Great Planes GPMA1169 User Manual

Wingspan: 39.5 in [1005mm]
Wing Area: 234 in2 [15.1dm2]
Weight: 24 – 26 oz [680 – 735g]
Wing Loading: 14.8 – 16 oz/ft2 [45 – 49g/dm2]
Length: 33.5 in [845mm]
Radio: 4-channel, three servos
Electric Motor: 1.1 in [28mm] dia., 110 W, 25A ESC

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Great Planes
This warranty does not cover an y 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 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 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 b uy er is advised to return th is 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:

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.

®

Model Manufacturing Co. guarantees this kit to be free from def ects in both material and workmanship at the date of purchase.

WARRANTY

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Dr., Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822 USA

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 2007 GPMZ1169 for GPMA1169 V1.0

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

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

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

Adhesives .........................................................................3

Hardware & Accessories ..................................................3

Building Supplies ..............................................................3

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

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

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

METRIC/INCH RULER ...........................................................4

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

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

ASSEMBLY ...........................................................................6

Mount the Motor & Cowl ...................................................6

Mount the Horizontal Stabilizer & Fin ................................7

Install the Servos & Radio ................................................8

Hook up the Rudder & Elevator ........................................9

Assemble the Wing .........................................................10

GET THE MODEL READY T O FL Y ......................................11

Balance the Propeller & Mount the Spinner ....................11

Mount the Wing ...............................................................11

Apply the Decals .............................................................12

Set the Control Throws ...................................................12

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

Balance the Model Laterally............................................13

PREFLIGHT .........................................................................13

Identify Your Model ..........................................................13

Charge the Batteries .......................................................13

Range Check ..................................................................14

ELECTRIC MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ...................14

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts) .........................................14

CHECK LIST ........................................................................15

FLYING .................................................................................15

Prefl ight ...........................................................................15

Takeoff ............................................................................16

Flight ...............................................................................16

Landing ...........................................................................16

Taking Off From Grass ....................................................16

OPTIONAL ESC & RECEIVER MOUNTING LOCA TION ..........17

page, then select “ARFs-ELECTRIC.” Scroll down the page and
click on “EP Seawind ARF.” If there is new technical information
or changes an “Important! TECH NOTICE” box will appear in
the upper left corner of the page. Clic k on the Tech Notice box to
read the info .

AMA

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 fl y at AMA clubs.
Though joining the AMA provides many benefi ts, one of the
primary reasons to join is liability protection. Coverage is not
limited to fl ying at contests or on the club fi eld. It e ven applies
to fl ying at public demonstrations and air shows. Failure to
comply with the Safety Code (excerpts printed in the back of
the manual) may endanger insurance cov erage . 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
fl ying near full-scale aircraft and avoid fl ying near or over
groups of people.

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the Great Planes EP Seawind
ARF. Testing and developing the Seawind was lots of fun.
Immediately we were surprised by how nimble and sporty
this model is. And although the Seawind is a fl oat plane,
hand-launching and grass landings are always an option
when not fl ying from water. When you do get the opportunity
to fl y from water, be certain to read the “FLYING” section
on page 15 of this manual–there are a few water takeoff
and landing techniques that will make your outing more
successful. The Seawind is happiest when the winds are
relatively calm (around 5 - 6 mph or less), but the Seawind
can also be fl own in winds around 10 mph (though she does
get “bumped” around some).

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to this
model visit the Great Planes web site at www.greatplanes.com.
Open the “R/C AIRPLANES” pull down tab across the top of the

PROTECT YOUR MODEL, Y OURSELF

& OTHERS....FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

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

2. Y ou must assemb le 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.

4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in fi rst-class
condition.

2

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

❏ J&Z Products R/C-56 waterproof white glue (JOZR5007)
❏ 1 oz Great Planes Pro

Glue (GPMR6069)

™

Foam Safe CA+ Medium

❏ 4 oz. Great Planes Pro 6-minute epoxy (GPMR6042)
❏ CA accelerator (GPMR6035)

Hardware & Accessories

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 the one recommended
will be 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 y our time and follo w the instructions to
end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

❏ 4-channel mini receiver (Futaba

low band or FUTL0443 high band)

®

R114F – FUTL0442

❏ Matching Rx crystal (FUTL62** low band or FUTL63**

high band)

❏ (3) Micro servos (Futaba S3114 – FUTM0414)
❏ 6" [150mm] Servo extension wire (for connecting aileron

servo to receiver – FUTM4506)

❏ Great Planes RimFire

brushless motor (GPMG4560)

™

28-30-950kV Out-Runner

❏ Great Planes Silver Series 25 Amp Brushless

ESC (GPMM1820)

Motor Battery (see “Average Maximum Flight Time”
chart on page 15):

❏ Great Planes LiPo 11.1V 910mAh 20C Discharge

w/Balance (GPMP0605)

-or-

❏ Great Planes LiPo 11.1V 1250mAh 20C Discharge

w/Balance (GPMP0609)

-or-

❏ Great Planes LiPo 11.1V 1500mAh 20C Discharge

w/Balance (GPMP0613)

❏ LiPo battery charger (Great Planes PolyCharge4

DC-Only – GPMM3015)

™

❏ One charge lead for each battery to be charged

simultaneously (GPMM3148)

❏ 12 Volt source for powering charger (Hobbico

Power Supply – HCAP0250)

®

12 Volt

Following is the list of hardware and accessories required to
fi nish the Seawind. Order numbers are pro vided in parentheses.

