Great Planes GPMA1156 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.

GPMZ0200 for GPMA1156 V1.0© Copyright 2004

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 39.5 in [1000mm]
Wing Area: 276 sq in [17.8 dm2]
Weight: 22-24 oz [620-680 g]
Wing Loading: 11-13 oz/sq ft [34-40 g/dm2]
Length: 30 in [760mm]
Radio: 4-channel with three micro servos (not included)
Motor: 400 size
Electronic Speed Control: Electrifly C-20 (not included)

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

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS..................................................3

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

Battery Charger Options..............................................3

Connector Replacement..............................................3

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

Hardware and Accessories ..........................................4

Adhesives and Building Supplies.................................4

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

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

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

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

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

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

PREPARATIONS................................................................7

ASSEMBLE THE WING.....................................................7

Install the Ailerons .......................................................7

Join the Wing Halves...................................................7

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE...........................................8

Mount the Wing............................................................8

Mount the Stabilizer and Fin ........................................8

MOUNT THE MOT OR......................................................10

RADIO INSTALLATION...................................................11

Install the Control Horns............................................11

Install the Servos.......................................................12

MOUNT THE LANDING GEAR.......................................14

FINISH THE MODEL........................................................15

Mount the Canopy .....................................................15

Mount the Battery ......................................................15

Apply the Decals ........................................................16

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY..................................16

Check the Control Directions.....................................16

Set the Control Throws..............................................17

Mount the Propeller ...................................................17

Balance the Model (C.G.)..........................................18

Balance the Model Laterally......................................18

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

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

Charge the Batteries ..................................................18

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

PROPER CARE OF YOUR MOTOR ................................19

PERFORMANCE TIPS.....................................................19

Ground Check............................................................19

Range Check.............................................................19

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

AMA SAFETY CODE ......................................................20

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

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

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

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

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

The Great Planes Super Sportster has been a favorite
among pilots since1984.For many pilots the Super Sportster
was their first low-wing plane. Now, Great planes brings you
the Super Sportster tradition in an electric park flyer version.
Following the lines of the Super Sportster, the Mini Super
Sportster EP has been lightened to accommodate electric
power without sacrificing performance. If you’re ready to
continue the Super Sportster tradition without the fuss and
mess of a glow engine, the Mini Super Sportster EP is just
what you need.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
Mini Super Sportster EP visit the Great Planes web site at
www.g reatplanes.com.Open the “Airplanes” link, then select
the Mini Super Sportster EP. 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 countr y. Contact the
AMA at the address or toll-free phone number below:

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 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.

AMA

INTRODUCTIONTABLE OF CONTENTS

2

1.Your Mini Super Sportster 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 Mini Super Sportster EP ARF, 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.

4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in first­class condition.

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
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.

7. 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.

8. WARNING: The wheel pants included in this kit are made
of fiberglass, the fibers of which may cause eye, skin and
respiratory tract irritation.Never blow into a part (wheel pant)
to remove fiberglass dust, as the dust will blow back into
your eyes. Always wear safety goggles, a particle mask and
rubber gloves when grinding, drilling and sanding fiberglass
parts. Vacuum the parts and the work area thoroughly after
working with fiberglass parts.

Remember:Take y our time and f ollo w the instructions to
end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.

A fully charged battery pack will provide an initial “surge” of
power during the first 15 to 30 seconds of the motor run.
Then the power output stays f airly steady for the ne xt se ver al
minutes before dropping off quickly. If you do not “peak­charge” your battery, it will not deliver that initial surge
necessary for a good takeoff and climb-out.There are three
easy ways to peak-charge your battery pack.

1. The easiest way is with a “peak-detecting” battery charger.
This type of charger will charge your battery until it is fully
charged, then automatically shut off. Using a peak-detecting
charger reduces the chances of damaging the batteries from
over-charging. We recommend the Great Planes Triton™DC
Peak Charger (GPMM3150) to keep your batteries in good
condition or the ElectriFly Peak 400 (GPMM3001).

2.The second method of charging your motor batteries is to
monitor the voltage of your battery pack with a voltmeter
while charging. This method is only recommended for
NiCd batteries. Your charger may have sockets into which
you may plug a voltmeter. If not, you may insert the probes
from the voltmeter into the rear of the battery plug, making
contact with the metal contacts.As your battery charges, the
voltage will gradually increase. When the battery is fully
charged, the voltage will start to drop. At this point your
battery is fully charged. We recommend the Hobbico®905
AC/DC Multi-Charger (HCAP0150).

