Great Planes GPMA1280 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.

GPMZ0250 for GPMA1280 V1.0© Copyright 2004

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 55.5 in [1410mm]
Wing Area: 562 sq in [36 dm2]
Weight: 6.75-7.5 lb [3060-3400 g]
Wing Loading: 28-30 oz/sq ft [85-92 g/dm2]
Length: 52.5 in [1335mm]
Radio: 4-channel, five servos
Engine: .46-.61 cu in [7.5-10cc] two-stroke,

.52-.70 cu in [8.5-11.5cc] four-stroke

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

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

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

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

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

Engine..........................................................................3

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

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

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

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

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

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS...............................6

PREPARATIONS................................................................7

ASSEMBLE THE WING.....................................................7

Install the Ailerons .......................................................7

Install the Aileron Servos and Pushrods .....................8

Join the Wing...............................................................9

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE.........................................10

Install the Stab, Elevators and Rudder......................10

Install the Landing Gear and Wheel Pants................12

Install the Engine, Fuel Tank and Throttle Servo .......12

Install the Cowl ..........................................................14

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

FINAL TOUCHES.............................................................17

Install the Pilot and Canopy .......................................17

Apply the Decals ........................................................17

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY..................................17

Check the Control Directions.....................................17

Set the Control Throws..............................................17

Balance the Model (C.G.)..........................................18

Balance the Model Laterally......................................19

PREFLIGHT.....................................................................19

Identify Your Model.....................................................19

Charge the Batteries ..................................................19

Balance Propellers.....................................................19

Ground Check............................................................19

Range Check.............................................................19

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.................................20

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

CHECK LIST ....................................................................20

FLYING.............................................................................21

Takeoff .......................................................................21

Flight..........................................................................22

Landing......................................................................22

ENGINE MOUNT TEMPLATE..........................................23

Congratulations on your purchase of the Great Planes CAP

580. We have painstakingly reproduced the airplane which
has been flown in shows throughout the U.S.A.by aerobatic
champion Matt Chapman.We think you will enjoy the way it
flies as well as the compliments you get ev ery time you bring
it to the flying field.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
CAP 580 .40 -.70 ARF visit the Great Planes web site at
www.g reatplanes.com.Open the “Airplanes” link, then select
the CAP 580 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 full-scale aircraft and avoid flying near or over
groups of people.

1.Your CAP 580 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 CAP 580, 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.

PRO TECT YOUR MODEL,Y OURSELF

& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

AMA

INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2

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 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 e xtremely high stress flying,
such as racing, or if an engine 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 .

9. 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.

Remember:Take y our time and f ollo w the instructions to
end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.

❏ Four channel radio
❏ Four 54 oz-in servos and one 30 oz-in servo
❏ One 6" [150mm] servo extension (HCAM2701 for Futaba

®

)

❏ Y-harness (HCAM2751 for Futaba)
❏ 500 mAh batter y or greater
❏ Propeller

The recommended engine size range for the CAP 580 is 46

- .61 cu in [7.5 - 10cc] two-stroke or .52 - .70 cu in [8.5 -

11.5cc] four-stroke.If an engine in the upper end of the size
range is used, remember that this is a scale model that is
intended to fly at scale-like speeds, so throttle management
should be practiced.

In addition to common household tools and hobby tools, this
is the “short list” of the most important items required to build
the CAP 580 .40 - .70 ARF.

Great Planes Pro™CA and

Epoxy glue are recommended.

❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro CA (GPMR6001)
❏ 1 oz. [30g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6008)
❏ Pro 30-Minute Epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 5/64" [2mm], 7/64" [2.8mm],

3/16" [4.8mm].

❏ #11 Blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)
❏ R/C Foam Rubber (1/4" [6mm] - HCAQ1000
❏ 3' [900mm] Standard Silicone Fuel Tubing (GPMQ4131)
❏ CA Applicator Tips (HCAR3780)

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the CAP 580.

