GREAT PLANES Avistar 30cc ARF Instruction Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

SPECIFICATIONS

Wingspan:

Length: 77.25 in [ 1962mm]

Wing Area: 1448 in

90.5 in [2300 mm]

2

[93.4 dm2]

Weight:

Wing

Loading:

16.5 – 17.5 lbs
[7482 – 7935 g]

26 – 28 oz /ft
[79 – 85 g/dm2]

Radio: 4 −11 Channel

Engine: 1.8 − 2.0 cu in [30−35 cc]

2

Electric: RimFire 1.60 (63-62-250) 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 modication. 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 nal assembly or
material used for nal assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor
accepted for any damage resulting from the use by the user of
the nal 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

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT

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

© 2015 Great Planes Model Mfg. A subsidiary of Hobbico,® Inc.

advised to return 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], Ext 5

[e-mail]

GPMA1675

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

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

Engine Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

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

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

S.BUS QUICK START. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Required Hardware and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Adhesives and Building Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Covering Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Optional Supplies and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

KIT INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

KIT CONTENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

PREPARATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

ASSEMBLE THE WING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Aileron Servo Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Flap Servo Installation (Optional). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Install the Tail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Install the Main Landing Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Install the Tail Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Install the Optional Trike Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Install the Rudder & Elevator Servos . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Nose Gear Steering (for optional nose gear) . . . . . . . 20

Electric Motor Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Gas Engine Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

CHOKE CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Manual Choke Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Servo Controlled Choke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Assemble the Fuel Tank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Install the Fuel Tank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Install the Cowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

ASSEMBLE THE FORWARD HATCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Apply the Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Check the Control Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Set the Control Throws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Install the Propeller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Balance the Model Laterally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Balance the Model (C.G.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

PREFLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Identify Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Charge the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Ground Check and Range Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

ELECTRIC MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . 34

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Radio Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

FLYING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Fuel Mixture Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Takeof f . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

INTRODUCTION

Continuing with the success of the Avistar line, Great Planes
brings you the Avistar 30cc ARF. This is a great  rst gas
powered model. The optional  aps allow you to add the  aps
later if you desire. An optional  oat set (GPMA1676) is also
available. We believe you will be very pleased with the ease
of assembly and  ight performance of the Avistar 30cc ARF.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
Avistar 30cc ARF visit the Great Planes web site at www.
greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then select
the Avistar 30cc 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.

If you are not already a member of the AMA, please join! The
AMA is the governing body of model aviation and membership
provides liability insurance coverage, protects modelers’
rights and interests and is required to  y at most R/C sites.

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Me moria l 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  ying near full-scale aircraft and avoid  ying near or
over groups of people.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Protect Your Model, Yourself & Others…

Follow These Important Safety Precautions

1. Your Avistar 30cc ARF 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 30cc ARF, if not assembled and
operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself
or spectators and damage to property.

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 un 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 good
condition, a correctly sized engine, and other components
as speci ed in this instruction manual. All components
must be correctly installed so that the model operates

2

correctly on the ground and in the air. You must check
the operation of the model and all components before
every  ight.

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

6. While this ARF has been  ight-tested to exceed normal
use, 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.

7. WARNING: The cowl and wheel pants included in this
ARF are made of  berglass, the  bers of which may cause
eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation. Never blow into
a part to remove  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  berglass parts. Vacuum the parts and the
work area thoroughly after working with  berglass parts.

8. WARNING: If you are building this plane as electric
powered, set the failsafe on your transmitter so that
the motor is off if the signal is lost and follow the safety
precautions in the back of the manual.

We, as the ARF manufacturer, provide you with a top qual­ity, thoroughly tested ARF and instructions, but ultimately
the quality and  yability of your  nished model depends
on how you assemble 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.

Motor Recommendations

❍ Great Planes RimFire 1.60 [63-62-250] Outrunner

Brushless Motor (GPMG4795)

❍ Great Planes SS-60 ESC (GPMM1850)

❍ Spinner Adapter Kit (GPMQ4589)

❍ Great Planes Series Connector (GPMM3143)

❍ Two 5S FlightPower LiPo FP50 5000 mAh 18.5V

Batteries (FPWP5505)

❍ XOAR 18x8 Electric Prop (XOAQ4079) Or APC 18 x 8

Electric Prop (APCQ4021)

OR

❍ Two 4S FlightPower LiPo FP50 5000 mAh 14.8V

Batteries (FPWP5504)

❍ XOAR 20x10 Electric Prop (XOAQ4096) or APC

20 x 10 Electric Prop (APCQ4028)

Radio Equipment

The radio installation for the Avistar 30cc ARF can be achieved

using three different radio set-ups: a Basic Radio Set-up, an
Advanced Set-up and the S.Bus System Set-up.

BASIC RADIO SET-UP

The Basic Radio Set-up uses a 7-channel receiver (Futaba

R617FS FUTL7627) connecting the two aileron servos with
a Y-harness, two  ap servos with a Y-harness and the two
elevator servos with a Y-harness. The Y-harnesses are then
plugged into the receiver. The rudder, throttle and optional
choke servos are also plugged into the appropriate channels
in the receiver. If the optional  oats are installed, the  oat
servos are connected to the rudder servo with a Y-harness.

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

This is a partial list of items required to  nish the Avistar 30cc

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

Engine Recommendations

The recommended engine size range for the Avistar 30cc

ARF is a 30 – 35cc [1.8 – 2.0 ci] two-stroke gasoline engine.
We used the DLE-30, DLE-35RA and O.S. 33GT engines.
Other engines can also be used but you may need to make
modifications for mounting them.

❍ DLEG0031 DLE-30 requires (4) 10- 32 x 1-1/4"

(32 mm) socket head cap screws

❍ DLEG0435 DLE-35RA requires (4) 10- 32 x 1-1/4"

(32mm) socket head cap screws

❍ OSMG1533 O.S. GT33 requires (4) 2" (50.8 mm)

standoff (OSMG8962)

3

Electric Motor Installation

❍ (2) 24" Servo extensions (TACM2721)
❍ (3) 16" Servo extensions (FUTM4145)
❍ (2) Y-harness (TACM2751) For Flaps and Ailerons
❍ (1) Additional Y-harness for Elevator (TACM2751) or

(FUTM4135)

❍ (1) Heavy duty on/off switch (FUTM4385) or

(TACM2760)

❍ (1) Charge Receptacle (ERNM3001)
❍ (1) 3200 mAh LiFe Receiver battery (HCAM6446)

Additional Items for Gas Installation

❍ (2) 6" Servo extensions (FUTM4140) (TACM2700)
❍ (1) Additional Y-harness for choke if using a

6-channel receiver

❍ (1) Heavy duty on/off switch (FUTM4385 or

TAC M 2761)

❍ (1) 1300 mAh LiFe ignition battery (HCAM6411)

ADVANCED RADIO SET-UP

The Advanced Set-up has each servo plugged into the receiver

on its own channel. The channels can then be mixed together
using the transmitter. This method will require at least an
8-channel receiver. A 9-channel receiver if using the optional
choke servo and 11-channels if the optional  oats are installed.

