Great Planes GPMA1573 User Manual

Wingspan: 50 in [1270mm]
Wing Area: 494 sq in [31.9 dm2]
Weight: 3.25–3.5 lb [1475–1590 g]
Wing Loading: 15 – 16 oz/sq ft [46–49 g/dm2]
Length: 47.75 in [1215mm]
Radio: 4 channel radio (minimum) or 5 channel computer radio with mixing

capabilities (for separate ailerons).

Motor: RimFire™ .32 (42-50-800kV)

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 buyer is advised to return

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

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.

Entire Contents © Copyright 2008

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

GPMA1573Mnl1.0

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

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

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .................................................2

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

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

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

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

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

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

Motor Recommendation .............................................3

Electronic Speed Control ........................................... 3

Flight Battery .............................................................. 3

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

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

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

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

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

KIT INSPECTION .............................................................. 5

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

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

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

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE .......................................... 7

Install the Main Landing Gear .................................... 7

Install the Rudder ....................................................... 8

Install the Tail Gear .................................................... 9

Install the Stabilizer .................................................. 10

Install the Elevator Hinges ....................................... 10

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

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

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

Install the Receiver ..................................................13

Install the Rudder Servo ..........................................14

APPLY THE DECALS .....................................................15

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

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

Set the Control Throws ............................................ 16

Finish the Model ....................................................... 17

Balance the Model (C.G.).........................................17

Balance the Model Laterally ..................................... 18

PREFLIGHT .................................................................... 18

Identify Your Model ................................................... 18

Charge the Batteries ................................................ 18

Balance Propellers ................................................... 18

Range Check ........................................................... 18

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

AMA SAFETY CODE ...................................................... 19

CHECK LIST ................................................................... 19

FLYING ............................................................................ 20

Takeoff ..................................................................... 20

Flight ........................................................................ 20

Landing ....................................................................21

3D FLYING ...................................................................... 20

The full scale Eagle 580 is the choice of air show performer
Mat Chapman. This Mudry Cap has been designated the
“Eagle” by Matt because of the 330 HP Lycoming that powers
this awesome plane. Great Planes has taken the best qualities
of the full scale aircraft and reduced it down to a light weight,
50" electric powered ARF.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to
the “Eagle 580” visit the Great Planes web site at www.
greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, and then select
the “Eagle 580 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

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

Tele: [phone]

Fax [phone]

Or via the Internet at:

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.

www.modelaircraft.org

PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF

& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Your Eagle 580 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 Eagle 580, if not assembled and operated correctly, could
possibly cause injury to yourself or spectators and damage
to property.

2. You must assemble the model according to the
instructions. Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so
may result in an unsafe or 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.

2

4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in good condition
and a correctly sized motor and components as specifi ed in
this instruction manual.

5. You must correctly install all R/C and other components
so that the model operates correctly on the ground and in
the air.

RECEIVER:

❏ 4- to 6-channel R146iP PCM receiver, [FUTL0601]; Futaba

FM Single Conversion Short Crystal [Low Band (11-35) –
FUTL62**, High Band (36-60) – FUTL63**]

❏ 7-channel Futaba 607 FS FASST 2.4 GHz receiver

(FUTL7637)

6. You must check the operation of the model before every
fl ight to ensure 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.

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

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 (GPMA1155)

CONNECTORS:

❏ (1) "Y" harness [FUTM4135]
❏ (1) 24" extensions [HCAM2721]
❏ (2) 12” extensions [HCAM2711]
❏ (1) 6" extension [HCAM2701]

Motor

The Eagle 580 EP ARF comes with a mounting box for
the Great Planes RimFire brushless out-runner motor. The
RimFire .32 (42-50-800kV) Brushless Out-runner Motor
(GPMG4700) motor has been tested with this plane and
works well.

Electronic Speed Control (ESC)

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 LiPo set-up for 3D fl ying, a voltage
regulator must be used with this ESC (we recommend the
Great Planes 3A BEC, GPMM1920). If a voltage regulator is
not used the ESC may be damaged.

This is a partial list of items required to fi nish the "Eagle
580 EP" 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® S3150 Slim Digital
Servos and the Futaba 607FS FASST™ 2.4 GHz receiver. A
lower priced alternative would be the Futaba 3115 Micro
Precision Servo.

TRANSMITTER:

❏ 4-channel radio (minimum) OR
❏ 5-channel computer radio with mixing capabilities

(for fl aperons).

Flight Battery

We recommend two different battery and prop set-ups
depending on the type of fl ying you prefer to do. For basic
sport fl ying we recommend the Great Planes Power Series™
LiPo 2100mAh 11.1V, 3200mAh 11.1V battery or Flight
Power 2170mAh 11.1V and the 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 Flight Power 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 separate power source
(voltage regulator or receiver battery) for the receiver.

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

3

SPORT SET-UP:

❏ 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]

❏ Flight Power EVO25 LiPo 2170mAh 11.1V 20C

(FPWP0327)

❏ Flight Power EVO25 LiPo 2500mAh 11.1V 25C

(FPWP0333)

❏ APC 13 x 8E Propeller (APCQ3080)

3D SET-UP:

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

discharge w/balance plug [GPMP0618]

❏ Flight Power EVO25 LiPo 2170mAh 14.8V 25C

(FPWP0328)

❏ APC 12 x 6E Propeller (APCQ4130)
❏ Electrifl y Voltage Regulator (GPMM1920)
❏ Great Planes Parallel ESC Adapter Deans

Connector(GPMM3141)

®

Ultra®

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Adhesives and Building Supplies

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

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

Self-tapping screws are designated

by a number and a length. For example,
#6 x 3/4" [19mm].

Machine screws are designated by a

number, threads per inch, and a length.
For example, 4-40 x 3/4" [19mm].

Socket Head Cap Screws (SHCS) are

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

• 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.

This is the list of adhesives and building supplies required
to fi nish the Eagle 580 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]
❏ #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❏ #11 blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)
❏ Small T-pins (100, HCAR5100)

Optional Supplies and Tools

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the Eagle 580 EP:

❏ 2 oz. [57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❏ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❏ CA debonder (GPMR6039)
❏ Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❏ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❏ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❏ Threadlocker thread locking cement (GPMR6060)
❏ AccuThrow
❏ CG Machine
❏ 21st Century
❏ 21st Century iron cover [COVR2702]

™

Defl ection Gauge (GPMR2405)

™

(GPMR2400)

®

sealing iron [COCR2700]

• 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 Eagle 580 EP 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.

Cub Yellow (TOPQ0220)
Insignia Blue (TOPQ0207)
Orange (TOPQ0202)
Black (TOPQ0208)
Missile Red (TOPQ0201)
Jet White (TOPQ0204)

®

4

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Eagle 580 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 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
number and expiration date for payment.

®

or MasterCard

®

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

Order Number 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:

GPMA3323 ...... Wing Set

GPMA3324 ...... Fuselage

GPMA3325 ...... Tail Set

GPMA3326 ...... Landing Gear

GPMA3327 ...... Wheel Pants

GPMA3328 ...... Tailwheel Assembly

GPMA3329 ...... Cowl

GPMA3330 ...... Canopy

GPMA3331 ...... Wing Tube

GPMA3332 ...... Carbon Fiber Landing Gear

GPMA3333 ...... Carbon Fiber Wheel Pants

GPMA3334 ...... Decal Sheet

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

KIT CONTENTS

2

1

4 4

6

7

5

KIT INSPECTION

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]

3

10

11

8

1. Cowl

2. Hatch & Canopy

3. Fuselage

4. Landing Gear

5. Wheel Pants

6. Spinner

12 12

7. Main Wheels

8. Stabilizer w/Elevators

9. Wing Tube

5

9

10. Tailwheel Assembly

11. Rudder

12. Wings w/Ailerons

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 the previous page.

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

stab. Use a covering iron with a covering sock on medium
heat to tighten the covering on the wings, fuselage, etc. if
necessary. Apply pressure over sheeted areas to thoroughly
bond the covering to the wood. Caution: The Eagle 580
was designed to be strong where needed, but lightweight
for excellent fl ight performance. Care must be taken when
assembling the plane to avoid damage.

ASSEMBLE THE WINGS

Do the right wing fi rst so your work matches

the photos the fi rst time through.

❏ ❏ 4. Install the servo into 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. Place a black retaining plate
onto each of the servo mounting fl anges. Then, screw the
servo to the wing using the hardware included with your
servo. Center the servo. Then, install a servo arm as shown.
The arm should be pointing towards the wingtip.

❏ ❏ 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.

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

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

wire pushrod.

CORRECT INCORRECT

❏ ❏ 3. Tie the string to the servo extension. Pull the string and

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

❏ ❏ 6. Attach the clevis in the outer hole of a nylon control

horn. Place the control horn in line with the hole that is 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 1/16" [1.6mm] hole on the marks, drilling through
the plywood plate but not through the top of the aileron.

666

❏ ❏ 7. Install and then remove a #2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] 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,
secure the control horn to the aileron with the screws.

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

the aileron servo and the aileron centered, mark 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.

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE

Install the Main Landing Gear

❏ 9. Repeat steps 1-8 for the left wing panel.

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

gear. Slide a 5mm washer onto the axle followed by the
5mm lock nut and the wheel. (All of these need to be slid into
position before securing the assembly to the wheel pant).
Tighten the axle nut to secure the pant to the landing gear.
Note: the front of the main landing gear is straight, the back
of the gear sweeps back. Apply a drop of thread locker to a
6-32 set screw and thread it into a 5/32" [4mm] wheel collar.
Slide the wheel collar onto the axle and then tighten the set
screw against the axle. Be sure the wheel spins freely after
the wheel collar is in place.

7

❏ ❏ 2. Attach the main landing gear to the fuselage with

two 4-40 x 1/2" [13mm] SHC screws, #4 lock washers and
#4 fl at washers.

❏ 3. Repeat steps 1&2 for the left main landing gear.

❏ 2. Use a sharp #11 blade to cut a strip of covering from

the hinge slots in the wing and aileron.

❏ 3. Install three 1/2" x 3/4" [13mm x 19mm] hinges into the

rudder. Be sure the hinges remain centered in the rudder. If
needed, insert a T-pin into the center of the hinge to keep it
centered. Install the rudder to the fi n post.

Install the Rudder

❏ 1. Drill a 3/32" [2.3mm]hole, 1/2" [13mm] deep in the

center of each hinge slot to allow the CA to “wick” in. Follow­up with a #11 blade to clean out the slots. Hint: If you have
one, use a high-speed rotary tool to drill the holes.

❏ 4. Apply three drops of thin CA to each side of each of

the rudder hinges. Allow the glue to harden. Do not apply
CA accelerator. This will cause the hinge to get brittle and
possibly break.

8