GREAT PLAINS Citabria User manual

Champaign, Illinois
[phone], Ext 5
airsuppor[email protected]
GPMA1435
READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT
INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.
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
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.
© 2014 Great Planes Model Mfg. A subsidiary of Hobbico, Inc.
Wingspan: 85 in [2160mm] Weight: 14.5 – 16.5 lb [ 6570 – 7480 g]
Motor: Great Planes RimFire 1.60 (63-62-250) Outrunner Brushless
Length: 62 in [1575mm]
Wing Area: 116 8 in 2[75.3 dm2]
Wing Loading: 29– 33 oz/ft2 [88– 101 g/dm2]
SPECIFICATIONS
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Radio: 5-channel minimum
Engine: 1.8 - 2 cu in [30 - 35cc] two-stroke gasoline engine
WARRANTY
Great Plane
s
®
Model Manufacturing Co.
®
guarantees this kit to
b
e free from defects in both material and workmanshi
p
at the
date of purchase. This warrant
y
does not cover an
y
component
p
arts damaged by use or modification. In no case shall
G
reat
Planes’ liabilit
y
exceed the ori
gi
nal cost of the
pu
rchased kit.
F
urther, Great Planes reserves the right to change or modify this
warranty without notice.
In that Great Planes has no control over the final assembl
y
or
material used
f
or
f
inal assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor
accepted for any damage resulting from the use by the user of
t
his kit immediately in new and unused condition to the
p
lace of
p
urchase.
T
o make a warrant
y
claim send the defective part or item to
Hobb
y
Services at the address belo
w:
Hobb
y
Services
3
002 N. A
p
ollo Dr. Suite 1
C
hampaign IL 61822 US
A
Include a letter stating your name, return shipping address, as
W
i
ngspan
:
85 in
[2
1
6
0
mm
]
W
eight
:
14
.
5
–
1
6
.5
5
l
l
b
b
[
[
65
6
7
0
–
7480
g
]
Mo
to
r:
Great Planes RimFire 1.60 (63-62-250) Outrunner Brushles
s
L
engt
h
:
62
i
n
[
15
7
5
mm
]
W
i
n
g
Are
a:
116 8
i
n
2
[
7
5
.
3
d
m
2
]
W
i
ng Load
i
ng
:
2
9
–
33
o
z/
f
t
2
[
8
8
–
10
1
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dm
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S
PE
C
IFI
C
ATI
O
N
S
Ra
di
o:
5-
ch
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ne
l
mi
ni
mu
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m
En
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ine
:
1.8 - 2 cu in
[
30 - 35cc
]
two-
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ke
g
asoline en
g
in
e

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Radio Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Engine Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Motor Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Pilot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Required Hardware and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Optional Supplies and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
KIT INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
KIT CONTENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
PREPARATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
ASSEMBLE THE WING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Install the Stabilizer and Rudder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Install the Elevator and Rudder Servos . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Mount the Tail Wheel, Bracket and Support Wires . . 14
ELECTRIC MOTOR INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
INSTALL THE ENGINE, THROTTLE/CHOKE
SERVOS AND IGNITION SWITCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
INSTALL THE COWL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
INSTALL THE WHEELS, WHEEL PANTS
AND WING STRUTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
COMPLETE THE RADIO INSTALLATION. . . . . . . . . . . 31
INSTALL THE COCKPIT, PILOT AND SPINNER . . . . . 32
APPLY THE DECALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Check the Control Directions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Set the Control Throws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Balance the Model (C.G.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Balance the Model Laterally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
PREFLIGHT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Identify Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Charge the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Balance Propellers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Ground Check and Range Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
AMA SAFETY CODE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
CHECK LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
FLYING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Fuel Mixture Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
FIREWALL TEMPLATES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
INTRODUCTION
Great Planes is very proud to bring you the Citabria. This is
a great flying model that you will enjoy and will turn heads at
the flying field. We have made a realistic airplane that has no
bad flight characteristics. We believe you will be very pleased
with the final product.
For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to
the Giant Scale Citabria ARF visit the Great Planes web site
at www.greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then
select the Giant Scale Citabria 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 fly 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
flying near full-scale aircraft and avoid flying near or over
groups of people.
IMAA
The Great Planes Giant Scale Citabria ARF is an excellent
sport-scale model and is eligible to fly in IMAA events. The
IMAA (International Miniature Aircraft Association) is an
organization that promotes non-competitive flying of giant-
scale models. If you plan to attend an IMAA event, obtain a
copy of the IMAA Safety Code by contacting the IMAA at
the address or telephone number below, or by logging on to
their web site at:
IMAA
205 S. Hilldale Road
Salina, KS 67401
Tele. [phone]
www.fly-imaa.org/imaa/sanction.html
Scale Competition
Though the Great Planes Citabria is an ARF and may not
have the same level of detail as an “all-out” scratch-built
competition model, it is a scale model nonetheless and is
therefore eligible to compete in the Fun Scale class in AMA
competition (we receive many favorable reports of Great
Planes ARFs in scale competition!). In Fun Scale, the “builder

3
of the model” rule does not apply. To receive the five points for
scale documentation, the only proof required that a full size
aircraft of this type in this paint/markings scheme did exist is
a single sheet such as a kit box cover from a plastic model,
a photo, or a profile painting, etc. If the photo is in black and
white other written documentation of color must be provided.
Contact the AMA for a rule book with full details.
If you would like photos of the full-size Citabria for scale
documentation, or if you would like to study the photos to add
more scale details, photo packs are available from:
Bob’s Aircraft Documentation Tele: [phone]
3114 Yukon Ave Fax: [phone]
Costa Mesa, CA 92626 bobsairdoc.com
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Protect Your Model, Yourself & Others…
Follow These Important Safety Precautions
1. Your Citabria 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
Citabria, 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 unflyable 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 use an R/C radio system that is in good condition,
a correctly sized engine, and other components as specified
in this instruction manual. All components must be correctly
installed so that the model operates correctly on the ground
and in the air. You must check the operation of the model
and all components before every flight.
5. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not flown this type
of model before, we recommend that you get the assistance
of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for your first flights.
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.
6. While this kit has been flight tested to exceed normal use,
if the plane will be used for extremely high stress flying, 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.
7. WARNING: The cowl and other miscellaneous parts included
in this kit are made of fiberglass, the fibers of which may cause
eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation. Never blow into a
part to remove fiberglass 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 fiberglass
parts. Vacuum the parts and the work area thoroughly after
working with fiberglass parts.
We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top quality,
thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but ultimately the
quality and flyability of your finished model depends on how
you build it; therefore, we cannot in any way guarantee the
performance of your completed model, and no representa-
tions are expressed or implied as to the performance or
safety of your completed model.
NOTE: Some technically-minded modelers who wish to
check the wing, stab and motor thrust angles may do so by
visiting the web site at www.greatplanes.com and clicking
on “Technical Data.”
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 finish the CITABRIA
that may require planning or decision making before starting
to build. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.
Radio Equipment
The Citabria can be flown with a minimum of a five channel radio.
For our installation we used six channels. One channel each
was used for the throttle, choke, elevator, rudder, ailerons, flaps.
Recommended servos: All control surfaces require the use
of a high-quality servo of at least 85 oz-in of torque. A servo
of 40 oz-in of torque can be used for the throttle, and choke.
❍Control surfaces – Futaba 3305 (FUTM0045)
❍Throttle and choke – Futaba 9001 (FUTM0075)
❍Two 20" [500mm] Heavy-Duty Servo Extensions
(FUTM4147) for the ailerons and two 8" [200mm] Heavy
Duty Servo Extensions for the flaps.
❍Depending on your choice of receiver and the number
of channels you will be using, you may have to use “Y”
harnesses (FUTM4135) on the aileron and flaps.
❍3200 mAh NiCd receiver battery or equivalent
(FUTM1285).
❍2 - Heavy duty switch harness (FUTM4385).
❍2 - Earnst Charge Receptacle (ERNM3001).
Engine Recommendations
The recommended engine size range for the Citabria is a 30 –
35cc [1.8 - 2 ci.] two-stroke gasoline engine. We used the DLE
30 engine for our model. Other engines can also be used but
you may need to make modifications for mounting those engines.
❍J'TEC Radiowave Wrap Around Pitts Muffler DLE30
(JTCG2100)

