Great Planes GPMA1215 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.

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE
STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS
IMPORTANT WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS
CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF
THIS MODEL.

GPMZ0232 for GPMA1215 V1.0© Copyright 2001

1610 Interstate Drive Champaign, IL 61822

[phone], Ext 2

[e-mail]

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

TM

Wingspan: 61.5 in. [1562mm]
Wing area: 1076 sq. in. [69.5 sq dm]
Weight: 6 lbs [2720g]
Wing loading: 9.6 oz./sq. ft. [29.3 g/sq dm]
Length: 49 in. [1245mm]
Radio: 4-Channel (5 Servos)
Engine: .35 to .46 two-stroke, .52 four-stroke [5.75 to 7.5cc two-stroke, 8.5cc four-stroke]

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

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

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

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

Engine Recommendations.................................................3

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

Hardware and Accessories................................................3

Covering Accessories.........................................................3

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

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

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

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

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

METRIC CONVERSION RULER.......................................5

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

Wing Assembly...................................................................6

Install the Ailerons..............................................................8

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

Install the Main Landing Gear..........................................10

Mount the Stab and Fin....................................................11

Mount the Engine and Fuel Tank .....................................13

Install the Radio ...............................................................15

FINAL ASSEMBLY ..........................................................17

Control Throw Adjustment................................................17

Control Surface Throws....................................................17

BALANCE Y OUR MODEL...............................................18

Balance the Model Laterally.............................................18

PREFLIGHT.....................................................................18

Charge the Batteries........................................................18

Balance the Propeller .......................................................18

Find a Safe place to Fly...................................................19

Ground Check your Model...............................................19

Range Check your Radio.................................................19

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.................................19

AMA SAFETY CODE ......................................................20

General.............................................................................20

Radio Control ...................................................................20

FLYING.............................................................................20

Takeoff..............................................................................20

Flight.................................................................................20

Landing.............................................................................20

The Slow Pok e Sport .40 ARF is a great follow up to our Slo w
Poke Sport .40 kit but you don't have to do the building! This
plane has all of the great flight characteristics of a sport / fun
fly airplane. This coupled with its good looks will make it a
standout at your flying field.With minimal effort you will have
this plane in the air in no time and performing to all of your
abilities.We hope you enjoy the Slow Poke Sport .40 ARF as
much as we have enjoyed bringing it to you!

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections f or the
Slow Poke Sport .40 ARF, visit the web site listed below and
select the Great Planes Slow Poke Sport .40 ARF. A “tech
notice” box will appear in the upper left corner of the page if
there is new technical information or changes to this kit.

http://www.greatplanes.com/airplanes/index.html

1.Your Slow Poke Sport .40 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 Slow Poke Sport .40, 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 engine and components
(fuel tank, 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 already an experienced R/C pilot, you
should fly the model only with the help of a competent,
experienced R/C pilot.

PRO TECT YOUR MODEL,YOURSELF

& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

INTRODUCTIONTABLE OF CONTENTS

2

Remember:T ake your time and f ollow the instructions to
end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.

If you 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.

In addition to joining an R/C club, we strongly recommend
you join the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics). AMA
membership is required to fly at AMA sanctioned clubs.There
are over 2,500 AMA chartered clubs across the country.
Among other benefits, the AMA provides insurance to its
members who fly at sanctioned sites and events .Additionally,
training programs and instructors are available at AMA club
sites to help you get started the right way. 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

This is a partial list of items required to finish the Slow
Poke Sport .40 ARF that may require planning or decision
making before starting to build.Order numbers are provided
in parentheses.

The Slow Poke Sport .40 ARF will require a good 4-channel
radio such as the Futaba®4VF with five servos (minimum
of 40 oz/in of torque), a Y-harness and two 6" [152mm]
servo extensions.

The recommended engine size range for the Slow Poke
Sport .40 ARF is .35 to .46 two-stroke or .52 four-stroke.

In addition to the items listed in the “Decisions Y ou Must
Make” section, the following is the list of hardware and
accessories required to finish the Slow Pok e Sport .40 ARF.
Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

❏ Propellers - Top Flite

®

Power Point®- refer to engine's

instruction manual for proper size.

