Great Planes GPMA1130 User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 32.5 in [830mm]
Wing Area: 518 in2 [33.4dm2]
Weight: 8.4 – 9.5 oz [240 – 270g]
Wing Loading: 2.3 – 2.6 oz/ft2 [7 – 8g/dm2]
Length: 38 in [955mm]
Radio: 4-channel radio system with micro receiver and three micro servos
Motor & Propeller: RimFire™ 28-22-1380 with APC 8" x 3.8 slo fl yer prop (APCQ5000) or

GWS 8" x 4 (GWSQ2009) -OR-
RimFire 28-26-1000 with GP 10" x 4.5 slo-fl yer prop (GPMQ6660)

™

WARRANTY

Great Planes® Model Manufacturing Co. guarantees this kit to be
free from defects in both material and workmanship at the date

To make a warranty claim send the defective part or item to Hobby

Services at the address below:
of purchase. This warranty does not cover any component parts
damaged by use or modifi cation. 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

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Dr., Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822 USA

without notice.
In that Great Planes has no control over the fi nal assembly or

material used for fi nal assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor
accepted for any damage resulting from the use by the user of
the fi nal user-assembled product. By the act of using the user­assembled product, the user accepts all resulting liability.

Include a letter stating your name, return shipping address, as

much contact information as possible (daytime telephone n umber,

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.

If the buyer is not prepared to accept the liability associated
with the use of this product, the b uyer 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.

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

Entire Contents © Copyright 2008

GPMZ1130 for GPMA1130 V1.0

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

Motor, Propeller, Battery & ESC Recommendations .......3

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

Required Hardware & Accessories ..............................4

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

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

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

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

METRIC/INCH RULER ......................................................5

GETTING STARTED .........................................................6

WING INSTALLATION ......................................................6

Install the Wings ...........................................................6

Link the Ailerons ...........................................................7

HORIZONTAL & VERTICAL TAIL INSTALLATION ..........8

Install the Horizontal Stabilizer .....................................8

Hinge the Rudder .........................................................9

INST ALL THE SER VOS ..................................................10

PUSHROD & CONTROL HORN INSTALLATION ..........10

Install the Control Horns ............................................10

Install the Pushrods ....................................................11

MOTOR & ESC INSTALLATION .....................................12

FINAL ASSEMBLY .........................................................13

Install the Wing Braces ...............................................13

Install the Aileron Servo .............................................14

Install the Radio, Landing Gear, & Propeller ..............15

BALANCE THE MODEL (C.G.) ......................................17

Set the C.G. ................................................................17

Balance the Model Laterally .......................................17

SET THE CONTROL THROWS & DIRECTION

OF TRA VEL .....................................................................18

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

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

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

Identify Your Model .....................................................18

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

Balance Propellers .....................................................19

Ground Check & Range Check ..................................19

MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .................................19

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts) ....................................19

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

FLYING ............................................................................20

Takeoff ........................................................................21

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

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

TEMPLATES ........................................... Back Cover Page

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections

to the Pluma 3D ARF visit the Great Planes web site at

www.greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link and then

select the Pluma 3D ARF . If there is new technical inf ormation

or changes to this model a “tech notice” box will appear in

the upper left corner of the page.

AMA

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.

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

IMPORTANT!!! Two of the most important things y ou can do

to preserve the radio controlled aircraft hobby are to avoid

fl ying near full-scale aircraft and avoid fl ying near or over

groups of people.

PROTECT YOUR MODEL, Y OURSELF

& OTHERS....FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Your Pluma 3D 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 Pluma 3D ARF, if not assembled and

operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself or

spectators and damage to property.

2. Y ou must assemble the model accor ding to the instructions.

Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so may result in an

unsafe or unfl yable model. In a fe w 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 fi rst-class

condition, and a correctly sized motor and components

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 .

2

6. You must check the operation of the model before every
fl ight to insure that all equipment is operating and that the
model has remained structurally sound. Be sure to check
the pushrods, heat shrink tubing and Z-bends or other
connectors often and replace them if they show any signs
of wear or fatigue.

• 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.

7. 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.

8. While this kit has been fl ight tested to exceed normal use,
if the plane will be used for extremely high stress fl ying, such
as racing, or if a motor larger than one in the recommended
range is used, the modeler is responsible for taking steps to
reinforce the high stress points and/or substituting hardware
more suitable for the increased stress.

We, as the kit manuf acturer , pro vide 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.

