GREAT PLANES FlatOut Flatana Instruction Manual

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 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.

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING
CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT WARNINGS
AND INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY
AND USE OF THIS MODEL.

GPMZ0170 for GPMA1111 V1.0© Copyright 2005

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 36 in [915mm]
Wing Area: 241 sq in [15.5 dm2]
Weight: 7.5 – 9 oz [215-255 g]
Wing Loading: 5 oz/sq ft [13 – 16 g/dm2]
Length: 31.5 in [800mm]
Radio: 4-channel w/3 micro servos and 10-Amp ESC
Power System: Included ElectriFly™ferrite motor with gearbox,

or optional direct-drive RimFire™Brushless motor

By Great Planes

2

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

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

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

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

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

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

Battery .........................................................................4

Speed Control..............................................................4

Charger ........................................................................4

Battery Charging Leads ...............................................4

Optional: Brushless Motor Upgrade.............................4

Propeller Selection.......................................................4

Glue .............................................................................4

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

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

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

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

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS...............................6

METRIC/INCH RULER ......................................................6

BUILD THE AIRPLANE .....................................................7

Assemble the Horizontal Tail........................................7

Assemble the Wing......................................................9

Assemble the Fuselage ...............................................9

Finish the Landing Gear ............................................13

Radio Setup ...............................................................13

Mount the Motor & Gearbox ......................................15

Firewall-Mounted Motor System ................................17

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY..................................18

Check the Control Directions.....................................18

Set the Control Throws..............................................18

Balance the Model (C.G.) ..........................................19

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

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

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

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

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

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

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts) ....................................20

CHECK LIST....................................................................20

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

Hand Launch .............................................................21

Rise-Off-Ground (ROG) Takeoff.................................21

Flight ..........................................................................21

Landing ......................................................................21

The ElectriFly by Great Planes FlatOut Flatana™ARF is an
excellent way to enjoy 3D aerobatics without the cost and
headaches of giant-scale gasoline-powered models. After a
couple of hours on the workbench, your FlatOut Flatana
ARF will be ready to tackle torque rolls, walls, harriers, high­alpha rolling circles and more! An excellent indoor or calm­day outdoor performer, this airplane is a virtually unlimited

3D aerobat, but flying it involves only connecting the battery,
throttling up, and letting go!

Take care to build straight and true. Misaligned parts will
hurt the airplane’s ability to perform the extreme aerobatics
it is designed for.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
FlatOut Flatana ARF visit the Great Planes web site at

www.electrifly.com

. Open the “Airplanes” link, then select the
FlatOut Flatana 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.

Attention: The product you have purchased
is powered by a rechargeable battery. At the
end of its useful life, under various state and
local laws, it may be illegal to dispose of this

battery into the municipal waste system.
Check with your local solid waste officials for details in your
area for recycling options or proper disposal.

This product contains a chemical known to the state of
California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.

1. Even though the FlatOut Flatana ARF is small, lightweight
and flies slowly, if it is not assembled and operated correctly
it could possibly cause injury to yourself or spectators and
damage property.

PROTECT YOUR MODEL,YOURSELF

& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

A NOTE ABOUT METRIC DIMENSIONS

Since the parts of this airplane have been designed with
metric dimensions, the metric size (in millimeters) of the
parts is listed first in the text. For convenience, we have
listed close approximations of these sizes in the English
system (inches), but be aware that these conversions are
only approximate.

CAUTION: Be aware that the FlatOut Flatana ARF is
operated on the same frequency band as larger, “regular”
R/C models. If flying your FlatOut Flatana ARF within five
miles of an R/C site, there is a real possibility that you
could be operating your model on the same frequency
(channel) as another R/C pilot. If this happens a crash will
result–with the person flying the more expensive model
suffering the greater loss (and having greater potential for
property damage or injury). The best thing to do is to join
an R/C club and fly at the site where frequency control
measures will be in effect. If you insist on flying elsewhere

always be aware of your proximity to R/C flying sites.

INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2. Build the plane according to the instructions. Do not
alter or modify the model, as doing so may result in an
unsafe or unflyable model.

3. Use an R/C radio system and components that are in first­class condition. The FlatOut Flatana ARF requires
specialized radio gear. Refer to the

“DECISIONS YOU

MUST MAKE”

section to get an accurate description of the

specialized gear required.

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

5. You must test the operation of the model before every
flight to insure that all equipment is operating, and that the
model has remained structurally sound. Be sure to check
connectors often and replace them if they show signs of
wear or fatigue.

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

If you’re not already an AMA (Academy of Model
Aeronautics) member, we highly recommend that you join.
In addition to providing liability protection while operating
under the AMA Safety Code, the AMA is the governing body
of model aeronautics in the United States and fights for your
rights as a member of the modeling community. You must
also be an AMA member to fly at R/C clubs chartered by the
AMA–most of which are.

Contact the AMA at the address or toll-free phone
number below.

In the hands of a capable pilot the FlatOut Flatana ARF is
an impressive 3D performer. But for the FlatOut Flatana
ARF to perform to its full potential, it must be properly
equipped with all the right gear (servos, batteries, receiver,
speed control). There may be more than one type and brand

of radio equipment that can be used, but based on extensive
testing, following is the equipment we recommend so you
can get the most performance out of your FlatOut Flatana
ARF and assemble it as shown in this instruction manual.

With a standard, four-channel radio, the FlatOut Flatana
ARF is capable of all the basic 3D maneuvers. However,
some advanced pilots who are already familiar with handling
“flat foamies” may prefer to fly the FlatOut Flatana ARF with
a computer radio capable of endpoint adjustments (for fine­tuning control throws), exponentials (for “softening” the
throws near the center of the travel), and various mixing
functions (such as rudder-to-elevator mixing for extended
knife-edge flight).

The FlatOut Flatana ARF requires three,

sub-micro

servos
with a maximum weight of .3 oz [9g] each and a minimum
torque rating of 15 oz-in. Futaba®S-3108M (micro
connector) servos (FUTM0700) are ideal because they
meet the torque and weight requirements and have a micro
connector that is compatible with the Futaba

Ultra Micro

receiver. Although there may be other servos that will
physically fit in the model, those outside of the
recommended weight and torque specifications will
adversely affect flight performance and are not
recommended. Note: During assembly when it’s time to
mount the servos, you will be instructed to glue them in. Do
not be alarmed as this is a common practice with this type
of lightweight, high-performance model. Should servo
removal ever be necessary for repair, replacement or
transfer to another model this can be done by prying them
out with a hobby knife or a small screwdriver.

The lightest, four-channel receiver is recommended and
must be compatible with whatever servos will be used (not
all servos are compatible with all receivers–even servos and
receivers within the same brand). The Futaba R-124F

Ultra

Micro

receiver is recommended and is compatible with the
3108M servos recommended. Note: Futaba receivers are
sold on high and low bands and come without crystals.
Following are the order numbers for the R-124F receiver
and compatible crystals:

Low Band High Band

(Channels 11-35)

(Channels 36-60)

R124F Receiver FUTL0438 FUTL0439
Crystal FUTL62** FUTL63**

** Replace the “**” in the order number for the crystals with
the preferred channel number. For example, if you want to fly

Receiver

Servos

Transmitter

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN 47302

Tele: [phone]

Fax [phone]

Or via the Internet at:

http://www.modelaircraft.org

Note: We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top
quality kit and great 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.

3

on channel 33, order a low band receiver and crystal
number FUTL6233.

The FlatOut Flatana ARF requires a 3-cell (11.1V), 350­700mAh lithium-polymer (Li-Po) battery capable of providing
7A continuous discharge current.For long flight times and good
performance, we recommend the Electrifly 3-cell, 3-Series
640mAh battery pack (GPMP0805). For minimum weight, at
the expense of some flight time, the ElectriFly 3-cell, 3-Series
350mAh battery pack (GPMP0801) works well. Note: The
ElectriFly 700mAh battery is not recommended for this model
as it is not capable of delivering the current required by this
system. For optimum performance battery weight should not
exceed 2.3 oz. [65g].

