Great Planes GPMA1286 User Manual

Giant Scale 85 –100 cc Aerobatic/3D ARF

SPECIFICATIONS

Wingspan:

100 in
[2540mm]

Weight:

24 – 28 lb
[10880-12700 g]

Length: 96 in

[2440mm]

Radio: 4-5 channel with

9 standard size servos

Wing Area: 1892 sq in

[122 dm

2

Wing

]

Loading:

29– 34 oz / ft
[88– 104 g /dm2]

2

Engine: 85 – 100cc gasoline

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

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT

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

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.

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

Entire Contents © Copyright 2009 GPMA1285 Mnl 2.0

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

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

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

IMAA..........................................2

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS..........................3

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

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

Engine Recommendations .......................4

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

Required Hardware and Accessories ...............4

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

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

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES ....................5

KIT INSPECTION................................5

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

KIT CONTENTS .................................6

ASSEMBLE THE STAB ...........................6

Prepare the Servo Arms .........................6

Mount the Elevator Servos .......................7

ASSEMBLE THE WING ...........................8

ASSEMBLE THE FUSE ...........................9

Install the Tail Gear .............................9

Attach the Rudder .............................10

Install the Rudder Servos .......................11

Install the Main Landing Gear ....................13

Mount the Engine .............................14

Assemble and Install the Fuel Tank................15

Install the Throttle & Choke Servos ................16

Install the Canister Mufflers (DA-100 only) ..........18

Install the Radio & Ignition Equipment .............19

Mount the Cowl ...............................20

FINAL ASSEMBLY ..............................22

Mount the Stabilizers...........................22

Mount the Wing ...............................22

Attach the Canopy.............................23

Apply the Decals ..............................23

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY..................23

Check the Control Directions.....................23

Set the Control Throws .........................23

PROPER PUSHROD HOOKUP....................25

Balance the Model (C.G.) .......................26

Balance the Model Laterally .....................26

PREFLIGHT ...................................26

Identify Your Model ............................27

Charge the Batteries ...........................27

Balance Propellers ............................27

Ground Check ................................27

Range Check.................................27

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .................27

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts) ...................28

General .....................................28

Radio Control ................................28

CHECK LIST ..................................28

FLYING .......................................29

Fuel Mixture Adjustments .......................29

Takeoff......................................29

Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to
the Great Planes Giant Matt Chapman Eagle 580 ARF visit
the Great Planes web site at www.greatplanes.com. Open
the “Airplanes” link, then select the Great Planes Giant
Matt Chapman Eagle 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.

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 Tele. [phone]
5151 East Memorial Drive Fax [phone]
Muncie, IN 47302-9252

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 full­scale aircraft and avoid flying near or over groups of people.

IMAA

The Great Planes Eagle 580 ARF is an excellent sport­scale model and is eligible to fly in IMAA events. The
IMAA (International Miniature Aircraft Association) is an
organization that promotes non-competitive flying of giant­scale models. If you plan to attend an IMAA event, obtain a
copy of the IMAA Safety Code by contacting the IMAA at
the address or telephone number below.

IMAA [phone]
205 S. Hilldale Road
Salina, KS 67401

Or via the Internet at:

http://www.fly-imaa.org/imaa/

sanction.html

2

PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF

& OTHERS..... FOLLOW THESE IM-

PORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Your Great Planes Giant Matt Chapman Eagle 580 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
Great Planes Giant Matt Chapman Eagle 580 ARF, if not
assembled and operated correctly, could possibly cause
injury to yourself or spectators and damage to property.

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.

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

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 good condition,
a correctly sized engine, and other components as specified
in this instruction manual. All components must be correctly
installed so that the model operates correctly on the ground
and in the air. You must check the operation of the model and
all components before every flight. Inspect for signs of wear
in the flight controls and engine controls. You should also
cycle your radio batteries regularly and check to see that
they fulfill their current and capacity ratings.

5. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not flown this
size and 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.

6. While this kit has been flight tested to exceed normal use,
it is important that the modeler understand that aerobatic
designs are not race planes, and should not be flown like
them. In addition, “more is better” is the WRONG philosophy
when powering an aerobatic plane. This model has been
professionally designed and tested, and the engine range
carefully selected for great performance. We strongly
recommend NOT exceeding the recommended engine range.
This is unsafe and will void the warranty of this model.

