Great Planes GPMA1165 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. Fur ther, 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 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 IMPOR T ANT INSTR UCTIONS
AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND
USE OF THIS MODEL.

GPMZ0186 for GPMA1165 V1.2Entire Contents © Copyright 2006

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 43 in [1090 mm]
Wing Area: 237 sq in [15.3 dm2]
Weight: 26 – 32 oz [735 – 905 g]
Wing Loading: 15.8 – 19.4 oz/sq ft [48 – 59 g/dm2]
Length: 31 in [785 mm]
Radio: 4-channel with four micro servos and micro receiver

2

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

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

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

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

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

Charger .......................................................................3

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

Required Hardware & Building Supplies.....................4

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

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

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS ..............................5

METRIC CONVERSIONS .................................................5

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS............................................5

KIT INSPECTION..............................................................6

KIT CONTENTS ................................................................6

BEFORE Y OU BEGIN .......................................................7

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

ASSEMBLE THE T AIL SECTION......................................9

Install the Stabilizer.....................................................9

Build the Pushrods....................................................11

Finish the Tail Section ...............................................11

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE.........................................13

Install the Radio Tray & Wing Joiner Tube.................13

Assemble the Landing Gear......................................14

Install the Landing Gear............................................15

Install the Radio System & Battery ...........................16

FINISH THE MODEL .......................................................17

Attach the Wing Panels.............................................17

Attach the Canopy & Cowl........................................18

Attach the Propeller & Spinner..................................19

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 ......................................20

PREFLIGHT.....................................................................20

Identify Your Model ....................................................20

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

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

Ground Check...........................................................21

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

MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .................................21

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts)....................................22

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

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

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

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

Speed Control Set-Up...............................................23

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

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

Landing......................................................................23

The Great Planes Lancair ES EP ARF is a quick building
scale park flyer that has everything you need except radio
and servos to get you into the air in about 4 to 6 hours. A
4-channel radio, with f our micro servos and a micro receiv er,
provides aileron control as well as a steerable nose gear.
Fiberglass fuselage, wheel pants, cowl, and wing tips
recreate the unique contours of the Lancair ES as well as
easing the assembly.

Flying the Lancair ES EP ARF is extremely smooth and
predictable. Takeoffs are scale-like with graceful flaring of the
nose as the model generates air speed. Landings allow a soft
touch down on the main wheels first, with the plane slowly
settling back down on the nose wheel as it slows to taxi speeds.
Even with a short 43 inch [1090 mm] wingspan, the Lancair ES
EP ARF demonstrates the steady flight characteristics of larger
models and will surely be an attention-getter at the flying field.

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

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.

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

INTRODUCTIONTABLE OF CONTENTS

1.Your Lancair ES EP 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 Lancair, 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 first-class
condition and correctly sized components (servos, wheels,
etc.) 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
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 hob by
shop has information about clubs in your area whose
membership includes experienced pilots.

8.WARNING:The fuselage, cowl, wheel pants and wing tips
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, cowl) to remove fiberglass dust,
as the dust will blow back into y our e y es .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 your time and follow the instructions to
end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.

A 4-channel radio system with a micro receiver and four
micro servos are the minimum requirements for the Lancair
EP ES ARF. The radio components can be purchased as
separate items or can be purchased as a package system.
If you already have a Futaba®or Futaba-compatible
transmitter you plan to use with this model, part numbers for
the servos and receiver are provided below:

❏ (4) Futaba S3103 Servo Micro Mini (FUTM0037)
❏ 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**)

If you plan to purchase a complete radio system, the Futaba
4YF micro system is packaged with the Futaba R114F and two
S3108 micro servos.You will need to purchase an additional
two micro servos.The order numbers are provided.

❏ Futaba 4YF 4-Channel Micro FM/2 S3108 Servos (FUTJ37**)
❏ (2) Futaba S3108 Servo Micro 7.6 g (FUTM0042)

Since the Lancair ES EP ARF uses dual aileron servos, a
Y-harness will be required to connect the servos together as
well as one 9" [230 mm] servo extension.The order numbers
are provided below:

❏ Futaba 6" Dual Servo Extension J (FUTM4130)
❏ Futaba 9" Servo Extension J (FUTM3910)

The included battery is a 9.6V 1800mAh NiMH pack. A NiMH
compatible charger is required. An economical choice is the
Great Planes ElectriFly™400 DC charger.A Deans male ultra
plug will also be necessary (soldering is required):

❏ Great Planes ElectriFly Peak 400 DC 1-10C Peak

Charger (GPMM3001)

❏ Deans 2-Pin Ultra Plug (WSDM3001)

For a more advanced computerized charger, we recommend
the Great Planes Triton™charger. Charge leads are not
included with this model charger, so order numbers for the
correct connector type, wire leads, and banana plugs are
listed below (soldering is required):

❏ Great Planes ElectriFly Triton

™

DC Competition Peak

Charger (GPMM3150)

❏ Deans Male Ultra Pigtail (WSDM2013)
❏ Hobbico

®

Banana Plugs (6) (HCAP0310)

Charger

Radio Equipment

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

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.

