Great Planes GPMA1355 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.

GPMZ0237 for GPMA1355 V1.0© Copyright 2002

1610 Interstate Drive Champaign, IL 61822

[phone], Ext 2

[e-mail]

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

A. R. F.

Almost Ready to Fly

Wingspan: 82 in [2080mm]
Wing Area: 1066 sq in [69 dm

2

]

Weight: 10.25 - 11.5 lbs [4650 - 5220g]
Wing Loading: 22 - 25 oz/sq ft [67 - 76 g/dm2]
Length: 60 in [1525mm]
Radio: 4-5 channel with six servos
Engine: .61 - .91 cu in [10 - 15cc] two-stroke, .91 - 1.20 cu in [15 - 20cc] four-stroke

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

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

Scale competition...............................................................3

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

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE ........................................4

Radio Equipment ................................................................4

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

Spinner Adapter Kit............................................................4

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

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

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

Optional Supplies and Tools...............................................5

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

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

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS ...............................7

TIGHTEN THE COVERING................................................8

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

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

Hook Up the Ailerons.........................................................9

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

Mount the Landing Gear ..................................................10

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE.........................................12

Mount the Stabilizer and Fin............................................12

Mount the Servos.............................................................15

Hook Up the Rudder ........................................................17

Hook Up the Elevators.....................................................18

Mount the Tailgear ............................................................20

Mount the Engine.............................................................21

Mount the Cowl................................................................22

Finish the Radio Installation.............................................24

SCALE DETAILS .............................................................24

Mount the Wing Struts......................................................24

Finish the Cockpits...........................................................25

Apply the Decals..............................................................27

PREPARE THE MODEL FOR FLYING ............................27

Set the Control Throws.....................................................27

Balance the Model Laterally.............................................28

Balance the Model (C.G.).................................................28

Identify Your Model...........................................................29

Charge the Batteries........................................................29

Balance Propellers...........................................................29

CHECKLIST.....................................................................29

FINAL PREPARATIONS..................................................30

Ground Check..................................................................30

Range Check....................................................................30

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.................................30

AMA SAFETY CODE ......................................................30

General.............................................................................30

Radio Control ...................................................................31

FLYING.............................................................................31

Takeoff..............................................................................31

Flight.................................................................................31

Landing..............................................................Back Cover

Windscreen Template.....................................Back Cover

Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the Great
Planes Ryan STA-M ARF. We at Great Planes R&D were
pleased with the appearance and performance of the
original red, white and black civilian Ryan STA and are just
as pleased with this military “M” version. In fact, a couple of
minor improvements make this plane our best ARF yet.
Although not intended to be an all-out scale model, the
Ryan's classic design and two-cockpit layout make it
tempting for enthusiastic modelers to spend a few extra
hours adding even more details (such as cockpit controls,
flying wires, panel lines, etc.).

When it's time to fly your STA-M, you'll be as pleased with
its performance as you are with its appearance.During test
flying, it flew so well that we had to actually try to make bad
landings! And every time the Ryan went up, local R/C club
members stopped what they were doing to watch this model
fly. The ST A-M's g reatest attrib ute–and what y ou can expect
when you get your model in the air–is its nostalgic
gracefulness.Make sure you have plenty of fuel in your field
box because when it's time to fly, you'll be needing it.

For the latest technical updates or instruction manual
corrections to the Ryan STA-M, visit the web site listed below
and select the Great Planes Ryan STA-M 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.

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

The Great Planes Ryan STA-M is an excellent sport-scale
model and is eligible to fly in IMAA (International Miniature
Aircraft Association) events. The IMAA is an organization
that promotes non-competitive flying of giant-scale models.
If you plan to attend an IMAA event, contact the IMAA for a
copy of the IMAA Safety Code at the address or telephone
number below.

