Great Planes GPMA1010 User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

™

SPECIFICATIONS

Wingspan:

Wing Area:

49.5 in
[1255mm]

2

586 in
[37.8 dm2]

Weight:

Wing

Loading:

5 – 5.5 lb
[2270–2490 g]

20 – 22 oz/ft
[61–67 g/dm2]

WARRANTY

Great Planes® Model Manufacturing Co. guarantees this kit to

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

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

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

Length: 46 in

[1170mm]

Radio:

4-Channel with 5 standard servos
and standard receiver

2

Engine: .46 – .55 cu in [7.5 – 9cc] 2-stroke

.70–.72 cu in [11.5–12cc] 4-stroke

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

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

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

© 2011 Hobbico®, Inc.

GPMA1010 Mnl

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Required Hardware and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Adhesives and Building Supplies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Optional Supplies and Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

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

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

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

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

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

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

ASSEMBLE THE WING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

ASSEMBLE THE TAIL SECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

INSTALL THE TAIL SERVOS AND PUSHRODS. . . . . . .10

ASSEMBLE AND INSTALL THE LANDING GEAR . . . . 11

INSTALL THE ENGINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

FINISH THE MODEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Install the Receiver and Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Mount the Cowl, Hatch and Spinner . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Balance Propellers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Ground Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

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

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

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

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

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

Fuel Mixture Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

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

Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of the Stinger II .46 ARF!
Whether you’re just purchasing your second or third plane, or
you’re a veteran pilot, the simplicity of the Stinger assembly

and the performance in flight will surely satisfy all. Much
of the building has already been completed at the factory

assuring your Stinger will spend less time on the bench

and more time in the air. Once in the air, the Stinger will

take whatever you throw at it and ask for more. The Stinger

airframe holds up to aggressive flying, but can fly slow and

track straight when asked to.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to
the Great Planes Stinger II .46 ARF visit the Great Planes
web site at www.greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link,
then select the Stinger II .46 ARF. If there is new technical
information or changes to this model a “tech notice” box will
appear in the upper left corner of the page.

AMA

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 Drive

Muncie, IN 47302-9252

Tele. [phone]

Fax [phone]

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.

PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF

& OTHERS… FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Your Stinger II .46 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 Stinger, 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 first-class

condition, and a correctly sized engine and components
(fuel tank, wheels, etc.) throughout the building process.

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

6. You must check the operation of the model before every
flight to ensure that all equipment is operating and that the
model has remained structurally sound. Be sure to check

clevises or other connectors often and replace them if they

show any signs of wear or fatigue.

2

7. 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.

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

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

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

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

This is a partial list of items required to finish the Stinger II
.46 ARF that may require planning or decision making before

starting to build. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

Radio Equipment

The Stinger requires a minimum 4-channel radio system with

five 44 oz.-in. [3.2 kg-cm] minimum standard sized servos.

In addition, two 6" [152mm] servo extensions are required

for the aileron servos. If you are using a radio system that
does not support mixing functions, a Y-harness will also be
required to connect the aileron servos to the receiver.

Recommended part numbers for the radio components are
provided below:

❏

(5) Futaba® S3004 Standard Ball Bearing Servo (FUTM0004)

❏

(2) Hobbico® 6" Extension Futaba J (HCAM2000)

❏

Futaba Dual Servo Extension 6" J (FUTM4130)

❏

Ernst Charge Receptacle Futaba J FM (ERNM3001)

Engine Recommendations

The recommended engine/motor size for the Stinger is a

.46-.55 cu in [7.5-9cc] two-stroke engine or a .70-.72 cu in

[11.5-12cc] four-stroke engine. A pitts muffler is also required.
Choose a propeller based on the engine manufacturer’s
recommendation. Order numbers are provided below:

®

O.S.

❏
❏
❏

.46AX ABL w/Muffler (OSMG0547)

Bisson Pitts Muffler O.S. 55AX (BISG4046)

®

O.S.

FS72-A Ring (OSMG0877)

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Hardware and Accessories

This is the list of hardware and accessories required to finish

the Stinger. Order numbers are provided in parentheses:

R/C foam rubber 1/4" [6mm] (HCAQ1000)

❏

3' [900mm] standard silicone fuel tubing (GPMQ4131)

❏

Adhesives and Building Supplies

This is the list of Adhesives and Building Supplies that are

required to finish the Stinger II .46 ARF:

1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro

❏

Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)

❏

Threadlocker thread locking cement (GPMR6060)

❏

Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)

❏

Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 5/64" [2mm], 3/32" [2.4mm]

❏

Great Planes Tap & Drill Set 6-32 (GPMR8102)

❏

Tap handle (GPMR8120)

❏

Rotary tool with cutting bit

❏

Revell

❏

Top Flite

❏

Top Flite Hot Sock

❏

Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)

❏

Hobbico Steel T-Pins 1" (100) (HCAR5100)

❏

Harry Higley’s 3/16" Extended Drill (HIGR1020)

❏

Small clamps

❏

Masking tape

❏

Household oil

❏

®

Premium Soft Handle Knife w/Blades (5)

(RMXR6900)

®

MonoKote® sealing iron (TOPR2100)

™

CA (GPMR6001)

™

iron cover (TOPR2175)

Optional Supplies and Tools

Here is a list of optional tools that will help you build the
Stinger II .46 ARF:

1/2 oz. [15g] Thick Pro CA- (GPMR6013)

❏

1/2 oz. [15g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007)

❏

2 oz. [57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035)

❏

4 oz. [113g] aerosol CA activator (GPMR6034)

❏

CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)

❏

CA debonder (GPMR6039)

❏

Great Planes Pro Epoxy 6-Minute Formula 4 oz

❏

(GPMR6042)

3

Epoxy brushes 6, (GPMR8060)

❏

Mixing sticks (GPMR8055)

❏

Mixing cups (GPMR8056)

❏

Pliers with wire cutter (HCAR0630)

❏

T.A. Emerald Performance Duster Compressed Air

❏

(TAEC1060)

Servo horn drill (HCAR0698)

❏

Hobby Heat

❏

Dead Center

❏

Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer (TOPQ5700)

❏

AccuThrow

❏

CG Machine

❏

Hobbico Flexible 18" Ruler Stainless Steel (HCAR0460)

❏

Top Flite MonoKote trim seal iron (TOPR2200)

❏

Top Flite MonoKote heat gun (TOPR2000)

❏

Hobbico Pin Vise 1/16 Collet w/6 Bits (HCAR0696)

❏

Hobbico 8-Piece Ball Tip Hex L Wrench SAE

❏

(HCAR0520)

Hobbico 7-Piece Ball Tip Hex L Wrench Metric

❏

(HCAR0521)

Great Planes Clevis Installation Tool (GPMR8030)

❏

™

micro torch II (HCAR0755)

™

Engine Mount Hole Locator (GPMR8130)

™

Deflection Gauge (GPMR2405)

™

(GPMR2400)

Building Stand

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

• When you see the term test fit in the instructions, it means
that you should first position the part on the assembly

without using any glue, and then slightly modify or custom

fit the part as necessary for the best fit.

• Whenever the term glue is written you should rely upon

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

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

• Whenever just epoxy is specified you may use either

30-minute (or 45-minute) epoxy or 6-minute epoxy. When
30-minute epoxy is specified it is highly recommended that
you use only 30-minute (or 45-minute) epoxy, because you
will need the working time and/or the additional strength.

• Photos and sketches are placed before the step they refer
to. Frequently you can study photos in following steps to get
another view of the same parts.

• The stabilizer and wing incidences and engine thrust
angles have been factory-built into this model. However,
some technically-minded modelers may wish to check these
measurements anyway. To view this information visit the web
site at greatplanes.com and click on “Technical Data.” Due
to manufacturing tolerances which will have little or no effect

on the way your model will fly, please expect slight deviations

between your model and the published values.

A building stand or cradle comes in handy during the build.
We use the Robart Super Stand II (ROBP1402) for all our

projects in R&D, and it can be seen in pictures throughout
this manual.

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Stinger II .46 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 Great Planes web site

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

or International dealer.

Parts may also be ordered directly from Hobby Services

by calling [phone], or fax 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 telephone at [phone], or by
e-mail at [e-mail].

4

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

KIT INSPECTION

Order No. Description

GPMA4230
GPMA4231
GPMA4232
GPMA4233
GPMA4234
GPMA4235
GPMA4236
GPMA4237
GPMA4238
GPMA4239

NOTE

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

Full-size plans are not available.
You can download a copy of this
manual at www.greatplanes.com.

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 CONTENTS

2

1

9

4

3

5

10

6

8

7

14 14

11

15

12

13

1. Cowl

2. Fuselage

3. Spinner

4. Fuel Tank

5. Engine Mount

6. Main Landing Gear

7. Main Wheels and Axles

8. Wheel Pants

9. Pushrods

10. Hinges/Hardware

5

11. Horizontal Stabilizer

12. Tail Wheel Assembly

13. Vertical Fin

14. Wing Halves

15. Wing Tube

PREPARATIONS

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

❏

parts of the kit from the box and inspect for damage. If any
parts are damaged or missing, contact Product Support at
the address or telephone number listed in the “Kit Inspection”
section on page 5.

2. Remove the tape and separate all the control surfaces.

❏

Use a covering iron with a covering sock on high heat to

tighten the covering if necessary. Apply pressure over
sheeted areas to thoroughly bond the covering to the wood.

cases as shown. Be sure to reinstall the servo arm screws

into the servos. Install the rubber grommets and eyelets onto
the servo mounting tabs.

ASSEMBLE THE WING

13/32"

[10.5mm]

1. Use your radio system to electronically center the

❏

aileron servos. Choose the best orientation of the arms on the
servo outputs shafts so they are parallel with the servo cases.

Cut three arms from a four-armed servo arm for each aileron

servo so they match the photo in step 2. Enlarge the second
inner hole of each remaining arm with a 5/64" [2mm] drill bit.

5/64" [2mm]

CUT OFF UNUSED ARMS

3. Use the strings taped inside the aileron servo openings

❏

to pull the servo leads through the wing.

2. Center the servos with your radio system and install

❏

the servo arms to the servos perpendicular to the servo

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

❏

[1.6mm] holes through the eyelets on the servos into the
rails. Thread a servo mounting screw (included with the
servo) into each hole and back it out. Apply a drop of thin

CA to each hole to harden the surrounding wood. When the
CA has dried, install the servos into the openings as shown

using the screws supplied with the servos.

