Great Planes GPMA1101 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.

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

GPMZ0218 for GPMA1101 V1.0© Copyright 2003, Printed in Thailand

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 47 in [1195mm]
Wing Area: 264 sq in [17 dm²]
Weight: .75 lbs [340 g]
Wing Loading: 7 oz/sq ft [22 g/dm²]
Length: 26 in [660mm]

Radio: 3-channel with 8-cell 2/3AA NiCD airborne pack, 2 micro servos
Motor: 280 with Gear Drive and Electronic Speed Control (ESC)
CG: 1-3/4" [45mm] back from leading edge with a range of

1-1/2" [38mm] to 2" [51mm]

Throws: Elevator 1/2" up 1/2" down

Rudder 1" up 1" down

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

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

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

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

Speed Control ....................................................................3

Motor System.....................................................................3

Battery Recommendations.................................................3

Chargers.............................................................................3

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

Covering Accessories.........................................................4

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

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

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

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

BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS..............................................6

Assemble the Wing............................................................6

Assemble the Tail ...............................................................6

Install the Canopy and Main Gear .....................................9

Install the Servos and Pushrods........................................9

Install the Motor................................................................10

Complete Final Radio Installation ....................................11

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY..................................11

Check the Control Directions ...........................................11

Set the Control Throws.....................................................11

Balance the Model (C.G.).................................................12

Balance the Model Laterally.............................................12

PREFLIGHT.....................................................................12

Identify Your Model...........................................................12

Charge the Batteries........................................................12

Balance Propellers...........................................................13

Ground Check..................................................................13

Range Check....................................................................13

MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS..................................13

AMA SAFETY CODE ......................................................13

CHECK LIST ....................................................................14

FLYING.............................................................................14

Takeoff..............................................................................15

Flight.................................................................................15

Landing.............................................................................15

The Headwind B is a true park flyer trainer, able to fly in
small areas (but not intended for indoor settings).It is a great
first airplane, with 4-5 minute flight times on the stock motor
package recommended, and climbs mildly with power for
safety. However, please note that no R/C model is intended
to be flown by a brand-new beginner without some
assistance from an experienced pilot.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections for
the Headwind B, visit the web site listed below and select
the Great Planes Headwind B. If there is new technical
information or changes to this kit, a “tech notice” box will
appear in the upper left corner of the page.

http://www.greatplanes.com/airplanes/index.html

1. Your Headwind B 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 Headwind B, 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 motor 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.

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

If you have not flown R/C 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 y ou
join the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics). AMA
membership is required to fly at AMA sanctioned clubs.There

We, as the kit manufacturer, provide 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.

PRO TECT YOUR MODEL,YOURSELF

& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2

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 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

This is the list of hardware and accessories required to finish
the Headwind B.Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

The Headwind B requires a micro receiver and two micro
servos. Futaba®S3103 (FUTM0037) or Hobbico®CS-5
(HCAM0090) micro servos are suitable.

An electronic speed control with BEC (Battery Eliminator
Circuitry) is required. The BEC allows both the motor and
the radio system to be powered by the same battery (thus
eliminating an additional battery typically required to power
the radio). The Great Planes ElectriFly™C-5

Nano

™

High
Frequency Electronic Speed Control (GPMM2000) is
recommended for the Headwind B. If you purchase the
complete motor and gear drive system, the speed control is
included (refer to the “Motor System” section that follows).

The Headwind B is designed to use the Great Planes
ElectriFly T-280GD ESC motor system and gear drive for
electric flight (GPMG0430). This system includes a T-280
Ferrite Motor, S-280 4.1:1 ratio gearbox, 3mm prop adapter,
APC 10 x 4.7 propeller and the ElectriFly C-5

Nano

High
Frequency Electronic Speed Control w/BEC. The same
components are also available without the speed control by
ordering number GPMG0445.

There are mainly two kinds of battery packs used for electric
R/C models; nickel-metal hydride (NiMh) packs and nickel-

cadmium (NiCd, pronounced ny-cad) packs. NiMh batteries
are recommended for the Headwind B because they provide
nearly twice the capacity of a NiCd for their size.However, it
should be noted that nickel-metal hydrides cannot be
charged as fast as NiCds.

Each individual cell that makes up a battery is 1.2 volts.
Simply stated, a volt is the amount of

power

a battery pack
can deliver (a 6-cell battery pack is 7.2 volts). Batteries are
also rated by their capacity in mAh (milli-Amp-hours), or how
much energy they store. A 550 mAh battery can supply 1

Ampere

for .55 hours (about 30 minutes).A 1200 mAh battery

pack is about twice the size of a 550 mAh battery pack.

These are the battery packs recommended

for the Headwind B:

• Panasonic 6-cell 550 mAh NiMh pack (GPMP0100) for

beginners due to its light weight.

• Panasonic 7-cell 550 mAh NiMh pack (GPMP0101) for
advanced pilots who are capable of flying in slightly
windier conditions.

