Great Planes GPMA1107 User Manual

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INSTRUCTION MANUAL

SPECIFICATIONS

PECIFICATION

Wingspan:

Wi

Wing Area: 261 in

an:

35 in
[890mm]

890m

2

[16.8 dm2]

Weight:

Weight:

Wing

Loading:

7. 2 – 8 .0 o z
[205– 225 g]

5

4.0– 4.4 oz /ft
[12– 13 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: 29.5 in [750mm]

ength:9.5 in [750mm

Radio: 3-Channel, two ES40

Radio:3-Channel, two ES40

Pico Servos, micro Rx

g

Motor,

2

otor

Battery

and ESC

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.

Pico Servos, micro Rx

™

250 (28-13-1750kV)

RimFire

250 (28 -13-1750kV

7.4V 300mAh LiPo and
8A brushless ESC

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]

Entire Contents © Copyright 2009 GPMA1107 Mnl

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMA

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

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

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

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

Spare Prop-Saver O-Rings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Motor, ESC and Radio Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Batteries and Charging Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Assembly Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Glue For Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

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

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

ASSEMBLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Prepare the Fuselage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Mount the Motor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Mount the Servos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Mount the Horizontal and Vertical Stabilizer . . . . . . .10

FINAL CONTROL SET UP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Center the Control Surfaces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Check the Control Direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Check the Control Throws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Prepare the Wing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Balance the Model (C.G.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

PREFLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

FLYING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Find a Suitable Flying Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Get Ready to Fly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Flying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

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 fl y at
most R/C sites. The AMA has two
classes of membership available;
open membership or their Park Pilot Program, which this
aircraft qualifi es for. The Park Pilot Program is for people
fl ying electric aircraft and gliders under two pounds and
which fl y slower than 60mph. This will enable you to enjoy
most AMA benefi ts and organize clubs and fl ying sites in
more congested areas.

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

http://www.modelaircraft.org/parkfl yer.aspx

IMPORTANT!!!

Two of the most important things you can do to preserve the
radio controlled aircraft hobby are to avoid fl ying near full­scale aircraft and avoid fl ying near or over groups of people.

®

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the Great Planes ElectriFly FlyLite
ARF. The original concept for the FlyLite was to develop a
slow-fl ying indoor trainer for beginners or pilots with little R/C
experience. This goal was achieved, but then we found out
how much fun it was to fl y the FlyLite outdoors too! Outdoors
in calm conditions, beginners will have all the space they need
to detect what the FlyLite is doing, process the information,
then make the necessary control inputs. Experienced pilots
will fi nd ways to challenge themselves by fl ying low, high,
close, far and fi guring out what aerobatic tricks they can get
the FlyLite to do. And if thermals are present the FlyLite can
easily achieve twenty-minute (or longer) fl ights!

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

PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF

& OTHERS… FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Your FlyLite 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 FlyLite, 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 unfl yable 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 use an R/C radio system that is in good condition,
a correctly sized motor, and other components as specifi ed
in this instruction manual. All components must be correctly
installed so that the model operates correctly on the ground
and in the air. You must check the operation of the model and
all components before every fl ight.

2

4. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not fl own
this type of model before, we recommend that you get the
assistance of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for
your fi rst fl ights. 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.

5. While the FlyLite has been fl ight tested to exceed normal use,
if it will be used for high-stress fl ying the modeler is responsible
for taking steps to reinforce the plane as necessary.

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.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Spare Prop-Saver O-Rings

The included Great Planes 8
x 6 Power Flow™ Slow-Flyer
propeller is secured to the motor
with a rubber O-ring. In a crash,
the O-ring prevents damage by
allowing the propeller to fl ex on
the motor shaft (see page 16).
The RimFire 250 motor includes
two O-rings, but you should have
spares in case one becomes
damaged or lost, so be certain to purchase a package of
spare O-rings soon (GPMG1405).

Motor, ESC and Radio Gear

This is a list of motor-related items and radio gear required to
fi nish the FlyLite. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

• Great Planes ElectriFly RimFire 250 electric motor
(GPMG4502)

• Great Planes Silver Series SS-8 8A brushless electronic
speed control (ESC) (GPMM1800)

• The balsa servo tray in the FlyLite is fi tted for Great Planes
ES40 Pico servos (GPMM1200). Other micro servos (such
as the Futaba® S3114, FUTM0414) are also suitable, but
the servo tray may require slight trimming to fi t them.

