GREAT PLANES Aviastar elite Instruction Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 62.5 in [1590 mm]

2

Wing Area: 672 in

[43.3 dm2]

Wing Loading: 22−24 oz/ft

2

[67−73 g/dm2]

Weight: 6.5− 7 lb [2950 −3170 g]

Length: 55 in [1395 mm]

Radio: 4-5 channels

Glow

Engine:

Electric

Power:

SPECIFICATIONS

.46 –.55 cu in
[7.5 – 9cc] two-stroke

RimFire .46 (42-60-800)
Outrunner Brushless

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

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT

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

Entire Contents © 2012 Hobbico,® Inc. All rights reserved.

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:

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Dr. Suite 1

Champaign IL 61822 USA

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.

Champaign, Illinois [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

GPMA1005 Mnl

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

AMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

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

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

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

Power System Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Propeller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

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

Required Hardware & Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Optional Supplies and Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Building Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

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

KIT INSPECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

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

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

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

BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Assemble the Wing Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Optional Flaps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Glow Engine Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Brushless Motor Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Install the Landing Gear & Tail Section . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Install the Tail Surface Servos & Pushrods . . . . . . . . 19

Finish the Model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Apply the Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Check the Control Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Set the Control Throws. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Balance the Model (C.G.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Balance the Model Laterally. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

PREFLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Identify Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Charge the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Balance Propellers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Ground Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Range Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

ENGINE & ELECTRIC MOTOR SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

AMA SAFETY CODE EXCERPTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Radio Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

CHECK LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

FLYING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Taxiing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Final Note. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of the Hobbico Avistar Elite

.46 GP/EP ARF! This latest version of the popular Avistar is just

what you need as a stepping stone from your fl at-bottomed
wing trainer, or is also suitable as a fi rst plane with help from

an instructor. The components of the Avistar Elite can be
assembled without the use of glue. The self-aligning, bolt-on
tail and pre-hinged control surfaces speed up assembly time.

The included IsoSmooth™ engine mount reduces engine

vibration which could cause fuel to foam and parts to loosen

over time. The Avistar can also be built with brushless motor
power. A pre-assembled brushless motor mount is included
and is designed for the recommended motor. A magnetic
battery hatch allows you easy access to your fl ight battery.

In addition, you will fi nd other time-saving steps already

completed for you such as the assembly of the fuel tank, fl at
spots ground into the axles for wheel collars, control horns
pre-installed, etc. Once in the air, you’ll fi nd the Avistar to be
a pleasure to fl y and capable of performing basic aerobatics.

The high wing design is self-righting and can fl y well at only

1/2 throttle which will help new pilots learn the basics.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
Avistar Elite visit the Hobbico web site at www.hobbico.com.
Open the “Airplanes” link, then select the Avistar Elite 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.

AMA

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 Avistar Elite 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
Avistar, 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 engine 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. While this kit has been fl ight tested to exceed normal use,
if the plane will be used for extremely high stress fl ying, such
as racing, or if an engine larger than one in the recommended
range is used, the modeler is responsible for taking steps to
reinforce the high stress points and/or substituting hardware
more suitable for the increased stress.

9. WARNING: The optional cowl and wheel pants available
separately for 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.

the Avistar Elite. If you plan to set up your model with fl aps,
two additional standard servos are required along with a fl ap
channel on your transmitter. Recommended part numbers
are provided below:

❍ Futaba® 6JA 6-Channel 2.4GHz S-FHSS Air/4 S3004

Servos (FUTK6001)

❍ Futaba S3004 Standard Ball Bearing Servo

(FUTM0004)

In addition, two 12" [305mm] servo extensions are required for
the aileron servos. One dual servo extension is needed if you
plan to join the aileron servos together in the same channel
(typical installation), and an additional dual servo extension
is needed if you plan to use fl aps. An electric power system
will also require a 6” [152mm] servo extension to connect the
ESC to the receiver.