3. The third (and least reliable) method of peak-charging
your battery pack is by checking its temperature. This
method is only recommended for NiCd batteries. As the
battery charges it will remain cool until it is fully charged.
When it reaches the fully charged state, it will rapidly build
up heat. You can feel this heat with your hand. As soon as
the pack starts to noticeably warm up, disconnect it from the
charger. Do not continue charging if the battery pack is
hot! Overcharging will damage your battery pack and can
result in an explosion.

The Mini Super Sportster EP comes with a BEC type
connector to allow you to change the connector on the
electronic speed control, if needed, to match the connector
supplied on the motor battery, or you may also prefer to use
the connectors of your choice. The one requirement of the
connectors is they must be able to handle a current of at
least 12 Amps.Changing the connectors will require that the
connectors be soldered to the wires from the ESC and the
battery .If you do not have soldering experience, find a fellow
modeler who does and have them help with the soldering.

Connector Replacement

Battery Charger Options

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

We, as the kit manuf acturer, provide y ou 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.

PRO TECT YOUR MODEL,Y OURSELF

& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

3

In addition to the items listed in the “Battery Charger
Options” section, following is the list of hardware and

accessories required to finish the Mini Super Sportster EP.
Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

❏ 4-channel radio w/3 micro servos (Futaba

®

S3107, FUTM0025)

❏ ElectriFly

™

C-20 speed control (GPMM2020)

❏ 6" [150mm] ser vo extension (HCAM2701 for Futaba)
❏ 1100 mAh 9.6 volt battery (GPMP0251)

In addition to common household tools and hobby tools, this
is the “short list”of the most important items required to build
the Mini Super Sportster EP.

Great Planes Pro™CA and

Epoxy glue are recommended.

❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro CA (GPMR6001)
❏ Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏ Drill bits: 1/32" [.8mm], 1/16" [1.6mm], 5/64" [2mm],

7/64" [3mm]

❏ #1 hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❏ #11 blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)
❏ Medium T-pins (100, HCAR5150)
❏ Builder’s triangle set (HCAR0480)
❏ 36" metal ruler (HCAR0475)
❏ Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the Mini Super Sportster EP.

❏ Pro

™

6-minute epoxy (GPMR6045)

❏ Stick-on segmented lead weights (GPMQ4485)
❏ Top Flite

®

MonoKote®sealing iron (TOPR2100)

❏ Top Flite Hot Sock

™

iron cover (TOPR2175)

❏ Top Flite MonoKote heat gun (TOPR2000)
❏ 2 oz. [57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❏ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❏ CA debonder (GPMR6039)
❏ Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❏ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❏ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❏ Cur ved-tip canopy scissors for trimming plastic

parts (HCAR0667)

❏ Robar t Super Stand II (ROBP1402)
❏ Masking tape (TOPR8018)
❏ K & S #801 Kevlar thread (for stab alignment)
❏ CG Machine

™

(GPMR2400)

❏ Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer

™

(TOPQ5700)

❏ AccuThrow

™

Deflection Gauge (GPMR2405)

• There are two types of screws used in this kit:
Sheet metal screws are pointed

and have a coarse thread.
Machine screws have a squared

off end and a fine thread.

Both screws are designated by a number , the diameter, and
the length. For example, a 3 x 8mm screw has a diameter
of 3mm and a length of 8mm.

• 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, 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.

• Whenever just

epoxy

is specified you may use

either

30-minute (or 45-minute) epoxy or6-minute epoxy. When
30-minute epoxy is specified it is highly recommended that
you use only 30-minute (or 45-minute) epoxy, because you
will need the working time and/or the additional strength.

• 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 fly, please expect slight
deviations between your model and the published values.

Fuse = Fuselage

Stab = Horizontal Stabilizer

Fin = Vertical Fin

LE = Leading Edge

TE = Trailing Edge
LG = Landing Gear
Ply = Plywood

" = Inches

mm = Millimeters

SHCS = Socket Head Cap Screw

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

Optional Supplies and Tools

Adhesives and Building Supplies

Hardware and Accessories

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

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

1 Fuselage
2 Left Wing Panel
3 Right Wing Panel
4 Stabilizer and Elevator
5 Fin and Rudder
6 Wheel Pants (2)
7 Wing Joiner
8 Wheels (2)
9 Main Landing Gear

10 Propeller
11 Motor and Gear Dr ive
12 Motor Mount (2)
13 Rudder and Elevator Pushrods
14 Aileron Pushrods (2)
15 Rubber Bands (4)
16 Wing Dowels (2)
17 Cowl

Kit Contents (Photographed)

Control Horns (2)
Landing Gear Strap (2)
2x4mm Sheet Metal Screw (4)

2.3x12mm Tube (1)
Hook & Loop Material (1)
Female Bullet Connector (2)
2x7mm Sheet Metal Screw (9)

