Great Planes GPMA1190 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-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 INSTRUCTIONS
AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND
USE OF THIS MODEL.

GPMZ0301 for GPMA1190 V1.0 Entire Contents © Copyright 2004

Champaign, IL

[phone], Ext. 5

[e-mail]

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 33.5 in [850mm]
Wing Area: 297 sq in [19dm

2

]

Weight: 12–14 oz [330–380g]
Wing Loading: 6–7 oz/sq ft [17–20g/dm

2

]

Length: 33 in [840mm]
Radio: 4-channel w/ 3 micro servos and 20A ESC
Power System: Ball-bearing 280-sized motor, 5:1

reduction gearbox

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

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

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

LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING & USAGE......................3

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

Radio Equipment & Electronics...................................3

Adhesives & Building Supplies....................................3

Optional Supplies & Tools............................................3

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

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

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

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

METRIC/INCH RULER ......................................................5

BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS..............................................6

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

Prepare the Fuselage..................................................6

Assemble the Stabilator ...............................................6

Assemble the Fin & Rudder.........................................7

Join the Wing to the Fuselage.....................................8

Hinge the Ailerons .......................................................8

Install the Servos.........................................................8

Install the Control Horns & Pushrods ..........................9

Install the Motor & Speed Control .............................10

Final Setup.................................................................11

Apply the Decals ........................................................11

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY..................................12

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

Balance the Propellers...............................................13

Range Check.............................................................13

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

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

CHECK LIST ....................................................................14

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

Launch.......................................................................15

Flight..........................................................................15

Landing......................................................................15

Troubleshooting..................................Back Cover Page

The YAK 55 EP 3D ARF is an excellent way to enjoy 3D
aerobatics without the cost and headaches of giant-scale
gasoline-powered models. A couple of hours on the
workbench, and your YAK 55 ARF will be ready to tackle
torque rolls, walls, harriers, high-alpha rolling circles, and
more! This airplane is a virtually unlimited 3D aerobat, but
flying it only involves plugging in the battery, throttling up,
and letting go!

Take care to build straight and true as you complete the
airplane. Misaligned parts will hur t the airplane’s ability to
perform the extreme aerobatics it is designed for.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
YAK 55 ARF visit the Great Planes web site at

www.g reatplanes.com

. Open the “Airplanes” link, then select
the Y AK 55 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:

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.

1. Your YAK 55 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 YAK 55 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

PRO TECT YOUR MODEL,YOURSELF

& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

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

INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2

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
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
hobby 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.

WARNING!! Read the entire instruction sheet included with

this battery. Failure to follow all instructions could cause
permanent damage to the battery and its surroundings, and
cause bodily harm!

• ONLY use a Li-Po approved charger. NEVER use a
NiCd/NiMH peak charger!

• NEVER charge in excess of 4.20V per cell.

• ONLY charge through the “charge” lead. NEVER charge
through the “discharge” lead.

• NEVER charge at currents greater than 1C.

• ALWAYS set charger’s output volts to match battery volts.

• ALWAYS charge in a fireproof location.

• NEVER trickle charge.

• NEVER allow the battery temperature to exceed
150°F (65°C).

• NEVER disassemble or modify pack wiring in any way or
puncture cells.

• NEVER discharge below 2.5V per cell.

• NEVER place on combustible materials or leave
unattended during charge or discharge.

• ALWAYS KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

(Note: Recommended part numbers are include
in parentheses)

❏ 4-Channel radio

❏ 3 Sub-micro servos (0.3 oz [9g] or less each) (FUTM0042)
❏ Micro receiver (FUTL0442-3)
❏ 6” Servo extension (HCAM2000)
❏ 12” Servo extension (HCAM2100)
❏ 20-amp Brushed ESC (GPMP2020)
❏ 1200–1500mAh 3-series Lithium Polymer battery pack

(GPMP0821, GPMP0831)

❏ Deans Ultra Male plug (WSDM1302)
❏ Lithium-Polymer Charger (GPMP3150, GPMP3010)

In addition to common household tools and hobby tools, this
is the “short list” of the most important items required to
build the YAK 55 ARF.

Great Planes Pro™CA and Epoxy

glue are recommended.

❏ 6-minute Epoxy and/or foam safe CA
❏ 60/40 Tin/lead solder
❏ Soldering iron
❏ Covering iron (or household iron)
❏ Hobby knife with #11 blade

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the YAK 55 ARF.

❏ Great Planes C.G. Machine

™

Optional Supplies & Tools

Adhesives & Building Supplies

Radio Equipment & Electronics

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

LITHIUM BATTER Y HANDLING

& USA GE

We, as the kit manufacturer, 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

• 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. Since this model
is constructed from foam, we recommend the use of foam­safe CA glues and epoxy

only.Do not use standard CA

glue on this model as it will dissolve the structure.

• 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.

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

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

4

Replacement parts for the Great Planes YAK 55 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 available,
replacement parts may also be ordered from Tower Hobbies at

www

.towerhob

bies.com

, or by calling toll free [phone].

Parts may also be ordered directly from Hobby Services by calling [phone], or via f acsimile 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

Because the Yak 55 ARF is built as a one-piece airframe, there are no replacement airframe parts available. Replacements for small
parts are available, however:

Or

der Number Description How to purchase

Missing pieces..........................Contact Product Suppor t

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

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

GPMG0215 Gear Drive
GPMG0860 Replacement Shaft with Spur Gear
GPMG0239 Pinion Gear
GPMG0311 Replacement Motor
GPMQ1682 10x4.75 Propeller
GPMQ4620 Prop Saver
GPMA2792 Hardware Bag
GPMA2793 Decal Set
GPMG0216 Motor/Gear Drive Assembly
GPMQ4619 Prop Saver Rubber Bands

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

................

Contact Your Hobby
Supplier to Purchase
These Items

5

Kit Contents

1. Fuselage

2. Propeller

3. Motor & Gear Drive

4. Hardware Bag

5. Horizontal Stab (L&R)

6. Rudder

7. Fin

8. Left Wing Half

9. Left Aileron

10. Right Wing Half

11. Right Aileron

Kit Contents (not photographed)

(3) Control Horns
(3) Control Horn Retainers
(2) Stabilator Spacer/Control Horns
(2) Nylon Pin Hinges
(4) Micro FasLinks
(5) Propeller Rubber Bands
(1) Double-sided Control Horn Extension
(2) Single-sided Control Horn Extension
(1) Hook and Loop Fastener

(1) Elevator Pushrod
(1) Rudder Pushrod
(2) Aileron Pushrods
(1) Prop Saver
(1) Tape

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 CONTENTS

1

2

5

7

8

6

10

9

11

To convert inches to millimeters, multiply inches by 25.4

3

4