❏ 2 oz. [57g] Spray CA Activator (GPMR6035)
❏ R/C-56 Canopy Glue (JOZR5007)
❏ CA Debonder (GPMR6039)
❏ Pro 6-Minute Epoxy (GPMR6045)
❏ Epoxy Brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❏ Mixing Sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❏ Mixing Cups (GPMR8056)
❏ Builder’s Triangle Set (HCAR0480)
❏ Curved-Tip Canopy Scissors for Trimming Plastic Parts

(HCAR0667)

Optional Supplies and Tools

Adhesives and Building Supplies

Engine

Hardware and Accessories

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

We, as the kit manuf acturer, provide y ou 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

❏ Hobbico Duster

™

Compressed Air (HCAR5500)

❏ Masking T ape (TOPR8018)
❏ Threadlocker Thread Locking Cement (GPMR6060)
❏ Denatured Alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❏ Rotar y Tool such as Dremel
❏ Rotar y Tool Reinforced Cut-Off Wheel (GPMR8200)
❏ Ser vo Horn Drill (HCAR0698)
❏ Dead Center

™

Engine Mount Hole Locator (GPMR8130)

❏ AccuThrow

™

Deflection Gauge (GPMR2405)

❏ CG Machine

™

(GPMR2400)

• 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" [19mm] is a number
six screw that is 3/4" [19mm] long.

Machine screws are designated by a
number,threads per inch and a length.

For example 4-40 x 3/4" [19mm] is a
number four screw that is 3/4" [19mm]
long with forty threads per inch.

• 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 CAP 580 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.

Red TOPQ0201
Orange TOPQ0202
Jet White TOPQ0204
Sky Blue TOPQ0206
Forest Green TOPQ0214
Cub Yellow TOPQ0220
Medium Purple TOPQ0225
Sapphire Blue TOPQ0227
Black TOPQ0208

• The stabilizer and wing incidences and engine thrust
angles have been factory-built into this model. However,
some technically-minded modelers may wish to check
these measurements anyway. To view this information visit
the web site at www.greatplanes.com and click on
“Technical Data.” Due to manufacturing tolerances which
will have little or no effect on the way your model will fly,
please expect slight deviations between your model and
the published values.

Fuse = Fuselage

Stab = Horizontal Stabilizer

Fin = Vertical 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

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

5

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 Product Support. When repor ting 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 INSPECTION

1 Cowl
2 Fuselage
3 Canopy
4 Engine Mount
5 Spinner
6 Fuel T ank

7 Stabilizer with Elevators
8 Fin

9 Rudder
10 Tailwheel Assembly
11 Landing Gear
12 Wheels

13 Wheel Pants
14 Left Wing with Aileron
15 Right Wing with Aileron
16 Wing Joiners

Kit Contents (Photographed)

5/32 x 1-1/4" Axles (2)
Brass EZ Connector (2)
4-40 Blind Nuts (4)
6-32 Blind Nuts (4)
8-32 Blind Nuts (4)
Axle Nuts (2)
1/4-20 Blind Nuts (2)
1/4-20 Wing Bolt (2)
Large Nylon Control Horn (5)
Nylon Clevis (5)
Nylon Retainer (2)
Hinge Material (1)
Faslink (4)
24" Gray Outer Plastic Pushrod Tube (4)
Silicone Clevis Keeper (5)

2-56 x 5/8" Machine Screw (4)
6-32 Set Screw (2)
6-32 x 1/4" SHCS (2)
4-40 Set Screw (1)
#2x3/8" SMS (6)
4-40 x 3/8 MS (4)
6-32x5/8" SHCS (4)
2-56 x 3/4" SHCS (4)
6-32 x1" SHCS (4)
8-32 x 1" SHCS (4)
4-40 x 1/8" SHCS (2)
3/32" Wheel Collar (1)
5-32" Wheel Collar (4)
.074 x 17.5" Wire (1)
.074x36" Pushrod Wire (3)

.074 x 6" Pushrod Wire (2)
4-40 Lock Washer (4)
#6 Flat Washer (8)
#6 Lock Washer (4)
#4 Flat Washer (4)
#2 Flat Washer (2)
#8 Lock Washer (4)
#8 Flat Washer (4)
Aluminum Wheel Spacers (2)
Wing Alignment Pin (Wood Dowel) (1)
M2.5 x 10 Washer-Head Screw (9)
Velcro®(Hook and Loop) 20x180mm (2)
6x13x25mm Hardwood Cowl Mnt Blocks (5)
Pilot Figure (1)

Kit Contents (Not Photographed)

KIT CONTENTS

3

1

2

5

4

11

12

13

6

7

16

14

15

8

9

10

6

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Great Planes Cap 580 .40 - .70 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. If a hobby shop is not available, replacement parts may also be ordered from Tower Hobbies at
www.towerhobbies.com, or by calling toll free [phone].