• Any small 3- or 4-channel receiver is suitable for the FlyLite.
Futaba R607FS and R617FS 2.4GHz receivers work
perfectly well, but for the lightest weight and best performance
the Futaba R6004FF receiver (FUTL7624) is recommended.
Note: Although the FlyLite has been fl own at great distances
outdoors with the R6004FF receiver, technically, this is an
“indoor” receiver, so if you plan to fl y your FlyLite far away or

maybe even catch thermals, a regular receiver such as the
R607FS or R617FS may be more suitable.

• If you do not already have a transmitter, the Futaba 6EX
6-channel 2.4GHz radio system (FUTK6900) is a suitable
option. This system includes the R617FS receiver, so if
the smaller R6004FF receiver is preferred it will have to be
purchased separately. The 6EX has six-model memory, so
even if it seems as though this system is more complicated
than necessary, up to six different models can be fl own with
this transmitter without having to reprogram as you evolve
in the hobby and accumulate more models. Additionally,
the R617FS receiver is perfect for other larger planes that
you will grow into.

Batteries and Charging Equipment

• The FlyLite requires one Great Planes 7.4V 300mAh BP
LiPo (Lithium Polymer) battery (GPMP0700). This battery
powers the motor, receiver and servos. But when the battery
drops below a certain voltage the ESC cuts power to the
motor, leaving reserve power for the servos and receiver so
you can maintain control for a landing. Although only one
battery is needed, most pilots bring at least three or four
charged batteries to the fl ying fi eld so they do not have to
wait for charging between fl ights.

Indoors or in absolutely calm conditions outdoors (where low
throttle settings are used), the FlyLite may fl y for as long as
fi fteen minutes. However, in breezy conditions higher throttle
settings are typically used, shortening average fl ying times
to around fi ve minutes.

• A LiPo-capable battery charger and a power source for
the battery charger is required. Virtually all suitable battery
chargers can be powered by a 12V battery, but it is more
convenient to use a charger that can be connected either
to a 12V battery (for charging at the fl ying fi eld) or to a
110V wall outlet (for charging at home). One suitable LiPo
charger is the Great Planes ElectriFly Triton™ EQ AC/DC
Charger (GPMM3155). And in addition to its LiPo capability,
the Triton EQ also features one more critical component
which is a built-in LiPo cell balancer. For the best LiPo
performance, longevity and safety, a LiPo cell balancer
must be used so each individual cell in the LiPo battery can
be charged evenly.

• Another suitable LiPo battery charger is the Great Planes
PolyCharge4™ DC LiPo charger (GPMM3015). The
advantage of the PolyCharge4 is that it can charge up to
four LiPo batteries at the same time. But unlike the Triton
EQ, the PolyCharge4 does not have an internal LiPo cell
balancer, so for each LiPo battery you wish to charge
simultaneously (up to 4), one Great Planes Equinox
LiPo Cell Balancer (GPMM3160) will be required. Finally,
the PolyCharge4 does not have AC capability, so if wall­charging from home is a priority a separate A/C 12-Volt
power source must be purchased separately. A suitable
power supply then for the PolyCharge4 is the Great Planes
12V 12A DC power supply (GPMP0901).

3

™

Assembly Tools

Few tools are required to assemble your FlyLite, so if you
have these on-hand before you begin you’ll be in the air in
no time.

Small needle-nose pliers (HCAR0625) or hemostats

❏

(BRUR1302)
#0 magnetized (if possible) Phillips screwdriver

❏

(DTXR0170) (A screwdriver can be magnetized by
rubbing a magnet against it.)
Hobby knife (EXLR6018) with #11 blade (XACR3121)

❏

Segmented lead weights (GPMQ4485) for beginners and

❏

outdoor fl ying (see page 18).

Glue for Repairs

If repairs to your FlyLite are ever required, note that there are
certain types of glues that should be used. Usually, foam-
safe CA (super glue) is required to repair foam models and
many modelers keep some in their fl ight box so they can
make repairs at the fi eld. While only foam-safe CA can be
used on the wing, tail surfaces and on the battery plate in
the fuselage, the fuselage may be glued with either regular
CA or foam-safe CA. Sometimes though, you accidentally
reach for the wrong bottle on your workbench or forget which
kind of CA can be used on which parts, so it’s easiest just
to forget about regular CA and use only foam-safe CA when
making repairs to any part of the model. And when making
repairs, simply gluing the parts back together with CA alone
usually doesn’t work. Without a catalyst, CA can take a long
time to harden. To speed drying time, apply CA, hold the
parts together, and then have an assistant apply a light mist
of CA accelerator causing the CA to harden within seconds.