4
Motor Recommendations
❍Great Planes RimFire 1.60 63-62-250 Outrunner
Brushless (GPMG4795)
❍Great Planes large motor mount (GMPG1260)
❍Great Planes 80A Brushless ESC (GPMM1860)
❍Great Planes 6mm Male/4mm Female Bullet Adapter
(GPMM3119)
❍Two - FlightPower LiPo Pro50 4S 14.8V 5000mAh 50C
❍Spinner Adapter Kit (GPMQ4589)
Pilot
❍Great Planes 1/4 scale sport pilot figure (GPMQ9010)
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED
Required Hardware and Accessories
This is the list of hardware and accessories required to finish
the CITABRIA. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.
❍R/C foam rubber (1/4" [6mm] - HCAQ1000, or 1/2" [13mm]
- HCAQ1050)
❍1 oz. [30g] Thin Pro CA (GPMR6002)
❍1 oz. [30g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6008)
❍Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)
❍Pro 6-minute epoxy (GPMR6045)
❍Silver solder w/flux (STAR2000)
❍Hobbico Soldering Iron 60 Watt (HCAR0776)
❍#1 Hobby knife (XACR4325)
❍#11 blades (5-pack, XACR0211)
❍R/C-56 canopy glue (JOZR5007)
❍Duratrax Shoe Goo (DTXC2460) or other silicone glue
❍Masking tape
❍Threadlocker thread locking cement (GPMR6060)
❍Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❍Rotary tool such as Dremel
❍Rotary tool reinforced cut-off wheel (GPMR8200)
❍Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 3/32" [2.4mm], 1/8" [3.2mm],
3/16" [4.8mm], 1/4" [6mm]
❍One package of 3' x 1/8" I.D. Tygon fuel tubing (DUBQ0493)
❍Fuel barbs (DUBQ0672)
Tools and Building Supplies
Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the Citabria.
❍21st Century sealing iron (COVR2700)
❍21st Century iron cover (COVR2702)
❍2 oz. [57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❍4 oz. [113g] aerosol CA activator (GPMR634)
❍Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❍Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❍Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES
●There are three types of screws used in this kit:
Sheet Metal Screws are designated by a number and a
length. For example #6 3/4" [19mm].
This is a number six screw
that is 3/4" [19mm] long.
Machine Screws are designated by a number,
threads per inch, and a length. For example
4-40 3/4" [19mm].
This is a number four screw
that is 3/4" [19mm] long with
forty threads per inch.
Socket Head Cap Screws (SHCS) are designated by a
number, threads per inch, and a length. For example
4-40 3/4" [19mm].
This is a 4-40 SHCS that
is 3/4" [19mm] long with
forty threads per inch.
●When you see the term test fit in the instructions, it means
that you should first position the part on the assembly
without using any glue, then slightly modify or custom
fit the part as necessary for the best fit.
●Whenever the term glue is written you should rely upon
your experience to decide what type of glue to use. When
a specific type of adhesive works best for that step, the
instructions will make a recommendation.
●Whenever just epoxy is specified you may use either
30-minute (or 45-minute) epoxy or 6-minute epoxy. When
30-minute epoxy is specified 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 Giant Scale Citabria is factory-covered with Top Flite
MonoKote film. 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.
Missile Red TOPQ0201
Jet White TOPQ0204
Black TOPQ0208
●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

5
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 fly,
please expect slight deviations between your model and
the published values.
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.
Great Planes Product Support
3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1 Ph: [phone], ext. 5
Champaign, IL 61822 Fax: [phone]
E-mail: airsuppor[email protected]
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS
Replacement parts for the Great Planes Citabria 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. Select “Where to Buy” in the menu
across the top of the page and follow the instructions provided
to locate a U.S., Canadian or International dealer.
Parts may also be ordered directly from Hobby Services by
calling [phone], or via facsimile at [phone], but
full retail prices and shipping and handling charges will apply.
Illinois and Nevada residents will also be charged sales tax.
If ordering via fax, include a Visa®or MasterCard®number
and expiration date for payment.
Mail parts orders 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 productsupport@greatplanes.
com, or by telephone at [phone].
Order No. Description
Wing Set
Fuselage
Horizontal Stabilizer
Vertical Stabilizer
Cowl
Landing Gear
Wheel Pants
Hatch
Tailwheel Assembly
Spinner
Wing Tube
Wing Struts
Bracket Set
Decals
GPMA4535
GPMA4536
GPMA4537
GPMA4538
GPMA4539
GPMA4540
GPMA4541
GPMA4542
GPMA4543
GPMA4544
GPMA4545
GPMA4546
GPMA4547
GPMA4548
REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST
KIT CONTENTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Wing Halves
Fuselage
Horizontal Stabilizer
Fin
Tailwheel Assembly
Cockpit Floor
Cockpit Seat Backs
Spinner
Fuel Tank
Main Landing Gear
Wheel Pants
Interplane Struts
Decal Sheet
Wing Tube
Wing Struts
Kit Contents
1
1
8
9
7
10
12 11
13
14
15
6
2
4
3
5

