Great Planes GPMA1413 User Manual

Wingspan: 79.5 in [2025mm]
Wing Area: 1209 in2 [77.9dm2]
Weight: 13.5 – 15.5 lbs [6125 – 7030g]
Wing Loading: 26 – 29 oz/ft2 [79 – 90g/dm2]
Length: 78 in [1980mm]
Radio: 4 to 5-channel, six to seven servos
Engine: 1.50 – 1.80 cu in [25 – 29cc] two-stroke,

1.80 – 2.10 cu in [29 – 34cc] four-stroke,

1.90 – 2.60 cu in [31 – 43cc] gas
Electric Motor: 2.5 in [63mm] dia., 2772 W, 100A ESC

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Great Planes
This warranty does not cover an y component parts damaged by use or modifi cation. 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 fi nal assembly or material used for fi nal assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor accepted
for any damage resulting from the use by the user of the fi nal 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 b uy er is advised to return th is 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:

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.

®

Model Manufacturing Co. guarantees this kit to be free from def ects in both material and workmanship at the date of purchase.

WARRANTY

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Dr., Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822 USA

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE
STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS
CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF
THIS MODEL.

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

Entire Contents © Copyright 2007 GPMZ1413 for GPMA1413 V1.0

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

IMAA ........................................................................................... 3

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

LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING & USAGE ...............................3

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

Engine/Motor Recommendations .......................................... 4

Gas Engine Accessories .......................................................4

Glow Engine Accessories ...................................................... 4

Electric Motor Accessories .................................................... 5

Batteries for Electric Motor Power .........................................5

Battery Charger ..................................................................... 5

Radio Installation ...................................................................5

Radio Equipment ...................................................................6

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED ............................................. 6

Required Hardware & Accessories ........................................ 6

Adhesives & Building Supplies .............................................. 6

Covering Tools ....................................................................... 6

Optional Supplies & Tools ...................................................... 7

Pilot Figure ............................................................................ 7

BUILDING NOTES ......................................................................7

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

KIT INSPECTION ........................................................................ 8

KIT CONTENTS .......................................................................... 8

SHRINK THE COVERING ...........................................................9

ASSEMBLE THE WINGS ............................................................ 9

Hinge the Ailerons ................................................................. 9

Hook Up the Ailerons ........................................................... 10

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE ..................................................11

Mount the Horizontal Stabilizer ............................................ 11

Hinge the Elevators & Rudder ............................................. 14

Hook Up the External Rudder Servos .................................14

Hook Up the Elevators ......................................................... 15

Mount the Pull/Pull Rudder Servos ...................................... 15

Hook Up the Pull/Pull Rudder Cables .................................. 16

Mount the Tail Gear ............................................................. 18

Mount the Engine or Electric Motor ..................................... 18

ASSEMBLE THE FUEL T ANK .................................................. 19

Glow Engines ...................................................................... 19

Gas Engines ........................................................................19

Mount the Fuel Tank ............................................................ 20

Hook Up the Throttle............................................................22

Glow Engine Throttle Hookup ..............................................23

Gas Engine Throttle Hookup ............................................... 24

Mount the Ignition Module, Ignition Battery &

Ignition On/Off Switch (gas engines only). ........................... 24

Mount the Electric Motor...................................................... 26

Mount the Motor Battery ...................................................... 26

FINAL ASSEMBLY ................................................................... 28

Mount the Cowl .................................................................... 28

Mount the Pilot ..................................................................... 31

Mount the Canopy Hatch ..................................................... 32

Mount the Landing Gear ...................................................... 32

Apply the Decals .................................................................. 33

GET THE MODEL READY T O FL Y ........................................... 33

Install & Connect the Motor Battery ..................................... 33

Battery Precautions/Connecting Batteries ........................... 33

Check the Control Directions ............................................... 34

Set the Control Throws ........................................................ 34

Balance the Model (C.G.) .................................................... 35

Balance the Model Laterally ................................................ 36

PREFLIGHT .............................................................................. 36

Identify Your Model .............................................................. 36

Charge the Batteries............................................................ 36

Balance the Propellers ........................................................36

Ground Check ..................................................................... 36

Range Check ....................................................................... 36

ELECTRIC MOT OR & ENGINE SAFETY PRECA UTIONS ............37

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts) .............................................. 37

CHECK LIST ............................................................................. 38

FLYING ...................................................................................... 38

Mount the Wing ................................................................... 38

Fuel Mixture Adjustments (for gas & glow engines) .................. 38

Takeoff ................................................................................. 39

Flight .................................................................................... 39

Landing ................................................................................ 39