6

5. Thread a nylon clevis onto each of the two 6" [152mm]

❏

pushrods 20 complete turns. Slide a silicone clevis retainer

onto the base of each clevis.

CORRECT INCORRECT

Hinge Line Hinge Line

8. With the ailerons in the neutral position (use tape or

❏

small clamps to hold them in place) and the servos centered,
mark the pushrod wires where they cross the second inner
holes in the servo arms.

Servo Horn

2-56 (.074")

Pushrod Wire

FasLink

1/16"

6. Attach a clevis to the outer hole of a large control

❏

horn. Position the control horn onto the aileron, aligning the

pushrod with the second inner hole of the aileron servo arm.
Position the control horn over the plywood plate in the aileron
(if you cannot see it, hold the aileron at a shallow angle in

good lighting or use a small pin to puncture the covering).
When satisfi ed, use a felt-tip pen to mark the location of the
control horn mounting holes onto the aileron. Repeat this

step for the other wing panel.

7. Drill 5/64" [2mm]

❏

holes at the marks you
made. Install the control
horns onto the ailerons
using 2-56 x 5/8" [16mm]
machine screws and
control horn backplates.

9. Make a 90° bend at the mark on each pushrod and cut

❏

off the excess pushrod 1/4" [6mm] beyond the bends. Attach

the pushrods to the servo arms using nylon FasLinks. Thread
the clevises up or down on the pushrods as necessary to

center the ailerons with the servo arms still perpendicular

to the servo cases. When satisfi ed, slide the silicone clevis
retainers to the ends of the clevises to secure them.

10. Attach a 6" [152mm] servo extension to each aileron

❏

servo. Secure the connections using the included pieces of
heat shrink tubing. A heat gun, hair dryer or lighter can be
used to shrink the tubing onto the connections.

7

11. Mix up a small batch of epoxy (6-minute epoxy will

❏

work fi ne) and coat the grooved ends of the nylon anti-

rotation pins. Insert the pins into the root ribs of the wing

panels leaving the smooth ends protruding out 1/2" [13mm].
Wipe away any excess epoxy using a cloth dampened with

denatured alcohol and allow the epoxy to cure undisturbed.

ASSEMBLE THE TAIL SECTION

2. Fit the wings onto the wing tube. The aileron servo

❏

leads should pass through the cutouts in the fuse sides and
the anti-rotation pins fi t into their mating holes in the fuse.

Use the included nylon wing bolts to tighten the wings to the

fuselage.

3. Test fi t the horizontal stabilizer into the stab slot in the

❏

fuselage.

1. Insert the wing tube into the fuselage and center it left

❏

and right.

4. Insert the vertical fi n into the slot on the top of the

❏

fuselage. The tab at the bottom of the fi n fi ts into the slot in
the stabilizer which will align the position of the stabilizer in
the fuselage.

8

5. Stand back 15-20ft [5-6m] and check to be sure the stab

❏

is parallel to the wing. If necessary, adjust the stab saddle as

needed by lightly sanding it until the stab and wing are parallel.
Weight can also be added to the high side of the stab to bring

it parallel with the wing. Also confi rm that the vertical fi n is

square to the stab. If not, make note of this and be prepared

to use some masking tape to pull the vertical fi n square with

the stab when gluing the parts in place in the next step.

6. Mix up approximately 3/8 oz [10cc] of 30-minute epoxy.

❏

Coat the exposed wood on the horizontal stab with epoxy

as well as the inside of the stab slot in the fuselage. Fit

the stab into the stab slot and wipe away any excess epoxy
with alcohol. Coat the exposed wood on the vertical fi n and

install it into the fuselage. Thoroughly clean the tail section
with alcohol and take another step back to view the model

from behind. Add weight to one side of the stab if necessary

to bring it parallel with the wing and use tape to pull the
fi n square with the stab if necessary. When satisfi ed, let the
epoxy completely cure undisturbed.

7. You can now remove the wing panels and set them aside.

❏

9. To prevent epoxy from hardening in the tail wheel wire

❏

tab, apply some oil (household oil works fi ne) to both ends

of the tab hinge.

10. Test fi t the tail wheel wire into the rudder as shown.

❏

TEMPORARY PIN

TO KEEP HINGE

CENTERED

DRILL A 5/64" [2mm] HOLE,

3/8" [9.5mm] DEEP, IN CENTER

OF HINGE SLOT

CUT THE COVERING

AWAY FROM THE SLOT

8. Prepare the rudder hinge slots by drilling a 3/32"

❏

[2.4mm] hole 1/2" [13mm] deep in the center of each hinge

slot in the vertical fi n (and fuselage) and rudder. Use a sharp

hobby knife to carefully cut away the covering just around
each hinge slot.

11. Fit a CA hinge into each hinge slot in the rudder. If

❏

the hinges are diffi cult to install, use a hobby knife to slightly

enlarge the slots. Push a pin (T-pins work well for this)

through the middle of each hinge to keep them centered.

9

12. Test fi t the rudder to the fuselage by inserting the

❏

other sides of the hinges into their mating slots and the nylon

tab on the tail wheel wire into the larger slot at the bottom of

the fuse. If necessary, use a hobby knife to enlarge the hinge

slots to more easily accept the hinges.

