Great Planes GPMA1149 User Manual

SPECIFICATIONS

Wingspan: 41.5 in [1055mm]

Wing Area: 270 sq in

[17.4dm

2

]

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wing

Loading:

Length: 31.5 in [800mm]

12.3-15.5 oz/ft
[38-47g/dm2]

®

Propeller: Great Planes

10x4.5

Slo-Flyer Electric Prop

2

ESC: ElectriFly™ SS-25

Battery: 11.1V, 1250-1600mAh LiPo

Weight: 23-29 oz

[650-820g]

Motor:

ElectriFly™
(28-30-950) Brushless

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

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT

INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.

RimFire™ 400

Radio: 4-Channel (minimum) with Micro

Receiver, three Micro Servos

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.

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

Entire Contents © Copyright 2009 GPMA1149 Mnl

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

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

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

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

LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING AND USAGE . . . . . . . . . 3

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

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

Motor, ESC and Propeller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Battery Pack and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Required Adhesive and Building Supplies . . . . . . . . . 4

Optional Supplies and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Pilot Figure (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

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

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

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

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

BEFORE YOU BEGIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

ASSEMBLE THE WINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Join the Wings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Install the Aileron Servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Install the Main Landing Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

INSTALL THE TAIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Install the Horizontal Stabilizer and Elevators . . . . . . 10

Install the Vertical Stabilizer, Rudder and Tailwheel . 11

INSTALL THE ELEVATOR and RUDDER SERVOS . . . . 12

INSTALL THE MOTOR, ESC, RECEIVER, & BATTERY . 15

FINISH THE MODEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

PILOT INSTALLATION (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

APPLY THE DECALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Check the Control Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Set the Control Throws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Balance the Model (C.G.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Balance the Model Laterally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

PREFLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Identify Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Charge the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Balance Propellers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Range Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

AMA SAFETY CODE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Radio Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

CHECK LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

FLYING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Thank you for purchasing the Great Planes® PT-19 EP park
fl yer. We hope you enjoy the docile characteristics of this
classic model. PT stands for “Primary Trainer”, but don’t
let this fool you into thinking you can handle fl ying if you’ve
never been trained. Just as you wouldn’t simply jump into a
full-scale airplane and fl y away, trainer or not, you shouldn’t
do the same with a sophisticated R/C model like this. If you
don’t already know how to fl y, you should seek the help of
an experienced R/C pilot. There are also many training tools
available to help you learn to fl y R/C. Please see your local
hobby dealers for their recommendations.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
PT-19 EP visit the Great Planes web site at www .greatplanes.
com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then select the PT-19 EP
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.

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

Tele: [phone]
Fax [phone]

Or via the Internet at: http://www.modelaircraft.org

IMPORTANT!!! Two of the most important things you 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, YOURSELF

& OTHERS… FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Your PT -19 EP 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 PT-19 EP, if not assembled and operated correctly, could
possibly cause injury to yourself or spectators and damage
to property.

2

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 take time to build straight, true and strong.

● 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.

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.

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
clevises or other connectors often and replace them if they
show any signs of wear or fatigue.

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, 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.

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

● NEVER allow battery temperature to exceed 150° F
(65° C).

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

● NEVER discharge below 3.0V per cell.

● NEVER place on combustible materials or leave

unattended during charge or discharge.

● ALWAYS KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

REQUIRED ITEMS

This is a partial list of items required to fi nish the PT-19 EP.
Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

Radio Equipment

A 4-channel radio system with three micro servos and a micro
receiver are required for this plane. Many radio systems are
suitable, but we have chosen the following for this build-up.

❍ (3) Futaba® S3114 Micro HT Servo (FUTM0414)
OR

❍ (3) minimum 20 oz-in torque micro servos
❍ Servo Mounting Screws (FUTM2250)

❍ Futaba R617FS 7-channel 2.4GHz Receiver

OR
❍ Futaba R114F FM Micro Receiver

(Low Band – FUTL0442, High Band – FUTL0443)

❍ Futaba FM Single Conversion Short Crystal

(Low Band – FUTL62**, High Band – FUTL63**)

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.

Motor, ESC & Propeller

Recommendations

The PT-19 EP was tested e xtensively to fi nd the best “power
package” that offers light weight, long fl ight time, and good
thrust. The order numbers for these are provided below.

❍ Great Planes RimFire™ 400 (28-30-950) Brushless

Outrunner Motor (GPMG4560)

❍ Great Planes Silver Series 25A Brushless ESC 5V/2A

BEC (GPMM1820)

3

❍ Great Planes 10x4.5 PowerFlow™ Propeller

(GPMQ6660) (draws 15 amps max.)

