GREAT PLANES Pluma 3D User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Wingspan: 32.5 in [830mm]
Wing Area: 518 in2[33.4dm2]
Weight: 8.4 – 9.5 oz [240 – 270g]
Wing Loading: 2.3 – 2.6 oz/ft2[7 – 8g/dm2]
Length: 38 in [955mm]
Radio: 4-channel radio system with micro receiver and three micro servos
Motor & Propeller: RimFire™28-22-1380 with APC 8" x 3.8 slo flyer prop (APCQ5000) or
GWS 8" x 4 (GWSQ2009) -OR-
RimFire 28-26-1000 with GP 10" x 4.5 slo-flyer prop (GPMQ6660)
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.
READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT
INSTRUCTIONS ANDWARNINGS CONCERNINGTHE ASSEMBLY AND USE OFTHIS MODEL.
Champaign, Illinois
[phone], Ext 5
airsuppor[email protected]
Entire Contents © Copyright 2008
WARRANTY
GPMZ1130 for GPMA1130 V1.0
™

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...............................................................2
AMA ..................................................................................2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .................................................2
LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING & USAGE .....................3
DECISIONSYOU MUST MAKE........................................3
Radio Equipment..........................................................3
Motor, Propeller, Battery & ESC Recommendations.......3
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED ....................................4
Required Hardware & Accessories..............................4
Optional Supplies & Tools ............................................4
IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES......................................4
KIT INSPECTION..............................................................5
KIT CONTENTS................................................................5
METRIC/INCH RULER......................................................5
GETTING STARTED.........................................................6
WING INSTALLATION......................................................6
Install the Wings...........................................................6
Link the Ailerons...........................................................7
HORIZONTAL & VERTICAL TAIL INSTALLATION..........8
Install the Horizontal Stabilizer.....................................8
Hinge the Rudder.........................................................9
INSTALL THE SERVOS ..................................................10
PUSHROD & CONTROL HORN INSTALLATION..........10
Install the Control Horns ............................................10
Install the Pushrods....................................................11
MOTOR & ESC INSTALLATION.....................................12
FINAL ASSEMBLY .........................................................13
Install the Wing Braces...............................................13
Install the Aileron Servo.............................................14
Install the Radio, Landing Gear, & Propeller..............15
BALANCETHE MODEL (C.G.) ......................................17
Set the C.G.................................................................17
Balance the Model Laterally.......................................17
SETTHE CONTROLTHROWS & DIRECTION
OFTRAVEL.....................................................................18
Check the Control Directions .....................................18
Set the Control Throws...............................................18
PREFLIGHT....................................................................18
IdentifyYour Model.....................................................18
Charge the Batteries..................................................19
Balance Propellers.....................................................19
Ground Check & Range Check..................................19
MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .................................19
AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts)....................................19
CHECK LIST...................................................................20
FLYING............................................................................20
Takeoff........................................................................21
Flight ..........................................................................21
Landing ......................................................................21
TEMPLATES........................................... Back Cover Page
INTRODUCTION
For the latest technical updates or manual corrections
to the Pluma 3D ARF visit the Great Planes web site at
www.greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link and then
selectthePluma3DARF.Ifthereisnewtechnicalinformation
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.
PROTECTYOUR MODEL,YOURSELF
& OTHERS....FOLLOWTHESE
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1.Your Pluma 3D 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 Pluma 3D ARF, if not assembled and
operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself or
spectators and damage to property.
2.Youmustassemblethemodelaccordingtotheinstructions.
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 first-class
condition, and a correctly sized motor and components
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.

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6.You must check the operation of the model before every
flight to insure that all equipment is operating and that the
model has remained structurally sound. Be sure to check
the pushrods, heat shrink tubing and Z-bends 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 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.
8.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 a motor 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.
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 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.
LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING & USAGE
WARNING!! Read the entire instruction sheet included
with the battery. Failure to follow all instructions
could cause permanent damage to the battery and its
surroundings, and cause bodily harm!
• ONLY use a LiPo approved charger.
• NEVER charge in excess of 4.20V per cell.
• ONLY charge through the “charge” lead. NEVER charge
through the “discharge” lead.
• NEVER charge at currents greater than 1C.
• ALWAYS set charger’s output volts to match battery volts.
• ALWAYS charge in a fireproof location.
• NEVER trickle charge.
• NEVER allow battery temperature to exceed 150° F [65° C].
• NEVER disassemble or modify pack wiring in any way or
puncture cells.
• NEVER discharge below 2.5V per cell.
• NEVER place on combustible materials or leave
unattended during charge or discharge.
• ALWAYS KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
DECISIONSYOU MUST MAKE
This is a partial list of items required to finish the Pluma
3D ARF that may require planning or decision making
before starting to build. Order numbers are provided in
parentheses.
Radio Equipment
A 4-channel radio system with four micro servos and a micro
receiver are required for this plane.
• (3) Futaba®S3114 Micro HT Servo (FUTM0414)
• Futaba 156F Micro FM Receiver (FUTL0641)
• Receiver Crystal (FUTL62/63**)
-OR-
• Futaba R617FS FASST™Receiver (FUTL7621)
Motor, Propeller, Battery
& ESC Recommendations
Based on the type of flying you’ll primarily do, we have listed
two different motor/prop/ESC combinations. The lightest
weight setup is referred to as the “indoor setup,” while the
“outdoor setup” is a bit heavier (better stability to handle
wind gusts).
Indoor
• Motor – RimFire™28-22-1380 (GPMG4505)
• Prop – APC 8" x 3.8 slo flyer prop (APCQ5000) or
GWS 8" x 4 (GWSQ2009)
• Battery – Power Series 11.1V 300mAh LiPo
20C (GPMP0595)
• ESC – Silver Series 8 amp Brushless (GPMM1800)
Outdoor
• Motor – RimFire 28-26-1000 (GPMG4525)
• Prop – GP 10" x 4.5 slo-flyer prop (GPMQ6660)
• Battery – Power Series 11.1V 640mAh LiPo
20C (GPMP0601)
• ESC – Silver Series 12 amp Brushless (GPMM1810)