❍ Futaba R6008HS 8-channel FASST Receiver

(FUTL7639)

❍ Futaba R6014HS 14-channel FASST Receiver

(FUTL7645)

❍ The same servos used in the Basic Radio Set-up

technology to transmit control signals between your receiver
and servos. A single S.Bus cable can carry signals to as
many channels as your transmitter can handle. You no longer
have to worry about plugging in the wrong servo to the
wrong channel, because each servo knows what channel it
is dedicated to in advance.

SBD-1 S.Bus Decoder Cables allow the use of existing
analog and digital servos, too. By providing today’s pilots
with tomorrow’s technology, the Futaba S.Bus system is
nothing short of revolutionary.

Installing the S.Bus System

Installation is actually simpli ed a s compared to your normal
system installation. Using the S.Bus system you plug a battery
into the SBC-1 channel changing tool, using it to program
which channel you want the servo to operate on.

Once programmed the
servo will operate as
required regardless of
which lead it is plugged into.
Do this for all of the servos
that you want to operate on
the S.Bus system. Install

the servos in the airplane
and plug them into the S.Bus lead, piggybacking them one
onto another. Once completed you plug one lead into the
receiver for all of the servos and all of the servos will function
as programmed. One lead operates up to 16 servos!

Electric Motor Installation

❍ (2) 24” Servo Extension (Ailerons) (TACM2720)
❍ (3) 16” Servo Extension ( ESC and Flaps) (FUTM4145)
❍ (4) 12” Servo Extension (Aileron and Flaps receiver

connection) (TACM2710)

❍ (3) 6” Servo Extension (Rudder and Elevators)

(FUTM4140) (TACM2700)

❍ (1) Heavy Duty on/off switch (FUTM4385)

(TACM2760)

❍ (1) Charge Receptacle (ERNM3001)
❍ (1) 3200mAh LiFe Receiver battery (HCAM6446)

Additional Items for Gas Installation

❍ (2) 6” Servo Extension (Throttle and Choke) )

(FUTM4140) (TACM2700)

❍ (1) Additional Y-harness for the choke if using a

6-channel receiver

❍ (1) Heavy Duty on/off switch (FUTM4385)

(TACM2760)

❍ (1) 1300mAh LiFe ignition battery (HCAM6411)

S.BUS SYSTEM SET-UP

A Cutting Edge Alternative to Standard Servo Installation!

The innovative Futaba S.Bus system lets you unleash your

 ight system’s full potential and cut down on cable clutter
at the same time. It uses digital serial data communication

S.Bus leads are available in a number of different lengths to
accommodate installation into any size airplane regardless
of its complexity.

There are many choices for the

S. Bus receivers; some are tiny
3 port receivers with others
being up to 8 channels. The 8
channel inputs can be used as
you would normally set up a

model, allowing you to split the
model and have some of it set up as S.Bus while other servos
are not using the S. Bus system. Something else to note is
that some of the S. Bus servos and receivers are HV or High

Voltage, meaning that you could run a straight 2S LiPo for
your receiver battery.

Many servo choices are available
for use in a wide variety and
sizes of aircraft from micros to
the largest models.

4

S.BUS SYSTEM

WING

Battery

Hub

Servo Servo ServoServo

Your system is not limited to programming only through the

SBC-1 channel changing tool and your transmitter. Utilizing the
USB interface, the CIU-2, you can do all of the programming
using your PC. Programming with this interface gives more
 exibility and programming options than can be achieved
with any other radio system. To utilize standard, non S.Bus
servos, you simply use the S.Bus decoder instead of the
S.Bus lead.

S.Bus Radio Equipment Recommendations

We will only set-up the wing with the S.Bus System. When
installing the wing on the fuselage, this will reduce the number
of servo leads to be connected to two. The same Futaba
S3305 servos used in the wing for the Basic Set-up can still
be used but will require two S.Bus Decoders.

S.Bus Receiver

Hub

Hub

Electric Motor Installation

❍ (1) S.Bus Servo Hub Cable 300mm (FUTM4195)
❍ (1) 16” Servo Extension (FUTM4145)
❍ (1) Y-harness for elevator (TACM2751) or (FUTM4135)
❍ (1) Heavy Duty on/off switch (FUTM4385)

(TACM2760)

❍ (1) Charge Receptacle (ERNM3001)
❍ (1) 3200mAh LiFe Receiver battery (HCAM6446)

Additional Items for Gas Installation

❍ (2) 6” Servo Extension (Throttle and Choke)

(FUTM4140) (TACM2700)

❍ (1) Additional Y-harness for the choke if using a

6-channel receiver

❍ (1) Heavy Duty on/off switch (FUTM4385)

(TACM2760)

❍ (1) 1300mAh LiFe ignition battery (HCAM6411)

S.BUS QUICK START

Please read the instructions included with each S.Bus
component for warnings and more detailed instructions.

❍ (1) S.Bus Receiver Futaba R6208SB (FUTL7668

(Works with the FASST-2.4GHz system)

❍ (1) S.Bus channel changer (FUTM4190) Required if

your transmitter does not have an S.Bus Connector
(check your transmitter instruction manual)

❍ The same servos used in the Basic Radio Set-up

and

❍ (2) S.Bus Decoder SBD-1 (FUTM4192)

OR

❍ (4) Futaba S3070HV S.Bus servos (Ailerons

and Flaps replacing four of the S3305 servos)
(FUTM0716)

❍ (2) 6” Servo Extension (FUTM4140) (TACM2700)
❍ (2) 1000mm S.Bus Hub (FUTM4196)

1. If you are using a non S.Bus servo you will need to use

❏

an S.Bus decoder. The decoder has three servo connectors
on it. You are going to use the S.Bus channel changer or
S.Bus Connector on your transmitter to set the channel for
each connector. If using your transmitter, follow the manual
included with the transmitter for programming. If you are
using S.Bus servos, the S.Bus decoder is not required. The
servo can be connected directly into the channel changer.

