Great Planes GPMA1178 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.

GPMZ0253 for GPMA1178 V1.1© Copyright 2006

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 805 mm [31.5 in]
Wing Area: 14.8 dm2[230 sq in]
Weight: 215-240 g [7.5-8.5 oz]
Wing Loading: 14-16 g/dm2[4.7-5.3 oz/sq ft]
Length: 380 mm [15 in]
Radio: 3-Channel with 2 servos, elevon mixer and ESC

™

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

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

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

Radio Equipment and Electronics...............................3

Speed Control .............................................................3

Mixer............................................................................3

Adhesives and Building Supplies................................3

Optional Supplies and Tools ........................................3

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

KIT CONTENTS ................................................................4

BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS..............................................5

Install the Servos.........................................................5

Join the Wing Halves...................................................6

Connect the Control Linkages .....................................6

Install the Radio Equipment........................................7

Finish the Model..........................................................8

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY ...................................9

Check the Control Directions ......................................9

Set the Control Throws................................................9

Balance the Model (C.G.)............................................9

Balance the Model Laterally ......................................10

PREFLIGHT.....................................................................10

Identify Your Model....................................................10

Charge the Batteries .................................................10

Range Check.............................................................10

AMA SAFETY CODE......................................................11

CHECK LIST ...................................................................11

FLYING..............................................................Back Cover

Takeoff.........................................................Back Cover

Flight...........................................................Back Cover

Landing.......................................................Back Cover

Thank you for purchasing the Great Planes Mini Slinger
ARF. The Mini Slinger is a lightweight, high performance
model that can be flown just about anywhere there is an
open area clear of obstacles. Ultimately, it is the modeler’s
responsibility to select a suitable, safe flying area.Since the
Mini Slinger is constructed mostly of molded plastic foam, it
is durable and can be easily repaired. The performance of
the Mini Slinger is excellent with the included motor.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
Mini Slinger ARF, visit the Great Planes web site at
www.greatplanes.com.Open the “Airplanes” link, and then
select the Mini Slinger 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 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 full­scale aircraft and avoid flying near or o ver groups of people.

1.Your Mini Slinger 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 Mini Slinger 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 first-class
condition, and a correctly rated electronic speed controller
and battery pack.

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 everyflight
to insure that all equipment is operating and that the model has

PRO TECT YOUR MODEL,Y OURSELF

& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

AMA

INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2

remained structurally sound.Be sure to check 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.While this kit has been flight tested to exceed normal use,
if the plane will be used for extremely high stress flying, 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.

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

The Mini Slinger requires a micro receiver and two micro
servos (9 g or less).If you already have a transmitter y ou are
going to use to fly the Mini Slinger, you can get the receiver
and servos separately:

❏ 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**)

❏ Futaba S3108 micro servo 7.6 g (FUTM0042)

Or, you can purchase a complete system (including
transmitter) specially packaged for park flyers. If purchasing
a complete system, the Futaba 3FR Skysport single-stick
radio is suitable. It comes with a micro receiver and two
Futaba S3108 micro servos. The transmitter is also
equipped with a rechargeable NiCd battery pack:

❏ Futaba 3FR Skysport single-stick radio system including

transmitter, receiver, and servos (FUTJ53**)

An 8-cell 9.6V NiMH battery pack and suitable charger are
also required.Although there are different battery packs and
chargers available that will work with the Mini Slinger, the
economical choices recommended by Great Planes are:

❏ Great Planes 9.6V 2/3AAA 350mAh (GPMP0067)
❏ Great Planes ElectriFly DC peak charger (GPMM3000)

An electronic speed control with BEC (Battery Eliminator
Circuitry) is required. The BEC allows both the motor and
the radio system to be powered by the same battery (thus
eliminating the on-board receiver battery).The Great Planes
ElectriFly C-12 Micro Brushed Frequency Electronic Speed
Control (GPMM2015) is recommended.

The Mini Slinger is equipped with elevons that operate both
as elevators and ailerons. The elevons must be mixed
together to function properly using an auxiliary Elevon Mixer
(GPMA2428) or a computerized transmitter that features an
elevon mixing function. The elevon mixer (or elevon mixing
function in transmitter) allows the elevons to move up and
down together when elevator input is given and allows them
to move opposite each other just like typical ailerons function
when aileron input is given.

This is the list of Adhesives and Building Supplies that are
required to finish the Mini Slinger ARF.

❏ Pro

™

6-Minute Epoxy (GPMR6042)

❏ Pro Foam-Safe CA Glue, 1 oz (GPMR6069)
❏ Hobby Knife with #11 Blade (HCAR0105)
❏ Rubbing Alcohol
❏ Top Flite

®

Masking Tape (TOPR8018)

❏ T r ansparent Tape
❏ 1.6 mm [1/16"] drill bit
❏ Soldering Iron (HCAR0776)

❏ Great Planes Epoxy Brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❏ Great Planes Mixing Sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❏ Great Planes Mixing Cups (GPMR8056)
❏ Great Planes AccuThrow

™

Deflection Gauge (GPMR2405)

❏ Great Planes CG Machine

™

(GPMR2400)

❏ Heat Shrink Tubing for Servos (TRIC6047)

Optional Supplies and Tools

Adhesives and Building Supplies

Mixer

Speed Control

Radio Equipment and Electronics

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

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.

3

Replacement parts for the Mini Slinger 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. Parts
may also be ordered directly from Hobby Services, but full
retail prices and shipping and handling charges will apply.
Illinois and Nevada residents will also be charged sales tax.

To locate a hobby dealer, visit the Great Planes web site at
www.g reatplanes.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 .tow erhobbies.com,
or by calling toll free [phone], or from Hobby Services by
calling [phone], or via facsimile at [phone]. 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 the

appropriate Product Support by telephone at [phone]
or by e-mail at

[e-mail]

.

Description How to Purchase

Missing pieces Contact Product Support
Instruction manual Contact Product Support
Full-size plans Not available
Kit parts listed below Hobby Supplier

Replacement Parts List

GPMA2910 .......Wing Set

GPMA2911 .......Plastic Body w/Firewall

GPMA2912 .......Hatch w/Velcro

GPMA2913.......Skid

GPMA2914 .......Wing Tips (2) w/Screws

GPMA2915 .......Motor w/Leads and JST connecter

GPMA2916.......Prop

GPMA2917 .......Pushrods, Faslinks and Control Horns (2)

GPMA2918.......2 Wing Joiners

4

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 Great Planes Product Support. When repor ting defective or missing parts, use the part names exactly as they
are written in the Kit Contents list on this page.

Great Planes Product Support:

Telephone: [phone], ext. 5

Fax: [phone]

E-mail:

[e-mail]

KIT INSPECTION

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Kit Contents (Photographed)

1 Wing Halves (2)
2 Wing Tips (2)
3 Radio Tray
4 Radio Tray Hatch
5 Sling Handle
6 Hook and Loop Material
7 Propellers (2)

Kit Contents (Not Photographed)

3x225 mm [1/8" x 8-7/8"] Fore Carbon

Wing Joiner Rod (1)

3x500 mm [1/8" x 19-5/8"] Aft Carbon

Wing Joiner Rod (1)
Control Horns (2)
Control Horn Back Plates (2)
#2 x 5/16" [8 mm] Screws (4)
90° Pushrod Connectors (2)
64mm [2-1/2"] Pushrods (4)
25mm [1"] Heat-Shrink Tubing (2)

2 2

5

6

7

1

4

1

3