware included
with your servo. Center the servo and then install a servo arm
as shown. The arm should be pointing towards the wingtip.

4. Install a pin into the center of four

❏ ❏

hinges. This will keep the hinge centered in
the slots of the wing and aileron.

1. Install the mounting hardware that came with your

❏ ❏

servo to the servo. Cut three arms from a four arm servo
horn, center the servo and install the arm as shown. Install
a 16" [400mm] servo extension onto the servo lead. Secure
the extension to the lead with tape, a piece of shrink tube or
some other method to keep them from coming unplugged.

2. Inside the wing a string is taped. Remove the tape and

❏ ❏

then tie the string to the servo extension. Pull the string and
the servo lead through the wing. Untie the string from the lead.

5. Install the hinges into the four slots in the aileron

❏ ❏

and then install the aileron to the wing. Center the aileron in
the wing and be sure the hinges are all positioned properly

in the slots. When you are satisfi ed with the installation of the
aileron apply a couple of drops of thin CA glue onto each side
of the four hinges. Allow the glue to completely harden and
then remove the pins. Do not apply CA accelerator. This
will cause the hinge to get brittle and possibly break. Test the

hinges by pulling on the aileron and use more CA to secure
them, if needed.

6

6. Remove the fl at nylon mounting

Hinge Line Hinge Line

Correct Incorrect

❏ ❏

plate from the clevis. The fl at plate can
be discarded.

7. Using a felt tip marker, draw a line from the servo

❏ ❏

arm to the aileron.

10. Thread a nylon clevis, 20 turns, onto a 6" [152 mm]

❏ ❏

wire pushrod. Slide a silicone clevis retainer over the clevis.
Attach the clevis in the outer hole of a nylon control horn.

11. With the aileron servo and the aileron centered, mark

❏ ❏

the aileron pushrod where it crosses the aileron servo arm.
Make a 90° bend at the mark. Cut the pushrod 3/8" [9.5mm]

past the bend. Drill a 5/64" [2 mm] hole in the outer hole of
the control arm of the servo. This should be the hole that is
approximately 5/8" [16 mm] from the center of the servo. Attach
the pushrod to the aileron servo arm with a nylon Faslink.

8. Place the nylon control horn onto the aileron in line

❏ ❏

with the line you drew and using the sketch to properly place

the hinge. Be sure the control horn is placed over the shaped
hardwood. (Look closely and this will be visible under the
covering).

9. Mark the location of the mounting holes onto the

❏ ❏

aileron. Drill a 1/16" [1.6mm] hole on the marks, drilling through

the plywood plate but not through the top of the aileron.

Install and then remove a #2  3/8" screw into each of the

holes you have drilled. Apply a drop of thin CA into the holes
to harden the threads. Once the glue has cured secure the
control horn to the aileron with the screws.

12. Repeat steps 1-11 for the left wing panel.

❏

13. Included with the kit are two 1/8"  7/8" [3mm 

❏ ❏

22 mm] smooth nylon pins. (There is another ribbed nylon

pin in the kit. Do not confuse the two.) Epoxy a pin into the
root rib of each of the wing panels. When you install the pin

it will stop when fully inserted in the hole. Approximately 3/8"

[10 mm] of the pin will extend outside of the root rib.

7

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE

Note: If you have not already fi gured out how to remove the
canopy, the magnets at the rear of the canopy keep it locked
in place. Lift the back of the canopy to remove it.

Install the Main Landing Gear

1. Slide a 5mm washer onto the axle. Insert a 4mm axle

❏ ❏

through the right main landing gear. Slide a 5mm washer
onto the axle followed by the 5 mm lock nut and the wheel.

(All of these need to be slid into position before securing the

assembly to the wheel pant). Tighten the axle nut to secure
the axle to the landing gear. Do this for both landing gears.

2. Apply a drop of thread locker to two 6-32 set screws

❏ ❏

and thread them into two 5/32" [4 mm] wheel collars. Slide
one wheel collar onto the axle followed by the wheel and then
the second wheel collar. Tighten the set screws against the
axle. Be sure the wheel spins freely after the wheel collar is
in place. Do this for both axles.

3. Attach the main landing gear to the fuselage with

❏ ❏

three 4- 40  ½" SHC screws, #4 lock washers and #4 fl at
washers. Note: The front of the main landing gear sweeps

back, while the back of the gear is straight. Do this for both

landing gear halves.

