Great Planes GPMA1025 User 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. Fur ther, 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.
READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING
CONSTRUCTION. IT CONT AINS IMPOR TANT
INSTRUCTIONS
AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND
USE OF THIS MODEL.
GPMZ0238 for GPMA1025 V1.1 Entire Contents © Copyright 2002
1610 Interstate Drive Champaign, IL 61822
(217) 398-8970, Ext. 2
airsupport@greatplanes.com
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Wingspan: 55 in [1400mm]
Wing Area: 568 sq in [36.6 dm
2
]
Weight: 4.8 to 5.3 lbs [2180 to 2410g]
Wing Loading: 19.5 to 21.5 oz/sq ft [59 to 66 g/dm
2
]
Length: 54 in [1370mm]
Radio: 4-Channel (5 servos)
Engine: .40 - .51 cu in [6.5 - 8.5cc] two-stroke, .52 – .70 cu in
[8.5 - 11.5cc] four-stroke
™
INTRODUCTION................................................................2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS..................................................2
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED ....................................3
Hardware & Accessories....................................................3
Adhesives & Building Supplies ..........................................3
Optional Supplies & Tools ..................................................3
IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES ......................................4
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS ..............................5
METRIC CONVERSIONS..................................................5
METRIC/INCH RULER ......................................................5
KIT CONTENTS ................................................................6
PREPARATIONS................................................................7
ASSEMBLE THE WING ....................................................7
Attach the Ailerons ............................................................7
Join the Wing......................................................................9
Mount the Wing on the Fuselage ....................................10
ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE ........................................12
Install the Tail Surfaces ....................................................12
Engine Installation............................................................15
Radio Installation ..............................................................16
Installing the Cowl............................................................18
Installing the Landing Gear..............................................20
Finish the Cockpit ............................................................20
Apply the Decals..............................................................20
GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY..................................21
Check the Control Directions ..........................................21
Set the Control Throws ....................................................21
Balance the Model (C.G.) ................................................22
Balance the Model Laterally ............................................22
PREFLIGHT ....................................................................23
Identify Your Model ..........................................................23
Charge the Batteries........................................................23
Balance the Propeller ......................................................23
Ground Check..................................................................23
Range Check....................................................................23
ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ................................23
AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpt)......................................24
CHECK LIST ....................................................................24
FLYING ............................................................................25
Fuel Mixture Adjustments ................................................25
Takeoff..............................................................................25
Flight ................................................................................25
Landing ............................................................................25
ENGINE SPACING TEMPLATE ........BACK COVER PAGE
ENGINE MOUNT TEMPLATE ..........BACK COVER PAGE
The Great Planes Venus 40 ARF is a versatile airplane
designed for pattern training and sport flying.The Venus 40
ARF is neutrally stable. That means that it will stay in
whatever position you put it in as long as it has enough
flying speed.The model exhibits no roll or pitch coupling on
knife edge when the C.G. is located at the recommended
point. On low rates, this airplane likes doing large, smooth
maneuvers, which is perfect for practicing all those
precision aerobatic maneuvers. On high rates, it hovers
great and does torque rolls with a .70 4-stroke.All in all, this
airplane is a low cost approach to pattern aerobatics that
will give you many hours of fun.
For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
Great Planes Venus 40 ARF visit the web site listed below
and select the Great Planes Venus 40 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.
http://www.greatplanes.com/airplanes/index.html
1. Your Great Planes Venus 40 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 Venus 40 ARF, if not
assembled and operated correctly, could possibly cause
injury to you 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 insure that all equipment is operating and that the
model has remained structurally sound. Be sure to check
clevises or other connectors often and replace them if they
show any signs of wear or fatigue.
7. If you are not already an experienced R/C pilot, you
should fly the model only with the help of a competent,
experienced R/C pilot.
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 extreme 3D flying, the modeler is responsible for
taking steps to reinforce the high stress points.
PRO TECT YOUR MODEL,Y OURSELF
& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE
IMPORTANT SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS
INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
9. Remove the identification tag from the decal sheet, fill it
out and place it on or inside the model.