An electronic speed control capable of handling a minimum
of 7A continuous current is required. Additionally, the speed
control should be as light as possible. The ElectriFly C-10

Micro

High-Frequency ESC w/BEC (GPMM2010) is
suitable. If upgrading to the optional brushless motor system
recommended (below), a speed control intended for
brushless motors (a

brushless

speed control) capable of at
least 8A continuous current such as the ElectriFly BL-8
(GPMM2070) must be used. NEVER use speed

controllers intended for brushed motors on brushless
motors (and vice-versa).

A charger capable of charging 3-cell (11.1V) Li-Po batteries
such as the ElectriFly PolyCharge 1-3-cell Li-Po charger
(GPMM3010) must be used. If using another charger, it must
be a Li-Po charger or have a Li-Po charge mode. Never
charge Li-Po batteries with chargers not intended for Li-Po
batters or chargers on NiMH or NiCd settings. Overcharging
or explosion may result. In addition to the PolyCharge, the
ElectriFly Triton™(GPMM3150) or Accu-Cycle™Elite
(HCAP0280) are also suitable chargers.

Many chargers (including the Triton and Accu-Cycle Elite
listed above) do not include charging leads, but rather have
banana jacks to plug the leads into. If this is the case with
your charger, you will need to purchase a charge lead to
match your battery. For the recommended 640mAh pack,
the correct lead is GPMM3105.

Rest assured, the FlatOut Flatana ARF is capable of 3D
flight with the included ElectriFly “stick-mount” motor and
gearbox combination. But for pilots who always insist on
upgrading and don’t mind spending a little extra money, the
ElectriFly Rimfire 22M-1000 brushless motor (GPMG4500)
will provide increased power and flight time while
simultaneously reducing weight. Don’t forget, if upgrading to
a brushless motor, a “brushless” speed controller such as
the ElectriFly BL-8 8-Amp ESC (GPMM2070) must be
used. This kit also includes the firewall and instructions for
mounting a brushless motor.

A propeller is included in this kit, and this propeller offers the
best performance with the included motor system. If you are
upgrading to the RimFire brushless motor, a 9 x 3.8 propeller
is recommended.

Though there may be a few different types of adhesives that
the FlatOut Flatana ARF could be assembled with, we have
had the best success with, and exclusively recommend
foam-safe CA such as 1 oz.Great Planes Foam Safe Thick CA
(GPMR6072). Regular CA is not recommended as it will
aggressively attack the foam used in this model. In addition
to being foam-compatible, foam-safe CA is also suitable for
gluing together all of the rest of the materials (balsa, carbon)
included in this kit. No other adhesive is required to build the
FlatOut Flatana ARF.

In addition to common household tools and hobby tools, this
is the “short list” of the most important items required to build
the FlatOut Flatana ARF.

Great Planes Pro CA and Epoxy

glue are recommended.

❏ Great Planes Aerosol Activator (GPMR6034)
❏ Hobbico

®

CA Applicator tips (HCAR3780)

❏ Hobby knife with #11 blade (HCAR0100)
❏ #11 Blades (5-pack: HCAR0211)
❏ 1m Metric ruler (for identifying tubes and rods)
❏ 5-1/2" [140mm] Easy-Touch

™

bar sander (GPMR6169)

with 220-grit Sandpaper (GPMR6185)

❏ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.5mm], or 3/32" [2.5mm]
❏ Double-sided foam tape (GPMQ4400)
❏ 1/2" [13mm]-wide Cellophane tape
❏ Great Planes Plan Protector

™

(GPMR6167) or wax paper

Adhesives & Building Supplies

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Glue

Propeller Selection

Optional: Brushless Motor Upgrade

Battery Charging Leads

Charger

Speed Control

Battery

4

5

Before starting to build, take an inventory of this kit to make sure it is complete, and inspect the parts to make sure they
are of acceptable quality. If any parts are missing or are not of acceptable quality, or if you need assistance with assembly,
contact Product Support. When reporting defective or missing parts, use the part names exactly as they are written in
the Kit Contents list.