INSTALL THE TAIL PUSHRODS

AND SERVOS

1. Thread a nylon clevis onto each of the 27" [686mm]

❏

pushrods along with silicone clevis retainers. Attach the
clevis of one pushrod to the outer hole of a large control horn.
Insert the pushrod into the elevator pushrod exit slot. Use

the pushrod to position the control horn onto the underside
of the right elevator half with the holes aligned over the hinge

line and mark the location of the control horn mounting holes.

Drill 5/64" [2mm] holes at your marks and install the control

horn using two 2-56 x 1/2" [13mm] screws and a control

horn backplate.

13. When satisfi ed with the fi t, remove the rudder from

❏

the fuse and remove the tail wheel wire from the rudder. Mix
up a small batch of epoxy and apply a light coating to the

end of the tail wheel wire that fi ts into the rudder and also

to both sides of the nylon tab. Reinstall the rudder onto the
fuse (using the CA hinges) taking care to wipe away any

excess epoxy with alcohol. Remove the pins from the hinges

and position the rudder against the TE of the fi n. The hinge
gap between the rudder and fi n should only be wide enough
to allow a small line of light through. When satisfi ed, apply
6 drops of thin CA glue to the center of each hinge on both

sides (the hinges will hold the rudder in place while the
epoxy on the tail wheel wire and tab hardens). When the
CA has dried, gently pull on the rudder to confi rm that it is

securely glued in place.

2. Trim the bottom corner from the rudder control horn

❏

(small control horn). Install the control horn onto the left side
of the rudder using two 2-56 x 1/2" [13mm] machine screws

in the same manner as you did with the elevators.

10

3. Trim three arms from two four-arm servo arms. Center

❏

the servos using your radio system and install the arms onto

the servos in the orientation shown being sure to reinstall

the servo arm screws. Align the second inner hole of the
elevator servo arm with the elevator pushrod and mount the

servo to the servo tray. Align the outer hole of the rudder

servo arm with the rudder pushrod and mount the rudder

servo to the tray in the same manner.

ASSEMBLE AND INSTALL

THE LANDING GEAR

1. Install an axle into each main landing gear leg and

❏

tightly secure them using 7/32"-28 nuts.

4. Use tape or small clamps to hold the elevators and

❏

rudder in the neutral position. As you did with the ailerons,

mark where the pushrods cross the holes in the servo arms

referenced in the previous step.

5. Make 90° bends at your marks and cut off the excess

❏

pushrod 1/4" [6mm] beyond the bends. Connect the pushrods

to the tail servos using nylon FasLinks.

2. Slide a plastic spacer followed by a wheel and then

❏

a 5/32" [4mm] wheel collar onto each axle. Apply thread
locking compound to two 6-32 set screws and screw them
into the wheel collars. Tighten the set screws against the fl at
spots on the axles being sure that the wheels rotate freely. A

couple drops of oil to each axle is recommended.

3. Install the wheel pants onto the landing gear legs

❏

with four 2-56 x 3/8" [9.5mm] machine screws, four #2 lock
washers and thread locking compound.

11

4. Mount the main landing gear to the fuselage using four

❏

6-32 x 3/4" [19mm] screws, four #6 fl at washers, four #6 lock
washers and thread locking compound.

included). The tank can also be assembled as a three line
system having a vent line, carb line, and fi ll line. If installing

a fi ll line, puncture the top of the stopper above the sealed
off fuel tube hole. The fi ll and carb lines should extend out
1/2" [13mm] beyond the stopper and the vent line should be

bent upwards and left uncut. With the tubes installed in the

stopper, fi t the stopper plates loosely in place with the 3 x

25mm phillips screw to hold the assembly together.

2. Fit the stopper assembly into the tank with the vent line

❏

pointing toward the top of the tank, but not touching. The

fuel tubing and clunks (fuel pickup) on the carb and fi ll lines

should almost reach the back of the tank but not touch. The
clunks must be able to move freely inside the tank when

assembled. Adjust the length of the fuel tubing accordingly.
When satisfi ed, tighten the 3x25mm screw in the stopper to

secure it in place (do not over-tighten). Mark the side of the

tank that must face up when installed in the plane, and we

also suggest marking the tubes in the stopper.

5. Install the tail wheel onto the tail wheel wire and secure

❏

it in place with a 3/32" [2.4mm] wheel collar and 4-40 set
screw. Oil the axle as necessary.

INSTALL THE ENGINE

1. The fuel tank can be assembled as a two line system

❏

consisting of a vent (pressure) line to the muffl er and a
carb line. Filling and emptying of the tank would need to be

done through the carb line, or an optional fuel fi ll valve (not

3. Make a 10" [254mm] strap from the included hook

❏

and loop material by overlapping the mating ends of two 6"

[152mm] pieces of strap by approximately 1" [25mm].

12

4. Cut a piece of 1/4" [6mm] foam rubber (not included)

❏

and place it on the fuel tank tray. Insert the hook and loop
strap through the slots in the fuel tank tray. Fit the fuel tank
through the hole in the fi rewall (with the correct side of the
tank facing up) and use the strap to tightly secure the tank
to the tray.

5. Connect a 6-7" [152-178mm] piece of standard fuel

❏

tubing to each tube protruding from the fuel tank.