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

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

This is a partial list of items required to fi nish the Pluma
3D ARF that may require planning or decision making
before starting to build. Order numbers are provided in
parentheses.

Radio Equipment

A 4-channel radio system with four micro servos and a micro
receiver are required for this plane.

• (3) Futaba® S3114 Micro HT Servo (FUTM0414)

• Futaba 156F Micro FM Receiver (FUTL0641)

• Receiver Crystal (FUTL62/63**)

-OR-

• Futaba R617FS FASST™ Receiver (FUTL7621)

Motor, Propeller, Battery

& ESC Recommendations

LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING & USAGE

WARNING!! Read the entire instruction sheet included
with the 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 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 fi reproof location.

• NEVER trickle charge.

• NEVER allow battery temper ature to e xceed 150° F [65° C].

Based on the type of fl ying you’ll primarily do, we have listed
two different motor/prop/ESC combinations. The lightest
weight setup is referred to as the “indoor setup,” while the
“outdoor setup” is a bit heavier (better stability to handle
wind gusts).

Indoor

• Motor – RimFire™ 28-22-1380 (GPMG4505)

• Prop – APC 8" x 3.8 slo fl yer prop (APCQ5000) or
GWS 8" x 4 (GWSQ2009)

• Battery – Power Series 11.1V 300mAh LiPo
20C (GPMP0595)

• ESC – Silver Series 8 amp Brushless (GPMM1800)

Outdoor

• Motor – RimFire 28-26-1000 (GPMG4525)

• Prop – GP 10" x 4.5 slo-fl yer prop (GPMQ6660)

• Battery – Power Series 11.1V 640mAh LiPo
20C (GPMP0601)

• ESC – Silver Series 12 amp Brushless (GPMM1810)

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

3

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

Required Hardware & Accessories

This is the list of adhesive and building supplies required
to fi nish the Pluma 3D ARF. Order numbers are provided
in parentheses.

❏ 1 oz. [30g] Thin F oam-Saf e CA (HOTR1040)
❏ 1 oz. [30g] Thic k F oam-Saf e CA (HO TR1050)
❏ 1 oz. [30g] Medium Foam-Saf e CA (GPMR6069)
❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro

™

CA (GPMR6001)

❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007)
❏ Drill bits: #57 [1mm], 1/16" [1.6mm]
❏ #1 Hobb y knif e (HCAR0105)
❏ #11 Blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)
❏ Hobbico

®

steel T-pins 1" (100) (HCAR5100)

❏ Great Planes Pro Threadloc k er (GPMR6060)
❏ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❏ 150-grit Sandpaper
❏ Bru Line hemostat – curved 5-1/2" (BRUR1303)
❏ Hobbico fl exib le 18" ruler stainless steel (HCAR0460)
❏ Builder’ s triangle set (HCAR0480)
❏ 2 oz. [57g] Spray CA activ ator (GPMR6035)

• When you see the term test fi t in the instructions, it
means that you should fi rst position the part on the assembly
without using any glue, then slightly modify or custom fi t
the part as necessary for the best fi t.

• Whenever the term glue is written you should rely upon
your experience to decide what type of glue to use. When
a specifi c 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 stabilizer and wing incidences and motor thrust
angles have been factory-built into this model. However,
some technically-minded modelers may wish to check these
measurements anyway. To view this information visit the web
site at www.greatplanes.com and click on “Technical Data. ”
Due to manufacturing tolerances which will have little or no
effect on the way your model will fl y, please expect slight
deviations between your model and the published values.

Optional Supplies & Tools

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the Pluma 3D ARF.

❏ Great Planes double-sided servo tape 1" x 3' (GPMQ4442)
❏ P anel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)
❏ Denatured alcohol
❏ Rotary tool such as Dremel
❏ PolyCharge4

™

LiPo battery charger (GPMM3015)

®

with cutoff wheel

❏ Hobbico 12 V olt DC po wer supply (HCAP0250)
❏ Equinox

™

1 to 5 cell LiPo cell balancer (GPMM3160)

4

KIT INSPECTION

KIT INSPECTION

KIT CONTENTS

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 Great Planes 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

Kit Contents

2

1 Fuselage

1

5

2 Center Cabane Strut
3 Speed Brakes (2)
4 Horizontal Stabilizer & Elevators

3

4

5 Rudder
6 Bottom Wing w/Ailerons

7

6

7 Interplane Struts (L&R)
8 Top Wing w/Ailerons
9 Inner & Outer Wheel Pants (L&R) &
Wheels (2)

9

8

To convert inches to millimeters, multiply inches by 25.4

5

5

GETTING STARTED

Take the time to look over your Pluma 3D ARF. Assembly is
pretty simple and straight-forward, as you’ve already seen
by looking over the table of contents section in this manual.
Look for damage to the foam or brok en parts. The Pluma 3D
ARF uses a light-weight type of fl at foam that has a “skin”
applied to its outer surfaces. This creates a strong and rigid
airframe when completed, but special care is needed while
handling individual parts during build-up. Bending f oam parts
can cause the skin to tear and severely weak en the f oam, so
be careful not to force things into place.