Parts may also be ordered directly from Hobby Services by calling [phone], or via facsimile 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 b y 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

Order Number 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

GPMA2680............Wing Kit

GPMA2681............Fuselage Kit

GPMA2682............Tail Surface Set

GPMA2683............Cowl

GPMA2684............Landing Gear

GPMA2685............Wheel Pants

GPMA2686............Decal

GPMA2687............Spinner

GPMA2688............Canopy

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

of the kit from the box and inspect for damage. If any par ts
are damaged or missing, contact Product Support at the
address or telephone number listed in the “Kit Inspection”
section on page 5.

❏2. Remove the tape and separate the ailerons from the wing

and the elevators from the stab. Use a covering iron with a
covering sock on high heat to tighten the covering if necessary .
Apply pressure over sheeted areas to thoroughl y bond the
covering to the wood.

Do the right wing first so your work matc hes the photos
the first time through.You can do one wing at a time, or
work on them together.

❏❏1. Drill a 3/32" hole, 1/2" deep in the center of each

hinge slot to allow the CA to “wick” in. Follow-up with a #11
blade to clean out the slots. Hint: If you have one, use a
high-speed rotary tool to drill the holes.

❏❏2.Use a sharp #11 blade to cut a strip of covering from

the hinge slots in the wing and aileron.

❏❏3.Cut eight 3/4" x 1" [19mm x 25mm] hinges from the

CA hinge strip. Snip off the corners so they go in easier.

❏❏4.Test fit the ailerons to the wing with the hinges. If

the hinges don’t remain centered, stick a pin through the
middle of the hinge to hold it in position.

❏❏5. Remove any pins you may have inserted into the

hinges.Adjust the aileron so there is a small gap between the
LE of the aileron and the wing.The gap should be small, just
enough to see light through or to slip a piece of paper through.

❏❏6. Apply six drops of thin CA to the top and bottom of

each hinge, waiting a few seconds between drops to allow
the CA to soak in. Do not use CA accelerator. After the CA
has fully hardened, test the hinges by pulling on the aileron.

❏ 7. Repeat steps 1- 6 for the left wing panel.

Install the Ailerons

ASSEMBLE THE WING

PREPARATIONS

7

1"

[25mm]

3/4"

[20mm]

❏❏1. For the servo installation a Y-harness connector is

required and is used to allow the aileron servos to plug into
one slot in your receiver .You may ha v e a computer radio that
allows you to plug the servos into separate slots and mix
them together through the radio transmitter .If you choose to
mix them with the radio rather than the Y-harness, refer to
the instructions with your particular brand of radio.

❏❏2.Located in the wing in the aileron servo compartment,

a string is taped to the wing skin. Tie the string to the end of
the servo wire. Pull the ser vo wire through the wing with the
string. Feed the servo wire out the hole in the top of the wing
center section. Tape the servo wire to the wing to prevent it
from falling back into the wing.

❏❏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 hardened install the
servo into the servo opening using the hardware included
with your servo. Center the servo, then install a servo arm
pointing towards the wingtip.

❏❏4. Position a large nylon control horn on the aileron,

positioning it as shown in the sketch and aligning it with the
servo.Mark the location for the screw holes .Drill through the
marks you made with a 1/16" [1.6mm] drill bit, drilling
through the aileron. Secure the control horn to the aileron
with two 2-56 x 3/4" [19mm] socket head cap scre ws and the
nylon mounting plate.

❏❏5.Locate a .074" x 6" [1.9mm x 152mm] pushrod wire

threaded on one end. Screw a nylon clevis onto the
threaded end of the wire 20 full turns. Install a silicone clevis
keeper onto the clevis and then install the clevis in the
second hole from the end of the aileron control horn.

❏❏6. Be sure the aileron servo is centered. Enlarge the

first hole in the servo arm with a Hobbico Servo Horn Drill
(or a #48 or 5/64" [2mm] drill bit). Center the aileron and
align the wire pushrod with the hole in the end of the servo
arm.Using a marker, mark the location where the wire aligns
with the hole in the servo arm. On that mark make a 90
degree bend. From the bend measure an additional 3/16"
[4.8mm], then cut off the excess pushrod wire.

❏❏7. Install the wire into the hole in the servo arm using

a nylon FasLink as shown in the sketch.

❏ 8. Repeat steps 1-7 for the left wing panel.

Install the Aileron Servos and Pushrods

8

Faslink

Servo Horn

2-56(.074") Pushrod Wire