3D FLYING ................................................................................ 40

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the Great Planes Extra 330S

1.60 ARF. With the ever-increasing demands of today’s R/C
modeler, Great Planes has adapted and responded with this
high-performance scale aerobat. Designed and built with
simplicity and light weight in mind, the Extra 330S 1.60 ARF
will accommodate any type of power plant you desire–glow,
spark-ignition (gas) or electric–and detailed instructions for
each installation and setup are included. There are also two
different radio tra ys f or mounting y our receiv er, throttle servo
(if used) and battery in a forward or aft location, thereby
minimizing any additional lead ballast required to achieve
the correct C.G.–another weight-saving measure to help
insure you get the most out of your Extra.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to this
model visit the Great Planes web site at www.greatplanes.
com. Open the “R/C AIRPLANES” pull down tab across the
top of the page, then select “ARFs-GLOW.” Scroll down the
page and click on “Extra 330S 1.60 ARF.” If there is new
technical information or changes an “Important! TECH
NOTICE” bo x will appear in the upper left corner of the page.
Click on the Tech Notice box to read the info.

AMA

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 fl y at AMA clubs.
Though joining the AMA provides many benefi ts, one of the
primary reasons to join is liability protection. Coverage is not
limited to fl ying at contests or on the club fi eld. It e ven applies
to fl ying at public demonstrations and air shows. Failure to
comply with the Safety Code (excerpts printed in the back of
the manual) may endanger insurance cov erage . 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 that follows.

2

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
fl ying near full-scale aircraft and avoid fl ying near or over
groups of people.

IMAA

The Great Planes Extra 330S 1.60 ARF qualifi es as a
“giant-scale” model and is therefore eligible to fl y in IMAA
(International Miniature Aircraft Association) events. The
IMAA is an organization that promotes non-competitive fl ying
of giant-scale model aircraft. If you plan on attending an IMAA
event refer to the IMAA Safety Code at www .fl y-imaa.org
under the “Sanctions” heading in their site index. IMAA contact
information is also available in Model Aviation, the monthly
newsletter magazine from the AMA. The IMAA can also be
contacted at the address or telephone number below.

IMAA

205 S. Hilldale Road

Salina, KS 67401

[phone]

PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF

& OTHERS....FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Your Great Planes Extra 330S 1.60 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 Extra 330S

1.60 ARF, if not assembled and operated correctly, could
possibly cause injury to yourself or spectators and damage
to property.

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
fl ight 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 fl own
this type of model before, we recommend that you get the
assistance of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for
your fi rst fl ights. 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.

8. While this kit has been fl ight tested to exceed normal use,
if the plane will be used for extremely high stress fl ying, 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, wheel pants and landing gear
included in this kit are made of fi berglass, the fi bers of which
may cause eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation. Never
blow into a part (wheel pant, cowl) to remove fi berglass dust,
as the dust will blow back into y our e y es . Always wear safety
goggles, a particle mask and rubber gloves when grinding,
drilling and sanding fi berglass parts. Vacuum the parts and
the work area thoroughly after working with fi berglass parts.

We, as the kit manuf acturer, provide you with a top quality ,
thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but ultimately the
quality and fl yability of your fi nished 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 y our time and follo w the instructions to
end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.

LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING & USAGE

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 unfl yable 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 fi rst-class
condition, and a correctly sized engine and components
(fuel tank, wheels, etc.) throughout the building process.

WARNING!! Read the entire instructions sheet included
with this battery . Failure to follow all instructions could cause
permanent damage to the battery and its surroundings and
cause bodily harm!

• ONLY use a LiPo approved charger. NEVER use a NiCd/
NiMH peak charger!

• NEVER charge in excess of 4.20V per cell.

• ONLY charge through the “charge” lead. NEVER charge
through the “discharge” lead.

• NEVER charge at currents greater than 1C.

3

• ALWAYS set the charger’s output volts to match the
battery volts.

• ALWAYS charge in a fi reproof location.

• NEVER trickle charge.

• NEVER allow the battery temperature to exceed
150° F [65° C].

• NEVER disassemble or modify pack wiring in any way or
puncture cells.

• NEVER discharge below 2.5V per cell.

• NEVER place on combustible materials or leave
unattended during charge or discharge.

• ALWAYS KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

❏ 1/4" [6.4mm] drill
❏ 1/8" [3mm] foam wing tape (GPMQ4424)
❏ Propeller reamer (GPMQ5007)
❏ Size “X” or 13/32" [10mm] drill for drilling out the

Fuji-Imvac aluminum propeller washer
If installing a gas engine the fuel tank will also have to be

converted to work with gasoline. The included stopper and
fuel line must be replaced with a gas-compatible stopper
and lines and measures must be taken to secure the fuel
lines inside the tank. To do the conv ersion the follo wing items
must be purchased separately:

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

This is a partial list of items required to fi nish the Extra 330S

1.60 ARF that may require planning or decision making

before beginning assembly. Order numbers are provided
in parentheses.