Remember: Take your time and follow the instructions
to end up with a well-built model that is straight
and true.
If you 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.
In addition to joining an R/C club, we strongly recommend
you join the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics). AMA
membership is required to fly at AMA sanctioned clubs.
There are over 2,500 AMA chartered clubs across the
country .Among other benefits, the AMA provides insurance
to its members who fly at sanctioned sites and events.
Additionally, training programs and instructors are available
at AMA club sites to help you get started the right way.
Contact the AMA at the address or toll-free telephone
number below:
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302-9252
Tele. (800) 435-9262
Fax (765) 741-0057
Or via the Internet at: http://www.modelaircraft.org
This is the list of hardware and accessories required to
finish the Venus 40 ARF. Order numbers are provided in
parentheses.
❏ 1/2 oz. Thin Pro
™
CA (GPMR6001)
❏ .40 to .51 2-Stroke or .52 to .70 4-stroke engine
❏ Suitable propellers
(refer to the engine manufacturer’s
recommendations)
❏ 3' Medium fuel tubing (GPMQ4131)
❏ Switch and charge jack mounting set (GPMM1000)
❏ Williams Brothers 1/5 scale standard pilot
(WBRQ2477)
❏ R/C f oam rubber (1/4"-HCAQ1000, or 1/2" HCA Q1050)
❏ Great Planes Aluminum Fuel Line Plug (GPMQ4166)
If you plan to use a non-computer radio you will also need:
❏ 4-channel radio with five servos (two aileron servos)
❏ Y-harness for dual aileron servos (HCAM2500 for
Futaba®J)
If you plan to use a computer radio you will also need:
❏ 5-channel radio with five servos (two aileron servos)
❏ (2) 6" Servo extension cords (HCAM2000 for Futaba
J)
In addition to common household tools and hobby tools, this
is the “short list” of the most important items required to
build the Venus 40 ARF.
Great Planes Pro™CA and Epoxy
glues are recommended.
❏ Top Flite
®
MonoKote®sealing iron (TOPR2100)
❏ Top Flite Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)
❏ 1/2 oz. Thin Pro CA (GPMR6001)
❏ 1/2 oz. Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007)
❏ 30-Minute Epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏ Pacer Canopy Glue Formula 560 (PAAR3300)
❏ Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❏ #11 blades (HCAR0211)
❏ Small T-pins (HCAR5100)
❏ Builder’s triangle (HCAR0480)
❏ Electric drill and 1/16" [1.6mm], 3/32" [2.4mm], 7/64"
[2.8 mm], 5/32" [4 mm] drill bits.
❏ Small phillips and flat blade screwdrivers
❏ Pliers with a wire cutter (HCAR0630)
❏ 6-32 Tap and drill set (GPMR8102)
❏ Great Planes Pro Thread Locking Compound
(GPMR6060)
❏ Heat shrink tubing (GPMM1060)
❏ Curved-tip Canopy Scissors (for trimming plastic
parts, HCAR0667)
Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the Great Planes Venus 40 ARF.
❏ Easy Fueler
™
fuel filling valve for glow fuel
(GPMQ4160)
❏Top Flite MonoKote heat gun (TOPR2000)
❏ Great Planes CG Machine
™
(GPMR2400)
❏Top Flite Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer
™
(TOPQ5700)
❏Top Flite Hot Sock
™
iron cover (TOPR2175)
❏ Hobbico Hot Knife
™
(HACR0770)
❏ Straightedge with scale (HCAR0475)
Optional Supplies & Tools
Adhesives & Building Supplies
Hardware & Accessories
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED
We, as the kit manuf acturer , pro vide you with a top quality
kit 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.