6. Install the engine mount side mounted to the fi rewall

❏

using four 6-32 x 1" [25mm] machine screws, four #6 fl at

washers, four #6 lock washers and thread locking compound.

Leave the screws slightly loose. Test fi t your engine between
the mount halves. Slide the mount halves against the sides

of the engine and fi nish tightening the mount screws.

7. Position the front of the engine drive washer 4-1/2"

❏

[114mm] from the front of the fi rewall. Mark the location of

the engine mount holes onto the mount rails using a Dead
Center Hole Locator. Remove the engine from the mount

and use a 6-32 tap and drill set to create threads in the four

mounting holes. Attach the engine to the mount using four

6-32 x 3/4" [19mm] screws, four #6 fl at washers and four #6

lock washers.

13

8. Install a muffl er onto the engine. We used a Bisson pitts

❏

muffl er (BISG4046).

outer hole in the remaining arm and secure it in place with

a nylon screw-lock connector retainer. Loosely install a 4-40

set screw into the screw-lock pushrod connector. Install the

throttle servo onto the throttle servo tray using the hardware

supplied with the servo.

11. Drill a 3/16" [4.8mm] hole in the fi rewall inline with the

❏

throttle arm on the carburetor. An extra long drill bit is very

useful for this step (drill bit HIGR102 is shown) Be sure that
you do not drill into the fuel tank (if in doubt, unstrap the tank

from the tray and move it aside when drilling the hole).

9. Cut the fuel tubing coming from the tank to the proper

❏

length and connect the pressure and carb lines to the engine.

The fi ll line (if installed) should be plugged with the included

fuel line plug. A plywood fi ll line clip is included and is glued
together as shown. Be sure to fuel proof the clip with lacquer,

epoxy, or CA glue. Glue the clip in the location shown and

route the fi ll line through the clip.

10. Cut fi ve arms from a six-armed servo arm included

❏

with your throttle servo. Center the servo with your radio

system (50% throttle) and install the arm inline with the
middle case. Install a screw-lock pushrod connector into the

12. Insert the included outer pushrod tube through the

❏

fi rewall leaving it approximately 1-1/4" [32mm] from the

throttle servo arm. Mark the tube 1/4" [6mm] in front of

the fi rewall and cut it to length. Sand the pushrod where it

passes through the fi rewall and clean it with alcohol.

14

FINISH THE MODEL

Install the Receiver and Battery

1. Wrap your receiver and receiver battery pack in foam

❏

rubber. Make a strap from the remainder of the included

hook and loop material to fi t both of the components when

stacked. Strap the receiver and pack to the tray as shown.
Connect the rudder, elevator and throttle servos to the

receiver. Connect a Y-harness to your aileron channel.

13. Thread a nylon clevis with silicone clevis retainer

❏

onto the 17-1/2" [445mm] pushrod. Insert the pushrod

into the outer pushrod tube. The aft end of the pushrod

should pass through the screw-lock connector. Attach the
clevis to the throttle arm. Adjust the pushrod position in the
connector so that the throttle servo properly opens and
closes the carburetor. When satisfi ed, tighten the set screw

in the connector against the pushrod and cut off the excess

pushrod behind the connector. Use the radio system to test

the operation of the throttle.

2. Mount your switch harness and charge jack to the

❏

fuselage side in the location that you prefer.

14. Use the plywood pushrod clip to secure the outer

❏

pushrod tube to the fuselage former in the location shown.
Thoroughly glue the clip in place. Apply some CA glue where

the outer pushrod tube passes through the fi rewall.

3. The remaining piece of heat shrink should be used for

❏

the connection between your receiver battery and switch
harness. Use tie straps (not included) or something similar
to bundle the excess servo wires out of the way of the servos.

15

4. A receiver antenna tube is provided if you are using an

❏

FM receiver.

5. Scrap pieces of fuel tubing can be used to support

❏

the ends of 2.4GHz receiver antennas in the orientation

described in the radio manual.

2. Make a template of your engine head onto thick paper or

❏

card stock. The cutout in the template should be approximately
1/4" [6mm] larger on all sides than the engine head. Tape the

template to the fuselage side so the cutout in the template is
aligned over the engine head.

Mount the Cowl, Hatch and Spinner

1. If you are using the recommended engine and muffl er,

❏

cut a section from the underside of the cowl using the

dimensions shown. (Adjust the dimensions accordingly if

using a different engine and/or muffl er.)

3. In order to fi t the cowl onto the fuselage, the engine

❏

will need to be temporarily removed from the fi rewall so the

head does not interfere. Just the cylinder head can also be
temporarily removed if you are comfortable doing so. Now fi t
the cowl to the fuselage. Temporarily fi t the spinner backplate

onto the engine crankshaft. Align the front of the cowl with

the backplate leaving a 3/32" [2.4mm] space between it and
the backplate and tape the cowl in place (or have a helper
give you a hand). Use a felt-tip pen and trace the outline of
the engine head cutout onto the cowl.

16

4. Remove the cowl from the fuse. A rotary tool is

❏

recommended for cutting the cowl for the engine head. Make

any other necessary cutouts in the cowl such as access

for the needle valve. Replace the engine on the fi rewall (or
cylinder head).

secure it using two 2-56 x 3/4" [19mm] machine screws and
two #2 fl at washers.