2. In this example, we are going to program the decoder

❏

connector SX1 to channel 1 for our aileron servo.

5

3. Connect the decoder to the S.Bus channel changer or

❏

plug in the S.Bus servo. Be sure to connect it to the S.Bus port.

4. Connect a 4.8V battery to the S.Bus channel changer.

❏

5. Note that the red LED is  ashing. One  ash per second

❏

is connector SX1. Press and release the set switch quickly
and the light will  ash two times per second for connector
SX2. Press it again and it will  ash 3 times per second for
connector SX3. Set the channel changer to connector SX1.
(One  ash per second.)

quickly. When the red light stays on the decoder is set. Any
servo plugged into connector SX1 will operate on channel

1. Place a ch1 label on the connector.

6. Follow the same procedure to set connector SX2 to

❏

channel 5 or the channel the  aps are set to on your transmitter.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Required Hardware and Accessories

❍ (1) Dubro #554 Large Tygon Fuel Line (DUBQ0427)
❍ (1) R/C Foam Rubber (1/4" [6mm], HCAQ1000; or 1/2"

[13mm], HCAQ1050)

❍ Propeller and spare propellers suitable for your

engine.

❍ Dubro #813 Fuel Line Barbs (DUBQ0670)

Adhesives and Building Supplies

This is the list of Adhesives and Building Supplies that are

required to  nish the Avistar 30cc ARF.

❍ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro CA (GPMR6001)
❍ Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)
❍ Pro 6-minute epoxy (GPMR6045)
❍ Threadlocker thread locking cement (GPMR6060)
❍ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❍ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❍ Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❍ Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❍ Masking tape
❍ Sandpaper
❍ Drill
❍ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6 mm], 5/64" [2mm ], 5/32" [4mm],

11/64" [4.5 mm], 3/16" [4.8mm], 15/64" [6 mm ], 1/4"

[6.4mm], 25/64" [10mm]

❍ Small metal  le
❍ Stick-on segmented lead weights (GPMQ4485)
❍ Silver solder w/ ux (STAR2000)
❍ Hobbico 60 Watt Soldering Iron (HCAR0776)
❍ #1 Hobby knife (RMXR6903)
❍ #11 blades (5-pack, RMXR6930)
❍ Rotary tool such as Dremel
❍ Rotary tool reinforced cut-off wheel (GPMR8200)
❍ DLE-30 Propeller Drill Guide (DLEQ0301)
❍ Canopy Glue Formula 560 (PAAR3300)

®

5. Use the plastic screw driver to rotate the dial to channel 1.

❏

Then press and hold the set switch. The red light will  ash

Covering Tools

❍ Top Flite® MonoKote® Sealing Iron (TOPR2100)
❍ Top Flite Hot Sock Iron Cover (TOPR2175)
❍ Top Flite MonoKote Trim Seal Iron (TOPR2200)
❍ Top Flite MonoKote Heat Gun (TOPR2000)
❍ Coverite® 21st Century® Sealing Iron (COVR2700)
❍ Coverite 21st Century Cover Sock (COVR2702)
❍ Coverite 21st Century Trim Sealing Iron (COVR2750)

6

Optional Supplies and Tools

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the Avistar 30cc ARF.

❍ 2 oz. [57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❍ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❍ CA debonder (GPMR6039)
❍ 36" metal ruler
❍ Pliers with wire cutter (HCAR0625)
❍ Robart® Super Stand II™ (ROBP1402)
❍ Servo horn drill (HCAR0698)
❍ AccuThrow™ De ection Gauge (GPMR2405)
❍ CG Machine™ (GPMR2400)
❍ Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer (TOPQ5700)

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

● Anytime a sheet metal screw is installed in wood,  rst

install the screw, remove the screw and apply a couple of
drops of thin CA in the hole to harden the threads. After
the CA has cured, reinstall the screw.

● Anytime a threaded screw or nut is installed, a drop of

threadlocker must be applied to the threads. An exception,
do not use threadlocker on the screws installed in the
nylon control horns.

● Denatured alcohol is great for cleaning epoxy from

surfaces before the epoxy cures.

● Replacement MonoKote colors:

Jet White (TOPQ0204)
Black (TOPQ0208)

Metallic Gold (TOPQ0404)
Sapphire Blue (TOPQ0226)

KIT INSPECTION

Before starting to build, inspect the par ts to make sure they
are of acceptable quality. If any parts are missing or are not of
accept able quality, or if you need a ssistance with asse mbly,
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]

Replacement parts for the Great Planes Avistar 30cc ARF
are available using the order numbers in the Replacement
Parts List that follows. T h e fastest, mo st econo mical se r vice
ca n be provided by your hob by dea ler or ma il-orde r company.
Not all parts are available separately (an aileron cannot be
purchased separately, but is only available with the wing kit).
Replacement parts are not available from Product Support,
but can be purchased from hobby shops or mail order/Internet
order  rms. Hardware items (screws, nuts, bolts) are also
available from these outlets.

To locate a hobby dealer, visit the Great Planes web site at

www.greatplanes.com. Choose “Where to Buy”. Follow the
instructions provided on the page to locate a U.S., Canadian
or International dealer.

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

Order No.

GPMA2878

GPMA4550
GPMA4551
GPMA4552

GPMA4553
GPMA4554
GPMA4555
GPMA4557
GPMA4558
GPMA4559
GPMA4560
GPMA4562

Optional Parts

GPMA4556
GPMA4561
GPMA4568
GPMA4563
GPMA4564
GPMA4565
GPMA4566
GPMA4567

Description

Tailwheel Assembly

Wing Set
Fuselage Set
Tail Surface Set

Canopy/Hatch
Cowl
Main Landing Gear
Wing Joiner Tube
Spinner
Decals
Main Gear Wheel Pants
EP Motor Mount Box

Nose Gear
Nose Gear Wheel Pants
Nose Gear Assembly
Float (1pc)
Ventral Fin
Float Mounting Set
Water Rudder
Glider Tow Release Set

7

KIT CONTENTS

2

3

5

14 17

16

15

1. Fuselage

2. Cowl

3. Left Wing Panel

4. Right Wing Panel

5. Horizontal Stabilizer

6. Vertical Stabilizer

7. M ai n W h e e ls

18

8. Main Gear

9. Main Wheel Pants

10. Tail Gear

11. Spinner

12. Fuel Tank

13. Wing Joiner Tube

14. Wind Screen

1

8

9

11

12

7

6

10

13

4

15. Hatch

16. Motor Box

(see parts list for break down)

17. Receiver Tray

18. Forward Battery Tray

The parts not shown
are listed on page 36.