Optional Supplies and Tools

❍ Great Planes 3.5mm Male/2.5mm Female Bullet

Connector Adapter (GPMM3122)

Battery Pack & Accessories

The following battery packs are recommended.
❍ Great Planes LiPo 1600mAh BP Series 11.1V 20C

Discharge w/ Balance (GPMP0719)

❍ Great Planes LiPo 1500mAh Power Series 11.1V 25C

Discharge w/ Balance (GPMP0511)

A LiPo-compatible charger is required for these batteries,
along with a cell balancer. We recommend:

❍ Great Planes Equinox™ 1-5 cell LiPo cell balancer

(GPMM3160)

❍ Great Planes PolyCharge4™ LiPo battery charger

(GPMM3015)

OR
❍ Great Planes PolyCharge DC LiPo battery charger

(GPMM3010)

Required Adhesive and

Building Supplies

This is the list of adhesive and building supplies required to
fi nish the PT-19 EP.

❍ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro™ CA (GPMR6001)
❍ 1/2 oz. [15g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007)
❍ 4oz [113g] Pro 6-minute epoxy (GPMR6042)
❍ 4oz [113g] Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6043)
❍ R/C-56 Glue 4oz (JOZR5007)
❍ Denatured alcohol
❍ Drill bits: #55 [1.3mm] [1.3mm], 1/16" [1.6mm],

5/64" [2mm], 1/8" [3.2mm]

❍ #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❍ #11 blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)
❍ Hobbico Steel T-Pins 1" (100) (HCAR5100)
❍ Great Planes Pro Thread locker (GPMR6060)
❍ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❍ 220 grit sandpaper
❍ Masking tape (TOPR8018)
❍ Bru Line hemostat – curved 5-1/2" (BRUR1303)
❍ Fabric Tape Measure (HCAR0478)

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the PT-19 EP.

st

❍ 21

Century® sealing iron (COVR2700)

❍ 21st Century iron cover (COVR2702)
❍ 2 oz. [57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❍ 4 oz. [113g] aerosol CA activator (GPMR634)
❍ Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❍ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❍ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❍ Great Planes® Hook and Loop material (GPMQ4480)
❍ 1/2" [13mm] double-sided foam mounting tape

(GPMQ4440)

❍ Excel Small Hobby Clamps (2) 1" x 3.5" [25 x 89mm]

(EXLR5663)

❍ CA debonder (GPMR6039)
❍ Great Planes Double-Sided Servo Tape 1"x 3’

(GPMQ4442)

❍ Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)
❍ Rotary tool (Dremel®) with cutoff wheel
❍ Hobbico® Flexible 18" Ruler Stainless Steel (HCAR0460)
❍ Builder’s Triangle Set (HCAR0480)
❍ AccuThrow™ Defl ection Gauge (GPMR2405)
❍ Hobbico 12 Volt DC power supply (HCAP0250)
❍ Acrylic paint and paint brushes for painting pilot (found at

craft stores)

Pilot Figure (optional)

The following pilot fi gures are suggested. Note: The
pre-painted pilot listed below is slightly larger than the
recommended Williams Brothers pilot fi gure and is a WWI
pilot.

❍ Williams Brothers 1/8-Scale Pilot Kit Standard

(WBRQ1040)
OR
❍ Great Planes Small EP WWI Pilot, Pre-Painted

(GPMA2998)

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

● 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.

4

● 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 y ou can study photos in follo wing steps
to get another view of the same parts.

● The stabilizer, 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.

®

● The PT -19 EP is f actory-covered with T op Flite

MonoKote®
fi lm. Should repairs ever be required, MonoKote can be
patched with additional MonoKote purchased separately.
MonoKote is packaged in six-foot rolls, but some hobby
shops also sell it by the foot. If only a small piece of
MonoKote is needed for a minor patch, perhaps a fellow
modeler would give you some. MonoKote is applied with
a model airplane covering iron, but in an emergency a
regular iron could be used. A roll of MonoK ote includes full

instructions for application. Following are the colors used
on this model and order numbers for six foot rolls.

