E-FLITE Stearman PT-17 15e ARF User manual

Stearman P -17 15e ARF
Assembly Manual
Specifications
Wingspan 44 in (1117mm)
Length 35 in (889mm)
Wing Area 608 sq in (37.5 sq dm)
Weight with Battery 3.5–3.8 lb (1.5–1.7 kg)
Weight without Battery 3.1–3.3 lb (1.4–1.5 kg)
Pilots not included (available separately)

able of Contents
Product Registration......................................................2
Introduction ...............................................................2
Warranty Information................................................. 2
Using the Manual...................................................... 2
Contents of Kit/Parts Layout........................................ 2
Recommended Radio quipment...................................3
Recommended quipment.............................................3
Optional Accessories....................................................3
Required Tools and Adhesives.......................................3
Warning.....................................................................3
Note on Lithium Polymer Batteries..................................3
Rudder and levator Servo Installation............................4
Stabilizer and Fin Installation.........................................5
Rudder and levator Pushrod Installation........................8
Landing Gear Installation............................................11
Cabane Strut and Center Section Installation.................11
Aileron Installation.....................................................15
Aileron Linkage Installation.........................................16
Motor and SC Installation..........................................17
Cowling Installation....................................................18
Interplane and Wing Transport Jig Installation...............19
Battery Installation......................................................22
Receiver Installation....................................................23
Wing Installation........................................................24
Center of Gravity........................................................25
Control Throws...........................................................26
Preflight.....................................................................26
Safety, Precautions and Warnings...............................27
Age Requirements......................................................27
Safety Do’s and Don’ts for Pilots...................................27
Warranty Information.................................................28
2009 Official Academy of Model
Aeronatics Safety Code........................................30
Instructions for Disposal of W by
Users in the uropean Union................................31
Product Registration
Registering your product will provide you the option
to stay up-to-date on product information, new
products, customization options and other information
for -flite owners. Register your product today at
www. -fliteRC.com/register.
Introduction
The Stearman PT-17 was a primary flight trainer used by
the U.S. Army Air Corps (USAAC) during World War II.
The PT-17 was a conventional biplane design with an
open, two-place cockpit to accommodate a student and
instructor, in tandem. The aircraft was constructed with
wood wings and a welded steel fuselage, all covered
with fabric. The plane became highly recognizable with
its biplane design and exposed radial engine. The
PT-17 was known as a rugged aircraft and an excellent
trainer. The PT-17 was designed by the Stearman
Aircraft Corporation and in 1934 Boeing purchased the
company. Boeing manufactured over 10,500 PT-17s and
when production ended it became known as the last
production military biplane built in the United States.
Important Warranty Information
Please read our Warranty and Liability Limitations
section on page 25 before building this product. If you
as the Purchaser or user are not prepared to accept the
liability associated with the use of this Product, you are
advised to return this Product immediately in new and
unused condition to the place of purchase.
Using the Manual
This manual is divided into sections to help make
assembly easier to understand, and to provide breaks
between each major section. In addition, check boxes
have been placed next to each step to keep track
of its completion. Steps with a single circle (Ο) are
performed once, while steps with two circles (Ο Ο)
indicate that the step will require repeating, such as for
a right or left wing panel, two servos, etc.
Remember to take your time and follow the directions.
Contents of Kit/Parts Layout
Replacement Parts
FL2951T Top Outboard Wing Set
FL2951C Center Top Wing
FL2951B Bottom Wing Set
FL2952 Fuselage with Hatch
FL2953 Tail Set
FL2954 Cowling with Dummy Motor
FL2955 Wing Tube Set
FL2956 N Wing Strut Set
FL2957 Cabane Strut Set
FL2958 Main Landing Gear Set
FL2959 Tail Wheel Set
FL2960 Windscreen Set
FL2961 Pushrod Set
FL2962 Wing Transport Jigs
FL2963 Hatch
FL2964 Hardware Pack
E-flite Stearman P -17 15e ARF Assembly Manual
22

