Great Planes GPMA1049 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. 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-assemb led 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.

GPMZ0204 for GPMA1049 V1.0© Copyright 2005

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 100 in [2540mm]
Wing Area: 943 sq in [60.8 sq dm]
Weight: 4-4.5 lb [1800-2000g]
Wing Loading: 9.8-11 oz/sq ft [30-34 g/dm

2

]

Length: 54 in [1370 mm]
Radio: 5 Channel minimum, 7-9 channel with

sailplane mixing, 7 servos

™

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

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

AMA...................................................................................3

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

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

Spoilers .......................................................................3

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

Adhesives & Building Supplies....................................3

Optional Items.............................................................4

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

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS............................................4

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

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

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

ASSEMBLE THE WING ....................................................7

Spoiler Option..............................................................7

Install the Aileron and Flap Servos.............................8

Finish the Wing..........................................................10

ASSEMBLE THE FUSE ..................................................11

Attach the Tail............................................................11

Install the Fuselage Servos .......................................12

Final Radio Installation..............................................14

Set the C.G................................................................14

Mount the Canopy and Tow Hook.............................15

Apply the Decals .......................................................16

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY .................................16

Check the Control Directions ....................................16

Set the Control Throws..............................................16

Balance the Model Laterally ......................................17

PREFLIGHT.....................................................................17

Identify Your Model ....................................................17

Charge the Batteries .................................................17

Range Check.............................................................17

AMA SAFETY CODE (

EXCERPTS)....................................17

General......................................................................17

Radio Control ............................................................17

CHECK LIST ...................................................................18

THERMAL FLYING..........................................................18

Trimming Flights ........................................................18

Hi-Start Launch .........................................................18

First Flights ................................................................19

ADVANCED FEATURES.................................................19

FACTS ABOUT THERMALS...........................................19

THERMAL SOARING.......................................Back Cover

SLOPE SOARING.............................................Back Cover

BALLAST..........................................................Back Cover

Thank you for purchasing the Great Planes SPIRIT 100
ARF sailplane. Soaring offers a freedom that no other type

of flying can provide! With a little practice and some help
from mother nature, you will be able to defy gravity and
enjoy flights that can last for hours. The advanced wing
design incorporates flaps, spoilers and ailerons to provide
the ultimate in control when using computer radio mixing
functions.Take your time and follow directions to end up

with a well-built model that is straight and true.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
Great Planes Spirit 100 ARF, visit the Great Planes web site
at www.greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then
select the Spirit 100 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.

1. Your Spirit 100 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 Spirit 100 ARF, if not assembled and
operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself or
spectators and damage to property.

2. You must assemble the model according to the
instructions. Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so
may result in an unsafe or unflyable model. In a few cases
the instructions may differ slightly from the photos.In those
instances the written instructions should be considered
as correct.

3.You must take time to build straight, true and strong.

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

5.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.

6. 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 hobb y
shop has information about clubs in your area whose
membership includes experienced pilots.

PRO TECT YOUR MODEL,Y OURSELF

& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2

7. WARNING: The fuselage in this kit is made of fiberglass,
the fibers of which may cause ey e , skin and respiratory tract
irritation. Never blow into the fuse to remove fiberglass dust,
as the dust will blow back into y our e y es .Always w ear saf ety
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.

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

We urge you to join the AMA (Academy of Model
Aeronautics) and a local R/C club.The AMA is the governing
body of model aviation and membership is required to fly at
AMA clubs.Though joining the AMA provides many benefits,
one of the primary reasons to join is liability protection.
Coverage is not limited to flying at contests or on the club
field. It even applies to flying at public demonstrations and
air shows. Failure to comply with the Safety Code (excerpts
printed in the back of the manual) may endanger insurance
coverage.Additionally, training programs and instructors are
available at AMA club sites to help you get started the right
way. There are over 2,500 AMA chartered clubs across the
country. Contact the AMA at the address or toll-free phone
number below:

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN 47302-9252

Tele. [phone]

Fax [phone]

Or via the Internet at:

http://www.modelaircraft.org

IMPORTANT!!! T w o of the most important things you can do
to preserve the radio controlled aircraft hobby are to avoid
flying near full-scale aircraft and avoid flying near or over
groups of people.