Engine/Motor Recommendations

The recommended engine size range for the Great Planes
Extra 330S 1.60 ARF is noted on the cover of this manual.
Your decision basically comes down to personal preferences
and how you weigh the advantages and disadvantages of
each option: Glow engine installation usually tends to be the
most straight-forward. Glow engines also usually provide the
best power-to-weight ratio. But glow engines can also be
messy (with the oily exhaust residue deposited on the bottom
of the plane) and more expensive in the long run because of
the cost of glow fuel. Gas engines are usually signifi cantly
heavier than glow engines, b ut the y also tend to run cleaner.
Gasoline is also less expensive than glow fuel. Aside from
the task of charging and removing/installing battery packs
between fl ights, electric power can be a convenient option
with the simple “fl ick of a switch” which is all that is required
to turn on the motor, taxi out and go fl y! And of course, with
electric power, there’s never any clean up!

Gas Engine Accessories

❏ (1) Sullivan #484 Gasoline/Diesel fuel tank conversion

kit (SULQ2684)

❏ (2) Packages Du-Bro #813 1/8" [3.2mm] I.D. fuel line

barbs (DUBQ0670)

❏ At least six small, nylon ties (available from home

improvement, automotive or hardware stores)

❏ Great Planes gasoline fuel tubing (3', GPMQ4135)

–or–

❏ No. 799 3/32" I.D. Tygon Tubing (3', DUBQ0486)

If the Sullivan conversion kit is not available, a Du-Bro #400
gas conversion stopper (DUBQ0675) and one 12" [305mm]
piece of K+S 1/8" [3.2mm] soft brass tubing (K+SR5128–box
of 5) could also be used. Full instructions on how to do the
conversion are in the manual.

Glow Engine Accessories

These are the items shown in the manual that were used
with the O.S.® 1.60 FX engine (OSMG0661–ringed, without
muffl er). If using a different glow engine the same or similar
items will also be required:

❏ Bisson O.S. 1.60 FX Pitts style muffl er (BISG4116)
❏ 3/16" [4.8mm] drill
❏ Tap handle (GPMR8120)
❏ #29 drill and 8-32 tap

–or–

❏ Great Planes 8-32 tap and drill set (GPMR8103)
❏ 2' [610mm] Large silicone fuel tubing (for glow engines,

GPMQ4133, 2 pkgs)

These are the items shown in the manual that were used when
installing the Fuji-Imvac™ BT -43EI-2 engine (FJIG0144). If using a
different gas engine the same or similar items may be required.

❏ Propeller bolt that is threaded down the center for the

spinner bolt (FJIG8050)

❏ 4.8V ignition battery pack with a minimum capacity of 500mAh
❏ On/off ignition switch (such as a heavy-duty radio switch–

FUTM4385, HCAM2761 or similar)

❏ (4) 10-32 or 10-24 x 1” [25mm] socket-head cap screw

engine mounting bolts

❏ (4) #4 lock washers
❏ (4) 10-32 or 10-24 blind nuts

Note: This kit comes with a spinner adapter bolt with a 3/8-24
thread that fi ts the O.S. 1.60 FX engine. If using an engine with a
different crankshaft thread, a different spinner adapter bolt with
a thread that fi ts that fi ts your crankshaft that also has a 5mm or
10-32 spinner bolt thread will have to be purchased separately.

4

Electric Motor Accessories

Battery Charger

These are the items shown in the manual that were used
with the ElectriFly™ 63-62-250kV RimFire™ electric motor
(GPMG4795).

❏ Great Planes Extra Large Brushless Motor

Mount (GPMG1265)

❏ O.S. 1.60 FX locknut set (OSMG6688)
❏ 100 Amp ESC for brushless motors
❏ (4) 3 x 10mm motor mounting screws (DUBQ3227)
❏ (8) 3mm fl at washers (DUBQ3307)
❏ Great Planes Threadlocker (GPMR6060)

Batteries for Electric Motor Power

There may be many different battery combinations available
that will work well with the recommended brushless RimFire
motor for this model. However, following are two setups
recommended in this manual:

For aerobatics and sport fl ying the following battery, battery
adapter connectors and propeller are recommended:

❏ (3) ElectriFly 3200mAh 11.1V LiPo battery packs

(GPMP0623). The batteries will be connected in series. This
is referred to as a “9S” confi guration because it is comprised
of three 11.1V LiPo battery packs each consisting of three
individual 3.7V LiPo cells connected in series.

❏ (2) Great Planes ElectriFly Series Deans U 2 to 1

battery adapters (GPMM3143)

❏ Suitable propeller such as 20" x 10" E

(electric) (APCQ4028)

❏ Velcro

For all-out 3D aerobatics the following battery, battery
adapter connectors and propeller are recommended:

®

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

GPMQ4480)

❏ (4) ElectriFly 3200mAh 11.1V LiPo battery packs

(GPMP0623). This is a “12S” confi guration.