❍ Hobbico® 12" Extension Futaba J (HCAM2100)

❍ Futaba Dual Servo Extension 6" J (FUTM4130)

❍ Hobbico 6" Extension Futaba (HCAM2000)

The receiver battery that fi ts well on the receiver tray and is

shown in the manual is:

❍ Hobbico HydriMax™ NiMH 4C 4.8V 1600mAh 2/3A

Flat Rx U (HCAM6308)

Power System Recommendations

The recommended engine size range for the Avistar is .46 to
.55 cu in [7.5 – 9 cc] two-stroke glow engine or a RimFire™ .46

(42-60-800) brushless outrunner motor. Recommended part
numbers are provided below:

❍ O.S.® 46AX ABL w/Muffl er (OSMG0547)

❍ O.S. 46AX II w/Muffl er (OSMG0548)

❍ Great Planes® RimFire™ .46 42-60-800 Outrunner

Brushless (GPMG4725)

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.

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 Avistar Elite

that may require planning or decision making before starting
to build. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

Radio Equipment

A basic 4-channel radio with fi ve standard servos (only four

are needed if you install a brushless motor) is required to fl y

If you are installing the recommended brushless motor, you
will also need the following items:

❍ Great Planes Silver Series 45A Brushless ESC 5V/2A

BEC (GPMM1840)

❍ FlightPower® LiPo EON-X™ 30 4S 14.8V 3350mAh

30C (FPWP6356)

A LiPo compatible charger is required for the recommended
battery. An all-purpose charger such as the Triton EQ AC/
DC will charge virtually any type of battery and has a built in

cell balancer. A more economical charger would be the Triton
Jr. DC charger which is capable of charging NiCd, NiMH, Li­Ion, LiPo and lead acid batteries. The Triton Jr. is a DC only

charger and will also require an external cell balancer. Part

numbers are provided.

❍ Great Planes ElectriFly™ Triton™ EQ AC/DC Charger

(GPMM3155)

❍ Great Planes ElectriFly Triton™ Jr DC Computer

Charger (GPMM3152)

❍ Great Planes ElectriFly Equinox™ LiPo Cell Balancer

(GPMM3160)

3

Propeller

If using the recommended glow engine, we suggest installing a
12  5 sport prop. If using the recommended brushless motor,

a 12  6 E prop will provide good power and fl ight time. Part
numbers are provided.

❍ Glow: APC 125 Sport Propeller (APCQ1205)
❍ EP: APC 12 6 Thin Electric Propeller (APCQ4130)

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Required Hardware & Accessories

This is the list of hardware and accessories required to fi nish the

Avistar Elite ARF. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

❍ Hobbico Latex Foam Rubber 1/4" (HCAQ1000)
❍ Great Planes Pro™ CA Glue Thin 1/2 oz (GPMR6001)
❍ Revell® #1 Light Duty Economy Knife w/Blade &

Safety Cap (RMXR6909)

❍ Great Planes Pro Threadlocker (GPMR6060)
❍ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 5/64" [2mm]
❍ Felt-tip pen
❍ Pliers
❍ Wire cutter
❍ Wrench set
❍ 3/32" [2.4 mm], 7/64" [2.8 mm] allen wrench
❍ Small clamps or masking tape
❍ Household oil

Optional Supplies and Tools

Here is a list of optional supplies and tools that are useful for
assembling the Avistar Elite.

❍ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❍ CA debonder (GPMR6039)
❍ Pro 6-minute epoxy (GPMR6045)
❍ Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❍ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❍ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❍ Curved-tip canopy scissors for trimming plastic parts

(HCAR0667)

❍ Hobbico High Precision Diagonal Cutter 5"

(HCAR0630)

❍ Pliers with wire cutter (HCAR0625)
❍ Robart Super Stand II (ROBP1402)
❍ 12"  18" [300  460mm] Builder’s Cutting Mat

(HCAR0454)

❍ 18"  24" [460  610mm] Builder’s Cutting Mat

(HCAR0455)

❍ 24"  36" [460  910mm] Builder’s Cutting Mat

(HCAR0456)