Great Planes Product Support:

3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

Telephone: [phone], ext. 5

Fax: [phone]

E-mail:

[e-mail]

KIT INSPECTION

Plastic Tree Parts

A1 Z-Bend Clevis (10)
A2 Offset Z-Bend Clevis (4)
B1 Stand-Alone Control Horn (5)
B2 Stand-Alone Control Horn Retainer (5)
C1 Clip Hinge Control Horn (5)
C2 Clip Hinge (26)
C3 Hinge Retainer Ring (10)
C4 Aileron Link Horn (4)
D1 Axle Support (2)
D2 Rod Support (12)
D4 Tailwheel Bracket (1)
D5 Tailwheel (1)
D6 Wheel Collar (2)
E1 Control Surface Brace (4)
E2 Fuselage Joiner (3)
E3 Pushrod Guides (4)

F1 Wire Clip (4)
F2 Wing Servo Mount (1)
F3 Fuselage Servo Mount (2)
F4 Fuselage Aileron Servo Mount (1)
G1 Double-Sided Offset Arm, Size B (2)
G2 Double-Sided Arm, Size B (2)
G3 Single-Sided Arm, Size B (4)
G4 Double-Sided Arm, Size A (2)
G5 Double-Sided Offset Arm, Size A (2)
G6 Single-Sided Arm, Size A (4)
G7 Double-Sided Arm, Size C (2)
G8 Double-Sided Offset Arm, Size C (2)
G9 Single-Sided Arm, Size C (4)

Carbon Rods & Tubes

Fuselage Doubler Tube 5.5 x 115mm
Elevator Joiner Tube 3 x 209mm

Rudder Post Tube 3 x 106mm
Fuselage Main Tube 3 x 679mm
Landing Gear Brace Tube 3 x 111mm
Leading Edge Tube 3 x 915mm
Trailing Edge Tube 3 x 914mm
Landing Gear Legs 2 x 220mm (2)
Rear Wing Struts 2 x 86mm (2)
Wheel Axles 2 x 17mm (2)
Rudder Pushrod 1 x 360mm
Elevator Pushrod 1 x 365mm
Aileron Pushrods 1 x 95mm (2)

Misc. Parts

3mm Plywood Firewall
Prop Saver
O-rings

Kit Contents (Not Photographed)

KIT CONTENTS

Kit Contents

1. Carbon Rods & Tubes

2. Wing

3. Ailerons (2)

4. Horizontal Fuselage Doublers (2)

5. Vertical Fuselage Halves (2)

6. Vertical Fuselage Doublers (2)

7. Rudder

8. Horizontal Fuselage Halves (2)

9. Main Wheels (2)

10. Motor/Gearbox Assembly

11. Propeller

12. Elevator Halves (2)

13. Horizontal Stabilizer

1

4

4

3

12

13

11

10

9

6

6

7

8

5

2

6

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Great Planes FlatOut Flatana 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.

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

www.hobbico.com

. Choose “Where to Buy” at the bottom of the menu
on the left side of the page. Follow the instructions provided on the page to locate a U.S., Canadian or International dealer.
If a hobby shop is not available, replacement parts may also be ordered from Tower Hobbies at

www.towerhobbies.com

,

or by calling toll free [phone].

Parts may also be ordered directly from Hobby Services by calling [phone], or via facsimile at [phone], but
full retail prices and shipping and handling charges will apply. Illinois and Nevada residents will also be charged sales tax.
If ordering via fax, include a Visa

®

or MasterCard®number and expiration date for payment.

Mail parts orders and payments by personal check to:

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1

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

Or

der Number Description How to Purchase

Missing pieces ....................................................Contact Product Support

Instruction manual ..............................................Contact Product Support

Full-size plans.....................................................Not available

Kit parts listed below ..........................................Hobby Supplier

GPMP0217 .............Gear Drive Body

GPMG0860.............Prop Shaft & Spur Gear

GPMG0239.............Pinion Gear

GPMG0312.............Replacement Motor

APCQ5016..............10 x 3.8

" Propeller

GPMQ4620.............Prop Saver

GPMA2794 .............Hardware Set

GPMG0215.............Motor/Gear Drive Assembly

GPMQ4618.............Prop Saver O-ring

❏ 1. Cut the stabilizer free from the foam sheet using a

hobby knife with a

sharp

#11 blade.

DO NOT

cut the

elevator halves free at this time.

❏ 2. Following the

Expert Tip

below, use foam-safe CA and
accelerator to glue six clip hinges (C2) into the stabilizer, using
the 3 x 209mm [1/8" x 8-7/32"] elevator joiner tube as a guide.

❏ 3. Remove the elevator joiner tube from the hinges.

❏ 4. Without removing the elevator halves from the foam

sheet, slide two hinge retainer rings (C3) onto the elevator
joiner tube. Align the rings with the cutout in the right
elevator half. There should be a 1.5mm [1/16"] gap between
the two rings. Secure both rings to the tube with a drop of
glue on the outside of the gap. Do not get any glue between
the rings.

❏ 5. Using the

Expert Tip

that follows, permanently join the

elevator halves by gluing in the elevator joiner tube.

C. One at a time, coat the sides of the rest of the hinges
and glue them into the slots.

B. Coat both sides of one hinge (C2) with foam-safe CA
where it contacts the sides of the hinge slot. Rotate the
hinge down into the slot. Be certain the top and bottom of
the hinge remain flush with the top and bottom of the
control surface you are hinging. IMPORTANT: Avoid
getting any CA on the tube or the arms of the clips. The
clips must rotate freely on the tube.

A. Snap all of the hinges onto the carbon tube. Align the
hinges with the slots.

The clip hinge system provides a precise, free-moving
hinge. Always use this method when instructed to install
clip hinges.

HOW TO INSTALL CLIP HINGES

Assemble the Horizontal Tail

BUILD THE AIRPLANE

7

❏ 6. Now the elevator halves may be cut from the sheet.

❏ 7. Join the elevators to the stab by snapping the clip

hinges to the joiner tube.

❏ 8. Insert a Z-bend clevis (A1) into a clip hinge control

horn (C1).

❏ 9. Clip the control horn onto the joiner tube aligned with

the precut slot.

❏ 10. Coat the gluing area on the control horn with glue and

rotate it down into the precut slot.

A. Using a sharp #11 hobby knife, remove any flashing
from the inside of the hole you are installing the Z-bend
clevis into. Do this by rotating the blade in the hole while
applying gentle pressure. Be careful not to remove too
much material–your goal here is to remove small ridges of
flashing, not to make the hole larger.

B. Snap the Z-bend clevis into place.

HOW TO MAKE INSTALLING Z-BEND

CLEVISES EASIER

Note: You may want to protect your work surface from

excess glue. We recommend Great Planes Plan Protector
(GPMR6167) for this purpose.

A. Cut several 1-1/2" [38mm] pieces of cellophane tape.Fold
the last 1/4" [6mm] over to make a tab for easy removal.

B. Lightly coat the leading edges of the elevators with
foam-safe CA–do not use an excessive amount. Hint: A
CA applicator tip is recommended to accurately control
the bead of glue.

C. Tape the tube to the leading edge of the elevators.
Weigh the assembly down on a flat surface to prevent
warping and allow the glue to harden without accelerator.

D. Once the glue has hardened, remove the tape.

HOW TO GLUE THE TUBES TO

THE CONTROL SURFACES

8