If you want to assemble a repair kit, following are some
recommended items:

UFO Thin foam-safe CA (HOTR1040)
Great Planes Pro™ CA activator (GPMR6035)
Hobbico® CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
Du Bro® electric fl yer hinge tape (DUBQ0916)
#1 knife blade knife (EXLR6018)
#11 hobby blades (XACR3121)

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the FlyLite 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” 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

Order No. Description

GPMA2581
GPMA2582
GPMA2583
GPMA2584
GPMA2585
GPMA2586
GPMA2587
GPMA6610

NOTE

Wing
Fuselage Set
Tail Surface Set
Landing Gear Set
Battery Hatch
Faslink Pushrod Connector (6)
Wing Mounting Rubber Bands (6)
8x6 Power Flow Propeller (2)

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

KIT INSPECTION

Before starting to build, 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

5

ASSEMBLY

Prepare the Fuselage

Your transmitter and a charged battery will be required
soon for setting up the radio. If you plan to fl y your FlyLite
immediately, charge your battery now so you will not have
to wait later.

1. Lift the back of the battery hatch to remove it from the

❏

fuselage—a little more force than usual may be required for
the fi rst time as there may be some residual glue sticking the
parts together. Use care.

2. There may be a small piece of tape temporarily stuck

❏

to the magnet on the hatch or to the magnet in the fuselage.
Remove the tape and throw it away. Set the hatch aside.

4. Apply the rougher, “hook” side of the included Velcro

❏

hook-and-loop strip to the battery mounting plate in the
fuselage. Cut the softer, “loop” side of the Velcro strip into
four pieces and attach one of the strips to your battery. If you
already have more batteries you can apply the other strips to
the batteries now. If you ever need more Velcro later, it can
also be purchased separately (GPMQ4480).

Mount the Motor

3. Lightly squeeze the main landing gear wire together

❏

and fi t it all the way up into the fuselage with the bent-in
“sweep” in the wire facing forward.

1. Test fi t the included 8 x 6 Slow Flyer propeller onto the

❏

prop-saver propeller adapter on the RimFire 250 motor. If the
propeller fi ts loosely, use a #0 or #1 Phillips screwdriver to

6

remove the adapter. Flip it over so the big end is forward, and
then reattach the adapter to the propeller shaft. Make certain
the screws settle onto the fl at spots on the motor shaft and
tighten them securely.

3. Remove the tape from the ESC wires and connect the

❏

motor to the ESC. It doesn’t matter which way the wires go
for now because it’s just a guess anyway—we’ll make sure
the wires are properly connected later.

2. Temporarily tape together the end of the three motor

❏

wires from the ESC (electronic speed control). Feed the wires
up through the hole in the bottom of the fuselage and out
the hole in the bottom of the fi rewall–this may require a little
fi nagling by holding the fuselage vertically or using a toothpick
or something similar to coax the wires out through the hole.

4. Place the ESC in the fuselage by guiding it up into the

❏

hole in the bottom. From the top of the fuselage, pull the ESC
wire that goes to the receiver up and over the landing gear
mount into the radio compartment and pull the battery wire
into the battery compartment.

7

Advance Throttle Stick

Motor runs full speed

Lower Throttle Stick

Motor turns off

5. If using the ElectriFly SS-8 ESC and a Futaba radio,

❏

set the throttle channel in your transmitter to “reverse” so the
motor will turn when you advance the throttle.

6. Connect the ESC to channel 3 in your receiver. Turn

❏

on your transmitter. Connect the battery to the battery wire
coming from the ESC. Holding the motor in your hand,
advance the throttle stick on your transmitter to see if the
motor is turning in the correct direction—it should be turning
counter-clockwise if viewing the motor from the front. If the
motor is not turning the correct direction, swap any two
motor/ESC wires with each other. Confi rm that the motor is
now turning in the correct direction by advancing the throttle
stick again.

7. If your #0 Phillips screwdriver is not magnetic, rub a

❏

magnet against it several times to get it magnetized.

8. Hold the motor to the fi rewall, aligning the screw holes

❏

in the motor with the holes in the fi rewall. Mount the motor
with three 2mm x 8mm Phillips screws included with this
kit (six screws are included, but three are for spares). You
should be able to pick up the screws with your magnetic
screwdriver and just screw them in. If your screwdriver is
not magnetic, make small washers from thin cardstock or
construction paper to hold the screws to the motor, and then
mount the motor. DO NOT mount the propeller to the motor
at this time.

8