7. 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.

This is a partial list of items required to finish the Great
Planes Giant Matt Chapman Eagle 580 ARF that may require
planning or decision making before starting to build. Order
numbers are provided in parentheses.

Radio Equipment

4–5 channel radio with:

o

• 1–2 Standard size servos

(throttle and optional choke servo)

• 8 - Standard size high torque metal geared

(150 oz/in) servos (2 for elevator, 4 for ailerons,

2 for rudder)

• 2 - 36" heavy duty servo extensions

(HCAM2726 for Futaba®) (outer aileron servos)

• 2 - 24" heavy duty servo extensions

(HCAM2721 for Futaba) (inner aileron servos)

• 2 - 40" heavy duty servo extensions

(FUTM4148 for Futaba) (elevator servos)

• 3 - Y-harnesses

(HCAM2751 for Futaba)
(aileron servos and rudder servos)

• 2 - 12" [300mm] servo extensions

(HCAM2711 for Futaba) (receiver to each wing)

• 1 - 24" [610mm] servo extension

(HCAM2721 for Futaba) (rudder servos)

• 1 - 36" [914mm] servo extension

(HCAM2726 for Futaba) (elevator servos)

• 1 - Receiver battery, 4200mAh 4.8V NiMH

(HCAM6335)

• 1 - Ignition battery, 2000mAh NiMH

(HCAM6321)

• 2 - Heavy duty switch harnesses

(FUTM4385) (Rx and ignition)

• 2 - Charge jacks

(ERNM3001 for Futaba)

If you’re not using a computer radio with mixing functions or
one with less than 6 channels, please consider purchasing
the following items:

3

• 1 - Servo reverser lead

(FUTM4150 to reverse one elevator servo)

• 1 - Servo synchronizer

(FUTM4155 to synchronize inboard and outboard
aileron servos) (Note: If you’re using this, you won’t
need to order 2 of the Y-harnesses above)

Adhesives and Building Supplies

In addition to common household tools and hobby tools, this
is the “short list” of the most important items required to build
the Great Planes Giant Matt Chapman Eagle 580 ARF. Great
Planes Pro™ CA and Epoxy glue are recommended.

Engine Recommendations

The recommended engine size range for the Great Planes
Giant Matt Chapman Eagle 580 ARF is 85 – 100cc. This
manual will detail the installation of the DA-100 engine with
twin canister style exhaust. A mounting template and special
wooden standoff shims are provided for you if you choose to
install the DA-85 engine.

The following items should be ordered from Desert Aircraft
or your favorite hobby supplier if you choose the DA-100:

• DA-100 engine

• Standard DA-100 muffler set

OR

• MTW canister exhaust (short version) (DA model

number TD 75K)

• MTW headers

The following items should be ordered from Desert Aircraft
or your favorite hobby supplier if you choose the DA-85:

• DA-85 engine

• Slimline Pitts muffler for DA-85

OR

• JTEC large wrap around Pitts muffler for DA-85

(JTCG7985) (standard option)

OR

• JTEC X-large wrap around Pitts muffler for DA-85

(JTCG2085) (quiet option)

• 1 oz. [30g] Thin Pro CA (GPMR6002)

• 1 oz. [30g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6008)

• Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)

• Pro 6-minute epoxy (GPMR6045)

• Threadlocker thread locking cement (threadlocker)

(GPMR6060)

• R/C-56 glue 4oz (JOZR5007)

• Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 5/16" [7.9mm], 1/8" [3.2mm],

3/16" [4.8mm]

• X-long (jobber length) drill bit: 3/16" [4.8mm]

• 10-piece standard tap and drill set (GPMR8108)

• Tap handle (GPMR8120)

• Small metal file

• Velcro

®

hook & loop (1" x 6" [25 x 150mm],

(GPMQ4480)

• 3/8" Heat shrink tubing (GPMM1060)

• Stick-on segmented lead weights (GPMQ4485)

• #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)

• #11 blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)

• Single-edge razor blades (10-pack, HCAR0212)

• Medium T-pins (100, HCAR5150)

• Sandpaper assortment

• Petroleum jelly

• Hobby torch (HCAR0765)

• Silver solder kit (STAR2000)

Optional Supplies and Tools

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the Great Planes Giant Matt Chapman
Eagle 580 ARF.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Required Hardware and Accessories

In addition to the items listed in the “Decisions You Must
Make” section, the following is a list of hardware and
accessories required to finish the Great Planes Giant
Matt Chapman Eagle 580 ARF. Order numbers are
provided in parentheses.