6
PREPARATIONS
❏ 1.
If you have not done so already, remove the major parts
of the kit from the box and inspect for damage. If any parts are
damaged or missing, contact Product Support at the address or
telephone number listed in the “Kit Inspection” section on page 5.
❏ 2. Use a covering iron with a covering sock on high heat
to tighten the covering if necessary. Do this for all of the
components of the model. Apply pressure over sheeted areas
to thoroughly bond the covering to the wood.
ASSEMBLE THE WING
Note: Throughout this instruction manual you will be instructed
to use screws to secure different parts. In all cases, whenever
a screw is threaded into wood sheeting or wood blocks we
recommend that you install the screw and then remove it.
Apply a drop of thin CA glue into the hole to harden the threads.
After the glue has hardened, re-install the screw. Following this
step will insure that you have a solid thread for your screws.
Begin with your left wing panel first so your assembly
matches the photos in the manual.
❏ ❏ 1. Install the grommets and eyelets into the servo and
then attach a 20" [500mm] servo extension to your aileron
servo. Secure it with heat shrink tubing, tape or other method
for securing them together.
❏ ❏ 2. Install a 8" [200mm] servo extension to your flap
servo. Secure it with heat shrink tubing, tape or other method
for securing them together.
❏ ❏ 3. Remove the tape
holding the servo covers
to the bottom of the wing.
Locate two 5/16" x 3/4"
x 3/4" [8mm x 19mm x
19mm] hardwood blocks.
Place your servo on the
cover, centering the servo
arm in the slot. Adjust the
positioning of the blocks for
your brand of servo.
❏ ❏ 4. Glue the blocks to the servo cover. Once the glue
has cured, drill a 1/16" [1.6mm] hole through the cover and
into the servo mounting blocks Secure the block to the cover
with a #2 x 3/8" [#2 x 9.5mm] wood screw. Do this for both of
the servo covers.
❏ ❏ 5. If you haven’t already, center the servos and install
the servo arm onto your servos. The servos require a 3/4"
[19mm] servo arm (typically the longest servo arm with your
servo). Place your servo onto the mounting blocks. Drill a
1/16" [1.6mm] hole through the servo mounting tabs into the
mounting blocks. Secure the servos to the mounting blocks
with the screws that came with your servos.
❏ ❏ 6. Inside the aileron and flap servo compartment you
will find a string. Tie the string to the servo lead. The other
end of the string is taped to the root wing of the rib. Pull the
leads through the wing.

7
❏ ❏ 7. Install the servo cover to the wing securing them to
the wing with four #2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] screws and four #2 flat
washers.
❏ ❏ 8. Tape the servo lead to the top of the wing to prevent
the leads from falling back into the wing.
❏ ❏ 9. Located in both the aileron and the flap is a plywood
mounting plate. If you look at the control surface at a slight
angle you will be able to see the plate through the covering.
❏ ❏ 10. Place a black nylon control horn onto the plywood
mounting plate in the aileron in line with the servo arm.
Drill a 3/32" [2.4mm] hole through each of the holes in the
control horn. Drill only through the plywood plate. Do not
drill through the top of the control surface. Mount the horn
with four #4 x 3/8" [10mm] screws.
❏ ❏ 11. Each aileron and flap pushrod are made from a
5-3/4" [146mm] 4-40 pushrod wire threaded on one end, a
threaded metal clevis, a 4-40 nut, a metal solder clevis and
two silicone clevis keepers.
❏ ❏ 12. Screw the 4-40 nut and the threaded metal clevis
onto the pushrod wire. Attach the clevis to the second hole
down on the control horn. Attach the metal solder clevis into
the outer hole of the aileron servo arm. Center the aileron
servo arm and the aileron. Mark on the pushrod wire where
to cut the wire. Remove all of the pushrod wire components.
Solder the metal solder clevis to the pushrod. If you are not
familiar with soldering, read the Expert Tip that follows.

8
HOW TO SOLDER
1. Roughen the end of the pushrod with coarse sandpaper
where it is to be soldered. Use denatured alcohol or other
solvent to thoroughly clean the pushrod.
2. Apply a few drops of soldering flux to the end of the
pushrod, and then use a soldering iron or a torch to heat
it. “Tin” the heated area with silver solder by applying the
solder to the end. The heat of the pushrod should melt the
solder – not the flame of the torch or soldering iron – thus
allowing the solder to flow. The end of the wire should be
coated with solder all the way around.
3. Place the clevis on the end of the pushrod. Add another
drop of flux, then heat and add solder. The same as before,
the heat of the parts being soldered should melt the solder,
thus allowing it to flow. Allow the joint to cool naturally
without disturbing. Avoid excess blobs, but make certain
the joint is thoroughly soldered. The solder should be shiny,
not rough. If necessary, reheat the joint and allow to cool.
4. Immediately after the solder has solidified, but while it
is still hot, use a cloth to quickly wipe off the flux before
it hardens. Important: After the joint cools, coat the joint
with oil to prevent rust. Note: Do not use the acid flux that
comes with silver solder for electrical soldering.
This is what a properly soldered clevis looks like –
shiny solder with good flow, no blobs and flux removed.
❏ ❏ 13. Once the solder has cooled slide a silicone clevis
keeper over each clevis. Install the pushrod wire assembly to
the aileron servo arm and aileron control horn.
❏ ❏ 14. The flap control horn needs to be modified. Trim a
control horn as shown. A high speed motor tool works well
for this.
❏ ❏ 15. Install the modified control horn to the flap. However,
the flap horn is rotated 180° from the direction the aileron
horn was installed. Install the horn using the same method
used for the aileron. Make sure the base of the horn is even
with the flap leading edge.
❏ ❏ 16. Screw the 4-40 nut and the threaded metal clevis
onto the pushrod wire. Attach the clevis to the second hole
down on the control horn. Attach the metal solder clevis into
the outer hole of the flap servo arm. For the flap servo you
will not center the servo. Instead, make sure the flap is fully
closed to the bottom of the wing.Then position the servo arm
so that it is rotated toward the wing trailing edge. Now you can
proceed with making the pushrod wire assembly.
Mark on the pushrod wire where to cut the wire. Remove
all of the pushrod wire components. Solder the metal solder
clevis to the pushrod. Once the solder has cooled slide a
silicone clevis keeper over each clevis. Install the pushrod
wire assembly to the servo arm and control horn.
❏ 17. Repeat steps 1-16 for the right wing.