Recommended Radio Equipment
You will need a minimum of a 4-channel transmitter,
receiver and four servos. You can choose to purchase a
complete radio system, or if you are using an existing
transmitter, just purchase the other required equipment
separately. We recommend the crystal-free, interference-
free Spektrum™ DX5e 2.4GHz DSM® 5-channel system.
If using your own transmitter, we recommend the JR
SPORT MN48 and MC35 servos.
If you own a Spektrum radio, just add a DSM2™
receiver, two JR SPORT MN48, and two JR SPORT
MC35 servos. We show the installation of the AR500
receiver in this manual.
Radio System
SPM5500 DX5e DSM2 5CH system
Or Purchase Separately
any of the Following Receiver s
SPMAR500 AR500 DSM2 5-Channel Full-Range
Receiver (for DX5e, DX6i, or DX7)
SPMAR6200 AR6200 DSM2 6-Channel Full Range
Receiver (for DX5e, DX6i, or DX7)
And
JSP20040 MN48 Mini Servo (2)
JSP20030 MC35 Micro Servo (2)
JRPA096 9-inch Servo xtension (2)
Recommended Equipment
FLM4015A Power 15 Brushless Outrunner 950Kv
FLA1040 40A Pro Brushless SC
FLB32003S 3200mAh 3S 11.1V 20C Li-Po
APC12060 lectric Propeller 12 x 6
Optional Accessories
FLA110 Power Meter
FLC3005 Celectra™ 1- to 3-Cell Li-Po Charger
FLC505 Intelligent 1- to 5-Cell Balancing
Charger
FLA150 Military Pilot (1 or 2)
Required ools and Adhesives
ools & Equipment
Manila card stock Pliers
Low-tack tape Pencil
Pin vise Clear tape
Ruler Hook and loop tape
T-pins Philips screwdriver: #0, #1
Felt-tipped pen Hobby knife (#11 blade)
Mixing sticks Toothpicks
1/16-inch drill bit Sidecutters
Rubbing alcohol Paper towels
Double-sided tape Cable tie
Stick-on lead weight Square
Mixing cups
Allen wrench or balldriver: 3/32-inch, 7/64-inch
Adhesives
Thin CA Medium CA
Threadlock 6-minute epoxy (HAN8000)
Warning
An RC aircraft is not a toy! If misused, it can cause
serious bodily harm and damage to property. Fly only in
open areas, preferably at AMA (Academy of Model
Aeronautics) approved flying sites, following all
instructions included with your radio. Keep loose items
that can get entangled away from the propeller,
including loose clothing, or other objects such as pencils
and screwdrivers. specially keep your hands away from
the propeller.
Note on Lithium Polymer Batteries
During the course of building your PT-17
ARF we suggest that you use a soft surface
for the building surface. A foam stand, large
piece of bedding foam or a thick bath towel
will work well and help protect the model
from damage during assembly.
Lithium Polymer batteries are
significantly more volatile than
alkaline or Ni-Cd/Ni-MH
batteries used in RC applications.
All manufacturer’s instructions and
warnings must be followed closely.
Mishandling of Li-Po batteries can
result in fire. Always follow the
manufacturer’s instructions when
disposing of Lithium Polymer
batteries.
E-flite Stearman P -17 15e ARF Assembly Manual 33

