Great Planes GPMA1120 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 CONT AINS IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS
AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND
USE OF THIS MODEL.

GPMZ1102 for GPMA1120 V1.0Entire Contents © Copyright 2006

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 35.75 in [908mm]
Wing Area: 245 sq in [15.8dm2]
Weight: 10 oz [280g]
Wing Loading: 5.9 oz/sq ft [18g/dm2]
Length: 33 in [840mm]
Radio: 4-channel minimum, 3 micro servos, 7A ESC and micro receiver

2

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

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

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

LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING & USAGE.....................3

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

Radio Equipment & Electronics...................................3

Electronic Speed Control (ESC)..................................4

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

Adhesives & Building Supplies....................................4

Optional Supplies & Tools ...........................................4

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

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

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

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

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

ASSEMBLE THE AIRPLANE............................................6

Install the Aileron Servo..............................................6

Install the Wing Panels................................................6

Assemble the Aileron Pushrods..................................7

Install the Wing Struts.................................................8

Install the Horizontal Stabilizer & Rudder ...................9

Install the Tail Servos & Linkages ...............................9

Install the Electronics & Propeller .............................10

Assemble the Landing Gear......................................11

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Range Check.............................................................12

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts)....................................13

CHECK LIST ...................................................................13

FLYING ............................................................................13

Takeoff.......................................................................13

Flight..........................................................................14

Landing......................................................................14

Repair........................................................................14

Thank you for your purchase of the Great Planes ElectriFly

™

FlatOuts J-3 Cub! This stand-off scale Cub can be assembled
in as little as an hour, and the foam construction can be
repaired on site to get you back into the air as quickly as it
takes to top off the battery in your radio.The FlatOuts J-3 Cub
can comfortably fly in a large gymnasium at slow speeds, or fly
with authority outdoors on a day of light, 5 mph or less wind.
And the best features, the economical price and quick build
time of the FlatOuts J-3 Cub, will allow you to fly without the
worry of damage to an expensive or time consuming model.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
FlatOuts J-3 Cub visit the Great Planes web site at

www.greatplanes.com.Open the “Airplanes” link, and then
select the FlatOuts J-3 Cub. 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.

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.

IMPORTANT!!! Two 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.

1.Your FlatOuts J-3 Cub 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 FlatOuts J-3 Cub, 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.

PRO TECT YOUR MODEL,Y OURSELF

& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN 47302

Tele: [phone]

Fax [phone]

Or via the Internet at:

http://www.modelaircraft.org

AMA

INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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.

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

WARNING!! Read the entire instruction sheet included with

this battery. Failure to follow all instructions could cause
permanent damage to the battery and its surroundings, and
cause bodily harm!

• ONLY use a LiPo approved charger. NEVER use a
NiCd/NiMH peak charger!

• NEVER charge in excess of 4.20V per cell.

• ONLY charge through the “charge” lead. NEVER charge
through the “discharge” lead.

• NEVER charge at currents greater than 1C.

• ALWAYS set charger’s output volts to match battery volts.

• ALWAYS charge in a fireproof location.

• NEVER trickle charge.

• NEVER allow the battery temperature to exceed
150° F [65° C].

• NEVER disassemble or modify pack wiring in any wa y or
puncture cells.

• NEVER discharge below 2.5V per cell.

• NEVER place on combustible materials or leave
unattended during charge or discharge.

• ALWAYS KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

This is a partial list of items required to finish the FlatOuts J-3
Cub that may require planning or decision making before
starting to build. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

The FlatOuts J-3 Cub requires a 4-channel or greater
transmitter, a micro receiver, and three micro servos (9g or
less). If you already have a transmitter you are going to use
to fly the FlatOuts J-3 Cub, you can get the receiver and
servos separately:

• Futaba®R114F 4-channel FM micro receiver w/o crystal
(low band – FUTL0442, high band – FUTL0443)

• Futaba FM single conversion receiver crystal for R114F
(low band – FUTL62**, high band – FUTL63**)

• Futaba S3110 micro servo 7.7g (FUTM0046)