9
❏ 18. The kit includes two 5/16" x 1-5/16" [8 x 35mm] wood
dowels and one 5/16" x 1-1/8" [8 x 30mm] wood dowel. Using
5 minute epoxy, glue the two 5/16" x 1-5/16" [8 x 35mm] wood
dowels into the holes in the leading edge of both wings. The
dowels should be completely seated into the hole. This will
allow approximately 5/16" [8mm] to extend out of the wing.
❏ 19.
Using 5 minute epoxy, glue the 5/16" x 1-1/8" [8 x 30mm]
wood dowel into the hole at the trailing edge of the root rib on
either the left or right wing.
❏
20. Once the glue has hardened test fit the two wing halves
together by inserting the wing tube into one of the wings
and then sliding the other wing onto the tube. Once you are
satisfied they fit together well, set the wing aside and move
on to the fuselage assembly.
ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE
❏ 1. Remove the windshield from the front of the fuselage.
It is attached to the fuselage with magnets. Pull forward on
the top of the windshield frame to release the frame from the
fuselage.
❏ 2. Install the landing gear. With the landing gear in place
you will find it easier to handle the fuselage while assembling
the components. Locate the landing gear and the landing
gear doubler plate.

10
❏ 3. Slide the landing gear into the slots in both sides of the
fuselage and place the aluminum doubler onto the landing
gear. Secure the doubler and the landing gear to the fuselage
with ten #6 x 3/4" [19mm] socket head cap screws, #6 lock
washers and #6 flat washers. Apply a drop of thread locker
to each of the screws. NOTE: The landing gear will have a
slight forward sweep when installed correctly.
Install the Stabilizer and Rudder
❏ 1. Locate the stabilizer and vertical fin. Test fit them in
place on the back of the fuselage.
❏ 2. Use a felt tip pen to outline the fin on the top of the
stabilizer and to outline the fuselage on the bottom of the
stabilizer.

11
❏ 3. Remove the fin and stabilizer from the fuselage. Cut the
covering from the stabilizer just inside of the lines you have
drawn. Be careful to only cut through the covering. DO
NOT cut the wood structure. You may find it easiest to cut
the covering away using the Expert Tip “How to Cut Covering
from Balsa”.
HOW TO CUT COVERING FROM BALSA
Use a soldering iron to cut the covering from the stab. The
tip of the soldering iron doesn’t have to be sharp, but a fine
tip does work best. Allow the iron to heat fully.
Use a straightedge to guide the soldering iron at a rate that
will just melt the covering and not burn into the wood. The
hotter the soldering iron, the faster it must travel to melt a
fine cut. Peel off the covering.
❏ 4. Install the wing on top of the fuselage securing it with
two 1/4-20 x 2" [51mm] nylon wing bolts. Glue the horizontal
stabilizer and vertical fin in place on the fuselage with 30
minute epoxy. Any excess glue can be cleaned up with paper
towels and rubbing alcohol. Before the glue hardens check
the alignment of the stab in relation to the wing to be sure
they are aligned with each other. After you are satisfied things
are aligned, leave the parts undisturbed until the glue has
hardened.
❏ 5. Locate six hinges. Apply a drop of oil to each hinge to
prevent glue from getting into the hinge when installing them
in the stabilizer.

12
❏ 6. Mix 1/4 ounce of 30 minute epoxy. Use a toothpick to
apply a small amount of glue into each of the hinge holes
in the stab and both halves of the elevator. Apply 30 minute
epoxy to one side of each of the six hinges and install them in
the holes in the left and right half of the elevator. Clean excess
epoxy with a paper towel and rubbing alcohol. Move quickly
and apply 30 minute epoxy to the other half of the hinge and
then install each elevator to the horizontal stabilizer. Allow
the glue to harden.
❏ 7. Use the same technique to install the rudder to the fin.
Install the Elevator and Rudder Servos
❏
1. Install a 4-40 nut, clevis keeper and 4-40 threaded clevis
onto two 4-40 x 48" [1220mm] threaded wires.
❏ 2. On the bottom of each elevator there is a plywood
plate. Install one of the clevises into the second hole from
the bottom of a control horn. Slide the 4-40 wire into the hole
in the side of the fuselage and the place the control horn onto
the plywood plate. The holes in the control horn should be
aligned over the hinge line.
❏ 3. Once the horn is properly positioned mark the location
of the control horn mounting holes onto the elevator with a felt
tip marker. On each of the marks drill a 3/32" [2.4mm] hole
through the plywood plate. Do not drill through the top of
the elevator!