❍ T.A. Emerald Performance Duster Compressed Air 10

oz (TAEC1060)

❍ Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)
❍ Servo horn drill (HCAR0698)
❍ Hobby Heat™ micro torch (HCAR0755)

❍ AccuThrow™ Defl ection Gauge (GPMR2405)
❍ CG Machine™ (GPMR2400)
❍ Great Planes Clevis Installation Tool (GPMR8030)
❍ Great Planes 4-In-1 Installation Tool (GPMR8035)
❍ Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer (TOPQ5700)
❍ Great Planes ElectriFly PowerMatch™ Power Meter

Balancer (GPMM3220)

Building Stand

A building stand or cradle

comes in handy during
the build. We use the
Robart Super Stand II
(ROBP1402) for all our

projects in R&D, and it

can be seen in pictures
throughout this manual.

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.

● 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 Avistar Elite ARF 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.

Orange TOPQ0202 Royal Blue TOPQ0221
Missile Red TOPQ0201 Jet White TOPQ0204

● The stabilizer and wing incidences and engine thrust angles

have been factory-built into this model. However, some
technically-minded modelers may wish to check these
measurements anyway. To view this information visit the
web site at www.hobbico.com and click on “Technical Data.”

4

Due to manufacturing tolerances which will have little or no
effect on the way your model will fl y, please expect slight
deviations between your model and the published values.

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.

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 on this page.

Hobbico Product Support Ph: [phone] ext. 5
3002 N Apollo Drive Suite 1 Fax: [phone]

Champaign, IL 61822

E-mail: [e-mail]

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Hobbico Avistar Elite 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. Parts
may also be ordered directly from Hobby Services, but full
retail prices and shipping and handling charges will apply.

Illinois and Nevada residents will also be charged sales tax.

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.

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.

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

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 [e-mail],

or by telephone at [phone].

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

Order No. Description

GPMA4280
GPMA4281
GPMA4282
GPMA4283
GPMA4284
GPMA4285
GPMA4286
GPMA4287
GPMA4288
GPMA4289
HCAA3739
HCAA3740
HCAA3748
GPMQ4522
OSMG0548

Wing Set
Fuselage Set w/o Engine Mount
Tail Surfaces Set
Hatch
Landing Gear Set
Wing Joiner Tube
Electric Motor Mount
Propeller 12x5
Fuel Tank
Decals
Engine Mount
Isosmooth Engine Mount Parts
Tail Mounting Screws (2)

2.5" Red Spinner
.46 AXII ABL Engine

KIT CONTENTS

Kit Contents

1.

Fuselage

2.

Left & Right Wing Panel

3.

13

14

16

11

8

9

10

15

5

3

12

4

17

18

1

2

7

6

2

5

Horizontal Stabilizer

4.

Vertical Fin

5.

Hatch

6.

Fuel Tank

7.

Wing Joiner Tube

8.

Main Wheels

9.

Main Landing Gear

10.

Axle Hardware

11.

Tail Mounting Screws

12.

Wing Bolts

13.

Electric Motor Mount

14.

Nose Wheel

15.

Nose Gear

16.

Nose Gear Hardware

17.

Spinner

18.

Pushrods

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 5.

2. During transit and storage, it is not uncommon for the

❏

MonoKote covering to develop some wrinkles. Although
the covering is applied tight at the factory, humidity and
temperature change may cause the wood structure of the
plane’s components to expand or contract which allows the
covering to relax. Before you begin assembly, we recommend
that any wrinkles in the covering be tightened using a covering
iron with a covering sock on high heat. A covering iron can be
purchased from your hobby retailer and will also be useful if

you ever need to make repairs to the MonoKote covering in

the future. When using the iron, apply pressure over sheeted
areas to thoroughly bond the covering to the wood. Work
gently around open structure (such as the area between the

wing ribs) and allow the heat of the iron to shrink the covering

until it is pulled drum tight.