Rudder and Elevator Servo Installation
Parts Required
Fuselage assembly Mini servos with hardware (2)
Radio system JR MatchMaker
ools Required
Pin vise 1/16-inch drill bit
Sidecutters Thin CA
Felt-tipped pen Philips screwdriver #0
Ο 1. Remove the cockpit hatch by lifting at the rear then
pulling aft to disengage the tabs at the forward
end. Set the hatch aside.
Ο 2. Install the grommets and bushings in the rudder
and elevator servos. Note that the bushing is
installed from the bottom of the mounting lugs.
Ο 3. Center the servos using your radio or a JR
MatchMaker. Using sidecutters, remove three of
the arms from each standard servo horn,
leaving one long arm on each as shown.
Ο 4. Place the rudder and elevator servos in the
fuselage servo cutouts and mark the mounting
holes with a felt-tipped pen.
Ο 5. Remove the servos. Use a 1/16-inch drill bit
in a pin vise to drill the mounting holes.
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Ο 6. Apply 2-3 drops of thin CA to each mounting
screw hole to strengthen the wood. This will
make the servo mounting screws more secure
when installed.
Ο 7. Using a #0 Philips screwdriver and the screws
provided with the servos, install the rudder and
elevator servos in the fuselage with the arms
inboard and towards the rear of the fuselage.
Stabilizer and Fin Installation
Parts Required
Fuselage Stabilizer
levator Rudder
CA hinges (8) Tailwheel assembly
ools Required
Felt-tipped pen Thin CA Ruler
Allen wrench Square Threadlock
Rubbing alcohol Paper towels T-pins
6-minute epoxy Toothpicks Mixing sticks
Mixing cups Hobby knife (#11 blade)
Ο 1. Use a ruler to mark the center of the trailing edge
of the stabilizer. Measure 13/32-inch each side of
center and make a mark using a felt-tip pen.
Ο 2. Use a square to transfer the centerline to the
leading edge, then make a mark 1-1/8-inches
each side of the center.
Ο 3. Slide the stabilizer into the fuselage and align the
marks made with the fuselage sides.
Ο 4. Use a felt-tipped pen to mark the bottom of the
stabilizer along the fuselage sides.
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Ο 5. Remove the stabilizer and use a hobby knife with
#11 blade to remove a section of covering
approximately 1/4- inch inside the marked lines,
and the leading and trailing edges.
Ο 6. Prepare six elevator hinges by folding them in
half to form a crease.
Ο 7. Slide the elevator into the fuselage and insert the
six hinges.
Ο 8. Slide the stabilizer into the fuselage. First install the
right side inboard hinge, by angling the elevator
as shown.
Ο 9. Then install the left inboard hinge by angling the
elevator the opposite direction.
Ο 10. Next, insert the left and right center and outboard
hinges in the stabilizer.
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Ο 11. Align the elevator with the stabilizer and apply
2 - 3 drops of thin CA to each hinge. Do not use
accelerator on the hinges as the CA needs to
penetrate the hinge for a complete bond.
Ο 12. Using the marks made in steps 1, 2 and 4, check
that the stabilizer is aligned with the fuselage.
Apply several drops of thin CA to each side of the
joint to glue the stabilizer in place.
Ο 13. Locate the tailwheel assembly. Using the supplied
Allen wrench, separate the tailwheel shaft from the
wheel assembly.
Ο 14. Install the tailwheel shaft in the fuselage.
Ο 15. Install two hinges in the rudder. Mix a small
amount of 6-minute epoxy and apply it to the tail
wheel shaft hole in the rudder with a toothpick,
then slide the rudder assembly on to the fin.
Use rubbing alcohol to clean any excess epoxy.
Use a T-pin in the center of each hinge to ensure
that it remains centered during installation.
E-flite Stearman P -17 15e ARF Assembly Manual 77

Ο 16. Apply a few drops of thin CA to each rudder
hinge. Do not use accelerator on the hinges so the
CA can penetrate the hinges completely.
Ο 17. Install the tailwheel using the supplied 1.5mm
Allen wrench. Apply a small amount of threadlock
to the setscrew before installation to prevent it from
vibrating loose.
Rudder and Elevator Pushrod Installation
Parts Required
Fuselage assembly
levator pushrod wire, 16-1/2-inch (419mm)
Rudder pushrod wire, 17-3/4-inch (451mm)
Nylon control horn backplate (2)
2mm x 10mm machine screw (4)
Nylon control horn (2) Nylon clevis (2)
Nylon pushrod keeper (2) Silicone keeper (2)
ools Required
Pin vise 1/16-inch drill bit
Pliers Ruler
Felt-tipped pen Thin CA
Philips screwdriver #0 Sidecutters
Ο 1. Locate the rudder and elevator pushrods. The
longer pushrod is for the rudder and installed on
the left hand side. The shorter pushrod is installed
on the right hand side for the elevator.
Insert the pushrods in the guide tubes by feeding
them into the fuselage through the opening in the
center of the firewall.
Ο 2. Use a 1/16-inch drill bit in a pin vise to enlarge
the outer hole in the rudder servo arm and the
inner hole in the elevator servo arm.
Ο 3. Fit the pushrods to the servo arms and secure with
the pushrod keepers. Note that the elevator
pushrod is installed inverted so that the bend in the
wire does not contact the servo case.
E-flite Stearman P -17 15e ARF Assembly Manual
88
Use threadlock on all metal-to-metal fasteners to
keep them from vibrating loose.