❏ Fuel line - 3' medium 3/32" [2.4mm] glow fuel tubing

(GPMQ4131)

❏ 21st Centur y

®

sealing iron (COVR2700)

❏ 21st Centur y trim seal iron (COVR2750)
❏ 21st Centur y iron cover (CORQ2702)

In addition to common household tools and hobby tools, this
is the “short list” of the most important items required to
build the Slow Poke Sport .40 ARF.

Great Planes Pro™CA

and Epoxy glue are recommended.

❏ 1/2 oz. Thin Pro CA (GPMR6001)
❏ 1/2 oz. Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007)
❏ 6-Minute Epoxy (GPMR6045)
❏ Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❏ #11 blades (HCAR0211)
❏ Small T-pins (HCAR5100)
❏ Builder's triangle (HCAR0480)
❏ Electric dr ill and 1/16" [1.6mm] drill bit
❏ Small Phillips and flat blade screwdrivers
❏ Pliers with wire cutter (HCAR0630)

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the Slow Poke Spor t .40 ARF.

❏ Great Planes CG Machine

™

(GPMR2400)

❏ Top Flite Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer

™

(TOPQ5700)

❏ Straightedge with scale (HCAR0475)
❏ Cutting mat (HCAR0456)
❏ Masking T ape (TOPR8018)
❏ CA Debonder (GPMR6039)
❏ CA Applicator tips (GPMR6033)
❏ 1/2 oz. Thin CA (GPMR6002)
❏ 1/2 oz. Medium CA (GPMR6008)
❏ CA Applicator Tips (HCAR3780)
❏ CA Debonder (GPMR6039)
❏ CA accelerator (GPMR6034)

Optional Supplies and Tools

Adhesives and Building Supplies

Covering Accessories

Hardware and Accessories

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Engine Recommendations

Radio Equipment

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

We, as the kit manuf acturer, provide you with a top quality
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

❏ 30-Minute Epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏ R/C-56 Canopy Glue (JOZR5007)
❏ Epoxy Brushes (GPMR8060)
❏ Mixing Sticks (GPMR8055)
❏ Threadlocker (GPMR6060)
❏ Denatured Alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❏ Hobby Knife (HCAR0105), #11 Blades (HCAR0211)
❏ Non-elastic monofilament or Kevlar fishing line (for stab

alignment)

❏ Builders Triangle Set (HCAR0480) (for fin alignment)
❏ Masking T ape (TOPR8018)
❏ 1/16" to 1/4" drill bit set
❏ Dead Center

™

Engine Mount Hole Locator (GPMR8130)

❏ Great Planes AccuThrow

™

Deflection Gauge (for measuring

control throws, GPMR2405)

• There are two types of screws used in this kit:
Sheet metal screws are designated by a number and a

length. For example #6 x 3/4"

This is a number six screw that is 3/4" long.

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

This is a number four screw that is 3/4" long with

forty threads per inch.

• 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 epoxy or6-minute epoxy.When 30-minute epoxy
is specified it is highly recommended that you use only 30­minute (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 Slow Poke Sport .40 ARF 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 TOPQ0204

Gray T OPQ0211

Sapphire Blue TOPQ0226

Black TOPQ0208

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

4

To order replacement par ts for the Great Planes Slow Poke Sport .40 ARF, use the order numbers in the Replacement
Parts List that follows. Replacement par ts are available only as listed. Not all par ts are available separately (an aileron

cannot be purchased separately, but is only available with the wing kit).Replacement parts are not available from Product
Support, but can be purchased from hobby shops or mail order/Internet order firms. Hardware items (screws, nuts, bolts)
are also available from these outlets. If you need assistance locating a dealer to purchase parts, visit

www.greatplanes.com and click on “Where to Buy.” If this kit is missing parts, contact Great Planes Product Support.