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED
Required Hardware & Accessories
This is the list of adhesive and building supplies required
to finish the Pluma 3D ARF. Order numbers are provided
in parentheses.
❏1 oz.[30g]Thin Foam-Safe CA (HOTR1040)
❏1 oz.[30g]Thick Foam-Safe CA (HOTR1050)
❏1 oz.[30g] Medium Foam-Safe CA (GPMR6069)
❏1/2 oz.[15g]Thin Pro™CA (GPMR6001)
❏1/2 oz.[15g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007)
❏Drill bits: #57 [1mm], 1/16" [1.6mm]
❏#1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❏#11 Blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)
❏Hobbico®steelT-pins 1" (100) (HCAR5100)
❏Great Planes ProThreadlocker (GPMR6060)
❏CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❏150-grit Sandpaper
❏Bru Line hemostat – curved 5-1/2" (BRUR1303)
❏Hobbico flexible 18" ruler stainless steel (HCAR0460)
❏Builder’s triangle set (HCAR0480)
❏2 oz.[57g] Spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
Optional Supplies &Tools
Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the Pluma 3D ARF.
❏Great Planes double-sided servo tape 1" x 3' (GPMQ4442)
❏Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)
❏Denatured alcohol
❏Rotary tool such as Dremel®with cutoff wheel
❏PolyCharge4™LiPo battery charger (GPMM3015)
❏Hobbico 12Volt DC power supply (HCAP0250)
❏Equinox™1 to 5 cell LiPo cell balancer (GPMM3160)
IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES
• 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.
• 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 stabilizer and wing incidences and motor 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 fly, please expect slight
deviations between your model and the published values.
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KIT INSPECTION
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 Great Planes 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: [email protected]
To convert inches to millimeters, multiply inches by 25.4
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Kit Contents
1 Fuselage
2 Center Cabane Strut
3 Speed Brakes (2)
4 Horizontal Stabilizer & Elevators
5 Rudder
6 Bottom Wing w/Ailerons
7 Interplane Struts (L&R)
8 Top Wing w/Ailerons
9 Inner & Outer Wheel Pants (L&R) &
Wheels (2)
KIT CONTENTS
KIT CONTENTS
1
2
34
5
9
8
7
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GETTING STARTED
Take the time to look over your Pluma 3D ARF. Assembly is
pretty simple and straight-forward, as you’ve already seen
by looking over the table of contents section in this manual.
Look for damage to the foam or broken parts.The Pluma 3D
ARF uses a light-weight type of flat foam that has a “skin”
applied to its outer surfaces.This creates a strong and rigid
airframe when completed, but special care is needed while
handling individual parts during build-up.Bending foam parts
can cause the skin to tear and severely weaken the foam, so
be careful not to force things into place.
❏ 1. Lay the wing panels and horizontal tail on a flat work
surface.Gently run your finger over the taped hinges to form
a secure bond between the tape and the foam.
If you ever need to remove a control surface DO NOT
attempt to pull the hinge tape off – this damages the
skinned layer of the foam – use a hobby knife to cut the
hinge tape along the hinge line.Replacement hinge tape
is available from your local hobby shop. Order Dubro
Electric Flyer Hinge Tape (DUBQ0916).
❏ 2. Apply a bead of thin foam-safe CA to both sides of
the140mm carbon fiber elevator joiner.
WING INSTALLATION
Install theWings
❏ 1. Glue the bottom wing to the bottom of the fuselage.
Apply a bead of medium or thick foam-safe CA to the wing
saddle and the two fuselage former tabs and mount the wing.
Note: The bottom wing can be identified by the servo hole
and the protruding LE stop.
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❏ 2. Glue the interplane struts to the bottom wings using
thin foam-safe CA. Use a 90° builder’s square or the
template provided in the back of this manual to properly align
the interplane struts vertically. Note: The front edge of the
interplane struts has less curvature than the aft edge.
❏ 3. Apply thin foam-safe CA to the tabs on the interplane
struts and the center cabane strut. Install the top wing.
Link the Ailerons
❏ 1.Locatefour1x145mm carbon pushrods,eight 1 x30mm
Z-bends, and eight 25mm pieces of heat shrink tubing.
Assemble four aileron link rods as shown in the sketch
above so that they measure 2-1/8" [156mm] from Z-bend
center to Z-bend center. See the Expert Tip below on how
to assemble pushrods.
How to Assemble Pushrods
To join a wire Z-bend to a 1mm carbon pushrod, first slide
a piece of heat shrink tubing onto the carbon rod. Next,
place the wire Z-bend alongside of the carbon rod. Slide
the heat shrink tubing over the joint and heat it. If you
are working near foam, use a hot soldering iron to shrink
the heat shrink tubing. Run the tip along the sides of the
tubing, applying heat all around the heat shrink tubing.
Check to see that the length of the pushrod is still correct.
If you’re careful, you can reposition the Z-bend after the
heat shrink tubing is completely shrunk, but it’s good
to check it before you’ve completely shrunk the tubing.
When you’re satisfied, apply one drop of thin CA to the
end of the heat shrink tubing that is farthest away from
the Z-bend.Be careful not to allow the CA to wick into the
Z-bend if the Z-bend is attached to a control horn.
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❏ 2. Locate eight aileron link horns. Fit them to the four
aileron links that you made.
❏ 3. Locate the foam parts shown above and build two
controlsurfacealignment tools.Note:Setting therectangular
pad at 90 degrees is not critical.
❏ ❏ 4.Set your model down on a flat work surface with the
TE of the aileron hanging over the edge. Working with one
wing at a time, fit the alignment tools to the top aileron.Test fit
two aileron link rods by inserting the link horns into the slots
in the upper and lower ailerons.Adjust the position of the link
hornsuntilthetopandbottomaileronsarecompletelyparallel
with zero control throw.When you’re satisfied with the aileron
position, use thin foam-safe CA to glue the aileron link horns
securely to each aileron. Run a bead along both sides of
each link horn and let the model sit until the CA cures.
❏ ❏ 5. Flip the model over and apply thin foam-safe CA to
the bottom side of each link horn. Let the CA cure.
❏ 6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the opposite wing.
HORIZONTAL & VERTICALTAIL
INSTALLATION
Install the Horizontal Stabilizer
❏ 1. Test fit the horizontal stab to the fuselage, installing it
from the rear.You’ll need to spread the fuselage seam apart
a bit to get the stab in, so use care.
❏ 2.Align the stab vertically and horizontally as shown in the
sketches above.If the stab doesn’t sit parallel with the plane
8