7. Install the spinner back plate, propeller, prop washer

❏

and nut onto the engine crankshaft. Test fi t the spinner cone
onto the backplate. Enlarge the blade slots in the spinner
cone if necessary using a rotary tool or hobby knife. Be sure

that the prop blades do not touch the spinner cone. When

satisfi ed, install the spinner cone onto the backplate using

the included spinner screws.

5. Return the cowl to the fi rewall and tape it in place again

❏

being sure to align the front of the cowl with the spinner
backplate. The cowl should be spaced 3/32" [2.4mm] behind
the backplate. Drill 1/16" [1.6mm] holes through the cowl and
into the three cowl mounting blocks. Drill two additional holes
near the bottom of the cowl on both sides 1/4" [6mm] from
the aft edge of the cowl. Remove the cowl once more and
thread a #2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] screw into each hole and back it

out. Apply a drop of thin CA to each hole. Enlarge the holes

in the cowl with a 3/32" [2.4mm] drill bit. Mount the cowl
using fi ve #2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] screws and fi ve #2 fl at washers.

8. That completes the assembly of the Stinger II .46 ARF!

❏

Apply the Decals

1. Use scissors or a sharp hobby knife to cut the decals from

the sheet.

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

and dust. Prepare a dishpan or small bucket with a mixture
of liquid dish soap and warm water—about one teaspoon of

soap per gallon of water. Submerse the decal in the soap and
water and peel off the paper backing. Note: Even though the

decals have a “sticky-back” and are not the water transfer

type, submersing them in soap & water allows accurate

positioning and reduces air bubbles underneath.

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.

6. Trim the covering from the canopy hatch screw holes

❏

in the fuselage. Fit the canopy hatch to the fuselage and

17

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY

These are the recommended control surface throws:

HIGH RATE LOW RATE

Check the Control Directions

1. Turn on the transmitter and receiver and center the

❏

trims. If necessary, remove the servo arms from the servos
and reposition them so they are centered. Reinstall the
screws that hold on the servo arms.

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

❏

control surfaces to see if they are centered. If necessary, adjust

the clevises on the pushrods to center the control surfaces.

4-CHANNEL RADIO SET UP

(STANDARD MODE 2)

RIGHT AILERON

RUDDER

MOVES

RIGHT

FULL

THROTTLE

MOVES UP
LEFT AILERON
MOVES DOWN

ELEVATOR
MOVES DOWN

ELEVATOR

RUDDER

AILERONS

Up

3/4"

[19mm]

15°

Right

2-5/8"

[67mm]

31°

Up

15/16"

[24mm]

15°

Down

3/4"

[19mm]

15°

Left

2-5/8"

[67mm]

31°

Down

15/16"

[24mm]

15°

Up

5/8"

[16mm]

12°

Right

1"

[25mm]

11°

Up

5/8"

[16mm]

10°

Down

5/8"

[16mm]

12°

Left

1"

[25mm]

11°

Down

5/8"

[16mm]

10°

IMPORTANT: The Stinger has been extensively fl own and

tested to arrive at the throws at which it fl ies best. Flying
your model at these throws will provide you with the greatest
chance for successful fi rst fl ights. If, after you have become

accustomed to the way the Stinger fl ies, you would like to
change the throws to suit your taste, that is fi ne. However,

too much control throw could make the model diffi cult to
control, so remember, “more is not always better.”

3. Make cer tain 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.

Set the Control Throws

Use a Great Planes AccuThrow (or a ruler) to accurately

measure and set the control throw of each control surface as
indicated in the chart that follows. If your radio does not have
dual rates, we recommend setting the throws at the low rate
setting. NOTE: The throws are measured at the widest part

of the elevators, rudder and ailerons.

Additional note about ailerons: We strongly suggest you
fl y with low rate ailerons for the fi rst few fl ights to become

accustom to the Stinger II. The high rate aileron has an

aggressive roll rate at faster speeds. If you choose to fl y with

high rate ailerons, plan your fi rst few maneuvers at altitude.

Balance the Model (C.G.)

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

At this stage the model should be in ready-to-fl y condition
with all of the systems in place including the engine or

brushless motor, landing gear, and the radio system (and

battery pack if applicable).

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

❏

mark the C.G. on the bottom of the wing on both sides of the

fuselage. The C.G. is located 3-1/4" [83mm] back from the

leading edge of the wing.

18

This is where your model should balance for the fi rst
fl ights. Later, you may wish to experiment by shifting the
C.G. up to 1/2" [13mm] forward or 1/2" [13mm] back to
change the fl ying characteristics. Moving the C.G. forward
may improve the smoothness and stability, but the model
may then require more speed for takeoff and make it more
diffi cult to slow for landing. Moving the C.G. aft makes
the model more maneuverable, but could also cause it to
become too diffi cult to control. In any case, start at the
recommended balance point and do not at any time
balance the model outside the specifi ed range.

Balance the Model Laterally

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

❏

model by the engine propeller shaft and the bottom of the

fuse under the TE of the fi n. Do this several times.

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

❏

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

laterally balanced will track better in loops and other

maneuvers.

PREFLIGHT

Identify Your Model

No matter if you fl y at an AMA sanctioned R/C club site or

if you fl y somewhere on your own, you should always have
your name, address, telephone number and AMA number
on or inside your model. It is required at all AMA R/C club
fl ying sites and AMA sanctioned fl ying events. Fill out the

identifi cation tag on page 23 (or on the decal sheet) and

place it on or inside your model.