IMAA

205 S. Hilldale Road

Salina, KS 67401

[phone]

IMAA Information

INTRODUCTIONTABLE OF CONTENTS

2

Though the Great Planes Ryan STA-M is an ARF and may
not have the same level of detail as an “all-out” scratch-built
model, it is a scale model none-the-less and is therefore
eligible to compete in the Fun Scale class in AMA
competition (we receive many favorable reports from those
who fly Great Planes ARFs in scale competition!). In

Fun

Scale

, the “builder of the model” rule does not apply. To
receive the five points f or scale documentation, the only proof
required that a full size aircraft of this type in this
paint/markings scheme did exist is a single sheet such as a
kit box cover from a plastic model, a photo, or a profile
painting, etc. If the photo is in black and white, other written
documentation of color must be provided. Contact the AMA
for a rule book with full details.

If you would like photos of the full-size Ry an STA-M for scale
documentation, or if you would like to study the photos to
add more scale details, photo packs are available from:

Bob's Aircraft Documentation

3114 Y uk on Av e

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Telephone: [phone]

Fax:[phone]

e-mail: www.bobsairdoc.com

1. Your Ryan STA-M 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 Ryan STA-M, 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.

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 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 work area thoroughly after
working with fiberglass parts.

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

If you have not flown a low-wing 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 y ou
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

We, as the kit manufacturer, 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

Scale Competition

3

Though technically the Ryan STA-M is considered a
“giant-scale” model, it does not require the same “heavy­duty”equipment as other truly giant planes.The only “heavy­duty” equipment suggested for this model is three servos
that have 50 oz.-in. [3.3 kg-cm] or more of torque (one for
the rudder and two for the elevators). The ailerons and
throttle may be operated by standard servos.

Because the Ryan STA-M uses dual elevator servos and
because the servos must move in opposite directions (due to
the way they are mounted in the fuse), they cannot be
connected with a “Y” connector (unless you have a “reverse”
servo).Therefore, to fly the Ryan, a radio system capable of
electronic servo mixing is required, so that one of the
elevator servos can be reversed. If you do not have a radio
with programmable mixing, the Futaba®SR-10 Synchronized
Servo Reverser (FUTM4150) may be used. When both
elevator servos are connected to this device, they operate in
opposite directions. The Synchronized Servo Reverser is
compatible with most popular radio systems.

A receiver battery with a capacity of at least 1000 mAh is
also recommended for this model.

There are several engines that will work well in the Ryan
STA-M ARF.The official engine size recommendation range is
.61 - .91 cu in [10.0 - 15.0cc] two-stroke or .91 - 1.20 cu in
[15.0 - 20.0cc] four-stroke.If an engine in the upper end of the
size range is selected, remember that this is a scale model
that is intended be flown in a scale manner at scale speeds,
so prudent throttle management must be practiced. Our
prototype, powered by an O.S.®MAX .91 FS with a 14 x 6
prop, flew smoothly and most scale-like at about 3/4 throttle.
Refer to your engine manuf acturer's recommendations for the
correct size propeller.Note:With the O.S.MAX .91 four-stroke
used in this model, the O.S. “in” type exhaust header pipe
(OSMG2624) was used to position the muffler so an exhaust
hole did not have to be cut in the cowl.

This kit includes a 2-3/4" aluminum spinner with a 10-32
spinner bolt. Due to the variety of engines that may be used
on the Ryan, an adapter kit for mounting the spinner is not
included with this kit and must be purchased separately. For
the O.S. .61 SF, SX and other two-stroke engines with a
5/16"-24 crankshaft thread purchase Spinner Adapter Kit
#GPMQ4584.For the O.S ..91 to 1.20 four-strokes and other

four-strokes with a 5/16"-24 crankshaft thread purchase
Spinner Adapter Kit #GPMQ4588.If neither of these adapter
kits will suit your engine, another brand of adapter kit (that
includes both the prop nut and the spacer ring for the back
plate of the spinner - such as Tru-Turn) must be purchased.

In addition to the items listed in the “Decisions You Must
Make” section, following is the list of hardware and
accessories required to finish the Ryan. Order numbers are
provided in parentheses.