8

4. Install the wheel pants to the landing gear using two

❏ ❏

2- 56  3/8" [10mm] machine screws, #2 lock washers and

#2 fl at washers. Apply a drop of thread locker to each screw

before installing them in the pant.

Install the Stabilizer

1. Center the wing tube in the fuselage. Slide the wing

❏

halves onto the wing tube and secure the wing halves to the
fuselage with the nylon 10- 24 thumb screws.

3. When you are satisfi ed the stab is centered, mark on

❏

the top and bottom of the stab the sides of the fuselage. This

is best done with a fi ne tip marker.

2. Center the horizontal stabilizer in the slot in the fuselage,

❏

measuring each side of the stab from the fuselage and the
distance from each wing tip.

4. On the lines you drew on the stab, cut the covering away

❏

from the stab. Be careful not to cut into the surface of the stab.
Do this for both the top and bottom of the stab. You may fi nd
this process easiest if you follow the “Expert Tip: How to

Cut Covering From Balsa.”

9

HOW TO CUT COVERING FROM BALSA

Use a soldering iron to cut the covering from the stab. The
tip of the soldering iron doesn’t have to be sharp, but a fi ne
tip does work best. Allow the iron to heat fully.

Use a straightedge to guide the soldering iron at a rate that
will just melt the covering and not burn into the wood. The
hotter the soldering iron, the faster it must travel to melt a
fi ne cut. Peel off the covering.

5. Slide the stab back into the fuselage. Stand back and

❏

look at the stab in relation to the wing. The stab should be
parallel with the wing. If not, sand the stab saddle until the stab
and wings are aligned. Remove the stab from the fuselage.

6. Locate the stab joiner wire. Insert it into the stab opening

❏

and then slide the stab into the stab opening in the wing. Apply
30 minute epoxy to the wood center section of the stab where
you cut away the covering. Do this for the top and bottom of
the stab. Move the stab back and forth to work the epoxy into
the opening in the fuselage. Once the glue has been worked

suffi ciently into the joint re-center the stab, making sure it is

properly aligned with the wing. Wipe away any excess epoxy
from the covering on the stab and fuselage with a paper towel
and rubbing alcohol. When you fi nish the clean-up, double

check the stab position and then set the fuselage aside to
allow the glue to harden.

7. Install a small amount of epoxy into the hole in the leading

❏

edge of the right elevator. Using the same method used for the
ailerons, install three hinges into the elevator and then install
the elevator to the stab, making sure you install the end of the

joiner wire into the hole in the leading edge of the elevator.
When you have the elevator positioned, apply thin CA glue
to each of the hinges just like you did for the ailerons. Do this
for both halves of the elevators. Test pull both elevator halves.

You can now remove the wings and continue with the

assembly of the fuselage.

10

Install the Rudder

1. Install three hinges into the rudder using the same

❏

techniques used on the ailerons and elevators and then install
the rudder to the fi n post.

2. Apply three drops of thin CA to each side of each of

❏

the rudder hinges. Allow the glue to harden. Test pull the
rudder hinges.

Install the Tail Wheel Assembly

1. Locate the components of the tail wheel wire assembly.

❏

Glue the nylon tail gear bushing in the hole in the aft bottom

of the fuse.

2. Insert a pin through the hole in the nylon tail wheel

❏

stud. Glue the stud into the hole in the bottom of the rudder.

The stud should extend from the rudder approximately 3/16"

[4.8 mm]. When gluing the stud into the rudder be sure the

pin is in line with the center of the fuselage. This will assure

proper alignment for the hole. After the stud is glued in place
remove the pin.

11

3. Apply thread locker to the 4 - 40 set screw and then

❏

install it into the 3/32" [2 mm] wheel collar. Slide the wheel
collar onto the tail wire. Then, insert the tail wire into the nylon
bushing and nylon stud you glued into the fuselage and rudder.

Place the tail gear bracket in place as shown with the tail gear

bracket aligned with the bottom of the fuse. Mark and drill a

1/16" [1.6mm] pilot hole at both tail gear bracket mounting

hole locations. Secure the tail gear bracket to the fuse with
two #2  1/2" [13 mm] sheet metal screws.

4. Install the tail wheel on the tail gear wire and press the

❏

nylon retainer on the tail gear wire to secure the tail wheel.
If necessary, add a small drop of CA glue to lock it tightly to
the wire.

Install the Motor

The Extra 300SP EP has been designed to use the Great

Planes RimFire .32 (42- 50 - 800) Outrunner Brushless motor.
If you will be installing a different motor, you may need to

modify the plywood motor box. We recommend that this be

done at this time.

