Great Planes GPMA1572 User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 49.5 in [1260mm]
Wing Area: 490 in2 [31.6dm2]
Weight: 3.25 – 3.5 lb [1470 – 1590g]
Wing Loading: 15.0 – 16.0 oz/ft2 [46 – 49g/dm2]
Length: 48 in [1220mm]
Radio: 4-channel minimum, 5-channel computer radio with

mixing capabilities (for separate ailerons)

Motor: RimFire™ 42-50-800 out-runner

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 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 user­assembled 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 uyer is advised to return 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 n umber,
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 MANU AL BEFORE ST ARTING CONSTR UCTION. IT CONT AINS IMPOR T ANT INSTRUCTIONS
AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

Entire Contents © Copyright 2008 GPMA1572MNL V1.0

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

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

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

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

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

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

Transmitter ...................................................................3

Receiver .......................................................................3

Servos ..........................................................................3

Connectors ...................................................................3

Motor Recommendations .............................................4

ESC (electronic speed control) ....................................4

Flight Battery ................................................................4

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

Required Adhesives & Building Supplies .....................4

Optional Supplies & Tools ............................................4

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

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

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

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

PREPARATIONS ...............................................................7

ASSEMBLE THE WINGS ..................................................7

Install the Aileron Servo & Pushrods ............................8

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELA GE ..........................................8

Install the Main Landing Gear ......................................9

Install the Tail Gear .....................................................10

Install the Stabilizer ....................................................11

Install the Elevators Hinges ........................................12

Install the Elevators ....................................................12

Install the Motor ..........................................................12

INSTALL THE RADIO SYSTEM .....................................12

Install the Elevator Servo ...........................................12

Install the Rudder Servo .............................................13

Rudder Pull-Pull Installation .......................................13

Rudder Servo Installation in the Tail ...........................15

Apply the Decals ........................................................16

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY .................................16

Check the Control Directions .....................................16

Set the Control Throws ...............................................17

FINISH THE MODEL .......................................................18

Balance the Model (C.G.) ...........................................18

Balance the Model Laterally .......................................19

PREFLIGHT ....................................................................19

Identify Your Model .....................................................19

Charge the Batteries ..................................................19

Balance Propellers .....................................................19

Range Check .............................................................19

MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .................................19

AMA SAFETY CODE (EXCERPTS) ...............................20

CHECK LIST ...................................................................20

FLYING ............................................................................21

Takeoff ........................................................................21

Flight ..........................................................................21

Landing ......................................................................22

3D FLYING ......................................................................22

The full-scale Zivko Edge 540T is a great two seat, competition
aerobatic trainer. Great Planes has taken the best qualities of
the full-scale Edge 540T and reduced it down to a lightweight,
50" electric powered ARF. The Great Planes Edge 540T EP
ARF fl ies much like the giant-size Edge’s, but in a much less
expensive pac kage. Now you can practice f or IMAC competition
without risking your larger, more e xpensive planes.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to
the Edge 540T EP ARF visit the Great Planes web site at
www.greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then
select the “Edge 540T EP” 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

We urge you to join the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics)
and a local R/C club. The AMA is the go verning 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 ev en 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 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

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.

2

PROTECT YOUR MODEL, Y OURSELF

& OTHERS....FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Your Edge 540T EP 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 Edge 540T EP ARF, if not assembled and
operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself or
spectators and damage to property.

2. Y ou 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 y able model. In a f e w cases the instructions may
differ slightly from the photos. In those instances the written
instructions should be considered as correct.

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

This is a partial list of items required to fi nish the Edge 540T
EP ARF that may require planning or decision making before
starting to build.

Radio Equipment

A 4-channel radio system with four micro servos and micro
receiver are required for this plane. The servos and receiver
shown in the manual are Futaba® S3115 Micro Precision
Servo and the Futaba R146iP PCM receiver. For more
precision, the Futaba S3150 Slim Digital Servos work great.

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 motor and components
(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
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. WARNING: The cowl and wheel pants 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.

Transmitter

❏ 4-channel radio (minimum)

or

❏ 5-channel computer radio with mixing capabilities

(for separate ailerons).

Receiver

❏ Futaba 4 to 6 channel R146iP PCM receiver (FUTL0601)
❏ Futaba FM Single Conversion Short Crystal (Low Band

(11 to 35) – FUTL62**, High Band (36 to 60) – FUTL63**)

Servos

❏ (4) Futaba S3115 Micro Precision Servos (FUTM0415)

(38.9 oz-in [2.8 kg-cm] of torque)

or

❏ (4) Futaba S3150 Slim Digital Servos (FUTM0303)

(51.4 oz-in [3.7 kg-cm] of torque)
For 3D rudder throws a 2" [50.8mm] double-sided servo arm

may be required (GPMM1155)

Connectors

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.

❏ (1) “Y” harness (FUTM4135)
❏ (2) 16" extensions (FUTM3955)
❏ (2) 12" extensions (HCAM2100)

3

Motor Recommendations

The Edge 540T EP ARF comes with a mounting box for the
Great Planes RimFire
motor has been tested with this plane and works well.

™

brushless out-runner motor. The

❏ Great Planes RimFire 42-50-800 Brushless Out-runner

Motor (GPMG4700)

ESC (electronic speed control)

A brushless ESC (electronic speed control) is required for the
recommended motor set-up. We recommend using the Great
Planes Silver Series SS-45A Brushless ESC (GPMM1840).

If you will be using the 4S LiP o setup for 3D fl ying, a voltage
regulator m ust be used with this ESC. If a voltage regulator
is not used the ESC may be damaged.

Flight Battery

We recommend two different battery and prop setups
depending on the type of fl ying you prefer to do. For basic
sport fl ying we recommend the Great Planes Pow er Series™
LiPo 2100mAh 11.1V, 3200mAh 11.1V battery or Flight
Power 2170mAh 11.1V and 2500mAh 11.1V with an APC
13" x 8E propeller.

For all out 3D type fl ying we recommend the Great Planes
Power Series LiPo 2100mAh 14.8V or FlightPower 2170mAh

14.8V battery with an APC 12" x 6E propeller. A voltage
regulator will also be required to power the receiver . Be sure to
follow the ESC instructions for using a separ ate power source
(voltage regulator or receiver battery) for the receiv er.

When charging the batteries we highly recommend using a
Great Planes Equinox™ LiPo Cell Balancer (GPMM3160).

Sport Setup:

❏ Great Planes Power Series LiPo 2100mAh 11.1V 20C

discharge w/balance plug (GPMP0617)

❏ Great Planes Power Series LiPo 3200mAh 11.1V 20C

discharge w/balance plug (GPMP0623)

❏ FlightPower EVO25 LiPo 2170mAh 11.1V

25C (FPWP0327)

❏ FlightPower EVO25 LiPo 2500mAh 11.1V

25C (FPWP0333)

❏ APC 13" x 8E Propeller (APCQ3080)

3D Setup:

❏ APC 12" x 6E Propeller (APCQ4130)
❏ ElectriFly Voltage Regulator (GPMM1920)
❏ Great Planes Parallel ESC Adapter Deans Ultra

Connector (GPMM3141)

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Required Adhesives & Building Supplies

This is the list of adhesives and building supplies required to fi nish
the Edge 540T EP. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro

™

CA (GPMR6001)

❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007)
❏ Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏ Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❏ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 3/32" [2.4mm], 9/64" [3.6mm],

5/32" [4mm], 7/32" [5.6mm],

❏ #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❏ #11 Blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)
❏ Small T-pins (100, HCAR5100)
❏ Non-elastic monofi lament or Kevlar

(for stabilizer alignment)

Optional Supplies & Tools

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the Edge 540T EP ARF.

®

fi shing line

❏ 2 oz. [57g] Spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❏ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❏ CA debonder (GPMR6039)
❏ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❏ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❏ Threadlocker threadlocking cement (GPMR6060)
❏ AccuThrow
❏ C.G. Machine
❏ 21st Century

™

Defl ection Gauge (GPMR2405)

™

(GPMR2400)

®

sealing iron [COCR2700]

❏ 21st Century iron cover [COVR2702]

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

• There are two types of screws used in this kit:

• Sheet Metal Screws are designated by a number and
a length. For example 2 x 12mm.

❏ Great Planes Power Series LiPo 2100mAh 14.8V 20C

discharge w/balance plug (GPMP0618)

❏ FlightPower EVO25 LiPo 2170mAh 14.8V

25C (FPWP0328)

The screw has a diameter of 2mm and a length of 12mm.

• Machine screws are designated by a number, threads
per inch, and a length. For example 4-40 x 3/4" [19mm]

4

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

This is a number four screw that is 3/4" [19mm] long

with forty threads per inch.

• Socket Head Cap Screws (SHCS) are designated by
a number, threads per inch, and a length. For example
4-40 x 3/4" [19mm].

This is a 4-40 SHCS that is 3/4" [19mm] long with forty

threads per inch.

• 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.

• We recommend 30-minute epoxy only, because you will
need the working time 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 Edge 540T EP ARF 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
Sapphire Blue – TOPQ0226
Medium Purple – TOPQ0225
Sky Blue – TOPQ0206
Royal Blue – TOPQ0221

Replacement parts for the Great Planes Edge 540T EP ARF
are available using the order numbers in the Replacement
Parts List that follows. The fastest, most economical service
can be provided by your hobby dealer or mail-order company.

