Great Planes GPMA1186 User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

WARRANTY

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PECIFICATION

SPECIFICATIONS

Wingspan

Wingspan:

Wing Area:

Wing Area

1 in

51 in

mm

[1295mm]

2

in

508 in
[32.8 dm2]

32.8 dm

WARRANTY

Great Planes® Model Manufacturing Co. guarantees this kit to

reat Plan

be free from defects in both material and workmanship at the

be free from defects in both material and workmanship at the

date of purchase. This warranty does not cover any component

date of purchase. This warranty does not cover any component

parts damaged by use or modification. In no case shall Great

parts damaged by use or modification. In no case shall Great

Planes’ liability exceed the original cost of the purchased kit.

Planes’ liability exceed the original cost of the purchased kit.

Further, Great Planes reserves the right to change or modify this

Further, Great Planes reserves the right to change or modify this

warranty without notice.

warranty without notice.

In that Great Planes has no control over the final assembly or

In that Great Planes has no control over the final assembly or

material used for final assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor

material used for final assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor
accepted for any damage resulting from the use by the user o

accepted for any damage resulting from the use by the user of
the final user-assembled product. By the act of using the

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

Weight

Weight:

.5

3.5– 3.75 lb
[1590 – 1700 g]

Wing

Win

Loading:

Loading:

guarantees this kit to

16– 17 oz /ft
[49– 52 g/dm2]

49

.75 l

700

7 o/ft

/dm

Length: 47 in

ength:47 i

[1195mm]

119 5mm

4-Channel minimum or

Radio:

Radio:

2

Motor/ESC/Prop: RimFire .32 (42-50-800)

otor/ESC/Prop

this kit immediately in new and unused condition to the

this kit immediately in new and unused condition to the

place of purchase.

lace of purchase

To make a warranty claim send the defective part or item to

o make a warranty claim send the defective part or item to

Hobby Services at the address below:

Hobby Services at the address below:

Hobby Services

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Dr. Suite 1

002 N. Apollo Dr. Suite 1

Champaign IL 61822 USA

hampaign IL 61822 U

Include a letter stating your name, return shipping address, as

Include a letter stating your name, return shipping address, as

much contact information as possible (daytime telephone

much contact information as possible (daytime telephone
number, fax number, e-mail address), a detailed description of

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.

4-Channel minimum or
5-Channel with mixing

-Channel with mixing

(for separate ailerons)

(for separate ailerons

imFire .32 (42-50-800

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT

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

© 2010 Hobbico®, Inc. GPMA1186 Mnl

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

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

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

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

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

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

Motor/ESC Recommendation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Propeller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Recommended Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Recommended Charger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

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

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

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

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

KIT INSPECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

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

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

PREPARATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

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

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Install the Stabilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Install the Elevators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Install the Rudder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

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

Install the Motor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

INSTALL THE RADIO SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Install the Elevator Servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Install the Rudder Servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Install the Cowl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Apply the Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Check the Control Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Set the Control Throws. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Finish the Model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Balance the Model (C.G.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Balance the Model Laterally. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

PREFLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Identify Your Model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Charge the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Balance Propellers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Range Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING AND USAGE . . . . . . . .17

AMA SAFETY CODE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

CHECK LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

FLIGHT NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

The full scale Yakovlev Yak-55M EP is a low cost, advanced
aerobatic aircraft. ElectriFly has taken the best qualities of the
full scale Yak-55M and reduced it down to a light weight, 51"
electric powered ARF. The ElectriFly Yak-55M EP flies great
and looks great. Now you can practice for IMAC competition
without risking your larger, more expensive planes.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to
the Yak-55M EP visit the Great Planes web site at www.
greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then select the
Yak-55M 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

Academy of Model Aeronautics: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 fly at most R/C sites.

Academy of Model

Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN 47302-9252

Tele. [phone]

Fax [phone]

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 over groups of people.

PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF

& OTHERS… FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Your Yak-55M 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 Yak-55M EP, 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 sized motor and components
(wheels, etc.) throughout the building process.

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
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
hobby shop has information about clubs in your area whose
membership includes experienced pilots.