PREPARATIONS

1. Firmly pull on each of the control surfaces to con rm

❏

they are securely glued.

2. Tighten the covering with a covering iron as needed.

❏

ASSEMBLE THE WING

Aileron Servo Installation

Begin with the left wing panel.

8

1. Install a servo lead extension or S.Bus 1100mm

❏ ❏

decoder on the S3305 servo or 6” extension and 1000 mm
S.Bus hub on the S.Bus S3070HV servo.

2. Install grommets and eyelets on all servos.

❏ ❏

5. Drill servo screw mounting hole.

❏ ❏

6. Install servo screws.

❏ ❏

3. Trim the covering from over the aileron servo opening.

❏ ❏

4. Route the servo lead or the decoder lead through

❏ ❏

the wing.

7. Connect the servo to the aileron channel on the

❏ ❏

receiver. If using S.Bus, plug the Decoder or Hub into the
S.Bus port on the receiver. Switch on the transmitter and
receiver and install the servo horn.

8. Aileron pushrod components.

❏ ❏

9

9. Install the 4-40 threaded clevis.

❏ ❏

10. Attach clevis to control horn.

❏ ❏

11. Position control horn on aileron.

❏ ❏

13. Install the solder clevis.

❏ ❏

12. Mount control horn.

❏ ❏

10

15. Repeat steps 1 – 14 to install the aileron servo in the

❏

right wing.

Flap Servo Installation (Optional)

HOW TO SOLDER

Apply a few drops of soldering  ux to the end of the
pushrod. “Tin” the end of the pushrod by applying heat.
Apply silver solder to the heated area. The pushrod should
melt the solder, not the  ame of the torch. The end of the
pushrod should be tinned all the way around.

Position the solder clevis on the pushrod and apply a drop
of  ux to the joint. Apply heat and add solder. Again, the
heat of the part should melt the solder, not the  ame of
the torch. Allow the part to cool naturally. Make sure the
joint is thoroughly soldered. It should be shiny, not rough.
Reheat if necessary.

Wipe off the  ux residue with denatured alcohol. Coat the
joint with oil to prevent rust.

Flaps are not necessary to land the Avistar 30cc. However,
if you have never  own with  aps, the Avistar 30cc is a great
plane to learn with.

1. Install a servo lead extension on the  ap servo. If using

❏

S.Bus, plug the servo into the S.Bus decoder or Hub. (Installed
with the ailerons.)

2. Install grommets and eyelets in the  ap servo .

❏

14. Reinstall the aileron pushrods and slide the retainers

❏ ❏

over the clevises.

3. Remove the covering from  ap servo opening.

❏

4. Separate the  ap from the aileron.

❏

5. Mount the flap servo in the wing. Route the servo lead

❏

to the root rib, or connect it to the S.Bus decoder.

11

6. Plug the flap servo into the flap channel or the decoder

❏

hub into the S.Bus port on your receiver. Switch on your radio
system and adjust the flap control so that the travel is at its
end point. Install a servo arm on the flap servo so that it is
approximately 45 degrees from the centerline of the servo.

9. Use epoxy to glue the two 10 x 35mm hardwood wing

❏

dowels in the wing.

7. Install the flap control horn following the same procedure

❏

used to install the aileron control horn.

8. Install the flap servo in the right wing half. Note that the

❏

servo arm is on the wing root side of the servo.

10. Use epoxy to glue the 8 x 35mm hardwood wing joiner

❏

dowel 18mm into the left wing root.

11. Trim the covering from over the exit holes and route

❏

the aileron and flap servo leads, S.Bus decoder, or hubs
out the holes.

12

12. Trim the covering from over the wing bolt holes.

❏

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE

Install the Tail

1. Slide both wing halves onto the wing tube. Slide the

❏

wing halves together.

3. Trim the covering.

❏

2. Install the wing on the fuselage.

❏

4. Temporarily install the horizontal stabilizer and the

❏

vertical fin.

13

A

A = B

B

5. Check the alignment of the horizontal stabilizer. The

❏

distance from the center of the nose of the fuselage to the
tips of the horizontal stabilizer should be equal.

Install the Main Landing Gear

If installing the optional  oats (GPMA1676), skip to

Install the Rudder & Elevator Servos

1. Install the 3/16" [4.8mm] axles.

❏

6. The wing and the stabilizer should be parallel. If they

❏

are not, lightly sand the stabilizer slot.

7. Use 30-minute epoxy to glue the stabilizer and fin in

❏

the fuselage. Clean off any excess epoxy with denatured
epoxy and paper towels.

2. Cut the axle to length.

❏

3. File a  at spot at the bottom end of the axle.

❏

14

6. Install the main landing gear on the fuselage.

❏

4. Install the main wheel.

❏

Install the Tail Gear

1. Drill a 15/64" [6mm] hole in the bottom of the fuselage.

❏

5. Install the wheel pants.

❏

If the plane is being built as a tail dragger, install the main
landing gear in the forward position. If the plane is being
built as the optional trike gear, skip ahead to Install the
Optional Trike Gear.

2. Use 6-minute epoxy to glue the tail gear bearing in

❏

the fuselage.

3. Drill a 5/32" [4mm] hole, 1-1/2" [38 mm] aft of the

❏

rudder hinge line.

15

4. Slide the tail gear spacer and the tail gear wire support

❏

onto the tail gear wire.

5. Test fit the tail g ear wire assembl y in the tail gear bear ing.

❏

8. Apply 6-minute epoxy in the hole for the tail gear wire

❏

support. Before the epoxy cures, insert the support in the
ho le and the tail gear wire i n the t ail ge a r bearing. At t ach th e
tail gear bracket to the fuselage with two #2 x 3/8" (9.5mm)
sheet metal screws.

9. Install and tighten the 3mm set screw in the tail gear

❏

spacer. Check that the rudder and tail gear move smoothly.

