GREAT PLANES Spirit Elite User manual

WARRANTY
Great Planes®Model Manufacturing Co. guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both material and workmanship at the date of
purchase. This warranty does not cover any component parts damaged by use or 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.
READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE
STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS
IMPORTANT WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS
CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF
THIS MODEL.
SPELP02 for Kit GPMA0535 V1.0
© Copyright 1999
P.O. Box 788 Urbana, IL 61803 [phone]
www.greatplanes.com
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
TM

WARNING! THIS IS NOT A TOY!
This R/C kit and the model you will build is not a toy! It is
capable of serious bodily harm and property damage. IT IS
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AND YOURS ALONE - to build
this kit correctly, to properly install all R/C components and
to test and fly the model only with experienced, competent
help in accordance with all safety standards and common
sense as set down in the Academy of Model Aeronautics
Safety Code. It is suggested that you join the AMA to
become properly insured before you attempt to fly this
model. IF YOU ARE JUST STARTING R/C MODELING,
CONSULT YOUR LOCAL HOBBY SHOP OR WRITE TO
THE ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS TO FIND AN
EXPERIENCED INSTRUCTOR IN YOUR AREA.
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
Thank you for purchasing the Great Planes SPIRIT ELITE
sailplane. Soaring offers a freedom that no other type of
flying can provide! With a little practice and some help from
mother nature, you will be able to defy gravity and enjoy
flights that can last for hours.
The SPIRIT ELITE’S wing uses the SA7035 airfoil at the root
blending to the SA7036 airfoil at the tip. This combination
gives the aircraft a superior Lift to Drag (L/D) ratio with
outstanding performance in higher wind conditions. This
advanced wing design incorporates flaps and ailerons to
provide the ultimate in control when using computer radio
mixing functions.
Take your time and follow directions to end up with a
well-built model that is straight and true.
❏Radio having at least 4 channels (5 channels required
for crow mixing)
❏Iron-on Covering Material (2 rolls)
❏Latex Foam Rubber Padding (1/4” thick) (HCAQ1000)
❏Hi-start or other Launching Device (DYFP8302)
❏BB’s or Lead Shot for Balancing
❏2 oz. Thin CA Adhesive (GPMR6003)
❏1 oz. Medium or Thick CA Adhesive (GPMR6008)
❏5-Minute Epoxy (GPMR6045)
❏Hand or Electric Drill
❏Sealing Iron (TOPR2100)
❏Heat Gun (TOPR2000)
❏Razor Saw
❏Hobby Knife, #11 Blades
❏Screw Drivers
❏T-Pins (HCAR5100)
❏Straightedge
❏Sandpaper (coarse, medium, fine grit)*
❏Easy-Touch™Sander (GPMR6170)
❏Plan Protector or Wax Paper (GPMR6167)
❏Lightweight Balsa Filler (HCAR3401)
❏10-24 Tap, Tap Wrench
The SPIRIT ELITE kit has two different wing options: a
straight wing or a polyhedral wing. The straight wing is for
the more experienced sailplane pilot. It allows better
coordinated turn efficiency and much better handling in
cross winds. The polyhedral wing has more stability, turns
tighter with rudder, and is generally easier to fly. If you are a
novice sailplane pilot we recommend you build the
polyhedral option.
BALSA BASSWOOD PLYWOOD
1. Unroll the plan sheet. Reroll the plan inside out and let it
uncurl. This will help the plan lie flat.
2. Remove all parts from the box. Identify each part by
comparing it with the plan, parts list and die-cut parts page.
Write the part number or size on each piece to avoid
confusion later. Use the die-cut patterns shown on page 3
to identify and mark the die-cut parts.
3. If any of the die-cut parts are difficult to remove, use a
hobby knife to free them. Use your sanding block to lightly
sand the edges to remove any die-cutting irregularities.
Get Ready to Build
Types of Wood
WING OPTIONS
Supplies & Tools Needed
Other Items Required
INTRODUCTION
PROTECT YOUR MODEL,
YOURSELF & OTHERS
2

3
DIE-CUT PATTERNS

Step 8
Step 6
Step 4
Step 2
Step 7
Step 5
Step 3
Step 1
ASSEMBLE THE TAIL
4
Cover the stabilizer and elevator
plan with Great Planes Plan
Protector or wax paper.
Medium (When you see this symbol use the suggested CA.)
(When you see this symbol use the suggested CA.)
Thin
Thin
Thin
Thin

Step 16
Step 14
Step 12
Step 10
Step 15
Step 13
Step 11
Step 9
5
Thin Thin
Thin
Thin
LE
SAND THE
ELEVATOR
BEVEL THE
LEADING EDGE (LE)
TE
Sand the stabilizer smooth. Round
the leading edge (LE) and tips.
Cover the fin and rudder plan with
Great Planes Plan Protector or
wax paper.

Step 22
Step 20
Step 18
Step 23
Step 21
Step 19
Step 17
6
Thin Thin
Thin
Thin
Sand the fin and rudder smooth.
Round the LE of the fin.
SAND THE RUDDER TO A TAPER

Step 8
Step 6
Step 4
Step 2
Step 7
Step 5
Step 3
Step 1
ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE
7
Make sure the pushrod tubes
fit easily into the guide holes
before installing
the formers.
Use rubber bands to
hold everything together.
Thin
Thin Thin
Medium
Medium Medium
Medium Medium
Make sure the fuselage
lines up straight.
Cover the fuselage plan with
Great Planes Plan Protector
or wax paper.