1. Begin by removing the screws that secure the aileron

❏

servo arms and pull the arms off the servos. Connect your
aileron servos to your radio system (see your radio manual for
details about the radio operation) and use the radio system

to center the servos. Reinstall the four-armed servo arms

onto the servos (ensuring the servos remain centered) and
determine the best orientation of the servo arms so that they
are perpendicular to the servo cases as shown.

BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS

Assemble the Wing Panels

After step 2, the photos in this section show the assembly of

the left wing panel. As you work through the steps, be sure
to work on both the left and the right wing panels.

No glue is required to assemble the Avistar Elite. However,
several steps recommend using thin CA glue to harden the
wood surrounding holes for self-tapping screws. Although CA
glue is not absolutely necessary, it will strengthen the wood
and it will be less likely that these screw holes will strip out
over time from fuel exposure and vibration.

2. Using the picture as a guide, cut away three unneeded

❏

arms for each aileron servo, being sure to prepare a left and
a right aileron servo (always be sure to reinstall the servo arm
screws). Enlarge the second outer hole of each remaining
arm with a 5/64" [2mm] drill bit. Attach a 12" [305mm] servo

extension to each aileron servo. Slide a piece of the included

heat shrink tubing over each of the connections. Use a heat

gun or hair dryer to apply heat to the tubing so that it shrinks
tightly around the connectors. This will prevent the connectors
from separating during fl ight.

6

3. If you have not already done so, install the rubber

❏

grommets and eyelets (included in your servo hardware bag)
onto the servo mounting tabs.

5. Fit the servos into the servo openings and drill 1/16"

❏

[1.6mm] holes through the mounting tabs on the servo cases

into the rails.

4. Use the strings taped inside the aileron servo openings

❏

to pull the servo leads through the wing.

6. Thread a servo mounting screw (included with the servo)

❏

into each hole and back it out. Apply a drop of thin CA to each

hole to harden the wood surrounding it. When the CA has

7

dried, install the servos into the openings using the screws

Pushrod Wire

Servo Arm

1/4" [6.4 mm]

FasLink

supplied with the servos.

7. Thread a nylon clevis onto two 6-1/4" [159mm] pushrods

❏

20 complete turns.

Builder’s Tip

Installation of the clevises will be much easier using a clevis
installation tool (GPMR8030 or GPMR8035). Nylon clevises
are used on many models so this inexpensive tool will be a
valuable investment for all your future building.

9. With the ailerons and servos still centered, make a mark

❏

on the pushrods where they cross the second outer holes in
the aileron servo arms.

8. Center the positions of the ailerons by using small clamps

❏

or tape to secure them inline with the fl aps. Slide a silicone
clevis retainer onto the base of each clevis. Attach the clevises
on the pushrods to the outer holes in the aileron control horns.

10. Bend each pushrod at a 90 degree angle at the marks

❏

you made.

8

11. Cut off the excess pushrod 1/4" [6.4 mm] beyond

❏

the bends. Attach the pushrods to the servo arms using
nylon FasLinks.

13. If you plan to install the optional fl aps, proceed to the

❏

next section. If not, skip the next section and set aside the wing

as it will not be needed again until the fi nal setup of the Avistar.

Optional Flaps

Installing fl aps will require a 5+ channel radio system and two

additional standard servos. The addition of fl aps will allow
the plane to fl y slower for takeoffs and landings. Note that
the fl aps are pinned in place during manufacturing and will
not be able to move until they are cut free at the end of this
assembly section.

12. Thread the clevises up or down on the pushrods as

❏

necessary to center the ailerons with the servo arms still
perpendicular to the servo cases. When satisfi ed, slide
the silicone clevis retainers to the ends of the clevises to
secure them.

1. Locate the rectangular fl ap servo bays beneath the

❏

covering. If you cannot see them, look at the wing at a shallow

angle or feel around the area shown in the picture and gently

push in on the covering to locate the corners of the bays. Use

a sharp hobby knife to trim the covering along the edges of
the bays.