Ο 4. Use a pair of pliers to place a bend in the rudder
pushrod so that the threaded end is 1/2-inch from
the fuselage side.
Ο 5. Use a pair of sidecutters to prepare a control horn
for the rudder by cutting off one corner.
Ο 6. Install a silicone keeper and clevis on the rudder
pushrod so that the clevis pin is aligned with the
rudder hinge line.
Ο 7. Connect the clevis to the control horn. Hold the
control horn in position against the rudder and
mark the screw locations with a felt-tipped pen.
Ο 8. Use the marks and the control horn as reference to
drill the mounting holes with a pin vise and 1/16-
inch drill bit.
Ο 9. Apply 1 - 2 drops of thin CA to each screw hole to
strengthen the wood and stop it from crushing.
E-flite Stearman P -17 15e ARF Assembly Manual 99

Ο 10. Install the rudder control horn and backing plate
with two 2mm x 10mm machine screws using a
#0 Philips screwdriver.
Ο 11. Place a silicone keeper on the elevator pushrod,
then thread on a clevis until the clevis pin is
aligned with the elevator hinge line.
Ο 14. Apply 1 - 2 drops of thin CA to each screw hole
to strengthen the wood and stop it crushing
when the horn is installed.
Ο 15. Install the elevator control horn and backing plate
with two 2mm x 10mm machine screws using a
#0 Philips screwdriver.
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Ο 12. Connect a control horn to the clevis at the second
hole from the bottom and mark the screw holes on
the elevator with a felt-tipped pen.
Ο 13. Use a 1/16-inch drill bit in a pin vise to make the
holes for the control horn screws.

Landing Gear Installation
Parts Required
Landing gear (left and right)
Fuselage assembly
6-32 x 3/8-inch Allen bolts (4)
#6 washers (4)
ools Required
7/64-inch balldriver or Allen wrench
Threadlock
ΟΟ 1. With the fuselage inverted, insert the landing
gear into the fuselage until the mounting holes
align with the holes in the fuselage.
ΟΟ 2. Using a 7/64-inch balldriver, secure the
landing gear with two 6-32 x 3/8-inch Allen
bolts and #6 washers. Use threadlock on the
bolts to prevent them from vibrating loose.
Ο 3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the opposite side.
Cabane Strut and Center Section Installation
Parts Required
Cabane struts (4) Fuselage assembly
Wing center section #4 steel washers (4)
4-40 x 1/4-inch Allen bolts (8)
4-40 x 3/8-inch Allen bolts (4)
ools Required
3/32-inch balldriver or Allen wrench
Threadlock
Ο 1. Use a 3/32-inch balldriver to install each of the
four cabane struts to the fuselage with 4-40 x
1/4-inch Allen bolts. Apply a small amount of
threadlock to each bolt to prevent them from
vibrating loose.
Note: All cabane struts are the same.
E-flite Stearman P -17 15e ARF Assembly Manual 1111
Use threadlock on all metal-to-metal fasteners to
keep them from vibrating loose.

Ο 2. Place the wing center section inverted on the work
surface. Lower the fuselage onto the center section
and align the upper ends of the cabane struts with
the mounting locations. Use a 3/32-inch balldriver
to install the four 4-40 x 3/8-inch Allen bolts and
#4 washers. Apply a small amount of threadlock to
the bolts to prevent them from vibrating loose.
Aileron Servo Installation
Parts Required
Lower wing panels (L and R)
Micro servos with hardware (2)
2mm x 10mm sheet metal screws (8)
Servo mounting blocks (4) Control horns (2)
Radio system JR MatchMaker
ools Required
Philips screwdriver #0 6-minute epoxy
Mixing cups Mixing sticks
Paper towels Rubbing alcohol
Thin CA Medium CA
Pencil Sidecutters
Pin vise 1/16-inch drill bit
Low-tack tape
Ο 1. Prepare the aileron servos by installing the
rubber grommets and bushings.
Ο 2. Use a #0 screwdriver to remove the small arms
from the servos. Using sidecutters, remove three
arms from a larger servo arm, leaving one long
arm. Center the servos using your radio system or
JR MatchMaker and install an arm on each servo,
one opposite to the other.
ΟΟ 3. Remove the aileron hatch from the wing.
E-flite Stearman P -17 15e ARF Assembly Manual
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ΟΟ 4. Hold the servo in place on the underside of the
hatch with the arm centered in the opening and
aligned with the edge of the hatch.
ΟΟ 5. Use a pencil to mark the location of the servo
mounting tabs.
ΟΟ 6. Use medium CA or 6-minute epoxy to glue the
servo mounting blocks to the aileron hatch.
ΟΟ 7. Place the servo on the hatch and use a pencil to
mark the servo mounting holes.
ΟΟ 8. Use a 1/16-inch drill bit in a pin vise to make
the servo mounting holes.
ΟΟ 9. Apply 2-3 drops of thin CA to each hole to
strengthen the wood.
E-flite Stearman P -17 15e ARF Assembly Manual 1133

1144E-flite Stearman P -17 15e ARF Assembly Manual
ΟΟ 10. Using a #0 Philips screwdriver, install the
aileron servo to the hatch with the screws
provided with the servo.
ΟΟ 11. Use a 1/16-inch drill bit in a pin vise to
enlarge the outer hole in the servo arm.
ΟΟ 12. Remove the tape from the string near the
aileron servo opening in the wing. Tape or tie
the string to the aileron servo lead. and use it
to pull the lead through the wing.
ΟΟ 13. Use the string to pull the aileron servo lead
through the wing.
ΟΟ 14. Apply 1-2 drops of thin CA to each of the
aileron hatch mounting holes in the wing.
ΟΟ 15. Using a #0 Philips screwdriver, attach the
aileron servo and hatch to the wing with four
2mm x 10mm sheet metal screws.
Ο 16. Repeat steps 3 through 15 for the opposite wing.

Aileron Installation
Parts Required
Lower wing panels w/ailerons (L & R)
CA hinges (6)
ools Required
Thin CA Felt-tipped pen
ΟΟ 1. Prepare three CA hinges by inserting a T-pin in
the center of each hinge.
ΟΟ 2. Remove the tape holding the aileron to the wing
and separate the aileron. Insert a hinge into
each of the hinge slots in the leading edge of
the aileron.
ΟΟ 3. Slide the aileron hinges into the hinge slots in
the trailing edge of the lower wing panel.
ΟΟ 4. Slide the aileron and wing panel together on
the hinges then remove the T-pins.
ΟΟ 5. Align the trailing edge of the aileron with the
trailing edge of the wing. Slide the aileron left
or right as necessary to maintain an even gap
at each end of the aileron.
E-flite Stearman P -17 15e ARF Assembly Manual 1155

1166E-flite Stearman P -17 15e ARF Assembly Manual
ΟΟ 6. Apply a few drops of thin CA to each of the
three aileron hinges. Do not use accelerator as
the CA needs to penetrate the hinges fully for a
complete bond.
Ο 7. Repeat steps 1 through 6 for the opposite lower
wing panel.
Aileron Linkage Installation
Parts Required
Lower wing panels w/ailerons (L & R)
Aileron wire pushrods, 1-5/8-inch (41mm) (2)
2mm x 10mm sheet metal screws (4)
Nylon control horn (2) Nylon clevis (2)
Silicone keeper (2)
ools Required
1/16-inch drill bit Pin Vise
Felt-tipped pen Low-tack tape
Philips screwdriver #0
ΟΟ 3. Attach a control horn to the clevis and mark the
mounting hole locations with a felt-tipped pen.
ΟΟ 2. Insert the pushrod into the outer hole in the
servo arm and adjust the clevis so that the clevis
pin is aligned with the aileron hinge line.
ΟΟ 1. Install a silicone keeper and nylon clevis on to a
1-5/8-inch (41mm) aileron pushrod.

ΟΟ 4. Use a 1/16-inch drill bit in a pin vise to drill the
control horn mounting holes. Use care not to
drill all the way through the aileron.
ΟΟ 5. Apply 2–3 drops of thin CA to each hole to
strengthen the wood and prevent the screws
vibrating loose.
Use a low-tack tape ‘flag’ on the drill bit to prevent
drilling all the way through the aileron. For the
PT-17 a depth of 3/8-inch works well.
ΟΟ 6. Use a #0 Philips screwdriver to install the control
horn to the aileron with 2mm x 10mm sheet
metal screws.
Ο 7. Repeat steps 1 to 6 for the oppposite wing panel.
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E-flite Stearman P -17 15e ARF Assembly Manual
Motor and ESC Installation
Parts Required
Motor with mounting hardware Fuselage assembly
1/2-inch (13mm) spacers SC
4-40 x 1 inch Allen bolts (4) #4 washers (4)
Cable tie (not included) Hook and loop tape
ools Required
Philips screwdriver #1 3/32-inch balldriver
Threadlock
Ο 1. Use hook and loop tape to attach the SC
to the lower side of the motor box.

1188E-flite Stearman P -17 15e ARF Assembly Manual
Ο 2. Using a #1 Philips screwdriver, install the motor
mount using the screws supplied with the motor.
Use threadlock on the screws to prevent them
loosening due to vibration.
Ο 3. Using a 3/32-inch balldriver, install the motor and
1/2-inch (13mm) spacers on the firewall with four
4-40 x 1 inch Allen bolts and #4 washers. Use
threadlock on the bolts to prevent them loosening
due to vibration. The motor wires should exit
towards the bottom of the fuselage.
Cowling Installation
Parts Required
Fuselage assembly Cowling
2mm x 10mm sheet metal screws (4)
Cockpit hatch
ools required
Pin vise 1/16-inch drill bit
Manila card stock Felt-tipped pen
Low-tack masking tape Thin CA
Philips screwdriver #0 Punch or awl
Ο 1. Replace the cockpit hatch on the fuselage. Use a
felt-tipped pen to mark the center of each of the
four cowl mounting blocks.
Ο 4. Connect the three motor wires to the SC wires.
Ο 5. Use a cable tie to organize the motor and SC
wires on the left side of the firewall.

Ο 2. Use a 1/16-inch drill bit in a pin vise to drill a
hole in the center of each cowl mounting block.
Ο 3. Prepare four 2” x 1/2-inch alignment tabs from
manila card stock. At the end of each tab use a
punch or an awl to form a hole.
Ο 4. Use low-tack masking tape to tape the alignment
tabs to the fuselage with their holes centered over
the holes in the cowl mounting blocks.
Ο 5. Install the cowling on the fuselage, making sure
that the alignment tabs are on the outside of the
cowl. Use the cowl opening as an alignment guide
by centering it on the motor.
Ο 6. Verify that the motor can rotate without contacting
the cowling, then secure the cowling to the fuselage
with low-tack tape.
Ο 7. Use a felt-tipped pen to mark the mounting hole
locations on the cowling.
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2200E-flite Stearman P -17 15e ARF Assembly Manual
Ο 8. Remove the cowling. Use a 1/16-inch drill bit in a
pin vise to drill the mounting holes at the marked
locations on the cowling.
Ο 9. Use a #0 Philips screwdriver to attach the cowling
to the fuselage with four 2mm x 10mm sheet
metal screws.
Ο 10. Remove the cowling and apply 1-2 drops of thin
CA to each of the mounting holes.
We recommend that this be done after the
cowl has been mounted and the screws have
formed a thread in the blocks. This will prevent
them from splitting.
Interplane Strut and ransport Jig Installation
Parts Required
Upper and lower wing panels (L & R)
Upper carbon wing tube, 14-3/8-inch (365mm)
Lower carbon wing tube, 10-5/8-inch (270mm)
4-40 x 1/4-inch Allen bolts (8)
4-40 x 3/8-inch Allen bolts (4)
Fuselage assembly Interplane struts (2)
Wing transport jigs Rubber bands (4)
#4 washers (12)
ools Required
3/32-inch balldriver Threadlock
Ο 1. Install the upper and lower wing joiner tubes in the
center section and fuselage. The upper tube is 14-
3/8-inches (365mm) long. The lower is 10- 5/8-
inches (70mm).