This is a partial list of items required to finish the Spirit 100
ARF that may require planning or decision making before
starting to build.Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

❏ 5 channel radio with standard size receiver and battery

OR

❏ 7-9 channel radio with standard size receiver and battery

is recommended for maximum flight performance

❏ (2) Y-harnesses (FUTM4130) or (4) 9" extensions

(FUTM3910) utilizing a radio with flaperon mixing

❏ (4) Futaba

®

S3101 micro servos (FUTM0033) for ailerons

and flaps

❏ (2) Futaba S3004 standard size servos (FUTM0004)

The spoilers are highly recommended as they make it much
easier to land in smaller spaces or to lose altitude in a safe,
controlled manner.Y ou need an additional standard siz e servo
to operate the spoilers.

❏ (1) Futaba S3004 standard size servo (FUTM0004)

In addition to common household tools and hobby tools, this
is the “short list” of the most important items required to build
the Spirit 100 ARF.

Great Planes Pro™ CA and Epoxy glue

are recommended.

❏ 1/4" [6mm] R/C Foam Rubber (HCAQ1000)
❏ Velcro

®

Hook & Loop (GPMQ4480)

❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro CA (GPMR6001)
❏ Pro 30-Minute Epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏ Pro 6-Minute Epoxy (GPMR6045)
❏ Plan Protector (GPMR6167) or wax paper
❏ #1 Hobby Knife (HCAR0105)
❏ #11 Blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)
❏ 2 oz. [57g] Spray CA Activator (GPMR6035)
❏ Top Flite

®

MonoKote®Sealing Iron (TOPR2100)

❏ Mixing Cups (GPMR8056)
❏ Epoxy Brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❏ Silicone Glue (DEVR2500)
❏ Steel Shot
❏ Masking Tape (TOPR8018)
❏ Builder’s Triangle Set (HCAR0480)
❏ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 5/64" [2mm]

Adhesives and Building Supplies

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Spoilers

Radio Equipment

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

AMA

We, as the kit manuf acturer, provide you with a top quality ,
thoroughly tested 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

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the Spirit 100 ARF.

❏ CA Debonder (GPMR6039)
❏ 36" Metal Ruler (HCAR0475)
❏ Hobbico

®

Duster™Can of Compressed Air (HCAR5500)

❏ Servo Horn Drill (HCAR0698)
❏ AccuThrow

™

Deflection Gauge (GPMR2405)

❏ CG Machine

™

(GPMR2400)

❏ Cover Sock (COVR2702)

• 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

30­minute (or 45-minute) epoxy or6-minute epoxy. When 30­minute epoxy is specified it is highly recommended that
you use only 30-minute (or 45-minute) epo xy, 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 Spirit 100 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.

True Red TOPQ0227
Cub Yellow TOPQ0220
Black TOPQ0208
Orange TOPQ0202
White TOPQ0204

Fuse = Fuselage

Stab = Horizontal Stabilizer

Fin = Ver tical Fin

LE = Leading Edge

TE = Trailing Edge
LG = Landing Gear
Ply = Plywood

" = Inches

mm = Millimeters

SHCS = Socket Head Cap Screw

COMMON ABBREVIATIONSIMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

Optional Supplies and Tools

4

To convert inches to millimeters, multiply inches by 25.4

Inch Scale

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

Metric Scale

5

1 Left Wing
2 Right Wing
3 Horizontal Stabilizer
4 Hinge Strip
5 Wing Joiners (4–Wood, 1–Aluminum)
6 Spoiler String
7 Spoiler Activation Rod
8 Fuse and Canopy

9 12" Pushrods (4)
10 42" Pushrods (2)
11 Servo Blocks (8)

Kit Contents (Photographed)

Nylon Clevis (6)
Nylon Faslink Pushrod Keeper (6)
Nylon Small Control Horn (4)
Silicone Clevis Keeper (6)
6-32 x 3/4" Socket Head Cap Screw (5)
6-32 Nylon Lock Nut (1)
#6 Flat Washer (5)
2 x 3/8" Sheet Metal Screw (18)
2-56 x 1/2" Screw (6)
2-56 x 3/4" Socket Head Cap Screw (2)

Kit Contents (Not Photographed)

KIT CONTENTS

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 y ou need assistance with assemb ly,
contact Product Support. When repor ting 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

1

11

2

4

6

3

5

8

9

7

10

6

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Great Planes Spirit 100 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

www.greatplanes.com

.Choose “Where to Buy” from 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, 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

GPMA1989............Fuselage Set

GPMA1987............Wing Set

GPMA1988............Tail Set

GPMA1989............Wing Joiner Set

GPMA1990............Canopy and Pilot

GPMA1991............Tow Hook Set

GPMA1992............Decal Set