Replacement Parts List

Order Number Description How to Purchase

Missing pieces ......................Contact Product Support

Instruction manual.................Contact Product Suppor t

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

GPMA2265......................................Wing Kit

GPMA2266......................................Fuse Kit

GPMA2267......................................Tail Set

GPMA2268......................................Landing Gear

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

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

Contact Your Hobby
Supplier to Purchase
These Items

1 Outer Wings w/ Ailerons
2 Wing Center Section
3 Fuselage
4 Stab and Elevators
5 Fin and Rudder
6 Plywood Wing Joiners
7 Fuel Tank & Hardware
8 Windscreen

9 Main Landing Gear Wires
10 2-3/4" Main Wheels
11 Tail Gear with Wheel
12 Wing Bolt Plate
13 Wing Joiner Wire

(2) 1/4 - 20 Blind Nuts (Pre-installed in

fuse)

(2) 24" Grey Plastic Outer Pushrod

Tubes (Pre-installed in Fuselage)

(1) 11-3/4" Grey Plastic Outer Pushrod

Tube (Throttle)

(2) 12" .074 Wire Threaded One End

(Ailerons)

(2) 36" .074 Wire Threaded One End

(Elevator and Rudder)

(1) 17-1/2" .074 Wire Threaded One End

(Throttle)
(1) 2" x 9" Hinge Material
(1) Nylon Clevis (Rudder, Elevator,

Ailerons and Throttle)

(4) Faslink (Rudder, Elevator, Ailerons

and Throttle)
(2) Nylon 1/4 - 20 Wing Bolt (Wing)
(4) Large Nylon Control Horn (Aileron,

Rudder and Elevator

(1) Nylon Landing Gear Strap (1 tree of 4,

Landing Gear)
(5) Silicone Clevis Keepers (Rudder,

Elevator, Ailerons and Throttle
(4) 6-32 Blind Nuts (Mounting the Engine)
(4) 6-32 x 1/2" Socket Head Cap Screws

(Mounting the Engine)

(4) #6 lock washers (Mounting the

Engine)

(4) #6 washers (Mounting the Engine)

(4) 5/32" Wheel Collar (Landing Gear)
(4) 6-32 Set Screws (Wheel Collars)
(1) 3/32" Wheel Collar (Tail Wheel)
(1) 4-40 Set Screw (Tail Wheel)
(12) #2 x 1/2" Sheet Metal Screws

(Aileron Horns, Landing Gear Straps)

(4) #2 x 5/8" Machine Screws (Rudder,

Elevator)

(1) Brass Quick Connect Body (Throttle

connection)
(1) Nylon Retainer (Throttle connection)
(1) 4-40 X 1/2" Socket Head Cap Screw

(Throttle connection)
(1) White Plastic Spinner

Kit Contents

(Photographed)

Kit Contents (Not Photographed)

Before starting to build, use the Kit Contents list to take an inventory of your 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 Great Planes Product Support. When reporting 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:

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

KIT CONTENTS

5

0" 1" 2" 3" 4" 5" 6" 7"

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180

Inch Scale

Metric Scale

To convert inches to millimeters, multiply inches by 25.4

10

9

1

3

6

7

8

2

12

4

11

5

13

9

10

1

❏ 1. Locate six wing joiners. Make two wing joiners by

gluing three of the joiners together with 6-minute epoxy.
Wipe away any excess epoxy that may squeeze out. Set
them aside to allow the glue to cure.After the glue has cured
mark the top of the wing joiner as shown.

❏ 2.Locate the left and right wing panels. On the bottom of

the wing locate the aileron servo compartment. Cut the film
away with a hobby knife to reveal the servo compartment.
Iron the covering around the opening with a modeling iron.

❏ 3. Locate the slot at the leading edge of the left and right

wing for the landing gear .Cut the covering away from the slot
and iron any loose covering in place with your hobby iron.

❏ 4. Trial fit the two wing joiners into the wing center

section, into the right wing panel and left wing panel.Be

sure the wing joiners are inserted so that the top of the joiner
is against the top of the wing. When you are satisfied that
they fit remove the wings from the wing joiners.

❏ ❏ 5. The wing center section and outboard wings have

string taped to the root rib. Set the wing joiner and the right
wing panel side by side.Tie the two strings together.These
strings will be used to pull the servo wires through the wing
when you install the radio system.

Wing Assembly

BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS

6