13
❏ 4.
Install and then remove a #4 x 3/8" sheet metal screw
into each of the holes. Apply a drop of thin CA glue into each of
the holes to harden the threads. Once the glue has hardened
secure the control horn to the elevator with the four screws.
❏ 5. Use the same technique for the remaining elevator half.
❏ 6. Install the grommets and eyelets onto two servos. Cut
three arms from a four arm servo horn, center the servo and
install the horn onto the servo. Install a 4-40 solder clevis into
the outer hole in each of the servo arms. Place the two servos
in the servo tray with the servo arms aligned with the pushrod
wires. Drill a 1/16" [1.6mm] hole through each of the mounting
holes in the two servos. Install and remove a servo mounting
screw into each of the holes you drilled. Apply a drop of thin
CA glue to harden the threads. When the glue has hardened,
secure the servos with the screws.
❏ 7. Center the elevator halves and the two elevator servo
arms. Using the solder clevis as your guide, make a mark on
the pushrod wire where it needs to be cut. Remove the clevis
from the elevator control horn and remove the pushrod from
the fuselage. Do this for both pushrod wires.
Once the wires have been removed cut the wires on the
marks you made. Solder a 4-40 solder clevis to the wire
using the same procedure used on the ailerons. When the
solder has cooled remove the threaded clevis and 4-40 nut
from the threaded end of the wires. Slide a silicone clevis
keeper onto the solder clevis. Re-install the wire through the
front of the fuselage into the pushrod guide tubes. Attach
the clevis from each pushrod wire to the outer hole of the
servo arm. Re-install the nuts and threaded clevises onto
each wire, adjusting them so that the elevators are centered.
Then secure the elevators with the clevises.
❏
8. Install a 4-40 nut, clevis keeper and 4-40 threaded clevis
onto the remaining 4-40 x 48" [1220mm] threaded wire.

14
❏ 9. Just like the elevator there is a plywood plate at the
bottom of the rudder. Install the clevis into the second hole
from the bottom of a control horn. Slide the 4-40 wire into the
hole in the side of the fuselage and the place the control horn
onto the plywood plate. The holes in the control horn should
be aligned over the hinge line.
❏ 10. Once the horn is properly positioned mark the location
of the control horn mounting holes onto the rudder with a felt
tip marker. On each of the marks drill a 3/32" [2.4mm] hole
through the plywood plate. Do not drill through the top of
the rudder!
❏ 11.
Install and then remove a #4 x 3/8" sheet metal screw
into each of the holes. Apply a drop of thin CA glue into each of
the holes to harden the threads. Once the glue has hardened
secure the control horn to the elevator with the four screws.
❏ 12. Install the grommets and eyelets on to a servo. Cut
three arms from a four arm servo horn, center the servo and
install the horn onto the servo. Install a 4-40 solder clevis into
the outer hole in each of the servo arms. Place the servo in
the servo tray with the servo arms aligned with the pushrod
wire. Drill a 1/16" [1.6mm] hole through each of the mounting
holes in the two servos. Install and remove a servo mounting
screw into each of the holes you drilled. Apply a drop of thin
CA glue to harden the threads. When the glue has hardened
secure the servo with the screws.
❏ 13. Center the rudder and the rudder servo arm. Using the
solder clevis as your guide, make a mark on the pushrod wire
where it needs to be cut. Remove the clevis from the rudder
control horn and remove the pushrod from the fuselage. Cut
the wire on the mark you made. Solder a 4-40 solder clevis
to the wire using the same procedure used on the elevators.
When the solder has cooled remove the threaded clevis
and 4-40 nut from the threaded end of the wires. Slide a
silicone clevis keeper onto the solder clevis. Re-install the
wire through the front of the fuselage into the pushrod guide
tubes. Attach the clevis from each pushrod wire to the outer
hole of the servo arm. Re-install the nut and threaded clevis
onto the wire, adjusting it so that the rudder is centered.Then
secure the rudder with the clevis.
Mount the Tail Wheel, Bracket
and Support Wires
❏ 1. Locate all of the components of the tail wheel assembly.
❏ 2. Place the aluminum “T” bracket on the bottom of the
rudder. Mark the location of the mounting holes with a felt tip
marker onto the bottom of the rudder.
❏ 3. Drill a 3/32" [2.4mm] hole into the rudder on each of
the marks. Insert and then remove a #4 x 3/8" [9.5mm] sheet
metal screw into each of the holes you drilled. Apply a drop
of thin CA glue into each of the holes to harden the threads.
Once the glue hardens secure the “T” bracket to the rudder
with two #4 x 3/8" [9.5mm] screws.

15
❏ 4. On the bottom of the fuselage just ahead of the rudder
are two pre-drilled holes. Insert and then remove a #4 x 3/8"
[9.5mm] screw into each of the holes. Apply a drop of thin CA
glue into each of the holes to harden the threads. Once the
glue hardens secure the tail wheel bracket to the fuselage.
❏ 5. Center the rudder and the tail wheel. Secure the two
springs to the arm on the tail wheel assembly and the “T”
bracket by twisting the wire through and around the holes in
the brackets. Keep the tension from the two springs equal on
both sides of the tail wheel bracket.
Brass Crimp
Connector
2-56 Nut
Clevis
Keeper
2-56 Threaded
Clevis
2-56 Brass
Coupler
Braided
Wire
❏ 6. Locate the small spool of braided wire, two 2-56 brass
couplers, two 2-56 nuts, two silicone clevis keepers and two
copper crimp connectors. Slide a crimp connector onto one
end of the braided cable. Insert the braided cable into the hole
in the end of one of the 2-56 brass couplers and loop it back
through the crimp connector. Crimp the connector tightly with
a pliers to secure the connector to the braided cable. Install a
2-56 nut, clevis keeper and 2-56 threaded clevis.
❏ 7. Locate the aluminum tail wire bracket. Position it on
the bottom of the fuselage over the pre-drilled holes. Insert
and then remove a #4 x 3/8 screw into each of the two holes.
Apply a drop of thin CA glue into the holes to harden the
threads. After the glue has hardened, secure the bracket to
the fuselage with the screws.
❏ 8. Attach the clevis to one side of the bracket. Insert the
other end of the wire into the hole in the stab. Continue
inserting the wire into holes in the fin and the opposite side

16
of the stab. Assemble another clevis and brass coupler the
same as you did in step 6. Install the clevis assembly into the
bracket and then insert the wire into the brass coupler, pull
the wire tight and secure the wire with the crimp connector.
Final tensioning of the cable can be done by adjusting the
clevises.
The next few steps cover installation of an electric motor. If
you will be installing a gasoline engine skip ahead to INSTALL
THE ENGINE,THROTTLE/CHOKE SERVOS AND IGNITION
SWITCH on page 19.
ELECTRIC MOTOR INSTALLATION
❏ 1. When installing an electric motor it will require venting
through the fuselage. Inside of the fuselage just behind the
servo tray we have installed air vents. Cut the covering to
reveal the vents.
❏ 2. To install the motor you will need a motor mount.
We recommend the Great Planes large engine mount
(GMPG1260). This mount is strong, lightweight and allows
for infinite adjustment to accommodate most motor brands.
❏ 3. On page 43 of the instruction manual is a paper template
for the Great Planes large engine mount. Cut the pattern from
the manual.Tape the pattern to the firewall, aligning the lines
on the template with the lines on the firewall.
❏ 4. Drill a 1/16" pilot hole on the crosses on the paper and
through the firewall. Remove the template and then drill a
3/16 hole through each of the four pilot holes you drilled.
❏ 5. Install a 8-32 blind nut into each of the four holes you
drilled, installing the blind nuts into the backside of the firewall.
❏ 6. Following the instructions with the motor mount, secure
your motor to the mount. Secure the mount to the firewall with

17
four 8-32 x 3/4" [19mm], flat washers, lock washers and a
drop of threadlocker. When positioning the motor adjust the
mount so that the distance from the front of the firewall to the
front of the drive washer is 6-5/16" [156mm].
❏ 7. Locate the plywood ESC mounting tray. Place the ESC
onto the tray. Mark the location for each of the mounting tabs
onto the tray. Drill a 3/32" [2.4mm] hole on each of the marks.
❏ 8. Secure the ESC to the tray with three #4 x 3/8" [10mm]
screws and #4 flat washers.
❏ 9. Just behind the landing gear is a hardwood stick that will
be used for securing your ESC tray. Slide the tray to the front
of the firewall. Insert the two tabs into the slots in the firewall
to retain the front of the tray and let the back of the tray rest
on the hardwood stick. Drill a 1/16" [1.6mm] hole through the
mounting holes in the tray, into the hardwood stick. Secure
the tray to the stick with three #2 x 3/8" [10mm] screws and
#2 flat washers.
❏ 10. To connect the motor to the ESC you will need three
Great Planes 6mm Male/4mm Female Bullet Adapters
(GPMM3119). Connect the leads from the motor to the ESC.