1. Install the RimFire motor using four 4-40  ½" [13 mm]

❏

SHC screws, four #4 lock washers and four #4 fl at washers.
Before installing, apply a drop of threadlocker to the threads
of the SHC screws.

12

INSTALL THE RADIO SYSTEM

Install the Elevator Servo

1. Install a 16" [400 mm] servo extension to the elevator

❏

servo. Secure the extension to the lead with tape, a piece of

shrink tube or some other method to keep them from coming
unplugged.

2. Install the servo mounting hardware that came with your

❏

servo onto the servo. Place the elevator servo into the opening
on the left side of the fuselage. Drill a 1/16" [1.6 mm] hole into
the fuselage for each of the mounting holes.

2. Install one half of a 2" [51 mm ] piece of adhesive backed

❏

Velcro® to the bottom of the motor box and the other half to

the bottom of the ESC. Secure the ESC to the motor box and
install a Velcro® strap around the motor box and ESC.

3. Connect the ESC to the motor following the instructions

❏

with the ESC and motor.

3. Install and then remove a servo mounting screw into each

❏

of the holes. Apply a drop of thin CA into the holes to harden
the threads. Once the glue has hardened install the servo

into the servo opening using the hardware included with your

servo. Center the servo. Then, install a servo arm as shown.

4. Position the control horn in line with the servo arm. When

❏

positioned properly the control horn will rest on a hardwood

plate in the elevator. Mark the location of the mounting holes
onto the elevator. Drill a 1/16" [1.6 mm ] hole on the marks,

drilling through the elevator plate only. Do not drill through
the top of the elevator. Install and then remove a #2  3/8"

13

screw into each of the holes you have drilled. Apply a drop of
thin CA into the holes to harden the threads. Once the glue has
cured secure the control horn to the elevator with the screws.

❏ 5. Thread a nylon clevis 20 turns onto a 2-56  6" [152mm]
wire pushrod. Connect the clevis to the outer hole from the base

of a nylon control horn. Slide a silicone clevis retainer over the
clevis. With the elevator servo and the elevator centered, mark
the elevator pushrod where it crosses the elevator servo arm.
Make a 90° bend at the mark. Cut the pushrod 3/8" [9.5mm]
past the bend. Attach the pushrod to the elevator servo arm

with a nylon Faslink.

Install the Receiver

3. Overlap by 1" [ 25 mm] two strips of non-adhesive backed

❏

hook and loop material. Route the hook and loop material
through the slot in the battery tray, under the tray and back
through the slot on the other side of the tray. Apply a strip of
adhesive backed hook material to the center of the battery
tray. The loop material can be applied to the battery.

4. Connect the fl ight battery to the ESC and check that

❏

the servos are operating correctly. Arm the motor (with the

prop removed) and slowly start the motor to make sure it is
rotating in the correct direction. If not follow the instructions
with your ESC to reverse the direction of rotation.

Before installing the rudder servo you need to complete the
installation of the receiver and battery. To properly set up the
rudder pull-pull system you will need to be able to operate
the servos.

1. Use adhesive backed hook and loop material to mount

❏

the receiver to the servo tray.

2. Connect the ESC, elevator servo and Y-harness for the

❏

ailerons to the receiver. (Depending on where you mounted the

ESC, you may need to install a 9" [ 230 mm] servo extension

to the ESC.) If using the 4S battery set up with a regulator,
follow the instructions with the regulator.

Install the Rudder Servo and Rudder

Pull-Pull Installation

1. Drill a 1/16" [1.6 mm] hole in the servo tray, drilling

❏

through the servo mounting holes. Install and then remove
a servo mounting screw into each of the holes in the rudder

servo tray. Apply a drop of thin CA into the holes to harden
the threads. Once the glue has hardened, install the servo

into the servo opening using the hardware included with your

servo. Center the servo. Then, install a 1" [ 25 mm] two arm

servo arm as shown.

14

2. Locate the 2-56 wire with threads at both ends, two #2

❏

fl at washers and #2 nuts.

5. Locate the pull-pull string and cut it in half. Put a small

❏

drop of thin CA on both ends of each piece of string. Allow
the CA to cure and trim off any frayed thread.

6. Thread 2-56 nuts onto four 2-56 rigging couplers. Thread

❏

the clevises 10 turns onto the rigging couplers. Tighten the
2-56 nuts against the metal clevises.

3. Insert the wire into the hole in the bottom of the rudder.

❏

Center the wire and then secure the wire with a washer and

nut on each end of the wire tightened against the rudder. Apply
a drop of threadlocker on the threads. This will help prevent
the nuts from coming loose.

4. Thread the two plastic nylon torque rod horns onto each

❏

end of the wire. Thread them onto the wire until the wire is

fl ush with the end of the horn. Adjust the torque rod horns so

that they are both equal distance from the rudder.

7. Pass one of the strings through a copper wire crimp,

❏

through the rigging coupler and back through the crimp.
Squeeze the crimp with a pliers to secure the string in the

crimp. Apply a drop of thin CA to the crimp. Install a silicone

clevis keeper onto the clevis and then attach the clevises to

15

the rudder torque rod horn. Drop the string through the slot
in the fuselage, feeding it through the fuselage to the rudder
servo. Do this for both strings.

8. Temporarily turn on the radio system and center the

❏

rudder servo arm. Temporarily tape the rudder so it is straight
and won’t move. Inside the fuselage, slide a silicone clevis
keeper on the clevis and then attach the clevis to the outer
hole of the servo arm. Pass the string through a crimp, then
through the hole in the rigging coupler and back through the
crimp. Repeat this for the remaining string and clevis. With
the rudder and the rudder servo arm centered, pull the strings
tight and squeeze the crimps to secure the strings. Apply a
drop of CA to the strings and cut off the excess string. Fine
tuning of the string lengths and rudder centering can be done
by adjusting the clevises.

Install the Cowl

1. Apply masking tape over the cowl mounting blocks and

❏

fuselage. From the center of each mounting block draw a line

measuring back 1" [25mm]. Do this for all four blocks. After
you have marked all four blocks tape the cowl in place, making

sure the cowl is centered with the motor and spinner backplate.

2. From the back of the line you drew, measure forward

❏

1" [25 mm] and make a mark on the cowl. Do this for all four

mounting blocks. Drill a 5/64" [ 2mm] hole through the cowl
and mounting block. Secure the cowl to the fuselage with the
four 3/32"  5/16" [ 2.5  8mm] washer head screws.

16

3. Install the spinner back plate onto the motor shaft. Enlarge

FULL

THROTTLE

RUDDER

MOVES

RIGHT

ELEVATOR

MOVES DOWN

RIGHT AILERON

MOVES UP
LEFT AILERON
MOVES DOWN

4-CHANNEL RADIO SET UP (STANDARD MODE 2)

❏

the hole in the back plate as needed to fi t your brand of motor.

Remove the spinner back plate. Do not complete the installation

of the prop and spinner until the entire radio system has been
set up. This will prevent the possibility of any mishaps prior to
preparing the model for fl ight.

Apply the Decals

The box photographs show the location of the decals on the

airplane. Refer to these for the exact placement of the decals.

The following tips may be useful for applying them.

1. Be certain the model is clean and free from oily fi ngerprints

❏

and dust. Prepare a dishpan or small bucket with a mixture
of liquid dish soap and warm water—about one teaspoon of
soap per gallon of water. Submerse the decal in the soap and

water and peel off the paper backing. Note: Even though the

decals have a “sticky-back” and are not the water transfer type,
submersing them in soap & water allows accurate positioning
and reduces air bubbles underneath.

2. Position decals on the model. Holding the decal down,

❏

use a paper towel to wipe most of the water away.

3. Use a piece of soft balsa or something similar to squeegee

❏

remaining water from under the decal. Apply the rest of the
decals the same way.

3. Make certain that the control surfaces and the throttle

❏

respond in the correct direction as shown in the diagram. If any
of the controls respond in the wrong direction, use the servo
reversing in the transmitter to reverse the servos connected to
those controls. Be certain the control surfaces have remained

centered. Adjust if necessary.

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY

Check the Control Directions

1. Turn on the transmitter and receiver and center the trims.

❏

If necessary, remove the servo arms from the servos and

reposition them so they are centered. Reinstall the screws
that hold on the servo arms.

2. With the transmitter and receiver still on, check all the

❏

control surfaces to see if they are centered. If necessary, adjust
the clevises on the pushrods to center the control surfaces.

Set the Control Throws

Use a ruler to accurately measure and set the control throw
of each control surface as indicated in the chart that follows.
If your radio does not have dual rates, we recommend setting
the throws at the low rate setting.

NOTE: The throws are measured at the widest part of the
elevators, rudder and ailerons.

