Great Planes GPMA1421 User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

SPECIFICATIONS

Wingspan:

Wing Area: 1545 in

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

68.5 in
[1740mm]

2

[99.7 dm2]

Weight:

Wing

Loading:

19– 20 lb
[8620 – 9070 g]

28– 30 oz /ft
[85–92 g/dm2]

Length: 80.5 in

[2045mm]

2

Radio: 7-Channel minimum

Engine: 3.0 cu in [50cc]

this kit immediately in new and unused condition to the
place of purchase.

To make a warranty claim send the defective part or item to
Hobby Services at the address below:

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Dr. Suite 1

Champaign IL 61822 USA

Include a letter stating your name, return shipping address, as
much contact information as possible (daytime telephone
number, fax number, e-mail address), a detailed description of
the problem and a photocopy of the purchase receipt. Upon
receipt of the package the problem will be evaluated as quickly
as possible.

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT

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

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

Entire Contents © Copyright 2009 GPMA1421 Mnl

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

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

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

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

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

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

Engine Spinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KIT INSPECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

PREPARATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

ASSEMBLE THE WINGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Install the Aileron Servos and Pushrods . . . . . . . . . . .6

Join the Bottom Wing Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Join Top Wing Panels w/Wing Center Section . . . . . .10

Install the Landing Gear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Install the Upper and Lower Wings . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Assemble and Install the Carry Handle . . . . . . . . . . .13

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Install the Stab, Elevators, Fin and Rudder . . . . . . . .15

Install the Tail Braces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Install the Wheels, Pants, & Tail Wheel Assembly . . .18

Install the Elevator and Rudder Servos . . . . . . . . . . .20

Install the Engine and Throttle Servo. . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Install the Fuel Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Completing the Radio Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Install the Cockpit and Pilot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

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

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Check the Control Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

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

Balance the Model (C.G.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

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

PREFLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Identify Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Charge the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Balance Propellers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Ground Check and Range Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

AMA SAFETY CODE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

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

FLYING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

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

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

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

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to
the Pitts M-12s visit the Great Planes web site at www.
greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then select
the Pitts M-12s 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 fl y at most R/C sites.

Academy of Model

Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN 47302-9252

Tele. [phone]

Fax [phone]

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 full­scale aircraft and avoid fl ying near or over groups of people.

IMAA

The Great Planes Pitts M-12s is an excellent sport­scale model and is eligible to fl y in IMAA events. The
IMAA (International Miniature Aircraft Association) is an
organization that promotes non-competitive fl ying 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, or by logging on to
their web site at:

www.fl y-imaa.org/imaa/sanction

IMAA

205 S. Hilldale Road

Salina, KS 67401

[phone]

Scale Competition

Though the Great Planes Pitts M-12s is an ARF and may
not have the same level of detail as an “all-out” scratch­built 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 favorable reports of
Great Planes ARFs in scale competition!). In Fun Scale, the

2

“builder of the model” rule does not apply. To receive the fi ve
points for 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 profi le 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 a full-size Pitts M-12s for scale
documentation, or if you would like to study photos to add
more scale details, photo packs are available from:

Bob’s Aircraft Documentation

3114 Yukon Ave

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Telephone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

www.bobsairdoc.com

PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF

& OTHERS… FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Your Pitts M-12s 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 Pitts M-12s, if not assembled and operated correctly,
could possibly cause injury to yourself or spectators and
damage to property.

7. WARNING: The cowl, wheel pants and wing struts
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 your eyes. 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 manufacturer, 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 your time and follow the instructions to
end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

This is a partial list of items required to fi nish the Pitts M-12s
that may require planning or decision making before starting
to build. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

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 good condition,
a correctly sized engine, and other components as specifi ed
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 fl ight.

5. 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.

6. While this kit has been fl ight tested to exceed normal use,
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.

Radio Equipment

7-channel minimum but 9-channels or more is preferred.

❏

Servos of at least 150 oz.-in. on all control surfaces are
required, such as the Futaba® 9155 (FUTM0215). The
throttle can be a standard servo of at least 50 oz.-in. like
the Futaba 9001 (FUTM0075).

7-10 channel receiver. Either a 2.4GHz receiver or 72MHz.

❏

All of our testing was done using the Futaba R617FS

2.4GHz receiver (FUTM7627)

The radio must have the capability of independent reversing

❏

for each of the elevator servos or you will require the use
of an in line servo reverser. The Futaba SR10 Dual Servo
Reverser (FUTM4150) works well for this application.

(2) 24" [610mm] servo extensions (HCAM2711 for Futaba)

❏

(5) 12" [305mm] servo extensions (HCAM2721 for Futaba)

❏

(2) 6" Futaba dual servo extensions (FUTM4135)

❏

(2) Heavy-duty switch harness (FUTM4385 for Futaba)

❏

(2) Ernst charge jack (ERNM3001 for Futaba)

❏

(2) Batteries, one 1500mAh minimum for the receiver and

❏

one 500mAh minimum for the electronic ignition.

3

Engine Recommendations

Optional Supplies and Tools

The recommended engine size for the Pitts M-12s is a 50cc
gasoline engine with 3" [76mm] stand-offs. We used the
Desert Aircraft DA-50 rear carb engine for all of our fl ight
testing. This engine proved to be more than enough power
for vertical and hovering maneuvers. Remember that this is
a scale model that is intended to fl y at scale-like speeds,
so throttle management should be practiced. Information
on the DA-50 can be found at the Desert Aircraft website:

www.desertaircraft.com

Engine Spinner

Great Planes has a scale spinner made specifi cally for the
M-12s (GPMQ4020). This is a machine turned aluminum
spinner that rivals the highest quality spinners on the market.
The spinner is fi nished in metallic charcoal and matches the
metallic covering and paint on the airplane.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Required Hardware and Accessories

This is the list of hardware and accessories required to fi nish
the Pitts M-12s. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

6) Large scale 1" [25.4mm] single-sided servo arm

❏

(
(GPMM1100)

1) Large scale 2.5" [64mm] double-sided servo arm

❏

(
(GPMM1600)

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

❏

(

2) [914mm] 3' Dubro extra large tygon gasoline fuel

❏

(
tubing [DUBQ0247]

Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 5/64" [2mm], 3/32" [2.4mm],

❏

1/8" [3.2mm], 3/16" [4.8mm], 1/4" [6.4mm].

Silver solder w/fl ux (STAR2000)

❏

#1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)

❏

#11 blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)

❏

Adhesives and Building Supplies

This is the list of Adhesives and Building Supplies that are
required to fi nish the Pitts M-12s.

1 oz. [30g] Thin Pro

❏

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

❏

Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)

❏

Pro 6-minute epoxy (GPMR6045)

❏

Microballoons (TOPR1090)

❏

Threadlocker thread locking cement (GPMR6060)

❏

Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)

❏

Masking tape (TOPR8018)

❏

CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)

❏

™

CA (GPMR6002)

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the Pitts M-12s.

Small metal fi le

❏

st

21

Century® sealing iron (COVR2700)

❏

st

21

Century iron cover (COVR2702)

❏

4 oz. [113g] aerosol CA activator (GPMR6034)

❏

Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)

❏

Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)

❏

Mixing cups (GPMR8056)

❏

Rotary tool such as Dremel

❏

Rotary tool reinforced cut-off wheel (GPMR8200)

❏

Stick-on segmented lead weights (GPMQ4485)

❏

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

• When you see the term test fi t in the instructions, it means
that you should fi rst position the part on the assembly
without using any glue, then slightly modify or custom fi t
the part as necessary for the best fi t.

• Whenever the term glue is written you should rely upon
your experience to decide what type of glue to use. When
a specifi c type of adhesive works best for that step, the
instructions will make a recommendation.

• Whenever just epoxy is specifi ed you may use either
30-minute (or 45-minute) epoxy or 6-minute epoxy. When
30-minute epoxy is specifi ed 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 Pitts M-12s is factory-covered with Top Flite® MonoKote®
fi lm. 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.

White (TOPQ0204)
Orange (TOPQ0202)

• 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 fl y, please expect slight
deviations between your model and the published values.

4

Metallic Charcoal (TOPQ0407)
Metallic Teal (TOPQ0409)

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Pitts M-12s are available using
the order numbers in the Replacement Parts List that follows.
The fastest, most economical service can be provided by
your hobby dealer or mail-order company.

To locate a hobby dealer, visit the Great Planes web site
at www.greatplanes.com. Choose “Where to Buy” at the
bottom of the menu on the left side of the page. Follow the
instructions provided on the page to locate a U.S., Canadian
or International dealer.

Parts may also be ordered directly from Hobby Services
by calling [phone], or fax 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
and expiration date for payment.

Mail parts orders and payments by personal check to:

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

Be certain to specify the order number exactly as listed in
the Replacement Parts List. Payment by credit card or
personal check only; no C.O.D.

®

or MasterCard® number

If additional assistance is required for any reason, contact
Product Support by telephone at [phone], or by
e-mail at [e-mail].

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

Order No. Description

GPMA4018
GPMA4019
GPMA4020
GPMA4021
GPMA4022
GPMA4023
GPMA4024
GPMA4025
GPMA4026
GPMA4027
GPMA4028
GPMA4029
GPMA4030
GPMA4031
GPMA4032

NOTE

Bottom Wing Set
Top Wing Set
Aluminum Spinner
Belly Pan
Fuselage Set
Tail Set
Cowling
Landing Gear
Wheel Pants
Canopy Hatch
Tailwheel Assembly
Wing Struts
Cabane Struts
Tail Wires
Decal Set

Full-size plans are not available.
You can download a copy of this
manual at www.greatplanes.com.

KIT CONTENTS

5

KIT INSPECTION

BUILD THE WINGS

Before starting to build, 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]

Install the Aileron Servos & Pushrods

Begin with the lower right wing to assure your work matches
the photos.

PREPARATIONS

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

❏

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

2. Use a covering iron with a covering sock on high heat to

❏

tighten the covering if necessary. Apply pressure over sheeted
areas to thoroughly bond the covering to the wood.

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏

the wing. Drill a 1/16" [1.6mm] hole through the cover into
the hardwood blocks.

IMPORTANT: Throughout this manual you will be installing
screws to secure servo hatches, servos, hardwood blocks,
etc. We recommend that you insert and then remove the
screw into each of the holes you have drilled. Apply a drop of
thin CA into the holes to harden the threads and then once
the glue has cured install the screws into the holes. Though
we will not mention this every time you install a screw, you
should use this procedure for all screws.

Install #2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] wood screws into the holes you
drilled.

6

1. Remove the tape holding the servo cover to

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏

servo. It’s recommended that you use an aluminum servo arm.
Many different brands are available but we used the Great
Planes 1" [25.4mm] aluminum servo arm (GPMM1100).

2. Install a 1" [25.4mm] servo arm onto your

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏

the servo lead. Secure the extension to the lead with tape,
a piece of shrink tube or some other method to keep them
from coming unplugged.

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏

blocks. Drill through the servo mounting holes with a 1/16"
[1.6mm] drill bit. Install the servo onto the servo cover using
the hardware included with your servo. Center the servo and
then install a servo arm as shown.

3. Install a 12" [305mm] servo extension onto

4. Place the servo onto the servo mounting

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏

string to the servo extension. Pull the string and the servo
lead through the wing. Untie the string from the lead and
insert the lead through the small hole on the top of the wing
at the root. Tape the lead to the wing to prevent it from falling
back into the wing.

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏

opening for the servo arm should be pointed towards the
wingtip. Mount the servo cover with #2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] washer
head screws.

7

5. Inside the servo bay a string is taped. Tie the

6. Place the servo cover onto the wing. The

CORRECT INCORRECT

Hinge Line Hinge Line

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏

servo pushrod. Locate all the needed components.

8. The parts shown are required for making the

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏

hole in the servo arm. When positioned properly the control
horn will rest on a hardwood plate in the aileron. Mark the
location of the mounting holes onto the aileron. Drill a 3/32"
[2.4mm] hole on the marks, drilling through the plywood plate
but not through the top of the aileron. Attach the horn to the
aileron with four #4 x 1/2" [12.7mm] screws.

7. Place a nylon control horn in line with the outer

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏

the solder clevis to the aileron control horn. Center the aileron
and the aileron servo arm. Make a mark on the wire that aligns
with the front of the round portion of the clevis. Remove the
pushrod assembly from the servo. Cut the wire on the mark
and then solder the 4-40 solder clevis to the un-threaded
end of the pushrod wire. The following “Soldering Tip” may be
helpful if you are not familiar with soldering techniques.

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, and then use a soldering iron or a torch to heat
it. “Tin” the heated area with silver solder 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.

9. Install the clevis to the servo arm and install

HOW TO SOLDER

8

3. Place the clevis on the end of the pushrod. Add another
drop of fl ux, and 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 allow
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 the joint
with oil to prevent rust. Note: Do not use the acid fl ux that
comes with silver solder for electrical soldering.

This is what a properly soldered clevis looks like – shiny
solder with good flow, no blobs and flux removed.