6. Position the tail gear bracket over the tail gear spacer.

❏

On the bottom of the fuselage, mark the two mounting hole
locations.

7. Drill a 1/16" (1.5mm) hole at each mark.

❏

10. Install the tail wheel.

❏

16

Install the Optional Trike Gear

(GPMA4568 and GPMA4561) (nose gear not included)

1. Install the main landing gear on the fuselage.

❏

5. Separate the top and bottom of the nylon nose gear

❏

bearing. Install the nose gear bearing on the back side of the
firewall. Before completely tightening the cap screws, insert
the nose gear wire to align the nose gear bearing.

2. Remove the covering from ove r the nose gea r wire exit.

❏

3. Drill 11/6 4" (4.5mm) holes at the four nose ge a r bearin g

❏

marks.

6. Assemble the nylon steering arm.

❏

4. Install the four 6-32 blind nuts in the front of the firewall.

❏

Apply a drop of glue to each nut to hold it secure.

7. File a flat spot on the nose gear wire so that when the

❏

steering arm is installed it will be angled approximately 5 to

10 degrees from the axle.

17

8. Insert the nose gear wire in the nose gear wheel pant,

❏

through a 5mm wheel collar, the nose wheel, a second 5mm
wheel collar and the nose gear retainer recess on the inside
of the wheel pant. Secure the wheel collars with 3mm cap
screws, making sure the nose wheel rotates freely.

9. Ins e r t the no s e gear i nto the nos e gear be a ring. Position

❏

the wheel pant and mark the location of the nose gear wire
on the wheel pant.

11. Position a 5mm wheel collar under the nose gear

❏

bearing. Insert the nose gear wire through the wheel, the
bottom nose gear bearing, the steering arm and the top nose
gear bearing. Temporarily tighten the 3 mm machine screws.

Install the Rudder & Elevator Servos

1. Make a hook and loop strap.

❏

10. Drill 1/16" (1.6mm) holes and attach the landing gear

❏

straps.

2. Cut the ho ok and loop ma terial to ma ke two strap s, one

❏

for the receiver and one for the receiver battery.

18

3. Securely glue the receiver/receiver battery tray in the

❏

fuselage.

4. Install the receiver and receiver battery.

❏

8. Install a 4-40 threaded clevis on the rudder pushrod.

❏

Attach the control horn.

9. Position the rudder control horn.

❏

5. Install the receiver battery switch and charge recepticle.

❏

Connect the receiver battery to the switch and the switch
to the receiver.

6. Insert a 4-40 x 48" metal pushrod into the middle

❏

pushrod tube.

7. Install the rudder servo and plug it into the receiver.

❏

10. Attach the rudder control horn.

❏

19

11. Center the rudder and servo arm. Attach a 4-40 solder

❏

clevis to the rudder servo horn. Mark, cut and solder the
clevis on the rudder pushrod following the same procedure
used for the aileron pushrods.

Nose Gear Steering (for optional nose gear)

1. Trim and glue the outer pushrod tube.

❏

12. Reinstall the rudder pushrod.

❏

2. Install the screw-lock pushrod connector on the rudder

❏

servo arm.

13. Install the elevator pushrods following the same

❏

procedure used for the rudder.

3. Cut the 2-56 x 24" (61mm) pushrod.

❏

4. Put a Z-bend in one end of the steering pushrod.

❏

20

5. Insert the pushrod in the outer pushrod tube.

❏

6. Remove the steering arm and insert the Z-bend into

❏

the outer hole. Re-attach the steering arm.

8. Remove the rudder servo arm, insert the steering

❏

pushrod in the pushrod connector and reinstall the servo arm.

9. Center the nose wheel and tighten the screw.

❏

Electric Motor Installation

Proceed to Engine and Tank Installation (page 23) if a

gas engine will be installed.

7. Bend the end of the pushrod so that it aligns with the

❏

pushrod connector.

1. Use epoxy to glue the front, back, top, bottom and side

❏

plates of the motor box together.

21

2. Install the 8-32 blind nuts and secure with CA.

❏

3. Use epoxy to glue the motor box together. The blind

❏

nuts go to the inside.

6. Mount the ESC. Connect the wires from the ESC to

❏

the motor wires.

7. Attach the motor box to the  rewall.

❏

4. Drill the  rewall.

❏

5. Install the RimFire 1.60 motor.

❏

8. Connect a 16" (406mm) servo extension to the ESC.

❏

Plug the ESC into the receiver.

9. Make a battery strap from the supplied hook and loop

❏

material.

10. Install the battery strap on the battery tray.

❏

22

11. Install the battery tray.

❏

12. Check that the throttle is set to reverse if using a

❏

Futaba transmitter. Plug the motor batteries into the ESC.
Check that the motor turns counter-clockwise. If not, switch
two of the three motor wires.

Proceed to Install the Cowl.

Gas Engine Installation

3. If installing one of the DLE engines, glue the three 1/8"

❏

(3.2mm) plywood engine standoffs together. Apply a thin
coat of epoxy to fuelproof them. The O.S. GT33 uses the 2"
(50.8mm) aluminum standoffs. (not included)

4. Temporarily mount the engine using the plywood standoff

❏

for the DLE engine or the metal standoff (not included) for
the O.S. engine.

1. Drill the  rewall for your engine.

❏

2. Install the pivot ball on the throttle and choke arm.

❏

5. Mark the throttle and choke pushrod locations on

❏

the  rewall.

23

6. Remove

❏

the engine
and drill 3/16"
(4.8 mm) holes
through the
 rewall for the
throttle and
choke.

7. Ma ke 2 straps f rom th e supplied ho ok and l oop material.

❏

11. Wrap the ignition battery and ignition module in foam.

❏

Install the ignition battery below the tray and the ignition
module on top of the tray. If the plane is set up with trike
gear, the battery and ignition module may need to be offset
to the side.

8. Install the ignition switch.

❏

9. Install the fuel tank strap.

❏

10. Install the ignition

❏

battery strap.

12. Install the tray. Connect the ignition battery and ignition

❏

module to this switch.

13. Reinstall the engine.

❏

14. Install the throttle servo and 6" servo extension and

❏

plug it into the receiver.

24

15. Assemble the throttle pushrod.

❏

16. Cut the outer pushrod tube 7-1/2" [190 mm] long.

❏

17. Roughen the outer pushrod with sandpaper.

❏

18. Install the outer pushrod.

❏

21. Snap the pivot ball socket on the throttle pivot ball.

❏

Switch on the radio system, and move the throttle stick to
full throttle. Rotate the throttle arm to full throttle.