PRO TECT YOUR MODEL,YOURSELF

& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

3

This is the list of hardware and accessories required to finish
the Lancair ES EP ARF. Order numbers are provided
in parentheses.

❏ #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❏ #11 Blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)
❏ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6 mm], 5/64" [2 mm]
❏ 1/2 oz.[15 g] Thin Pro

™

CA (GPMR6001)

❏ 1/2 oz.[15 g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007)
❏ 220-grit Sandpaper (GPMR6185)
❏ Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❏ Pro

™

30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)

❏ Great Planes Metric Ball Wrench 1.5 mm (GPMR8010)

Here is a list of optional tools that will help you build the
Lancair ES EP ARF.

❏ 21st Century

®

sealing iron (COVR2700)

❏ 21st Century iron cover (COVR2702)
❏ Hobbico

®

60 watt soldering iron (HCAR0776)

❏ Hayes Large Clamp 4" (HAYR1106)
❏ Great Planes Precision Z-bend Pliers (GPMR8025)
❏ 4 oz.[113 g] Aerosol CA activator (GPMR634)
❏ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❏ CA debonder (GPMR6039)
❏ Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❏ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❏ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❏ Builder’s Tr iangle Set (HCAR0480)
❏ 36" Metal ruler (HCAR0475)
❏ Pliers with wire cutter (HCAR0630)
❏ Hobbico Duster

™

can of compressed air (HCAR5500)

❏ Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)
❏ Rotary tool such as Dremel

®

❏ Hobby Heat

™

Micro Torch II (HCAR0755)

❏ CG Machine

™

(GPMR2400)

❏ Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer

™

(TOPQ5700)

❏ AccuThrow

™

Deflection Gauge (GPMR2405)

❏ Top Flite

®

MonoKote®heat gun (TOPR2000)

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

• Self-tapping (sheet metal) screws are designated by a
number and a length and are referred to as

self-tapping

screws

. For example 2.6 x 8 mm [7/64" x 5/16"].

This is a metric 2.6 mm diameter screw that is 8 mm long.

• Machine screws are designated by a number and a
length and are referred to as

machine screws

. For example

3 x 12 mm [1/8" x 7/16"].

This is a metric 3 x 12 mm machine screw that is

3 mm in diameter and is 12 mm long.

Note: For accuracy, metr ic screws will be written with the
actual metric dimensions first followed by the SAE
equivalent in brackets. All other dimensions provided in the
building instructions will be written in English units first
followed by the metric equivalent in brackets.

• 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 or 6-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.

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

Optional Supplies & Tools

Required Hardware & Building Supplies

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

4

Replacement parts for the Great Planes Lancair ES 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 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 availab le, 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

Order Number Description How to Purchase

Missing pieces Contact Product Support
Instruction manual Contact Product Support

Full-size plans Not available
GPMA2890 Wing Kit Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMA2891 Fuse Kit Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMA2892 Tail Set Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMA2893 Cowl Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMA2894 Canopy Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMA2895 Landing Gear Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMA2896 Wheel Pants Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMA2897 Spinner Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMG0325 Motor Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMG0225 Gearbox Contact Hobby Supplier

1" = 25.4 mm (conversion factor)

Fuse = Fuselage

Stab = Horizontal Stabilizer

Fin = Ver tical Fin

LE = Leading Edge

TE = Trailing Edge
LG = Landing Gear
Ply = Plywood

" = Inches

mm = Millimeters

SHCS = Socket Head Cap Screw

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS

METRIC CONVERSIONSORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

5

1/64" = .4 mm
1/32" = .8 mm
1/16" = 1.6 mm
3/32" = 2.4 mm

1/8" = 3.2 mm
5/32" = 4.0 mm
3/16" = 4.8 mm

1/4" = 6.4 mm

3/8" = 9.5 mm

1/2" = 12.7 mm

5/8" = 15.9 mm

3/4" = 19.0 mm

1" = 25.4 mm
2" = 50.8 mm
3" = 76.2 mm

6" = 152.4 mm
12" = 304.8 mm
18" = 457.2 mm
21" = 533.4 mm
24" = 609.6 mm
30" = 762.0 mm
36" = 914.4 mm

6

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 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 INSPECTION

Hook & Loop Material
(3) Nose Wire Brackets
3 x 20 mm [1/8" x 1/8"] Machine Screw
3 mm [1/8"] Wheel Collar
2-56 x 1/8" [25 mm] Threaded Rod
3/32" [2.4 mm] Wheel Collars
(2) Anti-Rotation Pins
(14) 2.6 x 8 mm [7/64" x 5/16"] Self­Tapping Screws
(4) 2.6 x 10 mm [7/64" x 3/8"] Self­Tapping Screws
(5) Screw-Lock Pushrod Connectors