3
❏ Cutting mat (HCAR0456)
❏ CA Debonder (GPMR6039)
❏ CA Applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❏ CA accelerator (GPMR6034)
❏ 6-Minute epoxy (GPMR6045)
❏ Epoxy brushes (GPMR8060)
❏ Mixing sticks (GPMR8055)
❏ Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❏ Non-elastic monofilament or Kevlar
®
fishing line (for
stab alignment)
❏ Rotary tool such as a Dremel
®
Multi-Tool™(for
fiberglass cowl)
❏ Dead Center
™
Engine Mount Hole Locator
(GPMR8130)
❏Great Planes AccuThrow
™
Deflection Gauge (for
measuring
control throws, GPMR2405)
❏ Hobbico Servo Horn Drill (HCAR0698)
❏ Great Planes Plan Protector (GPMR6167)
❏ Great Planes Groove Tube
™
(GPMR8140)
❏ Robart Superstand II (ROBP1402)
❏ Paper towels
• There are two types of screws used in this kit:
Sheet metal screws are designated by a number and a
length. For example #6 x 3/4" [19mm].
This is a number six (6) screw that is 3/4" [19mm] long.
Machine screws are designated by a number, threads per
inch, and a length.For example 4-40 x 3/4" [19mm].SHCS
is just an abbreviation for “socket head cap screw” which is
a machine screw with a socket head.
This is a number four (4) screw that is 3/4" [19mm] long
with forty (40) threads per inch.
• 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, then slightly modify or
custom fit
the part as necessar y 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 (or45-minute) epoxy or6-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 Great Planes Venus 40 ARF is factory-covered with
Top Flite
®
MonoKote®film. Should repairs ever be required,
MonoKote can be patched with additional MonoKote
purchased separately. MonoKote is packaged in six-foot
rolls, but some hobby shops also sell it by the foot.If only a
small piece of MonoKote is needed for a minor patch,
perhaps a fellow modeler would give you some. MonoKote
is applied with a model airplane covering iron, but in an
emergency a regular iron could be used. A roll of MonoKote
includes full instructions for application. Following are the
colors used on this model and order numbers for six foot
rolls.
Tr ue Red – TOPQ0227
Jet White – TOPQ0204
Cub Yellow – TOPQ0220
Teal – TOPQ0223
Royal Blue – TOPQ0221
Circus Pink – TOPQ0215
Metallic Plum – TOPQ0403
Orange – TOPQ0202
Dove Gray – TOPQ0211
IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES
4
5
0" 1" 2" 3" 4" 5" 6" 7"
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180
Inch Scale
Metric Scale
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS
To order replacement parts for the Great Planes Venus 40 ARF, use the order numbers in the Replacement Parts List that
follows. Replacement parts are available only as listed. 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 firms. Hardware items (screws, nuts, bolts)
are also
available from these outlets .If you need assistance locating a dealer to purchase parts, visit
www.greatplanes.com and click
on “Where to Buy.” If this kit is missing parts, contact Great Planes Product Support.
Replacement Parts List
Order Number Description Ho
w to Purchase
Missing pieces............................Contact Product Suppor t
Instruction manual......................Contact Product Support
Full-size plans............................Not available
GPMA2270 ........................Wing Set
GPMA2271 ........................Fuse Set
GPMA2272 ........................Tail Set
GPMA2274 ........................Cowl
GPMA2275 ........................Canopy
GPMA2273 ........................Landing Gear
GPMA2276 ........................Wheel Pants
GPMA2277 ........................Decal Sheet
1/64" = .4 mm
1/32" = .8 mm
1/16" = 1.6 mm
3/32" = 2.4 mm
1/8" = 3.2 mm
5/32" = 4.0 mm
3/16" = 4.8 mm
1/4" = 6.4 mm
3/8" = 9.5 mm
1/2" = 12.7 mm
5/8" = 15.9 mm
3/4" = 19.0 mm
1" = 25.4 mm
2" = 50.8 mm
3" = 76.2 mm
6" = 152.4 mm
12" = 304.8 mm
18" = 457.2 mm
21" = 533.4 mm
24" = 609.6 mm
30" = 762.0 mm
36" = 914.4 mm
Metric Conversions
Contact Your Hobby
Supplier To Purchase
These Items
6
KIT CONTENTS
1 Stab
2 Elevators
3 Fuselage & Belly Pan
4 Canopy
5 Fin
6 Rudder
7 Ailerons
8 Wing Panels
9 CA Hinge Material
10 Engine Mount
11 Dihedral Brace
12 Hardware Bag
13 Wing Bolt Plate
14 Wing Dowels
15 Tail Wheel Components
16 Servo Tray
17 Fiberglass Cowl
18 Fuel Tank
19 Wheel Pants
20 Foam Wheels
21 Aluminum Landing Gear
(5) Large Control Horns
(3) 2-56 x 36" Threaded On One End Pushrods
(1) 2-56 x 17-1/2" Threaded On One End
Pushrod
(2) 2-56 x 12" Threaded On One End Pushrods
(6) 2-56" Nylon Clevises
(6) Silicone Retainers
(4) FasLinks
(1) Brass EZ Connector
(1) 4-40 x 1/4" Socket Head Cap Screw
(1) Nylon EZ Retainer
(2) 5/32" Wheel Collars
(2) 6-32 x 1/4" Socket Head Cap Screws
(2) 1/4-20 x 2" Nylon Bolts
(10) 2-56 x 5/8" Bolts
(10) #6 Flat Washers
(10) 6-32 x 3/4" Socket Head Cap Screws
(4) 6-32 Blind Nuts
(10) #6 Lock Washers
(2) #4 x 1/2" Screws
(4) #2 x 3/8" Screws
(4) #2 Flat Washers
(2) 8-32 x 1-1/4" Socket Head Cap Screws
(4) 8-32 Hex Nuts
(2) 3/16" Wheel Collars
(2) #8 Flat Washers
(1) 11-3/4" Plastic Outer Pushrod
1
5
3
4
7
7
8
8
6
9
Kit Contents (Photographed)
Kit Contents (Not Photographed)
2
10
1216
14
15
17
18
20
19
21
11
13
❏ 1. If you have not done so already, remove the major
parts of the kit from the box (wings, fuselage, cowl, tail
parts, etc.) and inspect them for damage. If any parts are
damaged or missing, contact Product Support at the
address or telephone number listed in the front cover.
❏ 2. Remove the masking tape and separate the ailerons
from the wing, the elevators from the stab, and the rudder
from the fin. Use a covering iron with a covering sock on
high heat to tighten the model’s covering if necessary .Apply
pressure over sheeted areas to thoroughly bond the
covering to the wood.
❏ 1. The first steps in the construction of this wing will be
the installation of the ailerons and the aileron servos. The
process described here will explain how to install the right
aileron and the right aileron servo. The process has to be
repeated again to install the left aileron and the left aileron
servo, or you can work on both at the same time.
❏ ❏ 2. Locate the pre-cut hinge slots on the wing’s trailing
edge and the leading edge of the aileron. Drill a 3/32"
[2.4mm] hole, 1/2" [12mm] deep in the center of each hinge
slot to allow the CA to “wick” in. Follow-up with a #11 blade
to clean-out the slots. Hint: If you have one, use a high-
speed
rotary tool to drill the holes.
❏ ❏ 3. Use a sharp #11 blade to cut a strip of covering
from the hinge slots in the wing and aileron.
❏ ❏ 4. Cut four 3/4" x 1" [19mm x 25mm] hinges from the
CA hinge strip. Snip off the corners so they go in easier.
❏ ❏ 5. Test fit the ailerons to the wing with the hinges. If
the hinges do not remain centered, stick a pin through the
middle of the hinge to hold it in position.
❏ ❏ 6. Remove any pins you may have inserted into the
hinges. Adjust the aileron so that there is a small gap
between the LE of the aileron and the wing.The gap should
be small–just enough to see light through or to slip a piece
of paper through.
❏ ❏ 7. Apply six drops of thin CA to the top and bottom of
each hinge. Do not use CA accelerator. After the CA has
fully hardened, test the hinges by pulling on the aileron.