22. Slide the plywood outer pushrod support onto the

❏

outer pushrod.

19. Assemble the throttle clevis.

❏

20. Install the nylon clevis on the throttle servo.

❏

23. Thread the throttle clevis into the throttle pushrod. Glue

❏

the pushrod support to the fuselage. Adjust the throttle so
that it opens fully. We set up the throttle so that at low throttle
stick position the engine is at idle. We then set the throttle
cut on a switch to fully close the throttle and stop the engine.

25

CHOKE CONTROL

The choke can be controlled manually or with a servo.

Manual Choke Control

1. Assemble the choke pushrod.

❏

Assemble the Fuel Tank

❏ 1. Clean both ends of the brass tubes with sandpaper.

2. Solder fuel line barbs onto one end of the brass tubes.

❏

2. Install the manual choke pushrod.

❏

Servo Controlled Choke

1. Install the servo controlled choke pushrod following the

❏

same procedure used to install the throttle pushrod.

3. Insert the brass tubes in the fuel tank stopper and

❏

stopper plates.

4. Solder the barbs on the other end of the two shorter

❏

brass tubes.

5. Bend the vent tube. The tube should not touch the tank.

❏

26

6. Install the two fuel pickup lines and clunks so they

❏

move freely.

Install the Fuel Tank

1. Install and mark the fuel lines: Vent, Carb and Fill.

❏

7. Loosely install the fuel tank stopper screw.

❏

2. Secure the fuel tank in the fuselage.

❏

8. Secure the fuel tank stopper in the fuel tank. Mark the

❏

top of the tank.

3. Route the  ll line.

❏

27

Install the Cowl

For the electric installation, skip to step 2.

1. Trim the cowl to  t over the cylinder head and muf er.

❏

3. Drill 5/64" [2 mm] pilot holes. Attach the cowl using

❏

#4x 1/2" [12.7mm ] sheet metal screws and #4  at washers.

4. If an electric motor is installed, trim the covering from

❏

over the cooling air exit holes.

ASSEMBLE THE FORWARD HATCH

1. Install the die-cut instrument panel decal.

❏

2. Position the cowl. The center of the spinner backplate

❏

will need to be enlarged to 25/64" (10mm for the DLE engines).

The O.S. GT33 requires the brass insert in the backplate. The

backplate fits on the RimFire 1.60.

2. If the engine bolts hit the front, remove the plywood.

❏

28

3. Position the hatch on the fuselage.

❏

4. Test fit th e winds creen on the h atch. Trim a s necessa r y.

❏

5. Mark the outline of the windscreen.

❏

6. Use a T-pin to poke holes along the inside of the outline.

❏

7. Wipe off the marks. Remove the hatch from the fuselage

❏

and glue the windscreen to the hatch with Canopy Glue.

Apply the Decals

1. The decals are die-cut from the factory.

2. Be certain the model is clean and free from oily  ngerprints
and dust. Prepare a dishpan or small bucket with a mixture
of liquid dish soap and warm water—about 1/2 teaspoon
of soap per gallon of water. Submerse one of the decals in
the solution 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.

3. Position decal on the model where desired. Holding the
decal down, use a paper towel to wipe most of the water away.

4. 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.

Please use the box top as a guide for the decal placement.

29

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY

FULL

THROTTLE

RUDDER

MOVES

RIGHT

ELEVATOR

MOVES DOWN

RIGHT AILERON

MOVES UP
LEFT AILERON
MOVES DOWN

4-CHANNEL RADIO SET UP

(STANDARD MODE 2)

Check the Control Directions

1. Switch on the transmitter and receiver.

❏

4. Make certain that the control surfaces and the carburetor

❏

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.

2. Center the control surfaces.

❏

Set the Control Throws

3. We plugged the Y-harnesses into the receiver for the

❏

aileron and flaps or the 300 mm hub into the S.Bus port.

These were then taped to the center former.

1. Hold a ruler against the widest part of the control surface

❏

and measure the high rate throw  rst.

30

Pushrod Farther Out

Pushrod Farther Out

LESS
THROW

Pushrod Closer In

MORE
THROW

MORE

THROW

Pushrod Closer In

LESS

THROW

2. Adjust the location of the pushrod on the servo arm or

These are the recommended control surface throws:

ELEVATOR

HIGH RATE LOW RATE

3/4"

[19mm]

21°

Up

3/4"

[19mm]

21°

Down

1/2"

[13mm]

14°

Up

1/2"

[13mm]

14°

Down

3/4"

[19mm]

17°

Up

3/4"

[19mm]

17°

Down

1/2"

[13mm]

12°

Up

1/2"

[13mm]

12°

Down

1-1/4" [32 mm] 29°Down

1- 3/8"

[35mm]

15°

Right

1- 3/8"

[35mm]

15°

Left

1"

[25mm]

11°

Right

1"

[25mm]

11°

Left

RUDDERAILERONS

FLAPS

❏

on the control horn  rst. Then, use the endpoint adjustment
in your transmitter to  ne tune the throws.

3. Measure and set the low rate throws. Measure and

❏

set the high and low rate throws for the rest of the control
surfaces the same way.

If your radio does not have dual rate s , we recommend settin g
the throws at the high rate settings.

4. Once the throws are set, apply a drop of threadlocker

❏

to the threads and tighten the 4-40 nuts against the clevises.
Slide the silicone retainers over the clevises.

IMPORTANT: Now that you have the throws
set, be sure to set the failsafe on the radio.

The failsafe must stop the motor if the signal

is lost.

Install the Propeller

1. Balance the propeller.

❏

31

2. Install the propeller. Drill holes through the propeller if

5-7/16" [ 114 mm]

4-1/2" [138mm]

❏

necessary.

ELECTRIC ONLY: Install the spinner adapter (GPMQ4584)
before installing the spinner cone.

Balance the Model Laterally

ELECTRIC ONLY: Install the  ight batteries, but do not
plug the batteries into the ESC.

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  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.

Balance the Model (C.G.)

DO NOT OVERLOOK THIS IMPORTANT PROCEDURE.
A model that is not properly balanced may be unstable and
possibly un yable.

❏ 3. Install the spinner cone.