(2) 2.6 x 8mm [7/64" x 5/16"] Spinner
Screws
(3) 4-40 x 1/4" [6 mm] Socket Head Cap
Screws
(2) Landing Gear Straps
(4 pcs) Heat-Shrink Tubing
(4) Main Wheel Retainers
(2) Nose Wheel Retainers
(3) 8-7/8" [225 mm] Pushrod Wires
(2) 1/4" x 1/4" x 12" [6 x 6 x 305 mm]
Balsa Sticks
1800mAh 9.6V NiMH Battery pack

Electronic Speed Control (ESC)
(4) Control Horns w/Backplates
(2) 2-7/8" [73 mm] Aileron Pushrods
1/4" x 9-3/4" [6 x 247 mm] Carbon Wing
Joiner Tube
Radio Tray Brace
Radio Tray
Vertical Radio Tray Support
(2) Main Wheel Pant Straps
Nose Wheel Pant Strap

Kit Contents (not photographed)

KIT CONTENTS

1

4

3

9

10

13

14

14

11

10

2

7

Kit Contents

1. Vertical Stabilizer & Rudder

2. Horizontal Stabilizer & Elevators

3. Fuselage

4. Canopy

5. Nose Gear

6. Nose Wheel

7. Main Landing Gear (L&R)

8. Main Wheels (2)

9. Wheels Pants (3)

10. Wing Panels w/Ailerons (L&R)

11. Cowl

12. Spinner

13. 9x6 Propeller

14. Wing Tips (L&R)

5

6

8

12

❏ 1. Locate the aileron servo bays by holding the wing

panels up to a light source or gently pressing against the

covering looking for the edges of these cutouts .Use a sharp
hobby knife to trim the covering away from the servo bays.

❏ 2. Trim the covering away from the slots in the servo

bay covers.

❏ 3. Cut off three arms from two four-arm servo horns

leaving one of the long arms intact as shown. Attach the
servo horns at a right angle to the ser vos using the screws
included with the servos. Enlarge the outer holes of the
servo horns with a 1/16" [1.6 mm] drill bit.

❏ 4. We recommend gluing the aileron servos to the ser vo

bay covers with medium CA glue. Inser t the ser vos through
the underside of the covers and apply epoxy around each
servo mounting tab to secure them. If you do not wish to
glue the servos in place, you can insert the servos through
the top of the covers and screw them in place using the
hardware included with the servos. You will need to glue
mounting blocks made from scrap hardwood to the
underside of the covers for the servo screws.

ASSEMBLE THE WING

Before you begin assembly, take a moment to inspect the
covering on the wing panels and tail section.Use a heat gun
or covering iron to tighten any wrinkled or loose covering.Be
careful when applying heat around the clear hinge tape
holding the ailerons, elevator, and rudder in place. Excess
heat in these areas could cause the tape to lift.

BEFORE Y OU BEGIN

7

❏ 5. Remove the tape holding the end of the servo wire

draw-strings inside the servo bays. Tie these ends to the
servo connectors and use the string to pull the servo leads
through the wing ribs.

❏ 6.You can either glue the servo bay covers in place or use

eight 2.6 x 8 mm [7/64" x 5/16"] self-tapping screws. It is
recommended to glue the covers in place for a cleaner look.
However, the servos will be more difficult to replace should it
be necessary in the future. If you use screws, position the
covers onto the wing panels and drill 5/64" [2 mm] holes in
each of the four corners of the covers.Thread a 2.6 x 8 mm
[7/64" x 5/16"] screw into each hole and back it out. Apply a
drop of thin CA glue to the holes and allow it to fully harden.
Secure the covers to the wings with the screws.

❏ 7. Make a mark 7/16" [11 mm] long on each aileron

perpendicular to the aileron hinge and in line with the outer
hole of the servo horn.

❏ 8. Trim the bottom tabs of two control hor ns so that only

5/32" [4 mm] remains.

❏ 9. Use a hobby knife along the marks you made to remove

enough material to accommodate the control horn tabs.Do not
cut all the way through the ailerons.Test fit the control horns
into the slots, being sure the horns fully seat onto the ailerons.
When satisfied with their fit, coat the control horn tabs with
medium CA glue and press them into place.

❏ 10. Double check that the servo horns are per pendicular

to the servos. Fit the Z-bend in the 2-7/8" [73 mm] aileron
pushrod into the outer hole of the servo horn.While holding

the aileron in the neutral position, stick a piece of masking
tape onto the pushrod where it crosses the holes in the
control horn.

8