8. WARNING: The cowl and 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, cowl) 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.

Motor/ESC Recommendations

The recommended motor and speed control for the Yak-55M
EP is a RimFire™ .32 (42-50-800) brushless outrunner motor
and the SS-45A Brushless ESC.

Great Planes RimFire .32 Brushless Outrunner Motor

❏

[GPMG4700]

Great Planes Silver Series SS-45A Brushless ESC

❏

[GPMM1840]]

Propeller

If using the recommended RimFire .32 Outrunner Motor, we
suggest an APC 12x6E electric propeller [APCQ4130].

Recommended Batteries

If using the suggested motor and prop combination, a
2200mAh 14.8V LiPo battery pack is recommended.

We, as the kit manufacturer, 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.

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

Radio Equipment

The Yak-55M EP requires a 4-channel radio system with four
micro servos such as the Futaba® S3115 Micro Precision
Servo. For optimum performance, we recommend the Futaba
S3150 Slim Digital Servos.

In addition, three 9" [229mm] servo extensions are required
for the aileron servos and the ESC. Two 16" [405mm] servo
extensions are required for the rudder and elevator servos.
If you are using a radio system that does not support mixing
functions, a Y-harness will also be required to connect the
aileron servos to the receiver.

(4) Futaba S3115 Micro Precision Servos [FUTM0415]

❏

[38.9 oz-in (2.8 kg-cm) of torque]

OR

(4) Futaba S3150 Slim Digital Servos [FUTM0303]

❏

[51.4 oz-in (3.7 kg-cm) of torque]

PLUS

(1) "Y" harness [FUTM4130]

❏

(2) 16" extensions [FUTM3955]

❏

(3) 9" extensions [FUTM3910]

❏

❏

Great Planes ElectriFly LiPo 14.8V 2200mAh 25C
(GPMP0521)

OR

❏

FlightPower® LiPo EOUX30 14.8V 2200mAh 30C
(FPWP6199)

Recommended Charger

A LiPo compatible charger is required to charge LiPo
batteries. The Great Planes ElectriFly PolyCharge4™ is
designed for LiPo packs only; however, it is able to charge
four LiPo packs simultaneously. The ElectriFly Triton2™ and
AC/DC Triton2 EQ chargers will only charge one pack at a
time, but are capable of charging NiCd, NiMH, Pb acid and
LiPo batteries.

❏

Great Planes PolyCharge4 DC-Only 4 Output LiPo
Charger (GPMM3015)

OR

❏

Great Planes ElectriFly Triton2 DC Computer Peak
Charger (GPMM3153)

OR

❏

Great Planes AC/DC Triton2 EQ Charger/Balancer
(GPMM3156)

Throughout the life of a LiPo battery, the individual cells
located inside the battery may become unbalanced. These
unbalanced cells can shorten the life of the battery or cause
it to malfunction. For this reason, it is always recommended
that a cell balancer be used when charging LiPo batteries.
The ElectriFly Equinox™ is a cell balancer that may be used
with any LiPo charger and is capable of maintaining the cell
balance of the battery. Note: The AC/DC Triton2 EQ does not
require a cell balancer.

❏

Great Planes ElectriFly Equinox LiPo Cell Balancer
[GPMM3160]

3

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

Adhesives and Building Supplies

This is the list of adhesives and building supplies required
to finish the Yak-55M EP. Order numbers are provided in
parentheses.

1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro™ CA (GPMR6001)

❏

Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6043)

❏

Threadlocker thread locking cement (GPMR6060)

❏

Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)

❏

Paper towels

❏

Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 3/32" [2.4mm]

❏

#1 Hobby knife (RMXR6903)

❏

#11 blades (5-pack RMXR6930)

❏

Small T-pins (100, HCAR5100)

❏

Tape measure

❏

Pliers with wire cutter (HCAR0625)

❏

Phillips Head screw driver

❏

Masking tape

❏

Metal cutting file

❏

Optional Supplies and Tools

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the Yak-55M EP.