❏ (2) 24" [610mm] Servo extensions for ailerons

(HCAM2200 or HCAM2721 for Futaba®)

❏ (1) 6" [150mm] Servo extension for aileron (HCAM2000

or HCAM2701 for Futaba)

❏ (1) “Y” connector for ailerons (FUTM4130 for Futaba)
❏ Suitable propeller and spare propellers
❏ Medium Fuel Tubing (GPMQ4131)
❏ Switch & Charge Jack Mounting Set (GPMM1000)
❏ Fuel filler valve for glow fuel (GPMQ4160)
❏ R/C foam padding (1/4" [6mm] HCAQ1000, or 1/2"

[13mm] HCAQ1050)

❏ (2) Williams Bros. #62500 1/4-scale Standard pilots

(WBRQ2625)

❏ Olive Drab paint for cockpit and paint for pilots
❏ Model Products #021 Remote glow plug adapter

(MODP1221)

❏ 1/4" [6mm] Kwik Stripe silver striping tape (GPMQ1244)
❏ #64 rubber bands (for mounting fuel tank)

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

Great Planes Pro™CA and Epoxy glue

are recommended.

❏ 1/2 oz. Thin CA (GPMR6002)
❏ 1/2 oz. Medium CA (GPMR6008)
❏ CA Applicator Tips (HCAR3780)
❏ 30-Minute Epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏ Milled Fiberglass (GPMR6165)
❏ Threadlocker (GPMR6060)
❏ 50" [1270mm] of K&S #801 Kevlar thread (K+SR4575) or

non-elastic monofilament line for stab alignment

❏ Builders Triangle Set (HCAR0480) (for fin alignment)
❏ Masking T ape (TOPR8018)
❏ Silver solder (GPMR8070)
❏ Small metal file
❏ English size drill bits: 1/16", #48 (or 5/64"), 3/32", #36 (or

7/64"), 1/8", #29 (or 9/64"), 5/32", 3/16", 7/32", 17/64" (or

Adhesives and Building Supplies

Hardware and Accessories

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Spinner Adapter Kit

Engine Recommendations

Radio Equipment

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

4

1/4") -or- Metric size drill bits: 1.6mm, #48 (or 2mm),

2.4mm, #36 (or 2.8mm), 3.2mm, #29 (or 3.6mm), 4mm,

4.8mm, 5.6mm, 6.7 (or 6.4mm),

❏ 6-32 tap (or Great Planes 6-32 tap and drill set with #36

drill - GPMR8102)

❏ 8-32 tap (or Great Planes 8-32 tap and drill set with #29

drill - GPMR8103)

❏ 3/16" brass tube
❏ Coverite

™

21st Century®sealing iron (COVR2700)

❏ Coverite

™

21st Century iron cover (COVR2702)

❏ Coverite

™

21st Century trim seal iron (COVR2750)

❏ Denatured Alcohol (for epoxy clean up)

Here is a list of optional items mentioned in the manual that
will help you assemble the Ryan.

❏ CA Debonder (GPMR6039)
❏ CA Activator (GPMR6034)
❏ 6-Minute Epoxy (GPMR6045)
❏ Microballoons (TOPR1090)
❏ Epoxy Brushes (GPMR8060)
❏ Mixing Sticks (GPMR8055)
❏ Hobby Knife (HCAR0105), #11 Blades (HCAR0211)
❏ Easy-Touch

™

Bar Sander (GPMR6170 or similar)

❏ Felt-Tip Marker (TOPQ2510)
❏ Rotar y tool such as a Dremel

®

❏ Reinforced cut-off wheel (GPMR8020)
❏ Curved Tip Canopy Scissors for Trimming Plastic Parts

(HCAR0667)

❏ Dead Center

™

Engine Mount Hole Locator (GPMR8130)

❏ Great Planes AccuThrow

™

Deflection Gauge (for

measuring control throws, GPMR2405)

❏ Flat Black MonoKote

®

film for optional anti-glare panel (6'

roll - TOPQ0508)

❏ 5/32" brass tube

• 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]

This 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]

This 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 Ryan STA-M 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.

