Great Planes GPMA1113 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.

GPMZ0172 for GPMA1113 V1.0© Copyright 2005

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 35.5 in [900mm]
Wing Area: 208 sq in [13.4 dm2]
Wing Loading: 5.2 – 6.2 oz/sq ft

[16 – 19 g/dm2]

Weight: 7.5 – 9 oz [215-255 g]
Length: 33 in [840mm]
Radio: 4-channel w/3 micro servos and 10-Amp ESC
Power System: Included ElectriFly™motor with gearbox, or optional

direct-drive RimFire™Brushless motor

™

By Great Planes

2

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

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

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

Transmitter ...................................................................3

Servos..........................................................................3

Receiver.......................................................................3

Battery .........................................................................4

Speed Control..............................................................4

Charger........................................................................4

Battery Charging Leads...............................................4

Optional: Brushless Motor Upgrade.............................4

Propeller Selection.......................................................4

Glue .............................................................................4

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED.....................................4

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

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

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

METRIC/INCH RULER ......................................................6

BUILD THE AIRPLANE.....................................................7

Assemble the Horizontal Tail........................................7

Assemble the Wing ......................................................9

Assemble the Fuselage...............................................9

Finish the Landing Gear............................................13

Radio Setup...............................................................13

Mount the Motor & Gearbox......................................15

Firewall-Mounted Motor System................................17

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY..................................18

Check the Control Directions.....................................18

Set the Control Throws..............................................18

Balance the Model (C.G.)..........................................19

Balance the Model Laterally......................................19

PREFLIGHT.....................................................................19

Identify Your Model.....................................................19

Charge the Batteries ..................................................19

Range Check.............................................................20

MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS..................................20

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts)....................................20

CHECK LIST ....................................................................20

FLYING.............................................................................21

Hand Launch .............................................................21

Rise-Off-Ground (ROG) Takeoff.................................21

Flight..........................................................................21

Landing......................................................................21

The ElectriFly by Great Planes FlatOuts Edge 540 ARF is
an excellent wa y to enjo y 3D aerobatics without the cost and
headaches of giant-scale gasoline-powered models. After a
couple of hours on the workbench, your FlatOuts Edge 540
ARF will be ready to tackle torque rolls, walls, harriers, high­alpha rolling circles and more! An excellent indoor or calm­day outdoor performer, this airplane is a virtually unlimited
3D aerobat, but flying it involves only connecting the battery,
throttling up, and letting go!

Take care to build straight and true. Misaligned parts will
hurt the air plane’s ability to perform the extreme aerobatics
it is designed for.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
FlatOuts Edge 540 ARF visit the Great Planes web site at

www.electrifly.com

. Open the “Airplanes” link, then select
the FlatOuts Edge 540 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.

Attention: The product you have purchased is powered by
a rechargeable battery. At the end of its useful life, under

various state and local laws, it may be illegal
to dispose of this battery into the municipal
waste system. Check with your local solid
waste officials for details in your area for
recycling options or proper disposal. This

product contains a chemical known to the state of
California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.

1. Even though the FlatOuts Edge 540 ARF is small,
lightweight and flies slowly, if it is not assembled and
operated correctly it could possibly cause injury to yourself
or spectators and damage property.

2. Build the plane according to the instructions. Do not
alter or modify the model, as doing so may result in an
unsafe or unflyable model.

PRO TECT YOUR MODEL,YOURSELF

& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

A NOTE ABOUT METRIC DIMENSIONS

Since the parts of this air plane have been designed with
metric dimensions, the metric size (in millimeters) of the
parts is listed first in the text. For convenience, we have
listed close approximations of these sizes in the English
system (inches), but be aware that these conversions are
only approximate.

CAUTION: Be aware that the FlatOuts Edge 540 ARF is
operated on the same frequency band as larger, “regular”
R/C models. If flying your FlatOuts Edge 540 ARF within
five miles of an R/C site, there is a real possibility that you
could be operating your model on the same frequency
(channel) as another R/C pilot.If this happens a crash will
result–with the person flying the more expensive model
suffering the greater loss (and having greater potential f or
property damage or injur y). The best thing to do is to join
an R/C club and fly at the site where frequency control
measures will be in effect.If you insist on flying elsewhere

always be aware of your proximity to R/C flying sites.

INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3.Use an R/C radio system and components that are in first­class condition. The FlatOuts Edge 540 ARF requires
specialized radio gear. Refer to the

“DECISIONS YOU

MUST MAKE”

section to get an accurate description of the

specialized gear required.

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

5. You must test 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
connectors often and replace them if they show signs of
wear or fatigue.

Remember:Take your time and follow directions to end
up with a well-built model that is straight and true.

If you’re not already an AMA (Academy of Model
Aeronautics) member, we highly recommend that you join.
In addition to providing liability protection while operating
under the AMA Safety Code, the AMA is the governing body
of model aeronautics in the United States and fights for your
rights as a member of the modeling community. You must
also be an AMA member to fly at R/C clubs chartered by the
AMA–most of which are.

Contact the AMA at the address or toll-free phone
number below.

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN 47302

Tele: [phone]

Fax [phone]

Or via the Internet at:

www.modelaircraft.org

In the hands of a capable pilot the FlatOuts Edge 540 ARF is
an impressive 3D performer. But for the FlatOuts Edge 540
ARF to perform to its full potential, it must be properly
equipped with all the right gear (servos, batteries, receiver,
speed control).There may be more than one type and brand
of radio equipment that can be used, but based on extensive
testing, following is the equipment we recommend so you
can get the most performance out of your FlatOuts Edge 540
ARF and assemble it as shown in this instruction manual.

With a standard, four-channel radio, the FlatOuts Edge 540
ARF is capable of all the basic 3D maneuvers. However,
some advanced pilots who are already familiar with handling
“flat foamies” may prefer to fly the FlatOuts Edge 540 ARF
with a computer radio capable of endpoint adjustments (for
fine-tuning control throws), exponentials (for “softening” the
throws near the center of the travel), and various mixing
functions (such as rudder-to-elevator mixing for extended
knife-edge flight).

The FlatOuts Edge 540 ARF requires three,

sub-micro

servos with a maximum weight of .3 oz [9g] each and a
minimum torque rating of 15 oz-in. Futaba®S-3108M (micro
connector) servos (FUTM0700) are ideal because they meet
the torque and weight requirements and have a micro
connector that is compatible with the Futaba

Ultra Micro

receiver. Although there may be other servos that will
physically fit in the model, those outside of the recommended
weight and torque specifications will adversely affect flight
performance and are not recommended.

Note: Dur ing assembly when it’s time to mount the servos,
you will be instructed to glue them in. Do not be alarmed as
this is a common practice with this type of lightweight, high­performance model. Should servo removal ever be
necessary for repair, replacement or transfer to another
model, this can be done by prying them out with a hobby
knife or a small screwdriver.

The lightest, four-channel receiver is recommended and
must be compatible with whatever servos will be used (not
all servos are compatible with all receivers–e v en servos and
receivers within the same brand).The Futaba R-124F

Ultra

Micro

receiver is recommended and is compatible with the
3108M servos recommended. Note: Futaba receivers are
sold on high and low bands and come without crystals.
Following are the order numbers for the R-124F receiver
and compatible crystals:

Low Band High Band

(Channels 11-35) (Channels 36-60)

R124F Receiver FUTL0438 FUTL0439
Crystal FUTL62** FUTL63**

** Replace the “**” in the order number for the crystals with
the preferred channel number .For example, if you w ant to fly
on channel 33, order a low band receiver and crystal
number FUTL6233.

Receiver

Servos

Transmitter

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

Note: We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a

top quality kit and great 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

The FlatOuts Edge 540 ARF requires a 3-cell (11.1V), 350­700mAh lithium-polymer (Li-Po) battery capable of providing
7A continuous discharge current.For long flight times and good
performance, we recommend the ElectriFly 3-cell, 3-Series
640mAh battery pack (GPMP0805). For minimum weight, at
the expense of some flight time, the ElectriFly 3-cell, 3-Series
350mAh battery pack (GPMP0801) works well.

Note: The ElectriFly 720mAh battery is not recommended for
this model as it is not capable of delivering the current required
by this system. For optimum performance battery weight
should not exceed 2.3 oz.[65g].

An electronic speed control capable of handling a minimum of
7A continuous current is required. Additionally, the speed
control should be as light as possible. The ElectriFly C-10

Micro

High-Frequency ESC w/BEC (GPMM2010) is suitable .If
upgrading to the optional brushless motor system
recommended (below), a speed control intended for brushless
motors (a

brushless

speed control) capable of at least 8A
continuous current such as the ElectriFly BL-8 (GPMM2070)
must be used. NEVER use speed controllers intended for

brushed motors on brushless motors (and vice-versa).

A charger capable of charging 3-cell (11.1V) Li-Po batteries
such as the ElectriFly PolyCharge 1-3-cell Li-Po charger
(GPMM3010) must be used. If using another charger, it must
be a Li-Po charger or ha ve a Li-P o charge mode .Never charge
Li-Po batteries with chargers not intended for Li-Po batteries or
chargers on NiMH or NiCd settings.Overcharging or explosion
may result.In addition to the PolyCharge, the ElectriFly Triton

™

(GPMM3150) or Accu-Cycle™Elite (HCAP0280) are also
suitable chargers.