2. Temporarily connect each fl ap servo to the aileron

❏

channel on your receiver and use the radio system to center
the servos. Install a four-armed servo arm onto each servo

perpendicular to the servo cases and cut away the other three

arms. NOTE: Unlike the aileron servos, the servo arms of the
fl ap servos must both point in the same direction. Enlarge the

outer most holes of each servo arm with a 5/64" [2mm] drill bit.

9

3. Install the rubber grommets and eyelets on the servos.

Hinge Line Hinge Line

CORRECT

INCORRECT

❏

Route the servo leads through the wing ribs and out the root

ribs (the distance through the wing for the fl ap servo leads is
shorter than the ailerons so using string to pull them through
is not necessary). Fit the servos in place and drill the servo
mounting holes using a 1/16" [1.6mm] drill bit. Apply a drop of
thin CA to each hole. Then install the servos using the screws
provided in the servo hardware bag. The servo arm of the left

fl ap servo should point to the wing tip and the servo arm of

the right fl ap servo should point to the wing root.

5. As you did with the aileron pushrods, install a clevis 20

❏

complete turns onto two 6-1/4" [159 mm] pushrods and slide a

silicone clevis retainer onto each clevis. Connect the clevises
to the outer holes of two control horns. Hardwood plates are

installed beneath the covering of the fl aps for mounting the

control horns. The edges of the plates can be seen by viewing
the wing at a shallow angle. Position the control horns over
the hardwood plates with the pushrods parallel to the servo

cases and aligned over the outer holes of the servo arms. The

holes in the control horns should be directly over the hinge

line of the fl aps. When satisfi ed with the position of the control

horns, use a felt-tip pen to mark the location of the control

horn mounting holes onto the fl aps.

4. Now connect each fl ap servo to the fl ap channel on

❏

your radio and use the fl ap dial on your transmitter to rotate

the servo arms toward the fl aps as far as the radio will allow.

6. Drill 1/16" [1.6mm] holes through the hardwood plates

❏

at the marks you made on the fl aps. Take care to only drill

through the plates. Do not drill completely through the
fl aps! The holes only need to be 3/8" [9.5mm] deep. Thread

a #2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] self-tapping screw into each hole and

back it out. Apply a drop or two of thin CA glue to each hole

and allow the glue to harden. Install the control horns onto
the fl aps using four #2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] self-tapping screws.

10

7. Use a felt-tip pen to mark the location where the pushrods

❏

cross the outer holes of the fl ap servo arms.

8. Just as you did with the aileron pushrods, bend each

❏

pushrod at a 90 degree angle at the marks you made. Cut off
the excess pushrod 1/4" [6.4 mm] beyond the bends. Attach
the pushrods to the servo arms using nylon FasLinks.

11. You are now completed with the wing assembly. It can

❏

be set aside as it will not be needed again until the fi nal setup

of the Avistar.

Glow Engine Installation

This section only contains information relevant to installing

a glow engine. Skip this section if you plan to install a
brushless motor.

1. Cut 6-1/2" [165mm] from the included hook and loop

❏

strap material. Join the two pieces together to make the fuel
tank strap by overlapping the mating ends 1" [25mm].

9. Wooden pins were installed at the factory that lock the

❏

fl aps in place for those modelers who choose not to have

operational fl aps. Use a razor saw or similar tool to cut through
the pins (the pins can be seen by looking at the inboard ends
of the fl aps). Take care not to cut into the fl aps or wings.

10. Test the operation of the fl aps with your radio system.

❏

Unlike the ailerons, the fl aps will only move in the down

direction. If necessary, thread the clevises up or down on the
pushrods so that the fl aps are inline with the trailing edge of
the wings when the fl ap dial is rotated fully to its stop point.

When satisfi ed, slide the silicone clevis retainers to the end

of the clevises.

2. Lift off the fuselage hatch by sliding it back and up. Route

❏

the strap around the underside of the fuel tank tray. There are

notches on the sides of the tray for the strap.

11