Aluminum (TOPQ0205)

Cub Yellow (TOPQ0220)

True Red (TOPQ0227)

Insignia Blue (TOPQ0207)

White (TOPQ0204)

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

Optional Supplies and Tools

5

6

1 Wing with Ailerons
2 Fuselage
3 Stab with Elevators
4 Fin with Rudder
5 Cowl
6 Cowl Ring
7 Wheel Pants
8 Rudder Fairing

9 T urtledeck
10 Fin Fairing
11 Stab Fairings
12 Wing Bolt Plate
13 Forward Wing Joiners
14 Wing Str uts
15 Dorsal Fin
16 Engine Mount

17 Fuel Tank
18 Cockpit Coaming
19 Main Landing Gear
20 Tailgear
21 Aft Wing Joiner
22 Forward Servo Tray
23 Aft Servo Tray
24 Main Wheels

(1) 2-3/4" [70mm] spinner
(2) Decal sheets
(1) CA hinge strip
(2) 2-56 x 6" [150mm] pushrods (ailerons)
(4) Large control horns (ailerons, elevators)
(38) #2 x 1/2" [13mm] screws
(2) Nylon Faslinks (ailerons)
(3) Nylon clevises (ailerons - 2, throttle - 1)
(7) Silicone clevis retainers (clevises)
(8) 1/8" [3mm] flat nylon straps (main LG)
(4) 3 x 6mm socket head cap screws (LG axles)
(4) 5mm wheel collars (main wheels)
(4) 3mm set screws for wheel collars
(2) 4-40 x 36" [910mm] wire pushrods (elevators)
(4) 2-56 x 3/4" [19mm] screws (elev cntrl horns)
(2) Large metal solder clevises (elevators)
(2) 4-40 metal threaded clevises (elevators)
(2) 4-40 nuts (for clevises)
(1) 6-32 x 1-1/2" [38mm] threaded rod (rudder)
(2) 4-40 nylon torque rod horns (rudder)

(2) 1/8" [3mm] nylon hump straps (tail gear)
(1) 36" [910mm] gray inner pushrod tube (tail

gear, antenna tube)
(1) 3/16" x 36" [910mm] pshrd tube (tail steering)
(1) 2-56 x 36" [910mm] wire pshrd (tail steering)
(2) brass screw-lock connector body
(2) 4-40 x 1/8" [3mm] screws (for screw-lock)
(2) nylon retainers (for screw-lock)
(1) nylon ball link (tail steering)
(1) 0-80 threaded ball (tail steering)
(1) 0-80 nut (for threaded ball)
(2) 1/4-20 blind nuts (factory installed)
(2) 1/4-20 x 2" [50mm] nylon wing bolts
(8) #4 x 5/8" [16mm] scrws (cwl mnt, wing struts)
(4) #4 washers (cowl mounting)
(4) #4 lock washers (cowl mounting)
(6) #2 washers (servo tray)
(1) 2-56 x 18" [460mm] wire pushrod (throttle)
(1) 3/16" x 12" [21 x 305mm] pushrod tube
(1) 1/4" x 1/2" x 6" [6 x 13 x 150mm] balsa stick

(2) 1/4" x 3/8" x 6-1/4" [6 x 10 x 160mm]

hardwood sticks
(2) Axles
(4) 1/32" x 3/4" [1 x 20mm] plywood discs
(8) 8-32 x 1" [25mm] socket head cap screws
(4) #8 washers (engine mount)
(8) #8 lock washers (eng mnt, eng mounting)
(4) 8-32 blind nuts (engine mount)
(4) Cowl mount blocks
(2) Windscreens
(2) Wing dowels
Rudder pull/pull components:

(1) Metal cable
(4) copper swages
(4) 2mm metal clevises
(4) 2mm brass couplers
(4) 2mm nuts
(4) silicone clevis retainers

Kit Contents (Photographed)

Kit Contents (Not Photographed)

Before starting to build, use the Kit Contents list to 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 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

3

24

17

7

16

24

19

1

2

7

1

5

6

18

22

23

20

4

13

21

10

15

12

8

9

11

14

7

To order replacement parts for the Great Planes Ry an STA-M ARF, use the order numbers in the Replacement Parts 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 par ts, 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 Support

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

Kit parts listed below .......................................Hobby Supplier

GPMA2280 ...........Wing Kit (R&L wing panels, R&L ailerons, hinge strip, 3 pc.ply forward wing

joiner, ply aft wing joiner, (2) wing dowels, wing bolt plate.)

