Great Planes GPMA1221 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.
GPMZ1250 for GPMA1220/1221 V1.0© Copyright 2001
1610 Interstate Drive Champaign, IL 61822
(217) 398-8970, Ext 2
airsupport@greatplanes.com
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Big Stik .40:
Wingspan: 58.5 in. [1486mm]
Wing Area: 770 sq. in. [49.7 sq dm]
Weight: 5.25 lbs [2380g]
Wing Loading: 15.7 oz./sq. ft.[48 g/sq dm]
Length: 51.5 in. [1308mm]
Radio: 4-Channel with 5 servos
Engine: .40 – .51 2-stroke, .50 – .70 4-stroke
[6.5 – 8.5cc 2-stroke, 8.5 – 11.5cc 4-stroke]
Big Stik .60:
Wingspan: 66.5 in. [1689mm]
Wing Area: 1000 sq. in. [64.5 sq dm]
Weight: 6.5 lbs [2948g]
Wing Loading: 14.97 oz./sq. ft.[46 g/sq dm]
Length: 59 in. [1499mm]
Radio: 4-Channel with 5 servos
Engine: .60 – .91 two-stroke, .91 – .1.20 four-stroke
[10 – 15cc 2-stroke, 15 – 20cc 4-stroke]
INTRODUCTION..........................................................................2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.............................................................2
DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE ...................................................3
Radio Equipment..........................................................................3
Engine Recommendations............................................................3
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED................................................3
Covering Accessories...................................................................3
Adhesives and Building Supplies .................................................3
Optional Supplies and Tools.........................................................3
IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES.................................................3
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS .........................................4
METRIC CONVERSION RULER .................................................4
KIT CONTENTS...........................................................................5
WING ASSEMBLY AND INSTALLATION ....................................6
INST ALL THE T AIL COMPONENTS............................................8
TANK INSTALLATION ...............................................................10
ENGINE INSTALLATION ...........................................................10
MOUNT THE LANDING GEAR..................................................12
RADIO INSTALLATION .............................................................13
PROP, SPINNER AND FUEL LINE INSTALLATION .................16
GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY............................................16
Check Control Directions............................................................16
Set the Control Throws ...............................................................17
Balance the Model......................................................................17
Balance the Model Laterally.......................................................18
PREFLIGHT ...............................................................................18
Identify Your Model......................................................................18
Charge the Batteries...................................................................18
Balance the Propellers ...............................................................19
Ground Check.............................................................................19
Range Check..............................................................................19
ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS............................................19
AMA SAFETY CODE.................................................................19
General.......................................................................................19
Radio Control ..............................................................................20
CHECKLIST ...............................................................................20
FLYING .......................................................................................21
Takeoff ........................................................................................21
Flight...........................................................................................21
Landing.......................................................................................21
The Great Planes Big Stik ARFs are aircraft that let you
progress from your trainer into a model that is not only a
good choice for improving your flying skills but is also great
for high performance aerobatics.
Either plane is a good choice for a second airplane or as an
aerobatic trainer. We are sure that you will enjoy building
and flying the Big Stik ARF.
For the latest technical updates or manual corrections for
the Big Stik ARFs, visit the web site listed below and select
the Great Planes Big Stik ARF. If there is new technical
information or changes to this kit, a “tech notice” box will
appear in the upper left corner of the page.
http://www.greatplanes.com/airplanes/index.html
1. Your Big Stik 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 Big Stik 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 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.
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, the modeler is responsible for taking steps to
reinforce the high stress points.
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
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.
PRO TECT YOUR MODEL,YOURSELF
& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
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. (800) 435-9262
Fax (765) 741-0057
Or via the Internet at:
http://www.modelaircraft.org
There are several engines that will work well in your .40 or
.60 sized Big Stik ARF.
For the .40 Big Stik we recommend a 2-stroke engine such
as the O.S.®LA .40, O.S. .40 FX, O.S. .46 FX or the
SuperTigre®G40. For unsurpassed power and realistic
sound, an O.S.FS-70 can't be beat.
For the .60 Big Stik we recommend a 2-stroke engine such
as the O.S. LA .65, O.S. .61 FX or the SuperTigre G61. If
you prefer a f our strok e engine the O.S.FS-70 or O.S.FS-91
are both good choices.