❏ (3) Great Planes ElectriFly Series Deans U

2-to-1 battery adapters (GPMM3143)

❏ Suitable propeller such as 18" x 8" E

(electric) (APCQ4021)

❏ Velcro

IMPORTANT: Before experimenting with different battery
combinations and connecting multiple battery packs with
adapter plugs, refer to the “Battery Precautions/Connecting
Batteries” on page 33.

®

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

GPMQ4480)

If using LiPo batteries, a charger specially suited for charging
LiPo batteries is required. The Great Planes PolyCharge4™
(GPMM3015) is recommended. The P olyCharge4 will charge up
to four LiP o batteries simultaneously. If using the P olyCharge4, a
12 V olt source will also be required for po wering the charger. If you
plan on charging four 3200mAh batteries simultaneously , a power
source capable of delivering at least 12.8A is required. A suitable
12V auto battery could be used, or a portable source capable of
converting 120V AC to 12V DC such as the Rivergate 15A DC
Bulldog Power Supply (RHCP2015) is suitable. If charging only
three 3200mAh batteries simultaneously, the Hobbico® 12 Volt
Pow er Supply (HCAP0250) is also suitable .

ElectriFly LiPo batteries should not be charged through the
discharge connector (that is the plug that connects to the
ESC). LiPo batteries should be charged through the balance
connector via a LiPo cell balancer such as a Great Planes
ElectriFly Equinox™ (GPMM3150). One Equinox for each
battery to be charged simultaneously will be required.

Radio Installation

As mentioned in the introduction, there is a forward and an
aft radio tray for mounting the receiver, receiver battery and
throttle servo in either of two locations. There are also two
different options for mounting the rudder servos–either a
pull/pull cable setup where the servos are mounted inside
the fuselage, or a standard pushrod setup with the servos
mounted outside the fuselage under the horizontal stabilizer.
Whichever combination you choose depends partially on
your preference, but should also depend on what type of
power plant you will be using–gas, glow or electric. With gas
engines (often heavier than glow engines) it is best to locate
as much weight as possible as f ar aft as possib le . Therefore,
if using a gas engine it is advisable to mount the rudder
servos externally in the aft location and it is virtually required
that you use the aft radio tray. Even with this confi guration
your model may still end up slightly nose-heavy and require
a few ounces of lead weight in the tail. Should you insist on
using the pull/pull rudder setup with a gas engine you can
expect to add approximately 10 oz. [280g] of lead to the tail.

With lighter glow engines such as the O.S . 1.60 FX, howe ver ,
the weight distribution won’t be as lopsided, so you will have
more latitude when deciding which rudder servo and radio
tray confi guration to use . You could mount the rudder servos
however preferred, then wait to decide where to mount the
radio tray after the model has been mostly completed and
you are checking the balance point.

When it comes to electric power, in most instances–
depending on how many and what kind of batteries you are
using–the model will be the heaviest. And, same as using a
gas engine, you’ll probably w ant to use the aft radio tr ay and
mount the rudder servos externally in the aft location under
the horizontal stabilizer.

5

Radio Equipment

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Six servos with a minimum torque of 98 oz-in are required–
one for each aileron, one for each elevator and two for the
rudder. A standard servo may be used on the throttle. Futaba®
S3305 servos (FUTM0045) are shown on the model in this
manual because they are a suitable, relatively economical
solution to the high-torque requirements, but there are also
higher-precision servos available if this is your preference.

The elevator servos in the Great Planes Extra 330S 1.60
ARF move in opposition, so if the radio y ou will be using is not
capable of electronically mixing the elevator servos (so that
they may be connected to different channels in the receiver
and one of them reversed), an on-board servo re v erser such
as the Futaba SR-10 Dual Servo Reverser (FUTM4150) will
be required.

A receiver battery pack with a minimum capacity of 1500mAh
must also be used. The HydriMax™ Ultra 4.8V 2000mAh
battery pack (HCAM6321) is suitable.

Following are the servo extension wires, Y-harnesses and
other radio gear illustrated in this manual:

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

(HCAM2721 for Futaba, HCAM2720 for JR/Hitec)

❏ (2) additional 24" [610mm] servo extensions for the

elevators if mounting the receiver in the aft radio tray

–or–

❏ (2) 36" [914mm] servo extensions for the elevators if

mounting the receiver in the forw ard radio tray (HCAM2726
for Futaba, HCAM2725 for JR/Hitec)

❏ (2) more 24" [610mm] servo extensions for the rudder

servos if mounting them in the aft location under
the horizontal stabilizer and using the aft radio tray
(HCAM2721 for Futaba, HCAM2720 for JR/Hitec)

–or–

❏ (2) 36" [914mm] ser vo extensions for the rudder servos

if mounting them in the aft location under the horizontal
stabilizer and using the forward r adio tra y (HCAM2726 f or
Futaba, HCAM2725 for JR/Hitec)

❏ (2) Dual servo connectors such as Futaba Dual Servo

Extension Futaba J (FUTM4130) for rudder servos and
aileron servos

This model was also designed to accommodate two Ernst
Charge Receptacles (ERNM3001 for Futaba J, ERNM3004
for JR) for charging the batteries and monitoring the voltage
without having to remove the canop y hatch. If not using a gas
engine with an ignition battery, only one charge receptacle
will be required (for the receiver battery).