Many chargers (including the Triton and Accu-Cycle Elite
listed above) do not include charging leads, but rather have
banana jacks to plug the leads into. If this is the case with
your charger, you will need to purchase a charge lead to
match your battery. For the recommended 640mAh pack,
the correct lead is GPMM3105.

Rest assured, the FlatOuts Edge 540 ARF is capable of 3D
flight with the included ElectriFly “stick-mount” motor and
gearbox combination. But for pilots who always insist on
upgrading and don’t mind spending a little extra money, the
ElectriFly Rimfire 22M-1000 brushless motor (GPMG4500)
will provide increased power and flight time while
simultaneously reducing weight.Don’t forget, if upgrading to
a brushless motor, a “brushless” speed controller such as
the ElectriFly BL-8 8-Amp ESC (GPMM2070) must be
used. This kit also includes the firewall and instructions for
mounting a brushless motor.

A propeller is included in this kit, and this propeller offers the
best performance with the included motor system. If you are
upgrading to the RimFire brushless motor, a 9 x 3.8 propeller
is recommended.

Though there may be a few different types of adhesives that
the FlatOuts Edge 540 ARF could be assembled with, we
have had the best success with, and e xclusively recommend
foam-safe CA such as 1 oz.Great Planes Foam Safe Thic k CA
(GPMR6072). Regular CA is not recommended as it will
aggressively attack the foam used in this model. In addition
to being foam-compatible, foam-safe CA is also suitable for
gluing together all of the rest of the materials (balsa, carbon)
included in this kit.No other adhesive is required to build the
FlatOuts Edge 540 ARF.

In addition to common household tools and hobby tools, this
is the “short list”of the most important items required to build
the FlatOuts Edge 540 ARF.

Great Planes Pro™CA and

Epoxy glue are recommended.

❏ Two 200mm servo extensions (FUTM4508)
❏ Great Planes Aerosol Activator (GPMR6034)
❏ Hobbico

®

CA Applicator tips (HCAR3780)

❏ Hobby knife with #11 blade (HCAR0100)
❏ #11 Blades (5-pack: HCAR0211)
❏ 1m Metric r uler (for identifying tubes and rods)
❏ 5-1/2" [140mm] Easy-Touch

™

bar sander (GPMR6169)

with 220-grit Sandpaper (GPMR6185)

❏ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.5mm], 3/32" [2.5mm]
❏ Double-sided foam tape (GPMQ4400)
❏ 1/2" [13mm]-wide Cellophane tape
❏ Great Planes Plan Protector

™

(GPMR6167) or wax paper

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Glue

Propeller Selection

Optional: Brushless Motor Upgrade

Battery Charging Leads

Charger

Speed Control

Battery

4

5

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

Plastic Tree Parts

A1 Z-Bend Clevis (10)
A2 Offset Z-Bend Clevis (4)
B1 Stand-Alone Control Horn (5)
B2 Stand-Alone Control Horn Retainer (5)
C1 Clip Hinge Control Horn (5)
C2 Clip Hinge (26)
C3 Hinge Retainer Ring (10)
C4 Aileron Link Horn (4)
D1 Axle Support (2)
D2 Rod Support (12)
D4 Tailwheel Bracket (1)
D5 Tailwheel (1)
D6 Wheel Collar (2)
E1 Control Surface Brace (4)
E2 Fuselage Joiner (3)
E3 Pushrod Guides (4)
F1 Wire Clip (4)

F2 Wing Servo Mount (1)
F3 Fuselage Servo Mount (2)
F4 Fuselage Aileron Servo Mount (1)
G1 Double-Sided Offset Arm, Size B (2)
G2 Double-Sided Arm, Size B (2)
G3 Single-Sided Arm, Size B (4)
G4 Double-Sided Arm, Size A (2)
G5 Double-Sided Offset Arm, Size A (2)
G6 Single-Sided Arm, Size A (4)
G7 Double-Sided Arm, Size C (2)
G8 Double-Sided Offset Arm, Size C (2)
G9 Single-Sided Arm, Size C (4)

Carbon Rods & Tubes

Fuselage Doubler Tube 5.5 x 142mm
Elevator Joiner Tube 3 x 208mm
Rudder Post Tube 3 x 154mm
Fuselage Main Tube 3 x 715mm

Landing Gear Brace Tube 3 x 90mm
Leading Edge Tube 3 x 900mm
Trailing Edge Tube 3 x 900mm
Landing Gear Legs 2 x 195mm (2)
Rear Wing Struts 2 x 94mm (2)
Wheel Axles 2 x 17mm (2)
Rudder Pushrod 1 x 315mm
Elevator Pushrod 1 x 305mm
Aileron Pushrods 1 x 117mm (2)