4. Install the plastic floor.

❏

1. Mark the C.G range.

❏

2. With the plane ready to  y, with an empty fuel tank or

❏

motor batteries installed, use a Great Planes C.G. Machine or
apply narrow (1/16" [2mm]) strips of tape at the front and rear

32

C.G. locations so you will be able to feel them wh en lif ting the
model with your  ngers to check the C.G. location. Do not

at any time balance the model outside this C.G. range.

 ying events. Fill out the identi cation tag on the decal sheet
and place it on or inside your model.

Charge the Batteries

Always charge your transmitter and receiver batteries the night
before you go  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 and NiMH receiver 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
 ying with batteries that are only partially charged.

Ground Check and Range Check

Make sure the engine idles reliably, transitions smoothly
and maintains full power inde nitely. Shut the engine off
and inspect the model closely, making sure all fasteners,
pushrods and connections have remained tight and the hinges
are secure. Follow the radio manufacturer's instructions to
ground check the operational range of your radio before
the  rst  ight of the day. This should be done once with
the engine off and once with the engine running at various
speeds. If the control surfaces do not respond correctly, do
not  y! Find and correct the problem  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 battery cell.

3. Use Great Planes “stick on” weight (GPMQ4485) to

❏

balance the plane. Place incrementally increasing amounts
of weight on the bottom of the fuselage over the location
where it would be mounted inside until the model balances. A
go od place to add stick- o n nose weight is to the  rewall. Do
not attach weight to the cowl—this will cause stress on the
cowl and could cause the cowl to crack at the screw holes.
Once you have determined if additional weight needs to be
in stalle d, perma nently attach the we ight w ith glue or s crews .
If tail weight is needed, remove the covering from over the
weight hatch, install the weight and install the hatch cover.

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

❏

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

PREFLIGHT

Identify Your Model

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  ying sites and AMA sanctioned

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

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

● Keep all engine fuel in a safe place, away from high heat,

sparks or  ames, as fuel is ve r y  ammable. Do not smoke
ne a r the e ngine or fuel; and remembe r that e ngine exhau st
gives off a great deal of deadly carbon monoxide. Therefore

do not run the engine in a closed room or garage.

● Get help from an experienced pilot when learning to

operate engines.

● Use safety glasses when starting or running engines.

● Use a “chicken stick” or electric starter to start the engine.

If you do flip the propeller with your fingers, wear a heavy
le ather g love, suc h as a welder’s g love. Whe n hand s t ar t ing
gas engines, if the engine should backfire, the large prop
can cause severe injury to your hand and fingers.

● Do not run the engine 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 start and

run the engine.

33

● 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.

● Stop the engine before making any engine adjustments.

● The engine and muf er get hot! Do not touch them during

or right after operation. Make sure fuel lines are in good
condition so fuel will not leak onto a hot engine, causing
a  re.

● To stop a gasoline powered engine an on/of f switch must

be connected to the engine ignition. Do not throw anything
into the propeller of a running engine.

● NEVER place the battery or charger on combustible

ma terial s or leave i t unattended du ring ch arge or discha rge.

● ALWAYS KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.

● NEVER charge the battery in the plane.

● ALWAYS remove the battery from the plane after a crash.

Set it aside in a safe location for at least 20 minutes. If the

battery is damaged in the crash it could catch  re.

● If the battery starts to swell, quickly move the battery to

a safe location, preferably outside. Place it in a bucket,
covering the battery with sand. Never use water to try
and put out a LiPo  re.

ELECTRIC MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

● Read and follow the battery and ESC instructions carefully

for correct use and operation.

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

operation.

● When working on your plane, remove the propeller if the

motor batteries will be connected.

● Always remove the motor batteries when charging.

● Follow the c hargin g instr uctions inclu ded with your charge r

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

● Once the motor batteries are connected, the electric motor

can start at any time. Make sure the fail safe is set on your
radio to prevent the motor from starting if the signal is lost.

● ALWAYS unplug the motor batteries  rst.

● NEVER switch off the transmitter with the motor batteries

plugged in.

● WARNING: Read the entire instruction sheet included

with your motor batteries. Failure to follow the instructions
could cause permanent damage to the battery and its
surroundings and cause bodily harm!

● ONLY use a LiPo approved charger.

● NEVER use a NiCd/NiMH peak charger to charge a LiPo

battery.

● NEVER charge in excess of 4.20V per cell.

● ONLY charge through the “charge” lead.

● NEVER charge through the “discharge” lead.

● NEVER charge at currents greater than 1C unless the

battery is rated for a higher charge rate.

● ALWAYS set the charger’s output volts to match the

battery volts.

● ALWAYS charge a LiPo battery in a  reproof location.

● NEVER trickle charge a LiPo battery.

● NEVER allow the battery temperature to exceed 150° F

(65° C).

● NEVER di sassembl e or modify the pack wiring in any way

or puncture the cells.

● NEVER discharge below 2.7V per cell.

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts)

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.

General

1) I will not  y my model aircraft in sanctioned events, air
shows, or model  ying demonstrations until it has been
pr oven to be air worthy by having b een previousl y, success f ully
 ight tested.

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

3) Where established, I will abide by the safety rules for the
 ying site I use, and I will not willfully and deliberately  y my
models in a careless, reckless and/or dangerous manner.

5) I will not  y my model unless it is identi ed with my name
and address or AMA number, on or in the model. Note: This
does not apply to models while being  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  rst  ight of a new or repaired model.

2) I will not  y my model aircraft in the presence of spectators
until I become a qualified flier, unless assisted by an
experienced helper.

3) At all  ying sites a straight or curved line(s) must be
established in front of which all  ying takes place with the
other side for spectators. Only personnel involved with  ying
the aircraft are allowed at or in the front of the  ight line.
Intentional  ying behind the  ight line is prohibited.

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

34

5) I will not knowingly operate my model within three

miles of any pre-existing  ying 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  ight; nor should any part of the

model other than the landing gear, intentionally touch

the ground, except while landing.

is to always be ready to apply right rudder to counteract
engine torque . Gain a s much s peed as your runway and  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 appl y more right r udder to counteract engine
torque. Be smooth on the elevator stick, allowing the model
to establish a gentle climb to a safe altitude before turning
into the traf c pattern.

FLYING

The Avistar 30cc ARF is a great- ying model that  ies smoothly

and predictably. However, it does not possess the self-

recovery characteristics of a primary R/C trainer and should
be  own only by beginners with an experienced R/C pilot
or instructor.

