GREAT PLANES Factor 30cc Instruction Manual

SPECIFICATIONS

Wingspan:

70 in [1174 mm]

Length: 75 in [1905 mm ]

Wing Area: 1174 in

2

[75.7dm2]

Weight:

Wing

Loading:

Radio: 4− 7 Channel

12– 14 lbs [ 5440 – 6350 g ]

24– 27 oz /ft

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

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Engine: 1.8−2.0 cu in (30– 35 cc)

2

[73–82 g/dm2]

Motor: RimFire 1.60 (63-62-250)

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.

gasoline engine

outrunner brushless

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT

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

© 2016 Great Planes Model Mfg. A subsidiary of Hobbico,® Inc.

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

GPMA1555

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Required Hardware and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Adhesives and Building Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

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

CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

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

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

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

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

Aileron Servo Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

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

Install the Tail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Install the Main Landing Gear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Install the Rudder and Elevator Servos . . . . . . . . . . . .12

POWER SYSTEM INSTALLATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Electric Motor Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Assemble the Removable Battery Tray . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Gas Engine Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Assemble the Fuel Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Install the Throttle and Optional Choke Servos . . . . . .22

Install the Cowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Apply the Decals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Check the Control Throws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Set the Control Throws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Install the Propeller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Balance the Model Laterally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Balance the Model (C.G.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

PREFLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Identify Your Model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Charge the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Ground Check and Range Check. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

ELECTRIC MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . .29

AMA SAFETY CODE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

FLYING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Fuel Mixture Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

INTRODUCTION

Continuing with the success of the Factor 3D EP, Great
Planes brings you the Factor 30cc ARF. This is a great first
gas powered 3D model. The plane can go from mild to wild
with just the flip of a switch. We believe you will be very
pleased with the ease of assembly and flight performance
of the Factor 30cc ARF.

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

Academy of Model Aeronautics

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 fly at most R/C sites.

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Dr ive
Muncie, IN 47302-9252
Ph. [phone]
Fax [phone]
Or via the Internet at: modelaircraft.org

IMPORTANT!!!

Two of the most important things you can do to preserve the

radio controlled aircraft hobby are to avoid flying near full­scale aircraft and avoid flying near or over groups of people.

Know Before You Fly

As a new owner of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), you

are responsible for the operation of this vehicle and the safety
of those around you. Please contact your local authorities
to  nd out the latest rules and regulations.

In the United States, please visit:

knowbeforeyou y.org faa.gov/uas

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Your Factor 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 Factor 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 unflyable 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 specified
in this instruction manual. All components must be correctly
installed so that the model operates correctly on the ground
and in the air. You must check the operation of the model
and all components before every flight.

2

5. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not flown
this type of model before, we recommend that you get the
assistance of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for your
first flights. 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 kit has been flight tested to exceed nor mal use,
if the plane will be used for extremely high stress flying, such
as racing, or i f an engine l arge r th an one in the reco mmended
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 kit
are made of fiberglass, the fibers of which may cause eye,
skin and respiratory tract irritation. Never blow into a part
to remove fiberglass 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 fiberglass
parts. Vacuum the parts and the work area thoroughly after
working with fiberglass parts.

We, as the manufacturer, provide you with a top quality,
thoroughly tested ARF and instructions, but ultimately
the quality and flyability of your finished 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.

Note: Some technically-minded modelers who wish to
check the wing, stab and motor thrust angles may do so by
visiting the web site at www.greatplanes.com and clicking
on “Technical Data.”

Remember: Take your time and follow the instructions
to end u p with a wel l-buil t mod e l that is st r aight and tr u e.

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

This is a partial list of items required to finish the Factor
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 Factor 30cc ARF

is a 30 – 35cc [1.8 – 2.0 ci.] two-stroke gasoline engine. The
Factor 30cc ARF is designed to use the DLE 30, DLE 35RA
or O.S. GT33. Other engines can also be used but you may
need to make modi cations for mounting those engines. The
stock muf ers for the DLE engines can be used.