In addition to the items previously mentioned in the
“Decisions You Must Make” section, following is the list
of hardware and accessories required to fi nish this model.
Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

Required Hardware & Accessories

❏ Suitable propeller and spare propellers
❏ R/C foam rubber (1/4" [6mm] – HCAQ1000, or

1/2" [13mm] – HCAQ1050)

❏ (6) Large-scale servo arms (GPMM1105)

–or–

❏ (2) DuBro servo arms super strength Futaba J long

(DUBM6670)

(Note: Only four servos arms will be required if mounting the
rudder servos inside the fuselage and using the pull-pull cables.)

Adhesives & Building Supplies

This is the list of Adhesives and Building Supplies that are
required to fi nish your Extra.

❏ Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏ 1 oz. [30g] Thin Pro CA (GPMR6002)
❏ 1 oz. [30g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6008)
❏ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❏ Silver solder w/fl ux (ST AR2000)
❏ #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❏ #11 blades (5-pack, HCAR0211, 100-pack, HCAR0311)
❏ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 3/32" [2.4mm], 1/8" [3.2mm], and

if your servos have 3mm screws that hold on the servo
arms (such as the Futaba 3305s) you will also need a #32
(.116" [3mm]) drill

Covering T ools

A Top Flite® MonoKote® or 21st Century® model airplane
covering iron with a protective covering sock will be necessary
for tightening any cov ering on the model that may have loosened
or formed wrinkles between the time of production and your
purchase. The 21st Century iron is preferred as it has a longer
cord and a rounded, contoured shoe. A trim iron is not as much
of a necessity, but would still be handy for sealing the edges
down inside servo openings and other small areas.

❏ 21st Century sealing iron (COVR2700)
❏ 21st Century iron cover (COVR2702)
❏ 21st Century trim seal iron (COVR2750)
❏ Top Flite MonoKote sealing iron (TOPR2100)
❏ Top Flite Hot Sock

™

iron cover (TOPR2175)

❏ Top Flite MonoKote trim seal iron (TOPR2200)

66

Optional Supplies & Tools

BUILDING NOTES

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the Extra 330S 1.60 ARF.

❏ Great Planes 4-in-1 Installation Tool (for wing

bolts GPMR8035)

❏ Stick-on segmented lead weights (GPMQ4485)
❏ 2 oz. [57g] Spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❏ 4 oz. [113g] Aerosol CA activator (GPMR634)
❏ CA debonder (GPMR6039)
❏ Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❏ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❏ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❏ Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❏ K & S #801 Kevlar

horizontal stabilizer alignment)

❏ Rotary tool such as Dremel

®

thread or similar non-elastic line (for

®

❏ Rotary tool reinforced cut-off wheel (GPMR8200)
❏ Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer (TOPQ5700)
❏ Dead Center
❏ Hobby Heat

™

Engine Mount Hole Locator (GPMR8130)

™

micro torch (HCAR0750)

• The horizontal 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 hav e little or no effect
on the way your model will fl y, please expect slight deviations
between your model and the published values.

• Should covering repairs be required, the following colors of
MonoKote

Missile Red – TOPQ0201
Metallic Blue – TOPQ0402
Aluminum – TOPQ0205
Yellow – TOPQ0203

®

may be used:

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Great Planes Extra 330S 1.60 ARF
are available using the order n umbers 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 Hobbico web site at
www.hobbico.com. Choose “Where to Buy” at the bottom of the
menu on the left side of the page. Follo w the instructions provided
on the page to locate a U.S., Canadian or International dealer.

The Robart Super Stand II (ROBP1402) is virtually required
for working on the fuselage during assembly.

Pilot Figure

A pilot fi gure is not included with this model. But Great Planes
offers a line of 1/4-scale Sport pilot fi gures: (GPMQ9010–red,
GPMQ9011-blue, GPMQ9012-yello w, GPMQ9013-unpainted).

Also available are 1/4-scale Civilian pilot fi gures:
(GPMQ9058–red, GPMQ9059–blue, GPMQ9060–yellow,
GPMQ9061–unpainted). (Note: The 1/4-scale red sport pilot
is mounted in the model on the box cover.)

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
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 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 [e-mail], or
by telephone at [phone].