Yellow TOPQ0203
Sapphire Blue TOPQ0226
Missile Red TOPQ0201
Jet White TOPQ0204
Black TOPQ0208

KIT INSPECTION

Before starting to build, take an inventor y 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 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

2

1

3

5

4

6

14 15

12

11

7

13

8

9

10

1. Fuselage

2. Cowl

3. Tail Skid

4. Vertical Fin & Rudder

5. Horizontal Stabilizer & Elevators

6. Elevator Joiner

7. Windscreens

8. Landing Gear Pants

9. Wheels

10. Main Landing Gear Legs

5

11. Wing Joiners

12. Servo Mounting Plate

13. Wing Bolt Plate

14. Left Wing

15. Right Wing

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Great Planes PT-19 EP ARF are
available using the order n umbers 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. Select “Where to Buy” in the
menu across the top of the page and follow the instructions
provided 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 ordering via fax, include a Visa
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

®

or MasterCard®

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Before you begin assembling your model, inspect it for
wrinkled covering and areas where the covering may not
be tacked down adequately. The covering should be tacked
down to the wood using just enough heat to soften the
adhesive backing. Low heat (about 250° F [121° C]) should
be enough to accomplish this. More heat may be required to
begin to tighten the covering.

ASSEMBLE THE WINGS

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 productsupport@greatplanes.
com, or by telephone at [phone].

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

Order No. Description

GPMA4000
GPMA4001
GPMA4002
GPMA4003
GPMA4004
GPMA4005

NOTE

Fuselage
Wing
Tail Surface Set
Landing Gear Set
Cowl
Decal

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

Join the Wings

1. For the next few steps you will need epoxy, mixing

❏

cups, mixing sticks, and a few epoxy brushes. You should
also have some denatured alcohol and paper towels on
hand for cleanup.

2. Mix up a small batch of 6-minute epoxy and glue the

❏

2mm thick wing joiner and 3mm thick wing joiner together

6

so that one overlies the other. You now have a single 5mm
thick wing joiner.

3. Coat both faces of the wing joiner with 30-minute epo xy

❏

and fi t the joiner into the slot in one wing so that the bend
in the joiner matches the dihedral angle of the root wing rib.
Coat the root rib of both wings. Note: The top of the wing is
the side of the wing that the torque rod exits.

6. After the epo xy cures, remo v e the clamps and the tape

❏

from the wing. Turn the wing over. Apply some 6-minute
epoxy to the wing bolt plate and glue it to the bottom side of
the wing. Use the two wing bolts to align the plate with the
holes in the wing. Clamp the wing bolt plate to the wing and
clean up any epoxy that squeezes out of the joint. Allow the
epoxy to fully cure.

7. Remove the clamps and wing bolts. Clean up the

❏

bolts with denatured alcohol and set them aside with your
other hardware.

4. Join both wings tightly. Clean up any epoxy that

❏

squeezes out of the joint with paper towels and denatured
alcohol. Hold the wings together tightly with at least f our long
strips of masking tape. Use two on the top and two on the
bottom. Use tw o small clamps to hold the wings in alignment
as the epoxy cures.

Install the Aileron Servo

1. Test fi t a ser vo in the aileron servo mounting plate. If

❏

you are using a servo larger than a Futaba 3114 micro servo,
use a Dremel® rotary tool or your hobby knife to enlarge the
opening in the plate to accommodate your particular servo.

5. Locate the two 3mm x 25mm wing bolts. Thoroughly

❏

coat the threads of each bolt with petroleum jelly (Vaseline®
or similar).

2. Center the ser vo mounting plate over the hole in the

❏

top of the wing. Epoxy the servo mounting plate in place. Be
careful to center it.

7

3. Remove the servo arm from the servo. Install your aileron

❏

servo so that the output shaft is oriented forward. Route the
lead through the mounting plate on one side of the servo so
that it does not interfere with the servo arms. Note: You may
have to trim a notch for the wire to pass through. Use a 1/16"
[1.6mm] drill to make holes for the servo screws. Install the
screws and then remove them. Remove the servo and place a
drop of thin CA into each screw hole you just tapped.

4. Reinstall the servo, making sure to route the servo lead

❏

properly . To keep the servo lead clear of the servo arms, tack
glue the lead to the servo mounting plate using one drop of
medium CA.

6. Use a #55 [1.3mm] drill to enlarge the two servo arm

❏

holes that are 1/2" [12.7mm] from the center of the output
shaft. These are the outermost holes of the standard servo
arm. If you don’t have a #55 [1.3mm] drill bit, you can use
your hobby knif e to carefully enlarge the hole until the screw­lock pushrod connector pin fi ts.

7. Install a screw-lock pushrod connector to each servo

❏

arm and secure each one with a plastic retainer.

5. Using your radio system, center your aileron servo. Fit

❏

your servo arm to the splined servo shaft and fi nd the position
on the splines that allows the two long arms to be 90° to the
servo case. Clip off the other two servo arms. To save time,
you can plug your other two servos into your receiver and
center them at this time.

8. Thread each torque rod horn onto the torque rods so

❏

that the top of the horn is 5/8" [15.9mm] from the upper
surface of the wing with the aileron centered.

8