Fuel Mixture Adjustments

A fully cowled engine may run at a higher temperature than

an un-cowled engine. For this reason, the fuel mixture should
be richened so the engine runs at about 200 rpm below
peak speed. By running the engine slightly rich, you will help
prevent dead-stick landings caused by overheating.

CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES):

If, while  ying, you notice an alarming or unusual sound such
as a low-pitched “buzz,” this may indicate control surface
 utter. Flutter occurs when a control surface (such as an
aileron or elevator) or a  ying surface (such as a wing or
stab) rapidly vibrates up and down (thus causing the noise).
In extreme cases, if not detected immediately,  utter can
actually cause the control surface to detach or the  ying
surface to fail, thus causing loss of control followed by
an impending crash. If  utter is detected, slow the model
immediately an d land as soon a s safe ly possible. Identi f y
which surface  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
fr e e of p lay. If it  uttered once, under similar circumstances
it will probably  utter again unless the problem is  xed.
Some things which can cause  utter are; Excessive hinge
gap; Not mounting control horns solidly; Poor  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  utter;
Flying an over-powered model at excessive speeds.

Takeoff

Before taking off, 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.

Remember to takeoff directly 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 (on a tail dragger model), 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

Flight

It is a good idea to have an assistant on the  ight line with
you to keep an eye on other traf c. Take it easy with the
Avistar 30cc ARF for the  rst few  ights, gradually getting
acquainted with it as you gain con dence. We have found
that the high rate rudder throw is only needed for ground
handling. Low rate rudder is best for  ying. Adjust the trims
to maintain straight and level  ight. After  ying around for
a while, and while still at a safe altitude with plenty of fuel,
practice slow  ight and execute practice landing approaches
by reducing the throttle and lowering the  aps to see how
the model handles at slower speeds. Add power to see how
she climbs as well. Continue to  y around, executing various
maneuvers and making mental notes of what trim or C.G.
changes may be required to  ne tune the model so it  ies
the way you like. Mind your fuel level, but use this  rst  ight
to become familiar with your model before landing.

With the electric setup, if using the recommended 5000 mAh
LiPo batteries, set your transmitter timer for 6-minutes for
the first flight. After you land, check the capacity of the
batteries and adjust the timer as needed. With good throttle
management, 10 minute flights or more are possible,

Landing

The Avistar 30cc lands similar to a .60 size sport plane. It does

not require  aps to land, but the  aps will allow the plane
to land slower and are great practice for the pilot that has
never used  aps. Flaps increase lift and drag, thus reducing
rollout after touchdown (not as much of a factor on grass
runways). To initiate a landing approach, lower the throttle
while on the downwind leg. If using  aps, allow the model to
slow before extending them. Continue to lose altitude, but
ma intain airspeed by ke eping the nos e down as yo u turn o nto
the crosswind leg. Make your  nal turn toward the runway
(into the wind) keeping the nose down to maintain airspeed
and control. If using  aps, keep a few additional “clicks” of
power so the model doesn’t slow too much. 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 retract the  aps when enough airspeed is gained.
Climb out to make another attempt. When 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  ying speed, hold up elevator to place the tail
on the ground, regaining tail wheel control.

NOTE: If ever the occas ion aris e s when a dead-s tick l anding
mu st be pe r formed, do not extend the  aps until certain the

35

model will be able to reach the landing zone (on dead-stick

landings it is common to land with no  aps at all). Without
engine power,  aps can unexpectedly reduce the model’s

range, thus causing you to come up short of the  eld.

maneuver should be deliberate, not impulsive. A  ight plan
reduces the chances of crashing your model because of
poor planning and impulsive moves.

Have a ball! But always stay in

Have a goal o r  i ght pl an in m ind eac h time you  y. Th is may
be learning or improving a maneuver or learning how the

model behaves at certain speeds and control rates. Every

control and  y in a safe manner.

GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!

PARTS LIST

QTY. DESCRIPTION QTY. DESCRIPTION

1 Fuel Tank stopper
1 Fuel tank stopper screw
1 Fuel tank stopper plate large
1 Fuel tank stopper plate small
2 clunks
1 Long brass tube
2 Short brass tube
8 small nylon tie straps
1 Spinner backplate
1 Spinner bolt
1 Spinner backplate adapter
1 Plastic  oor
3 16.5" outer pushrod tube
2 Hook and loop material 300mm
1 Tail gear bracket
1 Tail gear spacer
1 Tail gear spacer set screw
1 Tail gear bushing
1 Tail gear wire support
1 Tail gear wheel collar
1 Tail gear wheel collar set screw
7 Extra large control horns
3 Control horn back plates
3 Plywood engine mount spacers
2 10 x 30mm Wing dowels
1 8 x 30mm wing alignment dowel
4 Plywood motor mount top and bottom
4 Plywood motor mount sides
4 Plywood motor mount ends w/tabs
2 Plywood motor mount ends no tabs
1 Plywood outer pushrod tube support long
1 Plywood outer pushrod tube support short
1 Fuselage weight cover
7 4-40 Solder clevis
4 4-40 x 6" metal pushrod

7 4-40 metal clevis
23 #4 x 1/2" sheet metal screw
7 4-40 nut
16 silicone clevis keeper
2 3/16" axle
2 3/16" axle nut
4 3/16" Wheel collar
4 6-32 x 1/4" socket head cap screw
4 4-40 x 1/2" machine screw
11 #4  at washer
4 #4 lock washer
8 6-32 x 3/4" socket head cap screw
8 #6  at washer
8 #6 lock washer
8 8-32 Blind nuts
4 8-32 x 3/4" socket head cap screw
4 8-32 x 1" socket head cap screw
8 #8  at washer
8 #8 Lock washer
12 4-40 x 1" socket head cap screw
3 4-40 x 48" threaded rod
1 2-56 x 36" theaded pushrod
2 1/4-20 x 2" nylon wing bolt
1 aluminum fuel plug
11 #2 x 3/8" sheet metal screw
11 #2  at washers
1 Brass screw lock connector
1 screw lock retainer
1 4-40 x 1/4" socket head cap screw
1 white inner pushrod tube
4 2-56 x 1" threaded stud
2 2-56 pivot balls
2 2-56 nut
2 Nylon pivot ball sockets
2 nylon clevis

36