Replacement Parts List

GPMA3061 Wing Set
GPMA3062 Fuselage
GPMA3063 Tail Set
GPMA3064 Cowl
GPMA3065 Canopy
GPMA3066 Landing Gear
GPMA3067 Wheel Pants
GPMA3068 Decal
GPMA3069 Wing Joiner

®

or MasterCard® number and

7

KIT INSPECTION

KIT INSPECTION

KIT CONTENTS

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:

3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

Telephone: [phone], ext. 5

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

KIT CONTENTS

2

4

1 Cowl
2 Canopy Hatch
3 Fuselage
4 Spinner
5 Fuel Tank
6 Landing Gear (2)
7 Main Wheels (2)
8 Wheel Pants (L&R)
9 Fuel Tank Tray
10 Radio Tray
11 Battery Mounting Plate

1

3

5

6

7

8

9

17

10

16

18

11

14

15

12

13

Kit Contents

12 Horizontal Stabilizer
13 Elevators
14 Tail Gear Assembly
15 Rudder
16 Aluminum Wing Joiner
17 Left Wing Panel w/Aileron
18 Right Wing Panel w/Aileron

8

8

SHRINK THE COVERING

❏ 1. Examine the airframe for wrinkles in the covering or

areas where the covering isn’t adhered to the structure. Where
necessary, use a covering iron with a protective covering sock
to shrink any wrinkles and get the covering bonded to the
framework–use an iron temperature setting around 250° F
[120° C]. And use care o ver seams. If too m uch heat is applied
over seams and edges the cov ering will pull away. Note: Naptha
(lighter fl uid) can be used to remove any adhesiv e left from the
masking tape holding the control surfaces.

ASSEMBLE THE WINGS

During construction there will be several occasions where
epoxy cleanup will be necessary. Instead of wasting whole
paper towels, stack three or four paper towels on top
of each other and cut them into small squares. This will
conserve paper towels and the little squares are easier
to use. For epoxy clean up dampen the squares with
denatured alcohol.

Hinge the Ailerons

❏ 1. T est fi t each aileron to its matching wing with the hinges.

Note that the pivot point of the hinges should be centered on
the pivot point of the control surface–each hinge should be
exactly halfway in. Make any adjustments necessary for the
correct fi t.

❏ 2. Remov e the ailerons and take out the hinges . Add a small

drop of plastic-compatible oil to the pivot point of each hinge–be
careful not to get any oil on any other part of the hinges.

Note: When permanently hinging the ailerons to the wings in
the following step, use separate batches of 30-minute epoxy
for each wing. If you try to do it all at once, the epoxy might
harden before you fi nish.

❏ 3. Permanently join one of the ailerons to the matching

wing with 30-minute epoxy–a good way is to use a wire or a
toothpick to spread epoxy in each hinge hole of the aileron
and the wing. Coat one side of a hinge with epoxy and fi t it
into the wing. Install the remaining four hinges in that wing
half the same way. Coat the other end of the hinges that
are sticking out, then push the aileron all the way on until

9

there is just enough space in the gap to see light through.
Wipe off any excess epoxy that squeezes out and move the
aileron up and down several times to center and align the
hinges. Hold the aileron to the wing with masking tape until
the epoxy hardens.

❏ 4. Hinge the other aileron to the other wing with a new

batch of 30-minute epoxy.

❏ 5. While you hav e some epoxy mix ed, glue two 5/16" x 1-1/4"

[8 x 33mm] hardwood incidence dowels into the root end of
each wing so that 1/2" [13mm] of each dowel protrudes.

❏ 6. After the epoxy on all the hinges has hardened, remove

the masking tape. Move the ailerons up and down to “break”
any epoxy from the hinge pins and get them moving freely.

❏ 2. Connect a 12" [305mm] servo extension wire to each

aileron servo (for Futaba servos, Hobbico servo extensions
(HCAM2100) were used). Secure each connection with
pieces of 3" [75mm] heat-shrink tubing cut in half. Use a heat
gun to shrink the tubing.

Refer to this photo while mounting the aileron servos
and hooking up the ailerons.

Hook Up the Ailerons

❏ 1. Cut the covering from the servo openings in the

bottom of the wings. Hint: First cut the covering 1/8" [3mm]
inside the edges of the opening. Then slit the covering up to
the corners and use a trim iron to seal the covering down
inside the opening.

❏ 3. Use the string in the wing or a wire with a hook bent

on the end to pull one of the servo wires through the servo
opening and down through the ribs out the end of one of the
wings. Place the servo in the opening. Fit the other servo in
the other wing the same way.

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

screws. Temporarily mount the servos with the screws that came
with them. Remove the screws and take the servos out of the
openings. Harden the screw holes with a few drops of thin CA.
Allow the CA to harden, then mount the servos again.

❏ 5. Great Planes large-scale 1.5" [38mm] single-sided

servo arms with adapters (GPMM1105) are shown in this
manual. Select the plastic servo arm adapters for the servos
you will be using – “F” is for Futaba, “H” is for Hitec and “A” is
for Airtronics and JR.