• Propeller (per the engine manufacturer’s suggestion)

• R/C foam rubber 1/4" [6.4mm] – (HCAQ1000)

• Two packs of 3’ [914mm] Tygon

(DUBQ0427)

®

gasoline fuel tubing

• 4 oz. [113g] aerosol CA activator (GPMR634)

• CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)

• CA debonder (GPMR6039)

• Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)

• Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)

• Mixing cups (GPMR8056)

• Pliers with wire cutter (HCAR0630)

• Robart Super Stand II (ROBP1402)

• Masking tape (TOPR8018)

• Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)

• Rotary tool such as Dremel

®

• Rotary tool reinforced cut-off wheel (GPMR8200)

• Quick drill set (HCAR0699)

• 3M ScotchBrite

• Top Flite

®

®

green abrasive pad

MonoKote® sealing iron (TOPR2100)

• Top Flite MonoKote trim seal iron (TOPR2200)

• Top Flite MonoKote heat gun (TOPR2000)

4

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

KIT INSPECTION

There are several types of screws used in this kit:

•

Self-tapping or 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].

Socket Head Cap Screws (SHCS) 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. 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.

• 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.

• The Great Planes Giant Matt Chapman Eagle 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.

Cub Yellow TOPQ0220
Sapphire Blue TOPQ0227
Missile Red TOPQ0201
Orange TOPQ0202
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.

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 [phone], ext. 5
3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1 Fax: [phone]
Champaign, IL 61822

E-mail: [e-mail]

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Great Planes Giant Matt Chapman
Eagle 580 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” from 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 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 Hobby Services
and payments by 3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1
personal check to: 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 productsupport@greatplanes.
com, or by telephone at [phone].

Giant Eagle 580 ARF Replacement Parts List

GPMA3355 Fuselage GPMA3362 Decals
GPMA3356 Wing Set GPMA3363 Wing Tube
GPMA3357 Hor. Stab. Set GPMA3364 Stabilizer Tubes
GPMA3358 Rudder GPMA3365 Hatch/Canopy
GPMA3359 Cowl GPMA3367 Pilot
GPMA3360 Landing Gear GPMA3368 Fuel Tank
GPMA3361 Wheelpants

5

KIT CONTENTS

3

1

2

4

5

7

12

1. Cowl

2. Fuselage

3. Canopy/Hatch

4. Aluminum Spinner

8

6

11 11

5. Main Gear

6. Wheels

7. Wheel Pants

8. Stab and Elevators

10

9

9. Stab Tubes

10. Rudder

11. Wings and Ailerons

12. Wing Tube

ASSEMBLE THE STAB

Prepare the Servo Arms

Note: The included aluminum servo arms are designed with
plastic inserts, allowing the arms to work with all current
Futaba, Hitec, Airtronics and JR servos. The inserts are also
designed so that the centering of the arm can be adjusted by
rotating the insert and then re-attaching the arm.

1. Drill and tap 4-40 threads in the two outermost holes of

o 

each of the six single-sided servo arms.

2. The nylon ball links have a number on one side of them.

o 

With the number facing up, press the brass ball into each of
the nylon balls link from the bottom, opposite the number.

6

3. Attach the ball link to the outer tapped hole of one of

o 

the one-sided servo arms with 4-40 x 1/2" [13mm] Socket
Head Cap Screw [SHCS] brass stand off and 4-40 lock nut.

Note: The number goes down toward the servo arm.

4. Attach the ball links to one other single-sided

o 

servo arm.

Mount the Elevator Servos

3. Attach a 40" [1016mm] heavy duty servo lead

o o 

extension and secure it using 3/8" [9.5mm] diameter heat
shrink tubing.

4. Cut the 4" [102mm] control horn bolt to a length of

o o 

2-1/4" [57mm].