Adhesives

The list of accessories required to complete the Seawind is
rather straightforward–with the e xception of adhesiv es which
deserve a quick discussion. Hardly any glue is used to build
the Seawind, but it must be the right kind. With the exception
of slow-drying glue such as epoxy or waterproof white glue
(which should be used for the horizontal stabilizer so there
will be time for alignment), the rest of the model could be
assembled with foam-saf e CA. But it wouldn’t be economical
to purchase two different kinds of glue when so little of either
is used. So if you don’t have any glue at all, or if you already
have some waterproof white glue or epoxy, you could do all
the gluing with just that. But if you don’t want to wait for the
glue to dry on the rest of the par ts you could also purchase
some foam-safe CA. Following are some suggestions for the
kinds of glue:

Building Supplies

❏ Great Planes Pro

™

Threadlocker (GPMR6060)

❏ Common hobby tools (wire cutters, small Phillips

screwdrivers, hobby knife)

❏ Great Planes Segmented Lead Weights (GPMQ4485)
❏ RTV silicone cement or white glue
❏ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], #60 (.040") [1mm] to #52

(1/16") [1.6mm], #60 (.040") [1mm] to #58
(.042") [1.07mm]

❏ 1.5mm Hex wrench

Note: The small drills are for drilling holes for the servo
mounting screws. If small dr ill bits are not available or if you
prefer not to purchase them, the small screw holes could
be made with a #11 hobby blade, but care must be taken
because it can be easy to oversize holes made this way.

3

Optional Supplies & Tools

❏ Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer (TOPQ5700)
❏ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❏ CA debonder (GPMR6039)

BUILDING NOTES

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. T o view this inf ormation 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.

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Seawind 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.

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 is 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

GPMA2730 Wing
GPMA2731 Fuselage
GPMA2732 Tail Surface Set
GPMA2733 Wing Tips
GPMA2734 Canopy/Hatch
GPMA2735 Spinner Set (2)
GPMA2736 Cowl
GPMA2737 Decal Set

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 ordering via fax, include a Visa® or MasterCard®
number and expiration date for payment.

To convert inches to millimeters, multiply inches by 25.4 (25.4mm = 1")

4

KIT INSPECTION

KIT INSPECTION

KIT CONTENTS

Before starting to build, 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

3

1 Fuselage
2 Canopy/Hatch
3 Wing Tips (L&R)
4 Spinners (3)
5 Prop Adapter
6 Propeller
7 Elevator & Rudder Servo Tray

2

1

4

7

10

5

8

6

9

Kit Contents

8 Horizontal Stabilizer & Elevator
9 Vertical Fin
10 Wing

5

ASSEMBLY

Mount the Motor & Cowl

❏ 1. Fit together the assembly/transport stand. Note that the

arrows on the sides point toward the front cradle which is the
one that is shortest. Use foam-safe CA, epoxy or white glue
to glue it together.

❏ 4. Connect the wires on the motor to the wires in the fuse.

Mount the motor with the three 3mm x 6mm Phillips screws that
came with this kit and a drop of threadlocker on the threads.

❏ 2. Test fi t the model in the stand. If necessary , use a hobby

knife to trim the short cradle where shown to fi t the fuse.

❏ 5. Temporarily mount the prop adapter and the propeller

to the motor shaft. Use an 8mm wrench to tighten the prop
nut while holding the collet with a 10mm wrench to lock the
prop adapter onto the shaft.

❏ 6. Loosen the prop nut and remove the prop and washer.

The collet should remain locked to the motor shaft. If the collet
does not remain locked, use a small drop of CA on the collet
to hold it to the propeller shaft. Then lock it down again.

❏ 7. Insert a pin into the motor pod 1/2" [13mm] behind the

middle of the wood block for the top cowl mounting screw.

❏ 3. Use a 1.5mm Allen wrench to loosen the set screw in

the collar on the front of the motor (not included) and remove
the collar. Also remov e the mounting plate, but lea ve the prop
saver screws in place because they hold in the drive shaft.

❏ 8. Insert two more pins into the engine pod 1/2" [13mm]

behind the middle of the other two cowl mounting blocks
around the bottom of the motor pod.

❏ 9. Fit the cowl to the pod. Mount the propeller with the

prop washer and prop nut.

6