17

These are the recommended control surface throws:

LOW

HIGH

3D

Up & Down

3/8"

ELEVATOR

AILERON

RUDDER

We also put exponential into the high rates and the 3D rates to

make the control throws less sensitive around neutral. These
can be set up to your own preference and fl ying style. For our

Futaba radio system we put -20% to -30% in the high rate

and -50% to -60% in the 3D rates.

IMPORTANT: The Extra 300SP EP has been extensively
fl own and tested to arrive at the throws at which it fl ies best.
Flying your model at these throws will provide you with the
greatest chance for successful fi rst fl ights. If, after you have
become accustomed to the way the Extra 300SP EP fl ies,
you would like to change the throws to suit your taste, that is
fi ne. However, too much control throw could make the model
diffi cult to control, so remember, “more is not always better.”

[10 mm ]

7°

Up & Down

3/8"

[16mm]

9°

Right & Left

1-1/4"

[32mm]

12°

Up & Down

5/8"

[16mm]

11°

Up & Down

5/8"

[16mm]

14°

Right & Left

1-7/8"

[48mm]

18°

Up & Down

2"

[51mm]

38°

Up & Down

1"

[25mm]

24°

Right & Left

3-1/2"

[89mm]

35°

3. If you wish to install a pilot do so now. We used

❏

the Williams Brothers 1/4 Pilot Bust Kit Sportsman pilot
(WBRQ1160).

4. Install the canopy/hatch.

❏

Balance the Model (C.G.)

More than any other factor, the C.G. (balance point) can
have the greatest effect on how a model fl ies, and may
determine whether or not your fi rst fl ight will be successful.
If you value this model and wish to enjoy it for many fl ights,
DO NOT OVERLOOK THIS IMPORTANT PROCEDURE.
A model that is not properly balanced will be unstable and
possibly unfl yable.

Finish the Model

1. Install the spinner back plate, propeller with washer and

❏

prop nut and the spinner cone. Secure the spinner cone to the
back plate with two 3  10mm sheet metal screws.

2. Insert a fl ight battery in the fuselage and use the hook

❏

and loop material to hold the battery in position. Do not connect
the battery to the ESC while balancing the model.

At this stage the model should be in ready-to-fl y condition with
all of the systems in place including the motor and battery,

landing gear, covering and paint, and the radio system.

1. Use a felt-tip pen or 1/8" [ 3mm]- wide tape to accurately

❏

mark the C.G. on the top of the wing at the side of the fuselage.

The C.G. is located 3" [ 76mm] back from the leading edge of

the wing at the side of the fuselage.

This is where your model should balance for the fi rst fl ights.
Later, you may wish to experiment by shifting the C.G. up
to 3/16" [5mm] forward or 5/8" [16mm] back to change
the fl ying characteristics. Moving the C.G. forward may
improve the smoothness and stability, but the model may
then require more speed for takeoff and make it more diffi cult
to slow for landing. Moving the C.G. aft makes the model
more maneuverable, but could also cause it to become too
diffi cult to control. In any case, start at the recommended
balance point and do not at any time balance the model
outside the specifi ed range.

18

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

❏

model installed (ready to fl y) and LiPo battery, lift it at the
balance point you marked.

3. If the tail drops, the model is “tail heavy” and the battery

❏

pack and/or receiver must be shifted forward or weight must
be added to the nose to balance. If the nose drops, the model

is “nose heavy” and the battery pack must be shifted aft or
weight must be added to the tail to balance. If additional
weight is required, use Great Planes (GPMQ4485) “stick-on”
weights. A good place to add stick-on nose weight is to the

motor box (don’t attach weight to the cowl—it is not intended

to support weight). Begin by placing incrementally increasing

amounts of weight on the fuse over the motor box until the

model balances. Once you have determined the amount of
weight required, it can be permanently attached.

PREFLIGHT

Identify Your Model

No matter if you fl y at an AMA sanctioned R/C club site or if
you fl y somewhere on your own, you should always have your

name, address, telephone number and AMA number on or

inside your model. It is required at all AMA R/C club fl ying sites
and AMA sanctioned fl ying events. Fill out the identifi cation
tag on page 23 and place it on or inside your model.

Charge the Batteries

Follow the battery charging instructions that came with your
radio control system to charge the batteries. You should always

charge your transmitter batteries the night before you go fl ying,
and at other times as recommended by the radio manufacturer.