• Panasonic 7-cell 1200 mAh NiMh (GPMP0300) for
advanced pilots requiring the longest duration (not
recommended for beginners due to the fact that it is heavier
than the 550 mAh batteries).

Note: If flying the Headwind B at altitudes of 3,000 feet
above sea level or higher, beginners should select the 7-cell
550 mAh battery pack, as the 6-cell pack may not provide
adequate power.

The best type of charger to use is a

peak

charger, because
it charges the batteries until they are fully charged, then
automatically switches to a trickle charge mode.The Great
Planes ElectriFly Peak Charger (GPMM3000) is suitable
for nickel-metal hydride batteries, NiCds and transmitter
battery packs.

If you have another type of charger that is not a peak charger,
you will have to calculate the length of time it takes to charge
the batteries yourself, then turn the charger off when the
batteries are fully charged. Overcharging the batteries may
damage them. Before you can calculate the time it takes to
charge a battery pack, you first have to kno w the charge r ate
you are going to use.Nickel-metal hydrides must be charged
at a rate of no more than 1/10 of their capacity. For the 550
mAh batteries recommended for the Headwind B this would
be a charge rate of approximately 50 mAh. Divide the
capacity of the battery pack by the charge rate to calculate
the charge time. A discharged 550 mAh battery pack
charged at 50 mAh will take 11 hours to charge.

Chargers

Battery Recommendations

Motor System

Speed Control

Radio Equipment

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

3

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

To convert inches to millimeters, multiply inches by 25.4

Charge Rate/Time Recommendations:

• Charge the 6-cell 550 mAh battery pack at 50 mAh for

11 hours.

• Charge the 7-cell 550 mAh battery pack at 50 mAh for
11 hours.

• Charge the 7-cell 1200 mAh battery pack at 100 mAh for
12 hours.

IMPORTANT: Monitor the temperature of the battery frequently.
If the battery becomes warm, disconnect it from the charger.

A Hobbico R/C Multi-Charger (HCAP0100) is suitable for
charging the battery packs used in the Park Flyers.

Note: The period required to charge the batteries in the
examples above is for discharged batteries. If the battery
you are going to charge is not discharged (and you are not
using a peak-charger), connect it to the motor on your
model. Run the motor until the propeller is turning slowly,
thus discharging the battery.

In addition to common household tools and hobby tools, this
is the “short list”of the most important items required to build
the Headwind B.Great Planes Pro™ CA and Epoxy glue are
recommended.

❏ Hook & Loop Velcro

®

(GPMQ4480)

❏ Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❏ #11 blades (HCAR0211)
❏ Small T-pins (HCAR5100)
❏ Top Flite

®

Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)

❏ Electric dr ill and 1/16" [1.6mm] drill bit
❏ Small Phillips and flat blade screwdrivers
❏ Pliers with wire cutter (HCAR0630)
❏ 1/2 oz. Thin Pro

™

CA (GPMR6001)

❏ 1/2 oz. Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007)
❏ 6-Minute Epoxy (GPMR6045)

❏ Top Flite MonoKote

®

sealing iron (TOPR2100)

❏ Top Flite MonoKote trim seal iron (TOPR2200)

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the Headwind B.

❏ Great Planes CG Machine

™

(GPMR2400)

❏ Straightedge with scale (HCAR0475)
❏ Masking T ape (TOPR8018)
❏ CA accelerator (GPMR6034)
❏ R/C-56 Canopy Glue (JOZR5007)
❏ Epoxy Brushes (GPMR8060)
❏ Mixing Sticks (GPMR8055)
❏ Denatured Alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❏ Non-elastic monofilament or Kevlar fishing line (for

stab alignment)

❏ Builders Triangle Set (HCAR0480) (for fin alignment)

• 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.

• 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 Headwind B 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. The Headwind B is covered in
Transparent Green Monokote (TOPQ0306).

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

Optional Supplies and Tools

Covering Accessories

Adhesives and Building Supplies

4

5

To order replacement parts for the Great Planes Headwind B, 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 par ts 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 par ts, 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 How to Purchase

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

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

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

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

GPMA2570 ...........Fuselage Set

GPMA2572 ...........Wing Set

GPMA2574 ...........Tail Set

GPMA2576 ...........Landing Gear Set

GPMA2578 ...........Windshield

GPMA2580 ...........Hardware Pack

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

1 Fuselage (w/windshield

and outer pushrods)

2 Horizontal tail
3 Vertical tail
4 Left wing
5 Right wing
6 Wing joiner
7 GP motor mount
8 GWS motor mount
9 Main gear wire

10 Main wheels

(2) Control horns
(2) Clevises
(4) Wheel retainers
(1) Tail skid wire
(1) Balsa main gear block
(1) Plastic wing TE support
(1) Bag small rubber bands (battery)
(1) Bag large rubber bands (wing)
(2) Pushrod wires

Kit Contents (Photographed)

Kit Contents (Not Photographed)

Before starting to build, use the Kit Contents list to 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 Great Planes Product Support. When reporting defective or missing parts, use
the part names exactly as they are written in the Kit Contents list on this page.

3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

Telephone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

KIT INSPECTION

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