The Great Planes Big Stik ARF .40 and .60 require a good
four channel radio system like the Futaba®4VF. Both
airplanes require a total of five servos each with a minimum
of 44 oz-in of torque.A Y-harness and two 6" servo extensions
are also required.
❏ 21st Centur y
®
sealing iron (COVR2700)
❏ 21st Centur y trim seal iron (COVR2750)
❏ 21st Centur y iron cover (COVR2702)
In addition to common household tools and hobby tools, this
is the “short list” of the most important items required to
build the Big Stik ARF.
Great Planes Pro™CA and Epoxy
glue are recommended.
❏ 2 oz. Pro CA (Thin, GPMR6003)
❏ Propeller (Top Flite
®
Power Point®-Refer To Your Engine's
Instructions For Proper Size)
❏ 2 oz. Pro CA+ (Medium, GPMR6009)
❏ 6-Minute Pro Epoxy (GPMR6045)
❏ 30-Minute Pro Epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏ Epoxy Brushes (GPMR8060)
❏ Mixing Sticks (GPMR8055)
❏ Hobby Knife (HCAR0105), #11 blades (HCAR0211)
❏ Masking T ape (TOPR8018)
❏ 1/4" Latex Foam Rubber Padding (HCAQ1000)
❏ Paper Towels
❏ Drill Bits: 1/16" (1.5mm), 5/64" (2mm), 3/32" (2.4mm),
1/4" (6mm)
❏ Dremel
®
Moto-Tool™with cutoff wheel
❏ 4-40 Tap and drill (Big Stik 40)
❏ 6-32 Tap and drill (Big Stik 60)
Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the Big Stik ARF.
❏ Switch and Charge Jack (GPMM1000)
❏ Great Planes CG Machine
™
(GPMR2400)
❏ Top Flite Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer
™
(TOPQ5700)
❏ Straightedge with scale (HCAR0475)
❏ CA Debonder (GPMR6039)
❏ CA Applicator tips (GPMR6033)
❏ CA Accelerator (GPMR6034)
❏ Threadlocker (GPMR6060)
❏ Denatured Alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❏ Builders Triangle Set (HCAR0480) (for fin alignment)
❏ 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 #6 screw that is 3/4" long.
IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES
Optional Supplies and Tools
Adhesives and Building Supplies
Covering Accessories
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED
Radio Equipment
Engine Recommendations
DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE
3
To convert inches to millimeters, multiply inches by 25.4
Machine screws are designated by a number, threads per
inch and a length. For example 4-40 x 3/4"
This is a #4 screw that is 3/4" long with
forty threads per inch.
• During the construction we often refer to the “top” or
“bottom” of the model or a part of the model.It is understood
that the “top”or “bottom” of the model is as it would be when
the airplane is right side up and will be referred to as the
“top” even if the model is being worked on upside-down.
• 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.
• Whenever just
epoxy
is specified you may use
either
30-minute (or 45-minute) epoxy or6-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.
• The Big Stik 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 f oot.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.
True Red (TOPQ0227)
White (TOPQ0204)
Black (TOPQ0208)
4
To order replacement parts for the Great Planes Big Stik ARF .40 or .60, use the order numbers in the Replacement P arts
List that follows. Replacement par ts are available only as listed. Not all parts 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
Big Stik 60 Order # Big Stik 40 Order # Description How to Purchase
Missing pieces Contact Product Support
Instruction manual Contact Product Support
Full-size plans Not available
GPMA2315..........................GPMA2310.................................Wing Set
GPMA2316..........................GPMA2311.................................Fuse Set
GPMA2317..........................GPMA2312.................................Tail Set
GPMA2318..........................GPMA2313.................................Landing Gear Set
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS
.................