❏ 6. If your aileron servos come with 3mm screws for

mounting the servo wheels, enlarge the hole in two metal
servo arms and plastic adapters included with this kit with a
#32 (.116" [3mm]) drill.

10

❏ 7. Mount the servo arms to the aileron ser vos using the

appropriate servo adapters–the arms “point” toward the
wing tips. Note: If the screws that hold on the servo arms
have machine threads that go into metal output shafts in
the servos, use a drop of threadlocker on the screws before
mounting the arms.

❏ 8. Make two 3-3/4" [95mm] aileron pushrods by cutting

the unthreaded end from two 4-40 x 12" [300mm] pushrods.
Solder a large metal clevis (the kind without threads) to each
aileron pushrod as shown in the Expert Tip that follows.

HOW T O SOLDER

❏ 9. Connect the ailerons to the aileron ser vos using the

hardware shown in the photo on page 10. Before mounting
the horns, drill 3/32" [2.4mm] holes for the screws. T emporarily
mount the horns with the #4 x 1/2" [13mm] screws. Remove
the screws and add a fe w drops of thin CA to each screw hole.
Remount the horns with the screws after the CA hardens.

Caution: Be certain you hav e used 4-40 threaded clevises–
not solder clevises on the threaded ends of the pushrods.

Set the wings aside while you work on the fuselage.

1. Use denatured alcohol or other solvent to thoroughly
clean the pushrod. Roughen the end of the pushrod with

coarse sandpaper where it is to be soldered.

2. Apply a few drops of soldering fl ux to the end of the
pushrod, then use a soldering iron or a torch to heat it. “Tin”
the heated area with silver solder (STAR2000) by applying
the solder to the end. The heat of the pushrod should melt
the solder–not the fl ame of the torch or soldering iron–thus
allowing the solder to fl ow. The end of the wire should be
coated with solder all the way around.

3. Place the clevis on the end of the pushrod. Add another
drop of fl ux, then heat and add solder. The same as
before, the heat of the parts being soldered should melt
the solder, thus allowing it to fl ow. Allow the joint to cool
naturally without disturbing. Avoid excess blobs, but make
certain the joint is thoroughly soldered. The solder should
be shiny, not rough. If necessary , reheat the joint and allo w
to cool.

4. Immediately after the solder has solidifi ed, but while it
is still hot, use a cloth to quickly wipe off the fl ux before it
hardens. Important: After the joint cools, coat with oil to
prevent rust. Note: Do not use the acid fl ux that comes
with silver solder for electrical soldering.

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE

Mount the Horizontal Stabilizer

This is what a properly soldered clevis looks like–shiny
solder with good fl ow, no blobs, fl ux removed.

❏ 1. The same as was done for the aileron servo openings in

the wings, cut the covering from the elev ator servo openings
in both sides of the fuselage and use a trim iron to seal the
edges of the covering down inside. If not using the pull/pull
rudder servo setup and mounting the rudder servos outside the
fuselage, cut the covering from the rudder servo openings
too. Also cut the cov ering from the openings for the horizontal
stabilizer and, if mounting the rudder servos internally with
the pull/pull setup, cut the slots for the cab le exits.

11

❏ 2. Place each servo in its opening and drill 1/16" [1.6mm]

holes for the mounting screws.

❏ 3. Temporarily mount each servo with the screws supplied

with your radio system. Remove the screws and add a few
drops of thin CA to each hole.

Note: The following stab alignment procedure may appear
to be extensive, but these are the steps necessary to build
a model with a properly-aligned horizontal stabilizer that will
fl y correctly. You could skip all the alignment steps and just
eyeball it, but you may end up with a crooked model that
won’t fl y straight. Please follow all of the instructions and
take your time to end up with an airplane that is straight
and true.

❏ 5. Once you have the trailing edge centered, stick large

T-pins through the trailing edge tightly against both sides of
the fuselage. This will keep the trailing edge centered while
rotating the leading edge in the next step.

❏ 4. Slide the stab into the fuselage. Center the trailing edge

(TE) in the fuselage by taking accurate measurements on
both sides.

❏ 6. Push another T-pin through the top of F1 at the

centerline. Tie a small loop in one end of an approximately
60" [1.5m] piece of non-elastic string (such as K+S or Kevlar
fi shing string). Fold a piece of masking tape over the string
near the other end and mark an arrow on it. Swing the string
over to the tip on one side of the stab and slide the tape
along the string until the arrow aligns with the tip. Swing the
string over to the same spot on the other side of the stab and
rotate the stab. Move the tape until both sides are the same
and the stab is squared.

One more alignment procedure to go…

12

❏ 7. Now that the stab is centered, temporarily mount the

wing to the fuselage with the wing tube and the wing bolts.
Suggestion: Access to the wing bolts will be much easier

with a Great Planes 4-in-1 Installation Tool (GPMR8035).
This will be especially helpful when you get to the fl ying fi eld
and need to get the wing bolts tight.