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of the wings, lightly sand the slot using 150-grit sandpaper
until the stab is aligned.
❏ 3.When you’re satisfied with the fit of the horizontal stab,
run a generous bead of thin foam-safe CA down the left and
right stab to the fuselage joints.Turn the model over and glue
the bottom of each joint as well.
❏ 4.Make sure that the upper and lower fuselage is aligned.
Apply a few drops of foam-safe CA to the aft fuselage seam
and glue the seam together.
❏ 5.Deflect the elevator up and down, checking for free travel.
Hinge the Rudder
❏ 1. Locate the 7-1/2" [190mm] strip of hinge tape. Cut the
tape so that you have one 4" [100mm] piece, one 2-3/4"
[70mm] piece, and one 3/4" [20mm] piece.
❏ 2. Position the rudder so that the LE of the rudder gently
touches the vertical fin and that the top of the rudder is even
with the top of the fin. Remove the backing paper and apply
the 100mm strip of tape to the top of the rudder on the right
side. Apply the 20mm piece to the bottom of the rudder.
Note: Pushing the rudder too hard against the fin can fold
the beveled edge over and cause limited rudder throw.
❏ 3. Apply the 70mm piece to the center section of the
rudder, making sure that you press the tape tightly into the
crease.A straightedge is helpful here.
❏ 4.Deflect the rudder left and right and check for free travel.

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INSTALLTHE SERVOS
❏ 1.Remove the servo arm screws and the servo arms from
all three of your servos. Use your radio to center the servos.
Retain the servo arm screws.
❏ 2. Place one drop of foam-safe CA on the bottom of the
servo mounting tabs. Install the rudder servo on the right
side of the fuselage with the output shaft facing aft. Guide
the servo leads forward through the fuselage and apply a
bead of CA along the side of the servo case where it meets
the fuselage.
❏ 3. Install the elevator servo on the left side of the
fuselage with the output shaft facing aft. Guide the servo
leads forward through the fuselage. Note: The aileron servo
will be installed later.
❏ 4. Locate the longest servo arms that came with your
servos. Since we used Futaba 3114 micro servos, we chose
theoptionalfive-hole“X”armsthat Futaba supplied with each
servo. With the elevator and rudder servos centered, test fit
the servo arm to find the long arm that aligns perpendicular
with the servo case. Clip off the other unused arms and
temporarily fit each arm to each servo with the arm facing
down.Do not install the servo arm screw yet.
PUSHROD & CONTROL HORN
INSTALLATION
Install the Control Horns
❏ 1. Locate two control horns. Turn your model over and
install one control horn to the bottom of the left elevator.
Apply a bead of thin foam-safe CA around the base of the
control horn.