To locate a hobby dealer, visit the Hobbico web site at www.
hobbico.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 via facsimile at [phone],
but full retail prices and shipping and handling charges will
apply. Illinois and Nevada residents will also be charged

®

sales tax. If ordering via fax, include a Visa

or MasterCard®

number and expiration date for payment.
Mail parts orders 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

Description How to Purchase

Missing pieces Contact Product Support
Instruction manual Contact Product Support
Full-size plans Not available

Contact your hobby supplier for the following parts:

GPMA3310 Wing Set
GPMA3311 Fuselage Set
GPMA3312 Tail Set
GPMA3313 Landing Gear
GPMA3314 Wheel Pants (2)
GPMA3315 Tail Wheel Assembly
GPMA3316 Cowl w/Cowl Ring
GPMA3317 Canopy Hatch
GPMA3318 Carbon Fiber Wing Tube
GPMA3321 Decal Sheet
GPMQ4404 10-24 Nylon EZ Bolts (2)
GPMQ4273 4mm Low Profi le Landing Gear Axles (2)

Performance Upgrade Parts

GPMA3319 Carbon Fiber Landing Gear
GPMA3320 Carbon Fiber Wheel Pants (2)

5

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

1

3

4

5

7

5

6

7

11

13

9 9

12

8

10

Kit Contents

1 Cowl
2 Canopy
3 Fuselage
4 Spinner
5 Main Landing Gear (L&R)
6 Wheel Pants (L&R)
7 Main Wheels (2)
8 Tail Gear Assembly
9 Elevator Halves (L&R)

10 Horizontal Stabilizer
11 Right Wing Panel w/Aileron
12 Left Wing Panel w/Aileron
13 Carbon Fiber Wing Tube

6

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 6.

❏ 2. Remove the tape and separate the elevators from the

stab. Use a covering iron with a covering sock on medium/
high heat to tighten the covering if necessary . Apply pressure
over sheeted areas to thoroughly bond the covering to the
wood. Caution: The Edge 540T EP was designed to be
strong where needed, but light weight for excellent fl ight
performance. Care must be taken when assembling the
plane to avoid damage.

❏ ❏ 3. Tie the string to the servo e xtension. Pull the string and

the servo lead through the wing. Untie the string from the lead.

ASSEMBLE THE WINGS

Install the Ailerons Servos & Pushrods

❏ ❏ 1. Inside the servo bay a string is taped. Carefully

remove the string from the servo bay and tape it to the
outside of the wing to prevent it from dropping back into the
wing. Test fi t your aileron servo in the servo ba y. Enlarge the
opening if required.

❏ ❏ 4. Install the servo into the servo opening. Drill through

the servo mounting holes with a 1/16" [1.6mm] drill bit.
Remove the servo from the servo opening. Install and then
remove a servo mounting screw into each of the holes you
have drilled. Apply a drop of thin CA into the holes to harden
the threads. Once the glue has cured install the servo into
the servo opening using the servo screws provided with the
servo and the 2 x 7 x 9mm servo retaining plates. If your
servo uses two screws at each end, do not use the retaining
plates. Center the servo and then install a servo arm as
shown. The arm should be pointing towards the wingtip.

❏ ❏ 2. Install a 12" [305mm] servo e xtension onto the servo

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

❏ ❏ 5. Thread a nylon clevis, 20 turns, onto a 6" [152mm]

wire pushrod.

7

7

HINGE LINE

CORRECT INCORRECT

❏ ❏ 6. Cut the control horn and mounting plate apart. Attach

the clevis in the outer hole of a nylon control horn. Place the
control horn in line with the hole 3/4" [19mm] from the center
of 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 and the
top of the aileron.

pushrod where it crosses the aileron servo arm. Make a 90°
bend at the mark. Cut the pushrod 3/8" [9.5mm] past the
bend. Attach the pushrod to the aileron servo arm with a
nylon FasLink.

❏ ❏ 9. Glue the carbon fi ber anti rotation pin in the hole as

shown. The pin should protrude approximately 1/4" [6.4mm].

❏ 10. Repeat steps 1 to 9 for the left wing panel.

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE

Install the Main Landing Gear

❏ ❏ 7. Insert two 2-56 x 5/8" [16mm] machine screws

through the control horn and aileron. Secure the control horn
to the aileron with the nylon control horn backplate.

❏ ❏ 8. Slide a silicone clevis retainer over the clevis. With

the aileron servo and the aileron centered, mark the aileron

❏ ❏ 1. Insert a 4mm axle through the right main landing

gear. Secure the axle to the landing gear with a 5mm fl at
washer and 5mm lock nut. Note: The front of the main
landing gear sweeps forward.

❏ ❏ 2. Install two 5mm fl at washers on the axle, then the

foam main wheel, followed by a 4.2mm wheel collar. Secure
the wheel collar on the axle with 6-32 set screw. Mark the

8

8