❍ The OSMG1533 O.S. GT33 requires:

❍ (4) 2" (50.8mm) standoffs (OSMG8962)
❍ (4) M5×15 socket head bolts (OSMG8781)
❍ (4) M5×20 socket head bolts (OSMG8779)
❍ (4) M5 lock washers (OSMG9403)
❍ J’TEC JTC-DL30B muf er (from www.jtecrc.com)

Motor Recommendations

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

Brushless Motor (GPMG4795)

❍ Castle Creations Phoenix Edge 80HV (CSEM0500)

OR

❍ Castle Creations Talon 120HV (CSEM3100)
❍ Great Planes 6mm Male/4mm Female Bullet Adapter

(GPMM3119)

❍ Great Planes 6mm female Bullet Connectors (GPMM3117)

For the ESC

❍ Two FlightPower LiPo FP50 5000mAh 18.5V Batteries

(FPWP5505)

❍ Spinner Adapter Kit (GPMQ4589)
❍ 19x8 Propeller Xoar (XOAQ4087) or APC (APCQ4024)

Radio Equipment

The Factor 30cc ARF can be  own with a minimum of a
4-channel radio. For our installation we used seven channels:

(1) throttle (1) rudder (2) elevators
(1) optional choke (2) ailerons

The elevators require the use of a high-quality servo of at

least 150 oz-in of torque. The ailerons and rudder require a
servo with at least 250 oz-in of torque. A servo of 40 oz-in

of torque can be used for the throttle and optional choke.

RECOMMENDED SERVOS

❍ (2) Elevators (min. 150 oz-in torque) (Futaba S9155

FUTM0215)

❍ (1) Rudder (min. 272 oz-in torque) (Futaba S9156

FUTM0216)

❍ (2) Ailerons (min. 272 oz-in torque) (Futaba S9156

FUTM0216)

❍ (1) Throttle (standard) (Futaba S9001 FUTM0075)
❍ (1) Optional Choke (standard) (Futaba S9001 FUTM0075)

ELECTRIC MOTOR INSTALLATION

❍ (2) 20" Servo extension (FUTM4147) (for aileron servos)

OR

❍ (2) 24" Servo extension (TACM2721)
❍ (1) 8" Servo extension (FUTM4140) (for receiver battery

switch to receiver)

OR

❍ (1) 6" Servo extension (TACM2701)
❍ (2) Optional Y-harness (FUTM4135) (TACM2751) (for

connecting the elevator servos and aileron servos)

❍ (1) Heavy duty on/off switch (FUTM4385) (TACM2761)
❍ (1) Optional Charge Receptacle #124 (ERNM3001)
❍ (1) 2100mAh LiFe receiver battery (HCAM6436)

ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR GAS ENGINE INSTALLATION

❍ (1) Additional Y-harness for choke if using a 7-channel

receiver

❍ (1) Heavy duty on/off switches (FUTM4385) (TACM2761)

for ignition

❍ (1) Optional Charge Receptacle #124 (ERNM3001) for

ignition battery

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

3

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Required Hardware and Accessories

❍ (1) Dubro #554 X-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

Required Hardware and Accessories

This is the list of Adhesives and Building Supplies that are

required to  nish the Factor 30cc ARF.

❍ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro CA (GPMR6001)
❍ 2 oz. [57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❍ Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6043)
❍ Pro 6-minute epoxy (GPMR6042)
❍ Threadlocker thread locking cement (GPMR6060)
❍ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❍ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❍ Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❍ Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❍ Masking tape
❍ String
❍ T-pins (HCAR 5150 )
❍ Drill
❍ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.5mm], 5/64" [2mm], 1/8" [3mm],

5/32" [4mm], 3/16" [5mm]

❍ 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)

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)

OR

❍ Coverite 21st Century Sealing Iron (COVR2700)
❍ Coverite 21st Century Cover Sock (COVR2702)
❍ Coverite 21st Century Trim Sealing Iron (COVR2750)

Optional Supplies and Tools

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

❍ 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)

KIT CONTENTS

1. Cowl

2. Fuselage

1

3

4

5

11

12 13 14 15 16

2

11

6

8

7

9

18

17

19

17

10

22

21

20

3. Main Wheels

4. Spinner

5. Wheel Pants

6. Canopy

7. Wi n g Tu b e

8. Forward Battery Hatch

9. Receiver Battery Tray

10. Rudder

11. Wing Halves

12. Motor Mount Sides

13. Motor Mount Sides

14. Motor Mount Back Plates

15. Motor Mount Front Plates

16. Motor Mount Front Plates

17. Elevators

18. Horizontal Stabilizer

19. Battery Tray

20. Fuel Tank

21. Main Landing Gear

22. Tailwheel Assembly

4

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

● Anytime thin CA glue is recommended

you will see this symbol. We
recommend that when threading
sc rew s in to wood that  rst the screw
be installed. Then, 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 threadlocker is recommended

you will see this symbol. We
recommend that anytime a threaded
screw or nut is installed, a drop of
threadlocker be applied to the threads.
An exception, do not use threadl ocker on scr ews ins talled
in the nylon control horns.