Contact Your Hobby
Supplier to Purchase
These Items
Inch Scale
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
Metric Scale
5
1 Wing with Aileron
2 Fuselage
3 Stabilizer and Elevator
4 Fin and Rudder
5 Wheels
6 Main Gear
7 Nose Gear
8 Engine Mount
9 Fuel Tank and Hardware
10 Wing Joiners
11 Wing Bolt Plate
12 Small Ventral Fin
Kit Contents
(Photographed)
.40 Size 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: (217) 398-8970
Fax: (217) 398-7721
E-mail: airsupport@greatplanes.com
KIT CONTENTS
(2) 1/4-20 Blind nuts (pre-installed in fuse)
(2) 24" Grey plastic outer pushrod tube
(pre-installed in fuse)
(2) 11-3/4" Grey plastic outer pushrod
tube (throttle, nose gear)
(2) 12" 074 Wire threaded one end
(ailerons)
(4) 36" 074 Wire threaded one end
(elevator, r udder, throttle, nose gear)
(5) Nylon clevis (rudder, elevator,
ailerons, throttle)
(4) Faslink (rudder, elevator, ailerons)
(2) Nylon 1/4 - 20 wing bolts
(4) Large nylon control horn (aileron,
rudder, elevator)
(1) 2" x 9" Hinge material
(6) Silicone clevis keepers (rudder,
elevator, ailerons, throttle)
(4) 4-40 x 3/4" Socket head cap screw
(engine to engine mount)
(4) # 4 Washers (engine to engine mount)
(4) 6-32 x 1/2" Socket head cap screw
(main gear to fuse)
(4) 6-32 x 3/4" Socket head cap screw
(engine mount to firewall)
(8) 6-32 Blind nuts (main gear, engine
mount)
(8) #6 Washers (main gear, engine mount)
(2) 5/32 x 1-1/4" Axles (main gear)
(2) 5/32" Nuts for axles (main gear)
(6) 5/32" Wheel collar (main landing
gear, nose gear, nose steer ing)
(1) Steering arm (nose gear)
(6) 6-32 x 1/4" Hex head bolt (wheel
collars)
(8) 2-56 x 1/2" Machine screws (rudder,
elevator, ailerons)
(3) Brass quick connect body (throttle,
nose gear)
(3) Nylon retainer (throttle, nose gear)
(3) 4-40 x 1/4" SHCS (throttle, nose gear)
(1) 2-1/2" Red spinner
(1) Fuel line 24"
(1) Wire tail skid
.60 Size Kit Contents (Not Photographed)
(2) 1/4-20 Blind nuts (pre-installed in fuse)
(2) 24" Grey plastic outer pushrod tube
(pre-installed in fuse)
(2) 11-3/4" Grey plastic outer pushrod
tube (throttle, nose gear)
(2) 12" 074 Wire threaded one end
(ailerons)
(4) 36" 074 Wire threaded one end
(elevator, r udder, throttle, nose gear)
(5) Nylon clevis (rudder, elevator, ailerons,
throttle)
(4) Faslink (rudder, elevator, ailerons)
(2) 1/4 - 20 Nylon wing bolt
(4) Large nylon control horn (aileron,
rudder, elevator)
(1) 2" x 9" Hinge material
(6) Silicone clevis keepers (rudder,
elevator, ailerons, throttle)
(4) 6-32 x 1" Socket head cap screw
(engine to engine mount)
(4) #6 Washers (engine to engine mount)
(4) 8-32 x 1/2" Socket head cap screw
(main gear to fuse)
(4) 8-32 x 1" Socket head cap screw
(engine mount to firewall)
(8) 8-32 Blind nuts (main gear, engine
mount)
(8) #8 Washers (main gear, engine mount)
(2) 5/32 x 1-1/4 axles (main gear)
(2) 5/32 Nuts (main gear axles)
(6) 5/32" Wheel collar (main landing gear,
nose, nose steering)
(1) Steering arm
(6) 6-32 x 1/4" Hex head bolt (wheel
collars)
(8) 2-56 x 1/2" machine screws (rudder,
elevator, ailerons)
(3) Brass quick connect body (throttle,
nose gear)
(3) Nylon retainer (throttle, nose gear)
(3) 4-40 x 1/4" SHCS (throttle, nose gear)
(1) 3" red spinner
(1) Fuel line 24"
(1) Wire tail skid
3
12
11
1
6
5
7
8
2
9
4
1
10
❏ 1. From the 2" x 9" [50mm x 230mm] hinge material, cut
out 16 hinges, 3/4" x 1" each [19mm x 25mm].
❏ ❏ 2. Inser t a T-pin through the center of 4 hinges.Tr ial
fit the 4 hinges into the right wing panel, making sure the
T-pin is flush against the wing.