2 oz. [57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035)

❏

CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)

❏

CA debonder (GPMR6039)

❏

Pro 6-minute epoxy (GPMR6042)

❏

Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)

❏

Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)

❏

Mixing cups (GPMR8056)

❏

AccuThrow™ Deflection Gauge (GPMR2405)

❏

CG Machine™ (GPMR2400)

❏

21st Century® sealing iron [COCR2700]

❏

21st Century iron cover [COVR2702]

❏

• There are three types of screws used in this kit:
Sheet metal screws are designated by

a number and a length. For example,
#6 x 3/4" [19mm]

Machine screws are designated by a
number, threads per inch, and a length.
For example 4-40 x 3/4" [19mm]

• 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, and then slightly modify or custom
fit the part as necessary 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.

• We recommend 30-minute epoxy to install the stabilizer,

because you will need the working time. 6-minute epoxy can
be used for the remaining assembly, but 30-minute epoxy
can also be used.

• 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 Yak-55M EP is factory-covered with Top Flite

MonoKote® film. 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 MonoKote includes full
instructions for application. Following are the colors used on
this model and order numbers for six foot rolls.

White (TOPOQ0204)
Sapphire Blue (TOPQ0226)
True Red (TOPQ0227)

®

KIT INSPECTION

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]

4

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Yak-55M 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.

Parts may also be ordered directly from Hobby Services
by calling [phone], or fax 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
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 telephone at [phone], or by
e-mail at [e-mail].

®

or MasterCard® number

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

Order No. Description

GPMA4100
GPMA4101
GPMA4102
GPMA4103
GPMA4105
GPMA4106
GPMA4107
GPMA4108
GPMA4109
GPMA4110
GPMA4111
GPMA4112

NOTE

Fuselage
Wing
Horizontal Stab
Rudder
Canopy/Hatch
Cowl
Landing Gear
Wheel Spats
Decals
Wing Joiner Rod
Wing Screws (2)
Tailwheel Assembly

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

13

KIT CONTENTS

3

6

11

8

9

7

10

2

1. Left Wing

2. Right Wing

3. Fuselage

4. Stabilizer

5. Rudder

6. Cowl

7. Cockpit fl oor

8. Left & Right Wheel Pant

9. Left & Right Main Landing Gear

10. Wheels (2)
5

14

5

4

1

12

11. Spinner

12. Wing Tube

13. Cowl Louvers

14. Tail gear

PREPARATIONS

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

❏

of the kit from the box and inspect for damage. If any parts
are damaged or missing, contact Product Support at the
address or telephone number listed in the "Kit Inspection"
section on page 4.

2. Remove the parts from the bags. Use a covering iron

❏

with a covering sock on medium heat to tighten the covering if
necessary. Apply pressure over sheeted areas to thoroughly
bond the covering to the wood.

3. Install the servo into the servo opening. Drill through

❏ ❏

the servo mounting holes with a 1/16" [1.6mm] drill bit.
Remove the servo from the servo opening. Install and then
remove a servo mounting screw into each of the holes you
have drilled. Apply a drop of thin CA into the holes to harden
the threads. Once the glue has cured install the servo into the
servo opening. Do not install the brass grommets or rubber
bushings in the servo. Secure the servo to the wing with the
servo mounting screws and #2 flat washers. Center the servo
and then install a servo arm as shown. The arm should be
pointing towards the wingtip, parallel with the aileron hinge line.

ASSEMBLE THE WINGS

Do the right wing first so your work matches the photos the
first time through.

1. Install a 9" servo extension onto the servo lead. Secure

❏ ❏

the extension to the lead with tape, a piece of shrink tube or
some other method to keep them from coming unplugged.

2. Insert the servo lead in the aileron servo opening

❏ ❏

and route the lead out the root of the wing. NOTE: The
Futaba S3150 servo is 2mm longer than the S3115 servo. If
the S3150 servo is installed, both ends of the aileron servo
opening will need to be trimmed approximately 1/32" [1mm].

4. Thread a nylon clevis, 16 turns, onto a 6" [152mm]

❏ ❏

wire pushrod.

CORRECT INCORRECT

Hinge Line Hinge Line

5. Attach the clevis in the outer hole of a nylon control

❏ ❏

horn. Place the control horn in line with the outer hole in the
servo arm. When positioned properly the control horn will

6