Misc. Parts

3mm Plywood Firewall
Prop Saver
Prop Saver O-Rings
Hardwood Motor Mount Stick

Kit Contents (Not Photographed)

KIT CONTENTS

Kit Contents

1. Horizontal Fuselage
Halves (2)

2. Vertical Fuselage
Halves (2)

3. Carbon Rods & Tubes

4. Hook & Loop Fastener

5. Wing

6. Ailerons (2)

7. Horizontal Stabilizer

8. Elevator Halves (2)

9. Vertical Fuselage
Doublers (2)

10. Wheel Pants

11. Motor/Gearbox

12. Propeller

13. Horizontal Fuse
Doublers (2)

14 Main Wheels (2)
15 Rudder

6

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Great Planes FlatOuts Edge 540 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 Hobbico web site at

www.hobbico.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.
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 for any reason contact Product Support by e-mail at

[e-mail]

, or

by telephone at [phone].

Replacement Parts List

Or

der Number

Description How to Pur

chase

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

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

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

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

GPMP0217 .............Gear Drive Body

GPMG0860.............Prop Shaft & Spur Gear

GPMG0239.............Pinion Gear

GPMG0312.............Replacement Motor

APCQ5016..............10 x 3.8

" Propeller

GPMQ4620.............Prop Saver

GPMA2794 .............Hardware Set

GPMG0215.............Motor/Gear Drive Assembly

GPMQ4618.............Prop Saver O-Ring

To convert inches to millimeters, multiply inches by 25.4

❏ 1. Cut the stabilizer free from the foam sheet using a

hobby knife with a

sharp

#11 blade.

DO NOT

cut the

elevator halves free at this time.

❏ 2. Following the

Expert Tip

below, use foam-safe CA and
accelerator to glue six clip hinges (C2) into the stabilizer, using
the 3 x 208mm [1/8" x 8-1/4"] elevator joiner tube as a guide.
Remove the elevator joiner tube from the hinges.

HOW TO INSTALL CLIP HINGES

The clip hinge system provides a precise, free-moving hinge.
Always use this method when instructed to install clip hinges.

A. Snap all of the hinges onto the carbon tube. Align the
hinges with the slots.

B. Coat both sides of one hinge (C2) with foam-safe CA
where it contacts the sides of the hinge slot. Rotate the
hinge down into the slot. Be certain the top and bottom of
the hinge remain flush with the top and bottom of the control
surface you are hinging.IMPORTANT: Avoid getting an y CA
on the tube or the arms of the clips. The clips must rotate
freely on the tube.

C. One at a time, coat the sides of the rest of the hinges and
glue them into the slots.

❏ 3. Without removing the elevator halves from the foam

sheet, slide two hinge retainer rings (C3) onto the elevator
joiner tube.Align the rings with the cutout in the right elevator
half.There should be a 1.5mm [1/16"] gap between the two
rings.Secure both rings to the tube with a drop of glue on the
outside of the gap.Do not get any glue between the rings.

❏ 4.Using the

Expert Tip

that follows, permanently join the

elevator halves by gluing in the elevator joiner tube.

Assemble the Horizontal Tail

BUILD THE AIRPLANE

7

HOW T O GLUE THE TUBES TO

THE CONTROL SURFACES

Note: You may want to protect your work surface from

excess glue. We recommend Great Planes Plan Protector
(GPMR6167) for this purpose.

A. Cut several 1-1/2" [38mm] pieces of cellophane tape. Fold
the last 1/4" [6mm] over to make a tab for easy removal.

B. Lightly coat the leading edges of the elevators with f oam-saf e
CA–do not use an excessive amount.Hint: A CA applicator tip
is recommended to accurately control the bead of glue.

C. Tape the tube to the leading edge of the elevators.Weigh
the assembly down on a flat surface to prevent warping and
allow the glue to harden without accelerator.

D. Once the glue has hardened, remove the tape.

❏ 5. Now the elevator halves may be cut from the sheet.

❏ 6. Join the elevators to the stab by snapping the clip

hinges to the joiner tube.

❏ 7. Inser t a Z-bend clevis (A1) into a clip hinge control

horn (C1).

HOW TO INSTALL Z-BEND CLEVISES MORE EASILY

A. Using a sharp #11 hobby knife, remov e any flashing from the

inside of the hole you are installing the Z-bend clevis into .Do this
by rotating the blade in the hole while applying gentle pressure.
Be careful not to remove too much material–your goal here is to
remove small ridges of flashing, not to make the hole larger.

B. Snap the Z-bend clevis into place.

❏ 8. Clip the control horn onto the joiner tube aligned with

the precut slot.

❏ 9. Coat the gluing area on the control horn with glue and

rotate it down into the precut slot.

8