2
INTRODUCTION..................................................................2
AMA.....................................................................................2
IMAA....................................................................................2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS....................................................3
DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE ..........................................3
Radio Equipment...........................................................3
Engine Recommendations ............................................3
Electric Motor & Motor Mount Recommendations ...........4
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED.......................................4
Adhesives & Building Supplies ......................................4
Optional Supplies & Tools..............................................4
IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES.........................................4
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS .................................5
KIT INSPECTION ................................................................6
KIT CONTENTS...................................................................6
METRIC / INCH RULER......................................................6
PREPARATIONS .................................................................7
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS..............................................7
ASSEMBLE THE WING.......................................................7
Install the Ailerons & Flaps ..................................................7
Install the Aileron, Flap Servos & Pushrods ........................8
ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE...........................................10
Install the Stab, Elevators & Rudder..................................10
Install the Landing Gear & Wheel Pants............................11
Electric Motor / Glow Engine Installation ...........................13
Electric Motor, ESC & Battery Installation .........................13
Install the Glow Engine, Fuel Tank & Throttle Servo..........14
Install the Radio, Servos & Pushrods ................................17
Assemble the Canopy........................................................20
Install the Cowl ...................................................................21
Apply the Decals................................................................23
GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY ...................................23
Check the Control Directions.......................................23
Set the Control Throws................................................23
Balance the Model (C.G.) ............................................24
Balance the Model Laterally........................................24
PREFLIGHT.......................................................................25
Identify Your Model ......................................................25
Charge the Batteries ...................................................25
Balance the Propellers ................................................25
Ground Check .............................................................25
Range Check ...............................................................25
ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS...................................25
MOTOR & BATTERY SAFETY PRECAUTIONS...............26
AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts)......................................26
IMAA SAFETY CODE (excerpts).....................................27
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
RV-4 ARF visit the Great Planes web site at
www.greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then
select the RV-4 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
country. Contact the AMA at the address or toll-free phone
number below.
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.
The Great Planes RV-4 ARF is an excellent sport-scale model
and is eligible to fly in IMAA events. The IMAA (International
Miniature Aircraft Association) is an organization that
promotes non-competitive flying of giant-scale 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, or by logging on to their web site at:
IMAA
205 S. Hilldale Road
Salina, KS 67401
(913) 823-5569
www.fly-imaa.org/imaa/sanction.html
Though the Great Planes RV-4 is an ARF and may not have
the same level of detail as an “all-out”scratch-built competition
model, it is a scale model nonetheless and is therefore eligible
to compete in the Fun Scale class in AMA competition (we
receive many f avorable reports of Great Planes ARFs in scale
competition!).In Fun Scale, the “builder of the model”rule does
not apply. To receive the five points for scale documentation,
Scale Competition
IMAA
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302
Tele: (800) 435-9262
Fax (765) 741-0057
Or via the Internet at:
http://www.modelaircraft.org
AMA
INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS