GREAT PLANES matt chapman eagle 580 Instruction Manual

]

]

]

g:

2– 25 oz/

ft

m

.46-.81/EP ALMOST-READY-TO-FLY SPORT SCALE AIRPLANE

Wingspan: 53 in [1350mm]

Wingspan: 53 in [1350mm
Wing Area: 645 in2 [41.6dm2]

Wing Area: 645 in
Weight: 6 – 7 lb [2720 – 3180g]

Weight: 6 – 7 lb [2720 – 3180g
Wing Loading: 21 – 25 oz/ft2 [64 – 76g/dm2]

Wing Loadin
Length: 57.5 in [1460mm]
Radio: 4-channel minimum with 4 to 5 servos and standard size receiver
Engine: .46 to .61 cu in [7.5 to 10cc] two-stroke,

.52 to .81 cu in [8.5 to 13.5cc] four-stroke
.80 (50-55-500) brushless out-runner motor

[41.6dm

[64 – 76g/d

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

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
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:

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.

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Dr., Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822 USA

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

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

Entire Contents © Copyright 2009 GPMA1281MNL V1.0

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

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

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

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

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

Radio Equipment .......................................................... 4

Power System Recommendations ...............................4

Propeller ....................................................................... 4

Batteries & Charger...................................................... 4

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

Required Hardware & Accessories .............................. 4

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

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

BUILDING STAND ............................................................ 5

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES ...................................... 5

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

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

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

BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS .............................................7

Preparations ................................................................. 7

Assemble the Wings .....................................................7

Install the Tail Section ................................................... 9

Install the Tail Servos & Pushrods .............................. 10

Assemble & Install the Landing Gear ......................... 12

Glow Engine Installation ............................................. 13

Brushless Motor Installation ....................................... 17

Install the Receiver ..................................................... 20

Finish the Model ......................................................... 21

Apply the Decals ........................................................ 22

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY ................................. 23

Install & Operate the Motor Battery (Brushless Only) .... 23

Check the Control Directions .....................................23

Set the Control Throws ...............................................24

Balance the Model (C.G.) ........................................... 24

Balance the Model Laterally ....................................... 25

PREFLIGHT .................................................................... 25

Identify Your Model ..................................................... 25

Charge the Batteries .................................................. 25

Balance Propellers ..................................................... 25

Ground Check ............................................................ 25

Range Check ............................................................. 25

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .................................26

AMA SAFETY CODE (

EXCERPTS) ..................................... 26

LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING & USAGE ................... 26

CHECK LIST ................................................................... 27

FLYING ............................................................................ 27

Fuel Mixture Adjustments ........................................... 27

Takeoff ........................................................................ 27

Flight .......................................................................... 28

Landing ...................................................................... 28

3D FLYING ...................................................................... 28

Congratulations on the purchase of the Great Planes
Eagle 580 Matt Chapman .46-.81/EP ARF! This latest Matt
Chapman version has been designed to give even the most
selective pilots the 3D performance they are looking for as
well as the smooth, forgiving fl ight that the sport modeler
desires. With so many assembly steps already complete
right out of the box, you will be able to spend more time
at the fl ying fi eld and far less time at your workbench! In
addition, bolt-on wings and bolt-on stabilizer halves eliminate
the time consuming gluing and measuring procedures
typically required on a model of this size, as well as make
future repairs quick and easy. For the brushless motor users,
the canopy hatch is securely held in place with our hook
and magnet system for access to fl ight batteries and can be
quickly removed by simply sliding it forward and lifting it off.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to
the Eagle 580 Matt Chapman .46-.81/EP ARF, visit the
Great Planes web site at www.greatplanes.com. Open the
“Airplanes” link, then select the Eagle 580 Matt Chapman
.46-.81/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 47302-9252

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, YOURSELF

& OTHERS....FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Your Eagle 580 Matt Chapman .46-.81/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 Eagle 580 Matt
Chapman .46-.81/EP ARF, 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.

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 Eagle 580
Matt Chapman .46-.81/EP ARF that may require planning or
decision making before starting to build. Order numbers are
provided in parentheses.

4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in fi rst-class
condition, and a correctly sized engine and components
(fuel tank, wheels, etc.) throughout the building process.

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

6. You must check the operation of the model before every
fl ight to insure that all equipment is operating and that the
model has remained structurally sound. Be sure to check
clevises or other connectors often and replace them if they
show any signs of wear or fatigue.

7. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not fl own
this type of model before, we recommend that you get the
assistance of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for
your fi rst fl ights. If you’re not a member of a club, your local
hobby shop has information about clubs in your area whose
membership includes experienced pilots.

8. While this kit has been fl ight tested to exceed normal use,
if the plane will be used for extremely high stress fl ying, such
as racing, or if an engine larger than one in the recommended
range is used, the modeler is responsible for taking steps to
reinforce the high stress points and/or substituting hardware
more suitable for the increased stress.

9. WARNING: The cowl 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
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.

Radio Equipment

The Eagle 580 Matt Chapman .46-.81/EP ARF requires a
minimum 4-channel radio system with four 44 oz.-in. [3.2
kg-cm] minimum standard servos. If you are installing a
glow engine, an additional standard servo is required for the
throttle. For maximum performance, we recommend installing
Futaba® S9252 servos for the elevators and rudder.

In addition, two 6" [152mm] servo extensions are required
for the aileron servos. If you are using a radio system that
does not support mixing functions, a Y-harness will also be
required to connect the aileron servos to the receiver.

If you plan to install a brushless motor, you will need a 6"
[152mm] servo extension for the ESC. If you plan to install
a glow engine, you may also need a 12" [305mm] servo
extension for the receiver pack depending on where on the
model you install the pack. A 16" [406mm] servo extension
is needed for an aft mounted rudder servo.

To achieve 3D control throws for the ailerons and elevators,
1" [25mm] servo arms are needed.

A charge jack receptacle is optional, but is useful for
recharging and checking voltage of the receiver pack without
removing the canopy hatch. Recommended part numbers
for the radio components are provided below:

❏ Futaba
❏ Futaba S9252 Servo Digital All Purpose (FUTM0222)
❏ Hobbico

(HCAM2701)

❏ Hobbico Pro HD Y-Harness Futaba J (HCAM2751)
❏ Hobbico Pro HD Extension 12" [305mm] Futaba J

(HCAM2711)

❏ Futaba Servo Extension 16" J (FUTM3955)
❏ Great Planes 1" Servo Arm (GPMM1100)
❏ Dubro Servo Arms Super Strength Futaba J Long (8)

(DUBM6670)

❏ Ernst Charge Receptacle Futaba J FM (ERNM3001)

3

®

S3004 Standard Ball Bearing Servo (FUTM0004)

®

Pro™ HD Extension 6" [152mm] Futaba J

Power System Recommendations

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

The recommended engine/motor size for the Eagle 580 Matt
Chapman .46-.81/EP ARF is a .46 to .61 cu in [7.5 to 10cc]
two-stroke engine, .52 to .81 cu in [8.5 to 13.5cc] four-stroke
engine, or a RimFire
motor. Recommended engine and motor order numbers are
provided below:

❏ O.S.

®

55 AX ABL w/Muffl er (OSMG0556)

™

.80 (50-55-500) brushless out-runner

❏ Bisson O.S. .46 SF/FX .50 SX Pitts Muffl er (BISG4046)
❏ O.S. 81FS-a (OSMG0981)
❏ Great Planes RimFire .80 (50-55-500) Out-Runner

Brushless (GPMG4740)

❏ Great Planes Brushless Motor Mount Large Motors

(GPMG1260)

If using the recommended brushless motor, a 60A brushless
ESC is required:

❏ Great Planes Silver Series 60A Brushless ESC High Volt

(GPMM1850)

Propeller

If you are installing a glow engine, choose a prop based
on the engine manufacturer’s recommendation. If you are
installing the recommended RimFire brushless motor, we
suggest a 15 x 7E APC propeller.

❏ APC 15 x 7 Electric Propeller (APCQ1830)

Batteries & Charger

For a brushless motor installation, two 3200mAh 11.1V
Lithium Polymer battery packs connected in series are
recommended. Order numbers for the battery packs and
series connector are provided below:

❏ Great Planes LiPo 3200mAh 11.1V 20C Discharge

w/Balance (GPMP0623)

❏ Great Planes Series Deans U 2 to 1 Adapter (GPMM3143)

Required Hardware and Accessories

This is the list of hardware and accessories required to
fi nish the Matt Chapman Eagle 580 .46-.81/EP ARF. Order
numbers are provided in parentheses:

❏ R/C foam rubber (1/4" [6mm] - HCAQ1000, or

1/2" [13mm] - HCAQ1050)

❏ 3' [900mm] standard silicone fuel tubing (GPMQ4131)

(Glow engine installation only)

❏ Great Planes Velcro

(GPMQ4480) (Brushless installation only)

®

Hook and Loop Material 1" x 6" (2)

Adhesives and Building Supplies

This is the list of Adhesives and Building Supplies required
to fi nish the Matt Chapman Eagle 580 .46-.81/EP ARF:

❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro
❏ Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏ Masking tape (TOPR8018)
❏ Threadlocker
❏ Dead Center

™

threadlocking cement (GPMR6060)

™

Engine Mount Hole Locator (GPMR8130)

❏ Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❏ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 5/64" [2mm]
❏ Harry Higley’s 3/16" [4.8mm] Extended Drill

Bit (HIGR1020)

❏ Great Planes Tap and Drill Set 6-32 (GPMR8102)

(Glow engine installation only)

❏ Tap handle (GPMR8120) (Glow engine installation only)
❏ Small metal fi le
❏ #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❏ #11 Blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)
❏ Medium T-pins (100, HCAR5150)
❏ Top Flite

®

MonoKote® sealing iron (TOPR2100)

❏ Top Flite Hot Sock
❏ 220-grit Sandpaper
❏ Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)

™

CA (GPMR6001)

™

iron cover (TOPR2175)

A cell balancer is required for the LiPo battery pack
listed above:

❏ Great Planes ElectriFly

1-5 (GPMM3160)

A suitable charger is also required. The Great Planes
PolyCharge4™ is designed for LiPo packs only; however, it
is able to charge four LiPo packs simultaneously. The Great
Planes Triton2 charger will only charge one pack at a time,
however is capable of charging NiCd, NiMH, LiPo, and lead
acid batteries. Order numbers for both are provided below:

❏ Great Planes PolyCharge4

Charger (GPMM3015) or

❏ Great Planes ElectriFly Triton2

Charger (GPMM3153)

™

Equinox™ LiPo Cell Balancer

™

DC Only 4 Output LiPo

™

DC Comp Peak

Optional Supplies and Tools

Here is a list of optional tools that will help you build the Matt
Chapman Eagle 580 .46-.81/EP ARF:

❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007)
❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thick Pro CA- (GPMR6013)
❏ 2 oz. [57g] Spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❏ 4 oz. [113g] Aerosol CA activator (GPMR6034)
❏ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❏ CA debonder (GPMR6039)
❏ Pro 6-minute epoxy (GPMR6045)
❏ Epoxy brushes 6, (GPMR8060)
❏ Mixing sticks (GPMR8055)
❏ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❏ Pliers with wire cutter (HCAR0630)

4

❏ Can of compressed air (TAEC1060)
❏ Rotary tool such as Dremel

®

❏ Rotary tool reinforced cut-off wheel (GPMR8020)
❏ Servo horn drill (HCAR0698)
❏ Hobby Heat

™

Micro Torch II (HCAR0755)

❏ Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer (TOPQ5700)
❏ AccuThrow
❏ C.G. Machine

™

Defl ection Gauge (GPMR2405)

™

(GPMR2400)

❏ Hobbico Flexible 18" Ruler Stainless Steel (HCAR0460)
❏ Top Flite MonoKote trim seal iron (TOPR2200)
❏ Top Flite MonoKote heat gun (TOPR2000)
❏ Hobbico Pin Vise 1/16" Collet w/6 Bits (HCAR0696)
❏ Hobbico 8-Piece Ball Tip Hex L Wrench SAE (HCAR0520)
❏ Great Planes Clevis Installation Tool (GPMR8030)

BUILDING STAND

• 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.

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Great Planes Eagle 580 Matt
Chapman .46-.81/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 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.

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, and it can be seen in pictures throughout
this manual.

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.

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

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

Missing pieces ................. Contact Product Support

Instruction manual ...........Contact Product Support

Full-size plans ..................Not available

Contact your hobby supplier for the following parts:

GPMA3260 ... Wing
GPMA3261 ... Fuselage
GPMA3262 ... Tail Set
GPMA3263 ... Cowl
GPMA3264 ... Landing Gear
GPMA3265 ... Wheel Pants

5

GPMA3266 ... Decals
GPMA3267 ... Spinner
GPMA3268 ... Canopy/Hatch
GPMA3269 ... Wing Tube
GPMA3270 ... Stab Tubes
GPMA3271 ... Rudder

®

KIT INSPECTION

KIT INSPECTION

KIT CONTENTS

KIT CONTENTS

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

KIT CONTENTS

KIT CONTENTS

3

1. Cowl

2. Fuselage

3. Spinner

4. Engine Mount

1

4

7

5

6

5

9

8

3

5. Wheel Pants (2)

6. Main Wheels (2)

7. Main Landing Gear (2)

8. Air Scoops (2)

2

10 10

1414

15

9. Fuel Tank

10. Stabilizers w/Elevators

11. Stabilizer Tubes

12. Rudder

13

12

11

13. Tailwheel Assembly

14. Wing Halves w/Ailerons

15. Wing Tube

66

BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS

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 7.

❏ 2. Attach a 6" [152mm] servo extension to each aileron

servo and secure the connector using 1-1/2" [38mm] pieces
from the included heat shrink tubing. Center the servos with
your radio system and install the servo arms to the servos
perpendicular to the servo cases as shown. Be sure to
reinstall the servo arm screws into the servos.

❏ 2. 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.

Assemble the Wings

Before completing this section, confi rm that the servos that
you will be using will properly fi t between the servo mounting
block locations on the aileron servo hatch covers. Make
adjustments with a hobby knife to the blocks as necessary
for your brand of servos. The block positions are designed to
fi t a standard size Futaba brand servo.

❏ 3. Position each servo against the undersides of the aileron

servo hatch covers between the mounting blocks. Shim the
aileron servos away from the hatch covers approximately
3/64" [1.2mm] to isolate them from vibration (a business
card folded in thirds works well for this). Drill 1/16" [1.6mm]
holes through the mounting tabs on the servo case into the
blocks. Thread a servo mounting screw (included with the
servos) into each hole and back it out. Apply a drop of thin
CA to each hole to harden the wood. When the CA has dried,
install the servos onto the hatch covers using the hardware
supplied with the servos. If the servos you are using don’t fi t
between the blocks, remove material for the wood blocks.

❏ 1. Cut three arms from a four-armed servo arm for each

aileron servo. Enlarge the outer hole of the remaining arm
with a 5/64" [2mm] drill bit. 3D aileron throws will require 1"
[25mm] or longer servo arms.

7

7

❏ 4. Use the strings taped inside the aileron servo hatches

to pull the servo leads through the wing panels.

❏ 6. Thread a nylon clevis 20 complete turns onto each 6"

[152mm] pushrod. Slide a silicone clevis retainer onto each
clevis and connect the clevises to the outer holes of two
control horns.

❏ 7. Position the control horns over the plywood plates in the

ailerons (if you cannot see them, hold the aileron at a shallow
angle in good lighting or use a small pin to puncture the covering)
using the position of the servo arms as a guide. Align the holes
in the control horns directly over the aileron hinge line and mark
the location of the control horn mounting holes.

❏ 5. Before fi tting the hatches in place, thread a #2 x 3/8"

[9.5mm] self-tapping screw into each hatch mounting hole
and back it out. Apply a drop of thin CA to each hole to
harden the wood. Install the hatch covers to the wings using
eight #2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] self-tapping screws and eight #2
fl at washers.

❏ 8. Drill 1/16" [1.6mm] holes at the marks you made

through the plywood plates. Do not drill all the way through
the ailerons! Thread a #2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] self-tapping screw
through each hole and back it out. Apply a couple drops of
thin CA glue to each hole to harden the wood. When the glue
has dried, install the control horns onto the ailerons using
four #2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] self-tapping screws.

8

8

Servo Horn

Install the Tail Section

The horizontal stabilizer is a two-piece bolt-on design that
can be taken off at any time by simply removing two screws.
If, after this section, you decide it is easier to complete the
model on your work table with the stab removed, feel free to
do so as it will no longer be needed until it is time to set the
control throws on the fi nished model.

❏ 1. Test fi t a CA hinge into each of the hinge slots in the

rudder and fuselage. If necessary, enlarge the slots with
a hobby knife. When satisfi ed with the fi t, insert a CA hinge
halfway into each hinge slot in the fuselage. Push a pin through
the middle of each hinge to keep them centered. Test fi t the tail
wheel assembly into the slot at the bottom of the fuselage.

2-56 (.074")

Pushrod Wire

FasLink

1/16"

❏ 9. Use tape or a small clamp to hold the ailerons in the

neutral position. Make a mark on the pushrods where they
cross the outer holes in the servo arms. Make a 90° bend at
the mark on the pushrod and cut off the excess pushrod 1/4"
[6mm] beyond the bend. Attach the pushrods to the servo
arms using nylon FasLinks. Thread the clevises up or down
on the pushrods as necessary to center the ailerons with the
servo arms centered. When satisfi ed, slide the silicone clevis
retainers to the ends of the clevises to secure them.

❏ 2. Roughen the portion of the tail wheel wire that fi ts into

the rudder with 220-grit sandpaper and clean it off with alcohol.
Lightly coat that end of the tail wheel wire with epoxy and fi t it into
the hole in the LE of the rudder. Be sure not to get epoxy onto
the nylon tab where it rotates on the wire. Lightly coat both sides
of the nylon tab with epoxy and fi t the rudder to the fuselage onto
the CA hinges. Wipe away any excess epoxy with denatured
alcohol. Remove the pins and adjust the rudder so there is a
small gap between the LE of the rudder and the fuselage. The
gap should be small, just enough to see light through the gap or
to slip a piece of paper through. When satisfi ed, apply six drops
of thin CA to both sides of each hinge without using accelerator.
After the CA glue has hardened, confi rm that the rudder is
secure by pulling on it and defl ecting it left and right.

9

Install the Tail Servos and Pushrods

A servo bay is provided in the tail of the plane for an aft
mounted rudder servo. An aft mounted rudder servo will
reduce or eliminate any tail weight needed to balance the
airplane with a heavier engine installed. An additional 16"
[406mm] servo extension is needed for an aft mounted
rudder servo. See the “Expert Tip” in this section detailing
the aft rudder servo installation.

❏ 3. Slide the carbon fi ber horizontal stabilizer tubes

into the fuselage with the shorter tube in the forward
position. Fit the stab halves onto the tubes and slide them
against the fuselage. Secure the stabs in place using two
4-40 x 1/2" [13mm] SHCS, two #4 fl at washers and
threadlocking compound.

❏ 1. Trim the covering from the elevator and rudder pushrod

exit slots in the fuselage. Temporarily insert a 2-56 x 36"
[914mm] pushrod into each elevator pushrod exit slot. Use
the position of the pushrod to align the elevator control horns
onto the undersides of the elevator halves. Mark the locations
of the control horn mounting holes onto the elevator halves
and drill 1/16" [1.6mm] holes at the marks. Do not drill all the
way through the elevator halves! Thread a #2 x 3/8" [9.5mm]
self-tapping screw into each hole and back it out. Apply a
couple drops of thin CA glue to each hole and let it harden.
Attach the elevator control horns to the elevators using four
#2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] self-tapping screws.

❏ 2. Attach a control horn onto the left side of the rudder in

the same fashion.

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