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

❏

model installed (ready to fl y) and an empty fuel tank, place
the model on a Great Planes CG Machine, or lift it at the
balance point you marked.

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

❏

pack and/or receiver must be shifted forward or weight must
be added to the nose to balance. If the nose drops, the
model is “nose heavy” and the battery pack and/or receiver
must be shifted aft or weight must be added to the tail to
balance. If possible, relocate the battery pack and receiver
to minimize or eliminate any additional ballast required. If
additional weight is required, nose weight may be easily
added by using a “spinner weight” (GPMQ4645 for the 1 oz.
[28g] weight, or GPMQ4646 for the 2 oz. [57g] weight). If
spinner weight is not practical or is not enough, use Great

Planes (GPMQ4485) “stick-on” lead. A good place to add

stick-on nose weight is to the fi rewall (don’t attach weight
to the cowl—it is not intended to support weight). Begin by
placing incrementally increasing amounts of weight on the

bottom of the fuse over the fi rewall until the model balances.
Once you have determined the amount of weight required, it
can be permanently attached. If required, tail weight may be

added by cutting open the bottom of the fuse and gluing it

permanently inside.

Charge the Batteries

Follow the battery charging instructions that came with your

radio control system to charge the batteries. You should
always charge your transmitter and receiver batteries the night
before you go fl ying, and at other times as recommended by
the radio manufacturer.

CAUTION: Unless the instructions that came with your
radio system state differently, the initial charge on new
transmitter and 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 fl ying with
batteries that are only partially charged.

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

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

❏

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

19

Balance Propellers

Carefully balance your propeller and spare propellers before
you fl y. An unbalanced prop can be the single most signifi cant
cause of vibration that can damage your model. Not only
will engine mounting screws and bolts loosen, possibly with

disastrous effect, but vibration may also damage your radio

receiver and battery. Vibration can also cause your fuel to

foam, which will, in turn, cause your engine to run hot or quit.

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

Ground Check

If the engine is new, follow the engine manufacturer’s

instructions to break-in the engine. After break-in, confi rm

that the engine idles reliably, transitions smoothly and rapidly

to full power and maintains full power—indefi nitely. After you

run the engine on the model, inspect the model closely to

make sure all screws remained tight, the hinges are secure,

the prop is secure and all pushrods and connectors are secure.

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 fl ames, as fuel is very fl ammable. Do not smoke
near the engine or fuel; and remember that engine exhaust
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.

• 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.

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

• Use a “chicken stick” or electric starter to start the engine.
Do not use your fi ngers to fl ip the propeller. Make certain
the glow plug clip or connector is secure so that it will not
pop off or otherwise get into the running propeller.

• Make all engine adjustments from behind the rotating
propeller.

• The engine gets hot! Do not touch it during or right after

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

• To stop a glow engine, cut off the fuel supply by closing

off the fuel line or following the engine manufacturer’s
recommendations. Do not use hands, fi ngers or any other
body part to try to stop the engine. Do not throw anything
into the propeller of a running engine.

Range Check

Ground check the operational range of your radio before

the fi rst fl ight of the day. With the transmitter antenna

collapsed and the receiver and transmitter on, you should

be able to walk at least 100 feet away from the model and
still have control (if using a 2.4GHz radio system, refer to
the radio manual for the range checking procedure). Have
an assistant stand by your model and, while you work the

controls, tell you what the control surfaces are doing. Repeat

this test with the engine running at various speeds with an

assistant holding the model, using hand signals to show you
what is happening. If the control surfaces do not respond
correctly, do not fl y! Find and correct the problem fi rst. Look

for loose servo connections or broken wires, corroded wires
on old servo connectors, poor solder joints in your battery

pack or a defective cell, or a damaged receiver crystal from

a previous crash.

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 fl y my model aircraft in sanctioned events, air shows,
or model fl ying demonstrations until it has been proven to be

airworthy by having been previously, successfully fl ight tested.

2) I will not fl y my model aircraft higher than approximately

400 feet within 3 miles of an airport without notifying the

airport operator. I will give right-of-way and avoid fl ying in the
proximity of full-scale aircraft. Where necessary, an observer
shall be utilized to supervise fl ying to avoid having models fl y
in the proximity of full-scale aircraft.

20

3) Where established, I will abide by the safety rules for the
fl ying site I use, and I will not willfully and deliberately fl y my

models in a careless, reckless and/or dangerous manner.

5) I will not fl y my model unless it is identifi ed with my name

and address or AMA number, on or in the model. Note: This

does not apply to models while being fl own indoors.

7) I will not operate models with pyrotechnics (any device

that explodes, burns, or propels a projectile of any kind).

Radio Control

1) I will have completed a successful radio equipment ground
check before the fi rst fl ight of a new or repaired model.

2) I will not fl y my model aircraft in the presence of spectators

until I become a qualifi ed fl ier, unless assisted by an
experienced helper.

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

the aircraft are allowed at or in the front of the fl ight line.
Intentional fl ying behind the fl ight line is prohibited.

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

5) I will not knowingly operate my model within three

miles of any pre-existing fl 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 fl ight; nor should any part of the

model other than the landing gear, intentionally touch

the ground, except while landing.