❏ 2. Apply a bead of thin foam-safe CA to both sides of

the140mm carbon fi ber elevator joiner.

WING INSTALLATION

❏ 1. Lay the wing panels and horizontal tail on a fl at work

surface. Gently run your fi nger over the taped hinges to form
a secure bond between the tape and the foam.

Install the Wings

If you ever need to remove a control surface DO NOT
attempt to pull the hinge tape off – this damages the
skinned layer of the foam – use a hobby knife to cut the
hinge tape along the hinge line. Replacement hinge tape
is available from your local hobby shop. Order Dubro
Electric Flyer Hinge Tape (DUBQ0916).

❏ 1. Glue the bottom wing to the bottom of the fuselage.

Apply a bead of medium or thick foam-safe CA to the wing
saddle and the two fuselage former tabs and mount the wing.
Note: The bottom wing can be identifi ed by the servo hole
and the protruding LE stop.

66

6

Link the Ailerons

❏ 1. Locate f our 1 x 145mm carbon pushrods, eight 1 x 30mm

Z-bends, and eight 25mm pieces of heat shrink tubing.
Assemble four aileron link rods as shown in the sketch
above so that they measure 2-1/8" [156mm] from Z-bend
center to Z-bend center. See the Expert Tip below on how
to assemble pushrods.

How to Assemble Pushrods

❏ 2. Glue the interplane struts to the bottom wings using

thin foam-safe CA. Use a 90° builder’s square or the
template provided in the back of this manual to properly align
the interplane struts vertically. Note: The front edge of the
interplane struts has less curvature than the aft edge.

❏ 3. Apply thin foam-safe CA to the tabs on the interplane

struts and the center cabane strut. Install the top wing.

To join a wire Z-bend to a 1mm carbon pushrod, fi rst slide
a piece of heat shrink tubing onto the carbon rod. Next,
place the wire Z-bend alongside of the carbon rod. Slide
the heat shrink tubing over the joint and heat it. If you
are working near foam, use a hot soldering iron to shrink
the heat shrink tubing. Run the tip along the sides of the
tubing, applying heat all around the heat shrink tubing.
Check to see that the length of the pushrod is still correct.
If you’re careful, you can reposition the Z-bend after the
heat shrink tubing is completely shrunk, but it’s good
to check it before you’ve completely shrunk the tubing.
When you’re satisfi ed, apply one drop of thin CA to the
end of the heat shrink tubing that is farthest away from
the Z-bend. Be careful not to allo w the CA to wick into the
Z-bend if the Z-bend is attached to a control horn.

7

❏ 2. Locate eight aileron link horns. Fit them to the four

aileron links that you made.

horns until the top and bottom ailerons are completely parallel
with zero control throw . When you’ re satisfi ed with the aileron
position, use thin foam-safe CA to glue the aileron link horns
securely to each aileron. Run a bead along both sides of
each link horn and let the model sit until the CA cures.

❏ ❏ 5. Flip the model over and apply thin foam-safe CA to

the bottom side of each link horn. Let the CA cure.

❏ 6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the opposite wing.

HORIZONTAL & VERTICAL TAIL

INSTALLATION

Install the Horizontal Stabilizer

❏ 3. Locate the foam parts shown above and build two

control surface alignment tools. Note: Setting the rectangular
pad at 90 degrees is not critical.

❏ ❏ 4. Set y our model do wn on a fl at work surface with the

TE of the aileron hanging over the edge. Working with one
wing at a time, fi t the alignment tools to the top aileron. Test fi t
two aileron link rods by inserting the link horns into the slots
in the upper and lower ailerons. Adjust the position of the link

❏ 1. Test fi t the horizontal stab to the fuselage, installing it

from the rear. You’ll need to spread the fuselage seam apar t
a bit to get the stab in, so use care.

❏ 2. Align the stab v ertically and horizontally as shown in the

sketches above. If the stab doesn’t sit parallel with the plane

8

8