Great Planes GPMA1102 User Manual

WARRANTY

Great Planes

®

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

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

If the buyer is not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this product, the buyer is advised to return this kit
immediately in new and unused condition to the place of purchase.

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

GPMZ0224 for GPMA1102 V1.0 Entire Contents © Copyright 2003 Printed in Thailand

Champaign, IL

[phone], Ext. 5

[e-mail]

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 32 in [813mm]
Wing Area: 352 sq in [23 dm

2

]

Weight: 18 oz [510 g]
Wing Loading: 7.4 oz/sq ft [22 g/dm

2

]

Length: 25-3/4 in [654mm]
Radio: 4-Channels
Motor: ElectriFly

™

S-280 5:1 Ratio STD Gearbox,

ElectriFly Ferrite BB Motor

™

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

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

TOOLS & SUPPLIES REQUIRED ...............................................3

Hardware & Accessories.......................................................3

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES.................................................3

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

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

METRIC/INCH RULER .................................................................4

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

ASSEMBLY OF THE MODEL......................................................6

Installing the Tail Surfaces .....................................................6

Assembly of the Fuselage/Wing ............................................8

Installing the Motor................................................................9

Installing the Servos..............................................................9

Installing the Receiver & Speed Control .............................11

Apply the Decals .................................................................11

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

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

Set the Control Throws........................................................12

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

Balance the Model Laterally................................................13

PREFLIGHT ...............................................................................13

Identify Your Model ..............................................................13

Charge the Batteries ...........................................................13

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

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

Range Check .......................................................................14

MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS............................................14

AMA SAFETY CODE.................................................................14

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

FLYING .......................................................................................15

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

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

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

The Great Planes Micro Whizz™ARF is a high quality, fun
flying electric ARF R/C park flyer. If you are able to
successfully fly an advanced trainer-type R/C airplane on
your own, you should feel confident flying your electric
Micro Whizz. Do bear in mind that this airplane is capable
of all aerobatic maneuvers.Therefore, you must realize that
it may be a bit quicker on its responses than some trainer
type airplanes you might be accustomed to. Smaller,
lightweight park flyers like the Micro Whizz fly best in no
wind or very light wind conditions.

If you are a first time R/C pilot, seek the guidance of an
experienced R/C pilot before flying your Micro Whizz.

We hope your Great Planes Micro Whizz ARF will bring you
many hours of R/C flying enjoyment.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
Great Planes Micro Whizz ARF, visit the web site listed
below and select the Great Planes Micro Whizz 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 Micro Whizz 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 Great Planes Micro Whizz
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 use an R/C radio system that is in first-class
condition and a correctly sized motor and components
(batteries, wheels, etc.) throughout the assembly 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 your time and follow the instructions
to end up with a well-built model that is straight and

true.

We, as the manufacturer, provide you with a top quality
product and instructions, but ultimately the quality and
flyability of your finished model depends on how y ou 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

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 y ou
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 phone number below:

❏ Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❏ #11 blades (HCAR0211)
❏ Needle-nose pliers
❏ Pliers with wire cutters (HCAR0630)
❏ Small Phillips head screwdriver
❏ Medium-sized flat-head screwdriver
❏ Small piece of medium grade sandpaper
❏ Ruler
❏ Electric drill and 1mm drill bit
❏ 6-minute Epoxy (GPMR6045)
❏ Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❏ 1/2 oz. Medium Pro

™

CA (GPMR6007)

❏ CA debonder
❏ Pro Wood Glue (GPMR6160)
❏ Great Planes 1" x 6" Velcro

®

(GPMQ4480)

❏ Top Flite

®

Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)

❏ Great Planes Silver Solder Kit (GPMR8070)
❏ Hobbico

®

Soldering Iron (HCAR0776)

❏ 1/16" [1.6mm] x 3/4" [19mm] x 4" [102mm] scrap balsa
❏ 3/32" [2.4mm] x 1" [25mm] x 4" [102mm] scrap balsa

This is the list of hardware and accessories required to
finish the Great Planes Micro Whizz ARF. Order numbers
are provided in parentheses.

• 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.

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

Motor/Gearbox/Prop

The Micro Whizz ARF was flown extensively with an
ElectriFly™S-280 5:1 Ratio STD Gearbox unit
(GPMG0200).The ElectriFly Ferrite BB Motor

(GPMG0305)
was used for power along with an APC 9 x 6 SloFly
Propeller (APCQ5013). This set-up also requires a 3mm
Shaft Adapter (GPMQ4600). This is an excellent power
unit for this airplane.

Battery Recommendations

The Micro Whizz operates best using the 8-cell NiMH
from ElectriFly (GPMP0072)

Radio Equipment

The Micro Whizz requires a mini receiver such as the
ElectriFly 4 channel FM Mini Receiver (GPML0045) and
3 Futaba®S-3103 Micro Mini Servos (FUTM0037).

Speed Control

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 and
eliminates the additional battery required to power the
radio gear. The ElectriFly C-10 Mini Electronic Speed
Control (GPMM2010) is recommended for the Micro

Whizz.

Chargers

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.

You may want to consider the ElectriFly Triton

™

computerized charger, discharger, and cycler
(GPMM3150). This unit will pay great dividends by
extending battery life and is capable of charging virtually
every hobby battery on the market today.

Hardware & Accessories

TOOLS & SUPPLIES REQUIRED

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN 47302

Tele: [phone]

Fax [phone]

Or via the Internet at:

http://www.modelaircraft.org

3

• 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.

Fuse = Fuselage

Stab = Horizontal Stabilizer

Fin = Ver tical Fin

LE = Leading Edge
TE = Trailing Edge

LG = Landing Gear

" = Inches

mm = millimeters

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS

4

To order replacement parts for the Great Planes Micro Whizz ARF, use the order numbers in the Replacement Parts List
that follows. Replacement par ts 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 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 How to Pur

chase

Missing pieces.....................Contact Product Suppor t

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

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

GPMA2600 Wing Kit
GPMA2601 Fuse (Nose Section)
GPMA2602 Tail Rod
GPMA2603 Tail Set
GPMA2604 Landing Gear Set
GPMA2605 Hardware Set

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

................

Contact Your Hobby
Supplier to Purchase
These Items

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

5

1. Fuselage/Wing w/Ailerons

2. Horizontal Stabilizer w/Elevators

3. Fin w/Rudder

4. Carbon Fiber Tail Boom

5. Tail Bracket

6. Landing Gear

7. Wheels

8. Pushrods (4)

9. Spinner

10. Small Parts Bags (2)

Kit Contents

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.

Great Planes Product Support:

Telephone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: air

[e-mail]

KIT CONTENTS

1

2

4

7

8

6

3

10

5

9