CHECK LIST

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

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

in the manual.

❏ 2. Be certain the battery and receiver are securely

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

❏ 3. Extend your receiver antenna.
❏ 4. Balance your model laterally as explained in the instructions.
❏ 5. Use threadlocking compound to secure critical fasteners

such as the set screws that hold the wheel axles to the
struts, screws that hold the carburetor arm (if applicable),
screw-lock pushrod connectors, etc.

❏ 6. Add a drop of oil to the axles so the wheels will turn freely.
❏ 7. Make sure all hinges are securely glued in place.
❏ 8. Reinforce holes for wood screws with thin CA where

appropriate (servo mounting screws, cowl mounting
screws, etc.).

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

and the throws are set up according to the manual.

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

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

❏ 11. Secure connections between servo wires and Y-connectors

or servo extensions, and the connection between your battery
pack and the on/off switch with vinyl tape, heat shrink tubing
or special clips suitable for that purpose.

❏ 12. Make sure any servo extension cords you may have

used do not interfere with other systems (servo arms,

pushrods, etc.).

❏ 13. Secure the pressure tap (if used) to the muffl er with high

temp RTV silicone, thread locking compound or J.B. Weld.

❏ 14. Make sure the fuel lines are connected and are not kinked.
❏ 15. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
❏ 16. Tighten the propeller nut and spinner.
❏ 17. Place your name, address, AMA number and telephone

number on or inside your model.

❏ 18. Cycle your receiver battery pack (if necessary) and

make sure it is fully charged.

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

your fi rst fl ight.

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

21

FLYING

Takeoff

The Stinger II .46 ARF is a great-fl ying model that fl ies

smoothly and predictably. The Stinger does not, however,

possess the self-recovery characteristics of a primary R/C

trainer and should be fl own only by experienced R/C pilots.

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

Before you get ready to takeoff, see how the model handles
on the ground by doing a few practice runs at low speeds
on the runway. Hold “up” elevator to keep the tail wheel on

the ground. If necessary, adjust the tail wheel so the model
will roll straight down the runway. If you need to calm your

nerves before the maiden fl ight, shut the engine down and

bring the model back into the pits. Top off the fuel, then check

all fasteners and control linkages for peace of mind.

Remember to takeoff into the wind. When you’re ready,

point the model straight down the runway, hold a bit of

up elevator to keep the tail on the ground to maintain tail
wheel steering, then gradually advance the throttle. As the

model gains speed decrease up elevator allowing the tail to
come off the ground. One of the most important things to

remember with a tail dragger is to always be ready to apply

right rudder to counteract engine torque. Gain as much

speed as your runway and fl ying site will practically allow

before gently applying up elevator, lifting the model into the

air. At this moment it is likely that you will need to apply more

right rudder to counteract engine torque. Be smooth on the
elevator stick, allowing the model to establish a gentle climb

to a safe altitude before turning into the traffi c pattern.

Flight

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

good idea to have an assistant on the fl ight line with you. Tell

him to remind you to throttle back once the plane gets to a
comfortable altitude. While full throttle is usually desirable for

takeoff, most models fl y more smoothly at reduced speeds.

Take it easy with the Stinger for the fi rst few fl ights, gradually

getting acquainted with it as you gain confi dence. Adjust the

trims to maintain straight and level fl ight. After fl ying around

for a while and while still at a safe altitude with plenty of fuel,

practice slow fl ight and execute practice landing approaches

by reducing the throttle to see how the model handles at

slower speeds. Add power to see how the model climbs as
well. Continue to fl y around, executing various maneuvers

and making mental notes (or having your assistant write

them down) of what trim or C.G. changes may be required

to fi ne tune the model so it fl ies the way you like. Mind your

fuel level, but use this fi rst fl ight to become familiar with your

model before landing.

22

Landing

This model belongs to:

To initiate a landing approach, lower the throttle while on

the downwind leg. Allow the nose of the model to pitch
downward to gradually bleed off altitude. Continue to lose
altitude, but maintain airspeed by keeping the nose down
as you turn onto the crosswind leg. Make your fi nal turn
toward the runway (into the wind) keeping the nose down to
maintain airspeed and control. Level the attitude when the
model reaches the runway threshold, modulating the throttle

as necessary to maintain your glide path and airspeed. If
you are going to overshoot, smoothly advance the throttle
(always ready on the right rudder to counteract torque) and
climb out to make another attempt. When you’re ready to

make your landing fl are and the model is a foot or so off the

deck, smoothly increase up elevator until it gently touches

down. Once the model is on the runway and has lost fl ying

speed, hold up elevator to place the tail on the ground,

regaining tail wheel control.

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

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

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

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

importantly so you do not surprise yourself by impulsively

attempting a maneuver and suddenly fi nding that you’ve run
out of time, altitude or airspeed. Every maneuver should be

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

loop, check your altitude, mind the wind direction (anticipating

rudder corrections that will be required to maintain heading),

remember to throttle back at the top, and make certain you

are on the desired rates (high/low rates). A fl ight plan greatly

reduces the chances of crashing your model just because
of poor planning and impulsive moves. Remember to think.

Have a ball!

But always stay in control and fl y in a safe manner.

GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!

Name

Address

City, State, Zip

Phone Number

AMA Number

23