CAUTION: Unless the instructions that came with your
radio system state differently, the initial charge on new
transmitter batteries should be done for 15 hours using the
slow-charger that came with the radio system. This will
“condition” the batteries so that the next charge may be done
using the fast-charger of your choice. If the initial charge is
done with a fast-charger the batteries may not reach their
full capacity and you may be fl ying with batteries that are
only partially charged.

Balance Propellors

Note: Do not rely upon the adhesive on the back of the weight
to permanently hold it in place. Over time the adhesive may
soften and cause the weight to fall off. Use #2 sheet metal
screws, RTV silicone or epoxy to permanently hold the weight
in place.

4. IMPORTANT: If you found it necessary to add any weight,

❏

recheck the C.G. after the weight has been installed.

Balance the Model Laterally

1. With the wing level, have an assistant help you lift the

❏

model by the engine propeller shaft and the bottom of the
fuse under the TE of the fi n. Do this several times.

2. If one wing always drops when you lift the model, it means

❏

that side is heavy. Balance the airplane by adding weight to the
other wing tip. An airplane that has been laterally balanced

will track better in loops and other maneuvers.

Carefully balance your propeller and spare propellers before
you fl y. An unbalanced prop can be the single most signifi cant

cause of vibration that can damage your model. Not only
will motor mounting screws and bolts loosen, possibly with

disastrous effect, but vibration may also damage your radio
receiver and battery.

We use a Top Flite Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer
(TOPQ5700) in the workshop and keep a Great Planes
Fingertip Prop Balancer (GPMQ5000) in our fl ight box.

19

Range Check

General

Ground check the operational range of your radio before the
fi rst fl ight of the day. 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 an assistant stand by your model and, while you work the
controls, tell you what the control surfaces are doing. Repeat
this test with the motor running at various speeds with an
assistant holding the model, using hand signals to show you

what is happening. If the control surfaces do not respond

correctly, do not fl y! Find and correct the problem fi rst. Look
for loose servo connections or broken wires, corroded wires
on old servo connectors, poor solder joints in your battery
pack or a defective cell, or a damaged receiver crystal from
a previous crash. The problem may be the location of the
antenna. The antenna should be as far away from the ESC
and battery as possible.

MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

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

● Get help from an experienced pilot when learning to
operate electric motors.

● Use safety glasses when running electric motors.

● Do not run the motor in an area of loose gravel or

sand; the propeller may throw such material in your
face or eyes.

● Keep your face and body as well as all spectators
away from the plane of rotation of the propeller as you
run the motor.

● Keep these items away from the prop: loose clothing,
shirt sleeves, ties, scarfs, long hair or loose objects
such as pencils or screwdrivers that may fall out of
shirt or jacket pockets into the prop.

● The motor gets hot! Do not touch it during or right

after operation.

● When working on your plane, remove the propeller

if the motor battery will be connected.

● Always remove the motor battery from the plane

when charging.

● Follow the charging instructions included with

your charger for charging LiPo batteries. LiPo
batteries can cause serious damage if misused.

1) I will not fl y my model aircraft in sanctioned events,
air shows, or model fl ying demonstrations until it has
been proven to be airworthy by having been previously,
successfully fl ight tested.

2) I will not fl y 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 and avoid fl ying
in the proximity of full-scale aircraft. Where necessary,
an observer shall be utilized to supervise fl ying to avoid
having models fl y in the proximity of full-scale aircraft.

3) Where established, I will abide by the safety rules for the

fl ying site I use, and I will not willfully and deliberately
fl y my models in a careless, reckless and/or dangerous

manner.

5) I will not fl y my model unless it is identifi ed with my name
and address or AMA number, on or in the model. Note:

This does not apply to models while being fl own indoors.

7) 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 fi rst fl ight of a new or repaired model.

2) I will not fl y my model aircraft in the presence of spectators
until I become a qualifi ed fl ier, unless assisted by an
experienced helper.

3) At all fl ying sites a straight or curved line(s) must be
established in front of which all fl ying takes place with
the other side for spectators. Only personnel involved

with fl ying the aircraft are allowed at or in the front of

the fl ight line. Intentional fl ying behind the fl ight line is
prohibited.

4) I will operate my model using only radio control frequencies
currently allowed by the Federal Communications

Commission.

5) I will not knowingly operate my model within three

miles of any pre-existing flying site except in
accordance with the frequency sharing agreement
listed [in the complete AMA Safety Code].

9) Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person
touch a powered model in fl ight; nor should any part of

the model other than the landing gear, intentionally
touch the ground, except while landing.

AMA SAFETY CODE

Read and abide by the following excerpts from the Academy

of Model Aeronautics Safety Code. For the complete Safety

Code refer to Model Aviation magazine, the AMA web site or

the Code that came with your AMA license.

20

CHECK LIST

FLYING

During the last few moments of preparation your mind may
be elsewhere anticipating the excitement of the fi rst fl ight.
Because of this, you may be more likely to overlook certain
checks and procedures that should be performed before the
model is fl own. To help avoid this, a check list is provided to
make sure these important areas are not overlooked. Many
are covered in the instruction manual, so where appropriate,
refer to the manual for complete instructions. Be sure to
check the items off as they are completed (that’s why it’s
called a check list!).

1. Check the C.G. according to the measurements provided

❏

in the manual.

2. Be certain the battery and receiver are securely mounted

❏

in the fuse. Simply stuffi ng them into place with foam
rubber is not suffi cient.

3. Extend your receiver antenna and make sure it has a

❏

strain relief inside the fuselage to keep tension off the
solder joint inside the receiver.

4. Balance your model laterally as explained in

❏

the instructions.

5. Use threadlocking compound to secure critical fasteners

❏

such as the motor screws, wheel collar SHC screws
and screw-lock pushrod connectors, etc.

6. Add a drop of oil to the axles so the wheels will

❏

turn freely.

7. Make sure all hinges are securely glued in place.

❏

8. Reinforce holes for wood screws with thin CA where

❏

appropriate (servo mounting screws, control horn
screws, etc.).

9. Confi rm that all controls operate in the correct direction

❏

and the throws are set up according to the manual.

10. Make sure there are silicone retainers on all the clevises

❏

and that all servo arms are secured to the servos with
the screws included with your radio.

11. Secure connections between servo wires and

❏

Y-connectors or servo extensions with vinyl tape, heat

shrink tubing or special clips suitable for that purpose.

12. Make sure any servo extension cords you may have

❏

used do not interfere with other systems (servo arms,
pushrods, etc.).

13. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).

❏

14. Tighten the propeller nut and spinner.

❏

15. Place your name, address, AMA number and telephone

❏

number on or inside your model.

16. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before

❏

your fi rst fl ight.

17. Range check your radio when you get to the fl ying fi eld.

❏

18. NOTE: If you plan to fl y aggressive 3D maneuvers such

❏

as blenders, consider adding a piece of clear tape to
the canopy for additional security.

NOTE: If you plan to fl y aggressive 3D maneuvers such as
blenders, consider adding a piece of clear tape to the canopy
for additional security.

The Extra 300SP EP is a great-fl ying model that fl ies smoothly

and predictably. The Extra 300SP does not, however, possess
the self-recovery characteristics of a primary R/C trainer and
should be fl own only by experienced R/C pilots.

CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES): If,
while fl ying, you notice an alarming or unusual sound such
as a low-pitched “buzz,” this may indicate control surface
fl utter. Flutter occurs when a control surface (such as an
aileron or elevator) or a fl ying surface (such as a wing or
stab) rapidly vibrates up and down (thus causing the noise).
In extreme cases, if not detected immediately, fl utter can
actually cause the control surface to detach or the fl ying
surface to fail, thus causing loss of control followed by an
impending crash. The best thing to do when fl utter is detected
is to slow the model immediately by reducing power, then
land as soon as safely possible. Identify which surface
fl uttered (so the problem may be resolved) by checking all
the servo grommets for deterioration or signs of vibration.
Make certain all pushrod linkages are secure and free of
play. If it fl uttered once, under similar circumstances it will
probably fl utter again unless the problem is fi xed. Some
things which can cause fl utter are; Excessive hinge gap;
Not mounting control horns solidly; Poor fi t of clevis pin in
horn; Side-play of wire pushrods caused by large bends;
Excessive free play in servo gears; Insecure servo mounting;
and one of the most prevalent causes of fl utter; Flying an
over-powered model at excessive speeds.

Takeoff

Before you get ready to takeoff, see how the model handles
on the ground by doing a few practice runs at low speeds on
the runway. Hold “up” elevator to keep the tail wheel on the
ground. If necessary, adjust the tail wheel so the model will
roll straight down the runway. If you need to calm your nerves
before the maiden fl ight, bring the model back into the pits,
peak the battery and check all fasteners and control linkages
for peace of mind.