Or, y ou can purchase a complete system (including transmitter)
specially packaged for park flyers. If purchasing a complete
system, the Futaba 4YF Skysport FM radio is suitable.It comes
with a micro receiver and two Futaba S3108 micro servos.One
additional servo will need to be purchased. The transmitter is
also equipped with a rechargeable NiCd battery pack:

• Futaba 4YF Skysport FM radio system including
transmitter, receiver, and servos (FUTJ37**)

• Futaba S3110 micro servo 7.7g (FUTM0046) or S3114
micro servo (FUTM0414)

A 11.1V 350mAh or 11.1V 640mAh LiPo battery pack and
suitable charger are also required. Although there are
different battery packs and chargers available that will work
with the FlatOuts J-3 Cub, the economical choices
recommended by Great Planes are:

• Great Planes 11.1V 350mAh 3S 20C discharge 2-pin

LiPo (GPMP0801) (Note:When using with the C-7 Nano
ESC, adapter required – GPMM3135)

• Great Planes 11.1V 640mAh 3S 15C discharge micro

LiPo (GPMP0805)

• Great Planes 11.1V 640mAh 20C discharge with

balance LiPo (GPMP0601) (Note: This requires the
Equinox™Cell Balancer – GPMM3160)

A suitable LiPo charger is required:

• Great Planes PolyCharge4 DC only 4 output LiPo

charger (GPMM3015)

or

• Great Planes ElectriFly Triton2™DC Peak

Charger (GPMM3153)

Radio Equipment & Electronics

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

LITHIUM BATTER Y HANDLING & USAGE

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

An Electronic Speed Control (ESC) with Battery Eliminator
Circuitry (BEC) is required. The BEC allows both the motor
and the radio system to be powered by the same battery
(thus eliminating the on-board receiver battery). The Great
Planes ElectriFly C-7 Nano Brushed ESC (GPMM2005)
is recommended.

❏ Great Planes Pro

™

Foam Safe CA- Thick Glue

1 oz. (GPMR6072)

❏ Great Planes Pro Foam Safe CA+ Medium Glue

1 oz. (GPMR6069)

❏ Drill bits: 3/64" [1.2mm] or #60 and 1/8" [3mm]
❏ #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❏ Hobbico

®

soldering iron 60 Watt (HCAR0776)

Here is a list of optional tools that will help you build the
FlatOuts J-3 Cub.

❏ Great Planes Pro Foam Safe CA Aerosol Activator

4 oz. [114g] (GPMR6034)

❏ 2 oz. [57g] Spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❏ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❏ CA debonder (GPMR6039)
❏ Hobbico Pin Vise 1/16" Collet w/six bits (HCAR0696)
❏ Long nose pliers with wire cutter (HCAR0625)
❏ CG Machine

™

(GPMR2400)

❏ Hobbico Flexible 18" Ruler Stainless Steel (HCAR0460)

• 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, and 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.

Replacement parts for the Great Planes FlatOuts J-3 Cub 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.

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 order ing 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

GPMG0420 ............180 Motor & 5:1 Ratio Gearbox

GPMG0292 ............180 Motor with Leads & Connectors

GPMG0182 ............Gearbox with Spur Gear Shaft 5:1 Ratio

GPMG0863 ............Spur Gear Shaft

GPMQ4619 ............Prop Saver O-ring

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

Fuse = Fuselage

Stab = Horizontal Stabilizer

Fin = Ver tical Fin

LE = Leading Edge

LG = Landing Gear

" = Inches

mm = Millimeters

ESC = Electronic Speed Control

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

Optional Supplies & Tools

Adhesives & Building Supplies

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Electronic Speed Control (ESC)

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 you need assistance with assembly,
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. Left Wing Panel

2. Horizontal Stabilizer & Elevators (L&R)

3. Right Wing Panel

4. Double-sided Servo Tape

5. Hook & Loop Material

6. Vertical Fin & Rudder

7. Propeller (9" x 4.5" S)

8. Fuselage

9. Prop Saver O-rings (2)

10. Prop Saver

11. Wheels (2)

12. Landing Gear

Kit Contents

KIT CONTENTS

1

11

12

4

3

7

5

2

8

6

9

10