Great Planes GPMA1605 User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 62.5 in [1590 mm]

2

Wing Area: 672 in

[43.3 dm2]

Wing Loading: 22−24 oz/ft

2

[67−73 g/dm2]

Weight: 6.5− 7 lb [2950 −3170 g]

Length: 55 in [1395 mm]

Radio: 4-5 channels

Glow

Engine:

Electric

Power:

SPECIFICATIONS

.46 –.55 cu in
[7.5 – 9cc] two-stroke

RimFire .46 (42-60-800)
Outrunner Brushless

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

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT

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

Entire Contents © 2012 Hobbico,® Inc. All rights reserved.

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.

Champaign, Illinois [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

GPMA1605 Mnl 1.1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

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

ITEMS REQUIRED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Field Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Required Hardware & Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Optional Flap Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

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

Building Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

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

KIT INSPECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

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

ASSEMBLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Install the Propeller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Install the Wing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Apply the Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Optional Flaps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Check the Control Directions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Check the Throttle Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Check the Control Throws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Balance the Model (C.G.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Balance the Model Laterally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

PREFLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Identify Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Balance Propellers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Ground Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Range Check. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

AMA SAFETY CODE EXCERPTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Radio Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

CHECK LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

GATHER YOUR TOOLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

SPARE PARTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

FUELING THE AVISTAR ELITE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

STARTING YOUR O.S. .46 AX II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

ADJUST THE NEEDLE VALVE

AND BREAK IN THE ENGINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

ADJUSTING THE MIXTURE CONTROL VALVE . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

FLYING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Taxiing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

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

Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

MAINTENANCE TIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Clean Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

FINAL NOTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of the Hobbico Avistar Elite

.46 RTF! This latest version of the popular Avistar is just what

you need as a stepping stone from your fl at-bottomed wing

trainer, or is also suitable as a fi rst plane with help from an
instructor. The components of the Avistar Elite can be joined

without the use of glue. The self-aligning, bolt-on tail and

pre-hinged control surfaces speed up assembly time. The

included IsoSmooth™ engine mount reduces engine vibration
which could cause fuel to foam and parts to loosen over time.
In addition, you will fi nd other time-saving steps already

completed for you such as the assembly of the fuel tank, fl at

spots ground into the axles for wheel collars, control horns

pre-installed, etc. Once in the air, you’ll fi nd the Avistar to be

a pleasure to fl y and capable of performing basic aerobatics.

The high wing design can fl y well at only 1/2 throttle which

will help new pilots learn the basics.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
Avistar Elite visit the Hobbico web site at www.hobbico.com.
Open the “Airplanes” link, then select the Avistar Elite RTF. 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

IMPORTANT: Once mastered, piloting a model aircraft can

be one of the most rewarding hobbies around. However, it

cannot be stated strongly enough that, if you do not already

know how to fl y an R/C airplane, you will probably not be able

to fl y this model by yourself. It may appear to be easy, but over-

controlling and disorientation quickly overcome inexperienced

fl iers, swiftly ending their fi rst fl ight. The best thing you can do
to ensure success is to fi nd a fl ight instructor who will inspect
your model for airworthiness and provide fl ying lessons. If you
haven't yet done so, contact the local hobby shop and ask them
to introduce you to an instructor or an R/C club representative.
If there is no club or experienced R/C pilot nearby, it would be
worth even a long drive to fi nd one-if only for just a few fl ight
lessons (then you'll have an idea of what to expect). 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 even 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 coverage. Additionally,
training programs and instructors are available at AMA club
sites to help you get started the right way. There are over 2,500
AMA chartered clubs across the country. Contact the AMA at
the address or toll-free phone number below:

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

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

ITEMS REQUIRED

PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF & OTHERS…

FOLLOW THESE IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Your Avistar Elite 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
Avistar, 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.

4. You must correctly install all R/C and other components so

that the model operates correctly on the ground and in the air.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. WARNING: The optional cowl and wheel pants available

separately for 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.

Field Equipment

When ready to fl y, you'll need some additional equipment to
fuel the plane and start the engine.The most important items
include an electric starter, 12 volt battery, or chicken stick, fuel
pump (electric or hand-crank), fueling lines and fi ttings and a

1.5 volt glow plug igniter.Your fl ight instructor will probably let
you share his equipment for a while, but eventually you'll need
your own. Visit your local hobby dealer or see the Hobbico
catalog for a full selection, descriptions and pricing. The
Hobbico Ultra-Tote Field Box Complete Combo (HCAP5105)
contains everything you need to start your engine, except fuel.

Required Hardware & Accessories

This is the list of hardware and accessories required to fi nish

the Avistar Elite RTF. These items are only required if you
plan to install optional fl aps. Order numbers are provided in
parentheses.

❍ Great Planes Pro™ CA Glue Thin 1/2 oz (GPMR6001)

❍ Revell® #1 Light Duty Economy Knife w/Blade &

Safety Cap (RMXR6909)

❍ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 5/64" [2mm]

❍ Felt-tip pen

❍ 3/32" [2.4 mm] allen wrench

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.

Optional Flap Equipment

If you plan to install the optional fl aps, you will need to purchase
two additional standard servos and a dual servo extension.
Part numbers are provided below.

❍ Futaba® S3004 Standard Ball Bearing Servo

(FUTM0004)

❍ Futaba Dual Servo Extension 6" J (FUTM4130)

3

Optional Supplies and Tools

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

Here is a list of optional supplies and tools that are useful for
maintaining the Avistar Elite.

❍ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)

❍ CA debonder (GPMR6039)

❍ Pro 6-minute epoxy (GPMR6045)

❍ Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)

❍ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)

❍ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)

❍ Curved-tip canopy scissors for trimming plastic parts

(HCAR0667)

❍ Hobbico High Precision Diagonal Cutter 5"

(HCAR0630)

❍ Pliers with wire cutter (HCAR0625)

❍ Robart Super Stand II (ROBP1402)

❍ 12"  18" [300  460mm] Builder’s Cutting Mat

(HCAR0454)

❍ 18"  24" [460  610mm] Builder’s Cutting Mat

(HCAR0455)

❍ 24"  36" [460  910mm] Builder’s Cutting Mat

(HCAR0456)

● 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 Avistar Elite RTF 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.

Orange TOPQ0202 Royal Blue TOPQ0221
Missile Red TOPQ0201 Jet White TOPQ0204

● 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.hobbico.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.

❍ T.A. Emerald Performance Duster Compressed Air 10

oz (TAEC1060)

❍ Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)

❍ Servo horn drill (HCAR0698)

❍ Hobby Heat™ micro torch (HCAR0755)

❍ AccuThrow™ Defl ection Gauge (GPMR2405)

❍ CG Machine™ (GPMR2400)

❍ Great Planes Clevis Installation Tool (GPMR8030)

❍ Great Planes 4-In-1 Installation Tool (GPMR8035)

❍ Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer (TOPQ5700)

Building Stand

KIT INSPECTION

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 on this page.

Hobbico Product Support Ph: [phone] ext. 5
3002 N Apollo Drive Suite 1 Fax: [phone]
Champaign, IL 61822

E-mail: [e-mail]

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Hobbico Avistar Elite RTF 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.

A building stand or cradle comes in handy during the build.
We use the Robart Super Stand II (ROBP1402) for all our

projects in R&D.

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

4

ordering via fax, include a Visa® or MasterCard® number and
expiration date for payment.

Mail parts orders Hobby Services
and payments by 3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1
personal check to: 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

Order No. Description

GPMA4280

GPMA4281

Wing Set

Fuselage Set w/o Engine Mount

CONTENTS

Order No. Description

GPMA4282
GPMA4283
GPMA4284
GPMA4285
GPMA4286
GPMA4287
GPMA4288
GPMA4289
HCAA3739
HCAA3740
HCAA3748
GPMQ4522
OSMG0548
FUTM0004

Tail Surfaces Set
Hatch
Landing Gear Set
Wing Joiner Tube
Electric Motor Mount
Propeller 12x5
Fuel Tank
Decals
Engine Mount
Isosmooth Engine Mount Parts
Tail Mounting Screws (2)

2.5" Red Spinner
.46 AXII ABL Engine
Standard Servo

8

Kit Contents

1.

Fuselage

2.

Left Wing

3.

Right Wing

4.

Horizontal Stabilizer
& Elevators

1

3

6

2

9

10

11

5.

Vertical Fins & Rudder

6.

Main Landing Gear

7.

Wing Joiner Tube

8.

Transmitter

9.

AA Batteries

13

12

7

4

10.

11.

12.

13.

5

Propeller
Spinner
Tail Bolts
Wing Bolts

5

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 4.

1. Fit the main landing gear legs into the slots in the fuselage.

❏

Push them in until the landing gear retaining mechanism
inside the fuselage locks the gear in place. Pull on each leg
to ensure they are secured in the fuselage.

2. During transit and storage, it is not uncommon for the

❏

MonoKote covering to develop some wrinkles. Although
the covering is applied tight at the factory, humidity and
temperature change may cause the wood structure of the
plane’s components to expand or contract which allows the
covering to relax. Before you begin assembly, we recommend
that any wrinkles in the covering be tightened using a covering
iron with a covering sock on high heat. A covering iron can be
purchased from your hobby retailer and will also be useful if

you ever need to make repairs to the MonoKote covering in

the future. When using the iron, apply pressure over sheeted
areas to thoroughly bond the covering to the wood. Work
gently around open structure (such as the area between the

wing ribs) and allow the heat of the iron to shrink the covering

until it is pulled drum tight.

ASSEMBLY

Note: Should you ever need to remove the landing gear
from the fuselage, insert a screwdriver into the hole under
the fuselage further from the leg you want to remove. Apply
light pressure to the tab inside the hole and pull the landing
gear leg out. Once the tab is moved, the screwdriver must
be removed to allow the leg to come all the way out. Do the
same with the other landing gear leg.

If your landing gear legs spread after a hard landing, remove
the legs from the airplane and bend them back to the correct
position with a vise. Do not try to straighten the legs while
installed in the airplane as that may damage the SnapGear
Landing Gear mechanism.

6