Remember to takeoff into the wind. When you’re ready, point
the model straight down the runway, hold a bit of up elevator
to keep the tail on the ground to maintain tail wheel steering,
then gradually advance the throttle. As the model gains
speed decrease up elevator allowing the tail to come off the
ground. One of the most important things to remember with
a tail dragger is to always be ready to apply right rudder to
counteract engine torque. Gain as much speed as your runway
and fl ying site will practically allow before gently applying up
elevator, lifting the model into the air. At this moment it is likely
that you will need to apply more right rudder to counteract
motor torque. Be smooth on the elevator stick, allowing the
model to establish a gentle climb to a safe altitude before
turning into the traffi c pattern.

21

Flight

Landing

For reassurance and to keep an eye on other air traffi c, it

is a good idea to have an assistant on the fl ight line with

you. Tell him to remind you to throttle back once the plane

gets to a comfortable altitude. The Extra 300SP EP with the
recommended power system will only require full throttle in
short bursts. Most aerobatic fl ight can be performed at around

½ throttle. If you observe the fl ight of some of the best aerobatic

pilots, they very seldom use full throttle.

Take it easy with the Extra 300SP EP for the fi rst fl ight, gradually

getting acquainted with it as you gain confi dence. Adjust the
trims to maintain straight and level fl ight. After fl ying around for
a while, and while still at a safe altitude with plenty of battery,
practice slow fl ight and execute practice landing approaches
by reducing the throttle to see how the model handles at slower
speeds. Add power to see how she climbs as well. Continue to

fl y around, executing various maneuvers and making mental

notes (or having your assistant write them down) of what trim
or C.G. changes may be required to fi ne tune the model so it

fl ies the way you like. Mind your battery power level, but use

this fi rst fl ight to become familiar with your model before landing.

With most electric planes it is best to have a timer set on your

transmitter or a separate timer with an alarm to alert you when
the battery may be getting low. This will require a few fl ights
before determining the maximum fl ight time you can achieve

with the batteries. This will prevent the downwind auto motor

cutoff over the end of the fl ying fi eld. With the plane properly
trimmed you will want to get started with some aerobatics. This
plane is capable of just about every aerobatic maneuver you
can do. Become familiar with the high and low rate settings
before using the 3D rates. If you have not fl own an airplane

with 3D rates you should work your way into these higher 3D

rates cautiously. The extreme throws can stall the airplane
if you are not careful. Over controlling could also result in
unwanted snaps. If you have not fl own 3D you might want
to consider getting help from an experienced 3D pilot. When
executing “down line” maneuvers it is important to use good
throttle management. Full power down lines could result in
over stressing of the aircraft.

To initiate a landing approach, lower the throttle while on the

downwind leg. Allow the nose of the model to pitch downward

to gradually bleed off altitude. Continue to lose altitude, but

maintain airspeed by keeping the nose down as you turn onto
the crosswind leg. Make your fi nal turn toward the runway (into
the wind) keeping the nose down to maintain airspeed and

control. Level the attitude when the model reaches the runway
threshold, modulating the throttle as necessary to maintain
your glide path and airspeed. If you are going to overshoot,

smoothly advance the throttle (always ready on the right rudder
to counteract torque) and climb out to make another attempt.
When you’re ready to make your landing fl are and the model

is a foot or so off the deck, smoothly increase up elevator until

it gently touches down. Once the model is on the runway and

has lost fl ying speed, hold up elevator to place the tail on the

ground, regaining tail wheel control.

One fi nal note about fl ying your model. Have a goal or fl ight

plan in mind for every fl ight. This can be learning a new

maneuver(s), improving a maneuver(s) you already know,
or learning how the model behaves in certain conditions
(such as on high or low rates). This is not necessarily to

improve your skills (though it is never a bad idea!), but more

importantly so you do not surprise yourself by impulsively
attempting a maneuver and suddenly fi nding that you’ve run
out of time, altitude or airspeed. Every maneuver should be

deliberate, not impulsive. For example, if you’re going to do a

loop, check your altitude, mind the wind direction (anticipating
rudder corrections that will be required to maintain heading),
remember to throttle back at the top, and make certain you
are on the desired rates (high/low rates). A fl ight plan greatly
reduces the chances of crashing your model just because
of poor planning and impulsive moves. Remember to think.

Have a ball! But always stay in control

and fl y in a safe manner.

GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!

22

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23

Entire Contents © 2014 Great Planes Model Mfg. A subsidiary of Hobbico, Inc.

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