❏ ❏ 3.T est fit the right aileron to the right wing.The aileron
should be tight against the T-pins, with no more than a 1/32"
gap at any point. When satisfied with the fit, remove the
T-pins and attach the aileron by applying 6 drops of thin CA
to each side of each hinge.After the glue has cured, flex the
aileron back and forth a few times to loosen up the hinges.
Pull on the aileron to make sure that the aileron is firmly
attached to the wing.
❏ ❏ 4. Using the photo as a guideline, locate the servo ba y
in the bottom of the right wing panel. Cut the MonoKote
1/16" to the inside of the edges of the servo tray. Using a
MonoKote Covering Iron or Trim Tool, iron the edges down
into the servo tray. NOTE: It is impor tant that you securely
iron down the edges to avoid the possibility of the covering
“flapping” and peeling off.
❏ ❏ 5. Using a dime for size reference and a hobby knife,
cut a hole in the BOTTOM of the wing parallel to the hole in
the root rib and 1/2" from the root rib.
1"
1"
3/4"
WING ASSEMBLY & INSTALLATION
6
❏ ❏ 6.T aped to the inside of the root rib is a fine string.This
is used to ease installation of the aileron servo lead. Untape
the string from the root rib, pull the end through the hole you
just cut and tape the string to the underside of the wing.
❏ 7. Repeat steps 2-6 for the left wing.
❏ 8. Select the two wing joiners. Being sure to align the
angled sides, epoxy them together with 6-minute Epoxy. Do
not disturb for 1/2 hour or until the epoxy is fully cured.
❏ 9. Test fit the joiner into the right wing panel up to its
center, using no glue. Note that the pointed side of the V
shaped joiner points toward the hole you cut in step 5.Test
fit the left wing panel onto the joiner as well.Repeat until you
can comfortably join the wings.NOTE: If the wing panels do
not align (have more than a 1/16" gap on either the top or
bottom side of the wing), carefully sand the joiners to fit.
❏ 10.Coat the right half of the joiner and the right wing root
rib with 30-minute epoxy. Slide the joiner into the right wing.
Coat the left root rib and joiner half with epoxy and slide the
wing halves together. Tape the panels together, top and
bottom, with masking tape and do not disturb overnight.
NOTE:Wipe off any excess epo xy.Alcohol will help clean up
any partially cured epoxy.
❏ 11.Locate the two holes, for the wing bolts, at the trailing
edge of the bottom of the wing and cut the covering away.
7
❏ 12. Turn the wing right side up. Position the MonoKote-
covered wing bolt plate centered on the wing and flush with its
trailing edge. Draw a line around the bolt plate. Remove the
bolt plate. Using a hobby knife and being careful to cut ONLY
the covering, cut 1/8" inside the lines you just drew and remo ve
the covering where the wing bolt plate will go.Using medium
CA, glue the non-covered side of the bolt plate to the wing.
❏ 13. Turn the wing upside-down. Using the hole through
the bottom of the wing as a guide, drill two 1/4" [6 mm] holes
through the wing.
❏ 14. Using the two 1/4"x20 nylon wing bolts and the
built-in leading edge tab, mount the wing to the fuselage.
❏ 1. Remove the elevators from the stabilizer (there is only
tape holding them in place). Lay the plane upside down and
place the horizontal stabilizer into position. Check the
alignment as shown in the photo.Note: The plane is shown
right side up in the photo.Yours should be inverted.
❏ 2. Stand back 8 to 10 feet [2.5 to 3 meters] and view the
model from the front and rear.The stabilizer tips should be
equally spaced above the wing tips. If not, lightly sand the
high side of the stabilizer saddle to correct the problem.
Work slowly and check the alignment often.
❏ 3.When the alignment looks good, mark the outline of the
fuselage onto the top of the stabilizer. Remove the stabilizer
and trim the covering about 1/16" [2 mm] inside of the lines,
being very careful not to cut into the underlying wood. Note:
Use a new knife blade to insure virtually no pressure is
required to cut through the covering.Re-check your alignment
and glue the stabilizer to the fuselage with 6-minute epoxy.
INST ALL THE T AIL COMPONENTS
8
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