18
❏ 11.
Included in the kit is a small plywood plate to cover a
portion of the hole that the motor leads pass through. Place the
plate against the firewall and mark the location of the mounting
holes. Drill a 1/16th [1.6mm] hole through the mounting holes in
the plate. Secure the plate with three #2 x 3/8" [10mm] screws
and #2 flat washers.
❏ 12. Your batteries fit nicely on the tray just behind the
firewall. Cut the included hook and loop straps to fit around
the tray and your choice of batteries. The straps can be
inserted through the slots in the tray.
❏ 13. We have included a secondary battery tray. Depending
on your choice of motor and batteries your airplane could be
slightly nose heavy. If this is the case install the secondary
battery tray as shown. It can be secured by drilling a 3/32"
[2.5mm] hole through each of the mounting holes and into the
plywood rails on each side of the fuselage. Secure the tray
with five #4 x 3/8" [10mm] screws. With this tray in place you
have a wide range of positions for installing the batteries and
adjusting the balance of your model without adding weight.
If you installed the Electric Motor skip ahead to INSTALL THE
COWL on page 25.

19
INSTALL THE ENGINE,
THROTTLE/CHOKE SERVOS
AND IGNITION SWITCH
The following engine mounting instructions show the
installation of the DLE30 side exhaust gas engine. An
additional DLE engine, the DLE35, mounts very similar to
the DLE 30.We do make note of the modification required
for installing it in these instructions. The installation of
other brands of engines will be similar and the following
instructions can be used as a guide.
❏ 1. Drill a 3/16" [4.8mm] hole through the firewall at each
location marked with a “+” if you are installing the DLE 30. If
you are installing an engine with a different mounting bolt
pattern the firewall has crosshairs embossed on it to help
locate the correct mounting location.
Note: If you are mounting the DLE 35 RA the “+” marks on the
top of the firewall will match with two of the mounting holes of
the engine.You will need to make measurements for the lower
mounts as they are a bit further apart. Additionally you will
need to remove a part of the triangle stock as shown. Please
use the paper template on page 43 for locating the holes for
the DLE35RA after you have removed the triangle stock. When
installing the rear exhaust muffler with the DLE 35 you will
need to remove a small amount of the bottom of the firewall.
❏ 2. Install engine mounting bolts, flat washers and lock
washers from the back of the firewall. (The mounting hardware
is not included in this kit. It should come with the engine. If
your engine did not include fender washers, purchase four
fender washers to mount the bolts from behind the firewall.
The fender washer helps to better spread the load from the
engine). Apply a drop of thread locker to each bolt before
installing them into the engine stand-offs. The standoffs can
be permanently mounted. The bolts mounting the engine to
the stand-offs should not be permanently installed as they will
be removed several times during the process of installing the
engine. Note: For the DLE 35RA installation you may need
to remove some of the triangle stock from the back side of
the firewall.
❏ 4. For reference, the distance from the front of the firewall
to the front of the drive washer is 6-5/16" [156mm].
Many modelers have their own preferences for connectors
and throttle linkage.We have provided materials for a secure
and safe throttle linkage. We have also included a method to
connect a linkage to the choke. This will require the use of
an additional servo for the choke linkage. Some modelers
may prefer a mechanical choke linkage. Review the following
procedure. Then, modify it as you wish to fit your personal
preferences.

20
❏ 5. Install a 2-56 ball link and 2-56 nuts to both the throttle
and the choke. Be sure to apply a drop of thread locker to the
threads on the ball link.
❏ 6. To properly align the throttle linkage with the throttle
servo you will need to rotate the throttle arm 180°. Remove
the screw, rotate the arm, apply a drop of thread locker to the
screw and re-insert it.
❏ 7. Make marks on the firewall where the throttle, choke
and fuel line will pass through. Remove the engine from the
stand-offs.Then drill a 3/16" [4.8mm] hole through the firewall
for the throttle and choke. Drill a 1/4" [6.4mm] hole on the
mark for the fuel line. (Check the diameter of your fuel line to
be sure that a 1/4" [6.4mm] hole is correct).
❏ 8. Assemble the fuel tank stopper assembly with the fuel
tubes as shown. The easiest way is to first solder a fuel line
barb (not included) onto one end of all three tubes. We used
the 1/8" Dubro Fuel Line Barbs (DUBQ0670). Insert the tubes
into the stopper with the metal plates, and then solder a barb
onto the other end of the two short tubes. Bend the vent
tube and connect the pickup and fueling/defueling lines (not
included) to the short tubes. Connect the clunks to the Tygon
Fuel lines (not included).
❏ 9. Install the fuel tank stopper assembly in the fuel tank.
Check that the clunks move around freely in the fuel tank.
Tighten the fuel tank stopper screw.