❏ 8. Standing about 6' [2m] behind the model, view the

alignment of the stab and wing. If the stab is not parallel with
the wing, it will take just a few ounces of weight to “dial it in.”
Place incrementally increasing amounts of weight on the high
side of the stab until you can get it to align with the wing.

❏ 10. Take the T-pins out of the stab and take the stab out

of the fuselage. Use a soldering iron with a small tip to melt
through the covering 1/32" to 1/16" [.5 to 1.5mm] inside the
lines you marked all the way around–use a fl exible, metal
straightedge to guide the soldering iron. If you don’t have a
soldering iron, a sharp hobby knife could also be used to cut
the covering, but great care must be used not to cut into the
balsa underneath. Otherwise, the stab will be weakened.

❏ 11. Peel the covering from the middle of the stab.

❏ 9. No w that y ou kno w ho w much (if an y) w eight it will tak e

to get the stab to align with the wing, take off the weight, set
it aside, and use a ballpoint pen to carefully mark the sides
of the fuselage all the way around both sides of the stab.

Now that all the preliminary work has been done, the stab
can fi nally be glued into position.

❏ 12. Apply liberal beads of epo xy all the way around the top

and bottom of the stab just inside the edges of the covering
you cut where the stab will join the fuselage. Slide the stab
into position. Slide it another 1/4" [6mm] out the other side
as shown. Apply more epo xy all the wa y around the e xposed
balsa, then slide the stab back into place. Wipe away e xcess
epoxy, use the T-pins and the pin and string to re center the

13

stab, add any weight that may have been necessary to align
the stab with the wing, wipe away more epo xy that ma y ha v e
dripped out, check the alignment once more, then do not
disturb the model until the epoxy has hardened.

Hinge the Elevators & Rudder

Hinging the elevators and rudder is done the same
as you did the ailerons, but we’ll give you a brief run­through anyway.

❏ 1. If you haven’t yet done so, remove the wings from

the fuselage.

❏ 2. T est fi t both elevators to the stab and the rudder to the

vertical stab (fi n) with the hinges. Make sure the hinges are

centered and make any adjustments necessary.

❏ 3. Remove the elevators and r udder and take out all the

hinges. The same way you did for the aileron hinges, add a
small drop of oil to the pivot point of each hinge.

❏ 2. The same as was done for the servo e xtension wires on

the aileron servos, secure the connections with 3" [75mm]
pieces of heat-shrink tubing cut in half.

Refer to this photo while hooking up the external rudder
servos and elevator servos.

❏ 3. Guide the rudder servo wires down through the fuselage

and mount the servos. Note that the servo output shafts on
both rudder servos are toward the aft end of the fuselage.

❏ 4. Permanently hinge the elevators to the stab and the rudder

to the fi n–don’t forget to use separate batches of 30-minute
epoxy for each control surf ace–otherwise y ou ma y run out of
working time with the epoxy.

❏ 5. After the epoxy on all the hinges has hardened, remove

the masking tape and rapidly move the surfaces to “break”
any epoxy from the hinge pins and get the surfaces moving
freely again.

If mounting the rudder servos inside the fuselage with the
pull/pull cables, skip ahead to “Hook up the Elevators.”
(Remember, gas engine installations should use the aft,
external rudder servo location.)

❏ 4. Select the plastic ser vo arm adapters for the servos

you will be using – “F” is for Futaba, “H” is for Hitec and “A” is
for Airtronics and JR.

❏ 5. Same as the aileron servos, use the 3mm screws

supplied with your radio system to mount the servo wheels/
arms. Drill out the hole in the metal servo arms and plastic
adapters included with this kit with a #32 (.116" [3mm]) drill.

❏ 6. Temporarily mount the ser vo arms to the ser vos using

the appropriate servo adapters and servo screws.

❏ 7. Make two 4-3/8" [111mm] rudder pushrods from two

4-40 x 12" [300mm] pushrods. Use the same techniques
described for making the aileron pushrods to solder large
metal clevises to the ends of the rudder pushrods and make
sure the clevises on the threaded end of the pushrods are
the threaded kind.

Hook Up the External Rudder Servos

❏ 1. If mounting the receiver to the forward servo tray,

connect 36" [910mm] servo extension wires to the rudder
servos. If mounting the receiver to the aft servo tray,
connect 24" [610mm] servo extension wires to the rudder
servos. Later, the rudder servos will be linked with a “Y”
connector and connected to one channel in the receiver. If
not yet certain where you will be mounting the receiver, you
may connect the extensions later.

❏ 8. Trim the bottom hole from two control horns as shown.

❏ 9. Connect the rudder pushrods to the rudder servo arms,

then connect the rudder horns to the other end of the rudder

14