1. Trim the covering from the servo bay in the stab.

o o 

2. Use a 1/16" [1.6mm] drill bit to make the holes and

o o 

install the elevator servo to a stab half using the hardware
provided with your servo. Remove the screws and harden
the screw holes you created in the wood with thin CA. You
should do this each time you thread into wood.

5. Place a pivot washer on the control horn bolt. Install

o o 

the control horn bolt through the top of the elevator.

6. Install a pivot washer to the other side and screw the

o o 

nylon nut onto the control horn bolt.

7

7. Assemble the control horn parts as shown. Note:

o o 

Eight total control horn pivots are supplied. Two are
standard thread and six are reverse thread. Identify the

two standard thread pivots and set them aside for use on the
rudder system. Do not assemble those now.

11. Plug the servo into the receiver and turn the

o o 

radio on.

12. Place the appropriate servo arm adapter on the

o o 

servo. The inserts have letters stamped on the bottom of
them (A=Airtronics/JR, F=Futaba, H=Hitec).

13. Attach the aluminum servo arm to the servo so

o o 

that it is 90 degrees to the long side of the servo case. If it
is not, remove the servo arm, rotate the insert 90 degrees
and attach the servo arm again. Use the insert position that
makes the servo arm fit closest to 90 degrees. Be sure to
secure the servo arm with the screw.

8. Screw the reverse threaded end of the 2-1/2"

o o 

[64mm] pushrod 15 full turns into the control horn. (To
tighten, turn counterclockwise.)

9. Screw the “normal” threaded end of the pushrod 15

o o 

turns into the ball link that is connected to one of the single­sided servo arms.

14. Adjust the pushrod by turning it until the elevator is

o o 

centered on the stab.

15. Repeat steps 1-14 for the other stab half.

o 

ASSEMBLE THE WING

1. Remove the covering from the two servo openings

o o 

in the bottom of the wing.

10. Screw the control horn onto the control horn

o o 

bolt, leaving 1/16" [1.6mm] extending from the top of the
control horn.

2. Connect a 24" [610mm] heavy duty servo lead

o o 

extension to the inboard aileron servo and a 36" [914mm]
extension to the outboard aileron servo. Secure the
connections with heat shrink tubing.

8

3. Use the string in the wing to route each servo lead

o o 

through the wing. Mount the servos, noting that the servo
arms go toward the trailing edge of the wing.

ASSEMBLE THE FUSE

Install the Tail Gear

1. Grind flat spots on the tail gear wire for the set

o 

screws. Assemble the tail gear as shown in the photo with
threadlocker. Use three 3mm wheel collars, three 3mm x
5mm phillips head screws and one 3mm x 8mm phillips head
screw to assemble it.

4. Mount the control horns and servo arms following the

o o 

same steps used with the stab. Mount the ball link to the inner
tapped hole on the aileron servo arms. Cut the 4" [102mm]
control horn bolts down to a length of 2-1/4" [57mm].

5. Glue the white nylon anti-rotation dowels in the wing

o o 

with epoxy.

6. Repeat steps 1-5 for the other wing.

o o 

2. Remove the covering for the tail gear mounting bolts.

o 

Attach the tail gear with threadlocker, two 4-40 x 3/4" [19mm]
phillips head screws, two #4 flat washers, and two #4 lock
washers.

3. Attach the tail gear steering arm to the bottom of the

o 

rudder with three #4 x 5/8" [15.9mm] sheetmetal screws.

9

Attach the Rudder

1. Mount the rudder control horns as shown, using the

o 

remaining uncut 4" [102mm] bolt.

4. Coat the hinge barbs with glue.

o 

2. Prepare the five hinges by cleaning the barbs with

o 

denatured alcohol and applying household oil or petroleum
jelly to the hinge pins.

3. Mix up a batch of 30-minute epoxy (or your

o 

preferred hinge glue) and use a toothpick to fill the pre­drilled hinge pockets with glue. Fill the rudder and the
fin pockets with glue.

5. Install the hinges and the rudder with the hinge pins

o 

aligned vertically. Rotating the hinges 90° when you fit them
to the rudder will help you do this. Deflect the rudder left and
right several times as you slide the rudder onto the hinges.

10