● Denatured alcohol is great for cleaning epoxy from surfaces

before the epoxy cures.

● When connecting servo extensions to servos, we

recommend that the connection be secured with heat
shrink or tape (not included).

REPLACEMENT MONOKOTE COLORS

Orange (TOPQ0202)
Jet White (TOPQ0204)
Aluminum (TOPQ0205)

Metalic Plum (TOPQ0403)

KIT INSPECTION

Replacement parts for the Great Planes Factor 30cc 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.
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 www.greatplanes.com and

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

GPMA2475 Fuselage
GPMA2476 Wing
GPMA2477 Tail Surface Set
GPMA2478 Canopy/Hatch
GPMA2479 Wing Tube
GPMA2480 Landing Gear
GPMA2481 Wheel Pants
GPMA2482 Cowl
GPMA2483 Decal
GPMA2484 EP Motor Mount Box
GPMA2485 Battery Tray
GPMA2486 Spinner
GPMA5390 Tail Wheel Assembly
GPMA5391 Hatch/Battery Tray Screws

Before starting to build, inspect the parts to make sure they
are of acceptable quality. If any parts are missing or are not of
acceptable qua lit y, or if you ne ed assistance with as sembly,
contact Product Support. When reporting defective or missing
parts, use the part names exactly as they are written in the
instruction manual.

Great Planes Product Support

3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1
Champaign, IL 61822

Ph: [phone], ext. 5
Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

5

PREPARATIONS

1. Firmly pull on each aileron to con rm they are securely

❏

glued.

2. Tighten the covering with a covering iron.

❏

ASSEMBLE THE WING

Aileron Servo Installation

BEGIN WITH THE LEFT WING PANEL.

1. Install a servo lead extension (not included) and

❏ ❏

secure the connection.

3. Route servo lead through wing.

❏ ❏

4. Drill servo screw mounting holes.

❏ ❏

2. Install grommets and eyelets on all servos.

❏ ❏

6

5. Install servo screws.

❏ ❏

6. Install servo horn.

❏ ❏

7. Aileron pushrod components.

❏ ❏

8. Install the 4-40 threaded clevis.

❏ ❏

11. Mount control horn.

❏ ❏

9. Attach clevis to control horn.

❏

10. Position control horn on aileron.

❏ ❏

7

12. Install the solder clevis.

❏ ❏

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.

15. Install the nylon wing dowels.

❏

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE

Install the Tail

13. Reinstall the aileron pushrod and slide the retainers

❏ ❏

over the clevises.

14. Repeat steps 1 – 13 to install the aileron servo in the

❏

right wing. The two aileron servos can be connected with a

Y-harness and plugged into the aileron channel on the receiver,

or each aileron can be plugged into a separate channel.

1. Slide the Carbon Wing Tube into the fuselage.

❏

2. Install the wing panels.

❏

8

3. Temporarily install the horizontal stabilizer.

A

C

A = B
C = D

B

D

❏

4. 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.

8. Position the tail gear by temporarily installing the rudder.

❏

5. The wing and stabilizer should be parallel. If they are

❏

not, lightly sand the stabilizer slot.

6. Use 30-minute epoxy to glue the stabilizer in the fuselage.

❏

Wipe off any excess epoxy with a paper towel and denatured
alcohol.

7. Clean the tail gear wire.

❏

9. Center and attach the tail gear to the fuselage.

❏

10. Remove the rudder and hinges. Add a small drop of oil

❏

to the pivot point on each hinge. The oil will prevent the epoxy
from adhering to the pivot point. Makes sure the oil does not
get on the gluing surface of the hinge. If it does, clean the
oil off with a paper towel dampened with denatured alcohol.

9

12. Install the set screws in the wheel collars.

❏

13. Install the tail wheel.

❏

11. Use 30-minute epoxy to glue in the hinges.

❏

14. Install the two elevators following the same procedure

❏

used for installing the rudder.

10