Join the Bottom Wing Panels

1. Locate the 1/4" x 12-1/4" [6.4mm x 311mm] and the

❏

1/2" x 17-3/4" [12.7mm x 450mm] composite tubes. Test fi t
them into the holes in the root rib.

10. Once the solder has cooled, install the pushrod to the
servo arm and the second hole from the end of the aileron
control arm. Be sure to slide the clevis keepers over the clevis
and tighten the 4-40 nut.

11. Repeat steps 1-10 for the lower left wing panel, the

❏

top right wing panel and the top left wing panel. Note: When
the servo leads get pulled through the top wings the leads
will exit out the holes in the bottom of the wing.

2. Mix 1/2 ounce [15 mL] of 30 minute epoxy. Apply epoxy

❏

into the tube holes in the right and left wings as well as the
root rib of each wing. Brush a thin fi lm of epoxy onto each
of the tubes and then insert the tubes into the right wing.
Remove excess glue that may have worked its way out of the
tube holes and then place the left wing onto the tubes and
slide the wings together. Clean excess epoxy from the wing
with rubbing alcohol and a paper towel. Tape the wing halves
together and then set the wing aside while the glue cures.

9

Join the Top Wing Panels with

the Wing Center Section

1. Trim the covering from the two notches on both ends of

❏

the top wing center section

3. Insert the 1/2" x 27-1/4" [12.7mm x 692mm] and the

❏

1/4" x 25" [6.4mm x 635mm] composite tube into the holes in
the center section of the top wing, centering the tubes.

2. Locate the two aluminum wing brackets. Test fi t them

❏

to the root rib at each end of the wing center section. When
positioned properly the aluminum rib will fi t fl ush to the end of
the wing center section and the tabs will fi t into the notches
in the end of the wing center section. When you are satisfi ed
with the fi t, epoxy the aluminum ribs to both ends of the wing
center section. Set it aside, allowing the glue to harden.

4. Use the same procedure used on the bottom wing to

❏

assemble the top wing. Mix 3/4 ounces [22mL] of 30 minute
epoxy. Pull the tubes out about 1" [25.4mm]. Brush a thin fi lm
of epoxy onto the tubes. Push the tubes back into the center
section with a twisting motion to spread the glue. Do this on
the other end of the wing center section. Apply epoxy into the
tube holes in the right and left wings as well as the root rib of
each wing. Brush a thin fi lm of epoxy onto each of the tubes
and then insert the tubes into the right wing. Remove excess
glue that may have worked its way out of the tube holes and
then place the left wing onto the tubes and slide the wings
together. Clean excess epoxy from the wing with rubbing
alcohol and a paper towel. Tape the wing halves together
and then set the wing aside while the glue cures.

10

Install the Landing Gear

1. Look closely at the

❏ ❏

landing gear legs. You will
notice one side is straight and
the other is slightly angled. The
straight side is the leading edge
of the gear. Determine the right
gear from the left. Then insert
one of the gear legs into the slot
in the side of the fuselage.

Install the Upper and Lower Wings

1. Install the lower wing to the fuselage with four

❏

1/4-20 x 2" [51mm] nylon wing bolts.

2. Secure the landing gear to the fuselage with three

❏ ❏

8-32 x 3/4" [19.1mm] socket head cap screws, #8 lock
washers and a drop or two of thread locker.

3. Repeat this for the other landing gear leg.

❏

2. Locate the lower wing belly pan. Place in onto the

❏

bottom of the lower wing. Mark the outline of the belly pan to
the bottom of the wing with a fi ne tip felt marker.

11

3. Using a sharp hobby knife or the method in the “Expert

❏

Tip” that follows, cut 1/4" [6.4mm] of covering inside the line
you have marked on the wing. Be careful to only cut through
the covering, not the wood.

HOW TO CUT COVERING FROM BALSA

Use a soldering iron to cut the covering from the stab. The
tip of the soldering iron doesn’t have to be sharp, but a fi ne
tip does work best. Allow the iron to heat fully.

4. Glue the belly pan to the lower wing. Once the glue

❏

has dried you may wish to remove the lower wing if you have
limited space in your shop. However, you will need to re­install it again at step 8. The choice is yours.

5. Locate the four aluminum center cabanes. Two of

❏

them are 9" [228mm] long and two are 9-1/2" [241mm] long.
The longer two are the rear cabanes and the shorter are the
front cabanes.

Use a straightedge to guide the soldering iron at a rate that
will just melt the covering and not burn into the wood. The
hotter the soldering iron, the faster it must travel to melt a
fi ne cut. Peel off the covering.

12