CA Hinges (9)
2x9mm Machine Screw (4)
Pushrod Connector (2)
2mm Washer (2)
2mm Nut (2)
3mm Set Screw (2)
Torque Rod Horns (2)

Kit Contents (Not Photographed)

KIT CONTENTS

17

10

11

1

5

12

14

9

8
6

2

15

16

7

13

4

3

6

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Great Planes Mini Super Sportster EP 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 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 .
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 b y 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 Ho

w to Purchase

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

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

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

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

GPMA2765............Wing Kit

GPMA2766............Fuse Kit

GPMA2767............Tail Set

GPMA2768............Cowl

GPMA2769............Canopy

GPMA2770............Landing Gear

GPMA2771............Wheel Pants

GPMQ1680 ...........Propeller

GPMG0181 ...........Gear Box

GPMG0308 ...........Motor

GPMG0861 ...........Spur Gear/Shaft (A)

GPMG0238 ...........Pinion Gear (B)

GPMQ4621 ...........Prop Adapter (C)

0" 1" 2" 3" 4" 5" 6" 7"

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180

Inch Scale

Metric Scale

To convert inches to millimeters, multiply inches by 25.4

❏ 1. If you have not done so already, remove the major

parts of the kit from the box (wing, fuselage, tail parts, etc.)
and inspect them for damage. If any parts are damaged or
missing, contact Product Support at the address or
telephone number on the front cover.

❏ 2. Remove the masking tape and separate the ailerons

from the wing and the rudder from the fin. If necessary, use
a covering iron set on medium/high to tighten the covering.
Apply pressure over sheeted areas to thoroughly bond the
covering to the wood.

❏❏1. Test fit the ailerons to

the wing with the supplied CA
hinges. If the hinges don’t stay
centered, stick a pin through
the middle of the hinges to hold
them in position.

❏❏2.Clean the aileron torque rods with denatured alcohol.

❏❏3. Mix a small amount of epoxy. Using a tooth pick,

apply epoxy in the aileron torque rod hole and along the
groove in the leading edge of one of the ailerons.Before the
epoxy sets, join the aileron to the wing. Remove any pins
you may have inserted into the hinges. Adjust the aileron so
there is a very small gap between the LE of the aileron and
the wing. The gap should be small–just enough to see light
through or to slip a piece of paper through.

❏❏4. Apply six drops of thin CA to the top and bottom of

each hinge. Do not use CA accelerator. After the CA
and epoxy have fully hardened, test the hinges by pulling on
the ailerons.

❏ 5. Go back to step 1 and repeat the hinge installation for

the other aileron.

❏ 1. Without using any glue, temporarily join the wings

with the plywood wing joiner. Make adjustments as
necessary for a good fit.Note: The dihedral angle is factory­set and determined by the angle of the joiner and the joining
ribs on the ends of the wing halves. However, you may
confirm the dihedral by placing one wing panel flat on the
workbench and measuring the distance between the bottom
of the rib on the end of the other panel and the bench. The
distance should be 1-7/16" [37mm], but a small variance is
acceptable.If the wing doesn’t fit well or if you can’t get close
enough to the dihedral specified, there may be excess glue
inside the wing or irregularities on the joiner. Use coarse
sandpaper to true the edges and bevel the corners of the
joiner and/or use a hobby knife to remove any glue from the
joiner openings in the ribs on the end of the wing halves.

Join the Wing Halves

Install the Ailerons

ASSEMBLE THE WING

PREPARATIONS

7

1-7/16" [37mm]

❏ 2. Prepare 1/2 oz. of 30-minute epoxy. Working quickly,

thoroughly coat the inside of both wing halves where the
joiner fits and one half of the joiner with epoxy. Making certain
the joiner is upright, insert the coated end into one of the
wing halves.Coat the other end of the joiner and the root ribs
with the remainder of the epoxy. Join the wing halves tightly,
holding them together. Use a paper towel dampened with
denatured alcohol to wipe away the e xcess epo xy that comes
out of the wing. Tightly hold the wing together with several
strips of masking tape on the top and bottom, making certain
both halves are in full contact and the leading and trailing
edges are aligned. Let the wing set until the epoxy has set.

❏ 1. Cut the covering from the four wing mounting dowel

holes on the sides of the fuselage.

❏ 2. Center the two 4mm x 80mm hardwood wing mounting

dowels in the holes.Use thin CA to glue the dowels in place.

❏ 3.Install the wing on the fuselage using four rubber bands.

❏ 1. Using a shar p hobby knife, remove the covering from

the stabilizer slot at the aft end of the fuselage and from the
rudder slot in the top of the fuselage. Also remove the
temporary balsa block from the stabilizer slot.

Mount the Stabilizer and Fin

Mount the Wing

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE

8