TEMPORARY PIN
TO KEEP HINGE
CENTERED
1"
[25mm]
1"
[25mm]
3/4"
[19mm]
DRILL A 3/32" HOLE
1/2" DEEP, IN CENTER
OF HINGE SLOT
Attach the Ailerons
ASSEMBLE THE WING
PREPARATIONS
7
❏ ❏ 8. Feel through the MonoKote on the bottom surface
of the wing and find the opening for the aileron servo. Cut
the covering 1/8" [3.2mm] inside the opening.Use a sealing
iron or trim seal tool to seal the covering to the edges of the
opening.
❏ ❏ 9. Feel through the MonoKote on the top surface of
the wing and find the hole for the servo lead. Cut the
covering at the edges of the hole and use a sealing iron to
seal the MonoKote to the wing’s structure.
❏ ❏ 10. Tie the string inside the aileron servo opening to
the aileron servo lead. Pull the servo lead out of the end of
the wing with the string, then pull the lead through the servo
lead’s hole in the top of the wing. Test fit the servo in the
opening and trim the opening if necessary.Mark the location
of the servo mounting screws and drill 1/16" [1.6mm] holes
at the marks.Wick some thin CA in the holes you just made
and install the aileron servo with the hardware that was
supplied with it.
❏ ❏ 11. Thread a nylon clevis to one of the 12" [305mm]
threaded on one end pushrods approximately 18 full turns.
Connect the clevis to a large nylon control horn and slip a
silicone retainer onto it. Align the pushrod 90 degrees to the
aileron’s edge as shown above and mark the control horn
screw mounting holes on the aileron. Position the control
horn on the aileron as shown in the above line drawing.
❏ ❏ 12. Use a 1/16" [1.6mm] drill bit to drill the control
horn’s screw holes. Wick some thin CA into the holes and
mount the control horn using two 2-56 x 5/8mm" [16mm]
machine screws and the control horn’s back plate.You may
cut away any excess threads.
INCORRECTCORRECT
HINGE LINE
8
❏ ❏ 13. Cut up a ser vo arm as shown above, attach it to
the servo and center it so that the servo arm is 90 degrees
to the pushrod. Center the aileron and mark on the pushrod
where it meets with the servo arm’s hole. Enlarge the hole
on the servo arm with a Hobbico Servo Horn Drill (or a #48
or 5/64" [2mm] drill bit). Bend the pushrod 90 degrees up
and install a FasLink as shown in the sketch above. Cut
away any excess wire, leaving 1/16" [1.6mm] protruding
from the FasLink.
❏ 14. If you have not done so, go back to step 1 and finish
the left wing the same way.
❏ 1. Tape the ser vo leads to the top of the wing to keep
them out of the way when joining the wing panels.Test fit the
wing halves with the hardwood joiner. Be certain that the
dihedral angle on the wing joiner is pointing towards the
bottom of the wing.You may need to sand the joiner slightly
to obtain a perfect fit.
❏ 2. The following are critical steps in the construction of
your model.You want to make sure you take as much time
as necessary to glue the two wings together correctly .Epoxy
should be used generously in each one of the following
steps. Use 30-minute epoxy to allow enough time to fit the
parts and to wipe off the excess glue with denatured alcohol
and a paper towel.
❏ 3.Prepare 3/4 oz [22cc] of 30-minute epoxy. Apply epoxy
to the right wing’s wing joiner pocket and to the right side of
the wing joiner.Insert the wing joiner into the pocket. Apply
epoxy to the other half of the wing joiner , the left wing’s wing
joiner pocket and both root ribs. Hold both wings together
tightly. Clean up any excess epoxy that squeezes out. Use
masking tape to hold both wings together until the epoxy
has cured. Again, wipe off any excess epoxy with alcohol
and a paper towel. Set the wing aside and do not disturb
until the epoxy has cured.
Note: If the panels are joined correctly and the fit is tight,
you should obtain the correct dihedral. If you would like to
check it, set the bottom of one wing flat against your
working surface.The bottom of the other wing tip should be
raised 2-3/16" [55.5mm] from your working surface.
Join the Wing
CUT OFF
9
UNUSED ARMS
ENLARGE TO
5/64"
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