GPMA2281 ...........Fuselage Kit (Fuselage, forward and aft servo trays, (4) hardwood cowl

mounting blocks, (2) cockpit coaming, (2) 1/4" x 3/8" x 6-3/8" [7 x 10 x
165mm] hardwood forward servo mount rails, 1/4" x 1/2" x 6" [6 x 13 x
150mm] balsa rudder pushrod tube support, (2) hardwood wing strut
mounting blocks.)

GPMA2282 ...........Tail Set (Fin & rudder, stab & elevators, hinge strip.)

GPMA2283 ...........Cowl (Fiberglass cowl, plywood cowl ring, (4) ply cowl discs.)

GPMA2284 ...........Windscreen Set (2)

GPMA2205 ...........Main Landing Gear Set (L&R)

GPMA2286 ...........Wheel Pants (L&R)

GPMA2287 ...........Wing Strut Set (2)

GPMA2288 ...........Axle Set ((2) axles, (4) wheel collars, screws, wrenches)

GPMA2289 ...........Rudder Pull-Pull Set (Braided rudder cable, (4) threaded brass couplers,

(4) metal clevises, (4) 2mm nuts, (4) copper swages.)

GPMA2290 ...........Decal Sheet Set (2 sheets)

GPMA2291 ...........Plastic Parts Set (Tur tledeck, stab & fin fairings, R&L rudder fairing.)

GPMA2292 ...........Tailgear Set w/Wheel

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

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

1. If you have not done so already, remove the major parts
of the kit from the box (wings, fuse, wheel pants, cowl, tail
parts, etc.) and inspect them for damage. If any parts are
damaged or missing, contact Product Support at the
address or telephone number listed on page 6.

2. Remove the masking tape and separate the ailerons from
the wing, the rudder from the fin, and the elevators from the
stab. If necessar y, use a covering iron with a covering sock
on high heat to tighten the covering. Apply pressure over
sheeted areas to thoroughly bond the covering to the
wood. Hint: Poke three or four pin holes in the covering
between the “ribs” in the tail surfaces and ailerons.This will
allow air to escape to fully tighten the covering.

Do the right aileron first.

❏❏1.Locate the hinge slots in the right wing and the right

aileron. Cut a small strip of covering from each slot.

❏❏2. Drill a 3/32" [2.4mm] hole 1/2" [13mm] deep in the

center of the slots.For the best result, use a high-speed tool
such as a Dremel. Inser t a #11 knife blade into the slots,
working it back and forth a few times to clean the slots out.

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

supplied CA hinge strip.

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

hinge slots are too tight, remove the hinges and use a #11
blade to slightly open the slots. If necessary, insert a pin
through the center of the hinges so they remain centered
when joining the aileron to the wing.

❏❏5.With the aileron joined to the wing, remove any pins

used to center the hinges. Be certain there is a small gap
between the leading edge of the aileron and the wing–just
enough to slip a piece of paper through or to see light through.

❏❏6. Apply six drops of thin CA to both sides of all the

hinges. Wait a few seconds between drops to allow the
hinge slots to fully absorb the CA.

❏ 7.Join the left aileron to the left wing panel the same way.

1"
1"

3/4"

DRILL A 3/32" HOLE

1/2" DEEP, IN CENTER

OF HINGE SLOT

AWAY FROM THE SLOT

CUT THE COVERING

Hinge the Ailerons

ASSEMBLE THE WING

TIGHTEN THE COVERING

8

CA

THIN

Start with the right aileron.

❏❏1. Cut the covering from the right aileron servo mount

in the bottom of the wing. Hint: Cut the covering 1/8" [3mm]
inside the edges, then use a trim iron to seal the covering to
the edges.

❏❏2.Connect a servo extension cord to the aileron servo

wire. Secure the connection with vinyl tape, heat shrink
tubing, or special clips suitable for that purpose.

❏❏3. Tie the end of the string that is taped inside the

wing to the end of the servo wire. Pull the wire through.
Note: If something happens to the string such as it breaks
or it cannot be located, don't worry. Tie another piece of
string to the servo wire and tie a weight (such as a wheel
collar) to the other end of the string. Place the wing on end
and drop the weight down through the holes in the ribs.Pull
the end of the string out of the hole in the middle of the wing.

Refer to this photo for the following two steps.

❏❏4.Drill 1/16" [1.6mm] holes in the wing for mounting the

aileron servo. Add a few drops of thin CA to the holes and
allow to harden.Mount the servo to the wing.Note that, for the
right aileron servo shown in the photo, the servo arm points
towards the middle of the wing and the output shaft is toward

the trailing edge.The left aileron servo is mounted in a “mirror”
image (with the servo arm pointing toward the middle of the
wing and the output shaft toward the trailing edge).

❏❏5. Thread a nylon clevis twenty full turns onto a 6"

[150mm] threaded pushrod. Connect the clevis to a control
horn with a silicone retainer over the clevis.Place the control
horn on the aileron so the pushrod is in alignment with the
servo arm. Use a felt-tip pen to mark the pushrod over the
holes in the servo arm. Bend the pushrod at the mark, then
fit a nylon Faslink (shown in the sketch above) to the
pushrod.Cut the pushrod so 1/16" [2mm] protrudes from the
Faslink.If necessary, enlarge the holes in the servo arm with
a #48 (or 5/64" [2mm]) drill. Connect the pushrod to the
servo arm with the Faslink.

❏❏6. Drill 1/16" holes into the aileron for mounting the

control horn with two #2 x 1/2" [13mm] screws. Add a few
drops of thin CA to the holes and allow to fully harden.
Mount the control horn to the aileron with two #2 x 1/2"
[13mm] screws.Be certain the screws are secure and get a
good “bite” into the wood. If necessary, remove the screws,
add a few more drops of thin CA to the holes and allow to
harden. Remount the control horn.

❏ 7. Mount the left aileron servo and make the pushrod

the same way. Install the screws that hold the servo arms to
the servos.

❏ 1. Use epoxy to glue the three plywood forward wing

joiners together.Wipe away excess epo xy bef ore it hardens.

Join the Wing

Hook Up the Ailerons

9

Servo Arm

Refer to this photo for the following two steps.

❏ 2. Cut the covering from the pre-drilled holes in both wing

halves for the servo wires, the wing dowels and the wing
bolts. Guide the end of the ser vo wires through the holes in
the top of both wing halves.

❏ 3. Test fit the forward wing joiner and the plywood aft

wing joiner in both wing halves. Make adjustments where

necessary for a good fit.

❏ 4. Test fit the wing halves together. There should be no

gap.When one wing is lying flat on the workbench, the tip of
the other wing should be approximately 6-5/8" [168mm] from
the workbench. Make adjustments where necessary.

❏ 5.Separate the wings and remove the joiners.Thoroughly

coat all mating surfaces, including the inside of the wings
where the joiners fit, with 30-minute epoxy, then glue the wings
together.Use masking tape to tightly hold the wings together
until the epoxy has hardened. Excess epoxy that gets on the
covering can be easily removed bef ore it hardens with a tissue
dampened with denatured alcohol or other suitable solvent.

❏ 6. Round one end of both hardwood wing dowels. Use

epoxy to glue the dowels in the wing with the rounded ends
forward.Be certain approximately 1/2" [13mm] of the dowels
protrudes from the wing. While you've got some epoxy
mixed up, lightly coat the dowels to fuelproof them.

❏ 7. Use a shar p, new #11 blade to trim the covering from

the bottom of the wing for the 1/8" [3mm] plywood wing bolt
plate. Use care to cut just through the covering, while not

cutting into the wood. Glue the wing bolt plate into position.
After the glue hardens, use the holes in the top of the wing
as a guide to drill 17/64" [6.7mm] (or 1/4" [6.4mm]) holes
through the wing bolt plate.

❏ 1.Use coarse sandpaper to roughen the inside of the

rim

near the front and back of both wheel pants. The areas
specified are indicated by the brack ets in the following photo .

Mount the Landing Gear

6-5/8"

10