Step 16
Step 14
Step 12
Step 10
Step 15
Step 13
Step 11
Step 9
8
Make sure the three punch
marks on F9, face the inside
of the fuselage.
Use rubber bands to hold the
fuselage together. Make sure
the fuselage is straight and
then glue.
Thin
Thin Thin
Medium Medium
Make sure the fuselage
is straight before gluing.
Sand entire fuselage smooth.
Round corners as shown on plan.
Trim off excess.
Slide in from back.

9
Glue and clamp the wing joiner
together using 30-minute epoxy.
Wipe off any excess epoxy before
it cures.
Cover the wing plan with
Great Planes Plan Protector
or wax paper.
1/16" [1.6mm] PLY
WING JOINERS
1/16" [1.6mm] PLY
JOINER CAPS
ALUMINUM JOINER
(Clean with alcohol)
Step 1
Step 2
BUILD THE WING

10
1/8" [3.2mm ]
PLY JOINER BOX
W23
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Cut the 1/8" x 3/4" x 12-1/2"
[3.2mm x 19mm x 317mm]
plywood to make the joiner
box parts
Position the 1/8" x 5/16" x 40"
[3.2mm x 8mm x 1016mm]
spars over the plan.
Cut the spars at rib 9.
Leave
1/4" [6.4mm]
overhang.
Cut the W23 balsa
shear web at rib 9.

11
SPAR
W8
W7
W6
W5
W4
W23
3/16" [4.8mm] SQUARE
BALSA RIB JIGS
W2A
W2B
W3B
W3A
1/8" [3.2mm] JOINER
BOX FRONT
1/8" [3.2mm] JOINER
BOX AFT
Step 6
Step 7
Step 8
Shim the spar up from the
table using 1/16" [1.6mm]
balsa. (Use leftover pieces
from the rib die sheets.)
Use pieces of the 3/16" x 3/16"
balsa sticks as rib jigs to hold
the ribs in place for the steps
that follow.
Clamp the 1/8" [3.2mm] joiner
box front and joiner box aft to
the spars.
Add ribs 2A&B.
Add ribs 3A&B.
BUILD THE
INBOARD PANEL
Thin
DO NOT GLUE THE
JOINER BOX YET!

12
70%
ISOPROPYL
ALCOHOL
Step 10
Use 30-minute epoxy to glue the
joiner box to the spars.
Before the glue cures, insert the
wing joiner several times to get a
good fit and to push out excess
glue. When satisfied, pull out the
joiner and wipe clean.
Coat the wing joiner with
isopropyl alcohol so the
epoxy won't stick.
DGR DGR
W1B W1A
Align the rib between the
dashed lines on the plan. Align the rib between the
dashed lines on the plan.
Use the dihedral gauge to
set the angle.
1/16" X 3/8" X 42"
[1.6mm X 9.5mm X 1067mm]
SUB LE 1/8" X 1/2" X 42"
[3.2mm X 12.7mm X 1067mm]
BALSA WING TE
Step 9
Center the TE on the ribs.
Line up the LE.
Step 11 Step 12
Thin
Thin Thin

13
1/16" X 3" X 24"
[1.6mm X 76mm X 610mm]
BALSA SHEET
1/16" X 3/8" X 42"
[1.6mm X 9.5mm X 1067mm]
BALSA TE SHEETING
Step 15
The sheeting should line up
with the back edge of the spar.
Make sure the structure stays
flat on the table.
Fill in any gaps with
1/16" [1.6mm] balsa.
Sand the sheeting
so it doesn’t bulge
at the cloth.
3/16" X 3/8" X 5-1/2"
[4.8mm X 9.5mm X 140mm]
BASSWOOD RAILS 2-3/4" [70mm]
2-3/4" [70mm]
Step 16
DGP
W9B
W9A
FIBERGLASS
CLOTH
POLYHEDRAL WING
Use the polyhedral gauge
only if you are building
the polyhedral wing.
Cut the fiberglass cloth into four 4” [100mm] pieces.
Attach part of the fiberglass cloth to the spars
using thin CA. You will finish this
step after you remove the
panel from the table.
STRAIGHT WING
Align ribs W9A and W9B
straight up and down
over the plan.
Step 13 Step 14
Thin
Thin
Medium
or
aliphatic
wood
glue
Medium
Cut the rails in half.

14
1/16" X 3" X 24"
[1.6mm X 76mm X 610mm]
BALSA SHEET
W20 1/16" [1.6mm]
PLY HATCH
Step 17
Use the ply hatch as a
template for cutting the
hole for the flap servo.
Cut from 1/16" X 3" X 24"
[1.6mm X 76mm X 610mm]
BALSA SHEET
Step 18
Step 19
Remove the wing from the
table. Cut off the jig tabs
and sand smooth.
Step 20
Wrap the fiberglass cloth tightly around the joiner
box and glue it in place. Cut off any excess.
1/16" X 3" X 24"
[1.6mm X 76mm X 610mm]
BALSA SHEET
Step 21
Glue the top sheeting in place.
1/16" X 3/8" X 42"
[1.6mm X 9.5mm X 1067mm]
BALSA SHEETING
Medium Medium
Thin
Medium
or
aliphatic
wood
glue
The cloth will cause the
sheeting to bulge. sand the
sheeting to compensate.

15
1/16" X 3" X 24"
[1.6mm X 76mm X 610mm]
BALSA SHEET
Step 22
Install the top center sheeting.
Step 23
Sand the root and the
outer ribs smooth.
Bevel the leading edge so the balsa
will follow the shape of the rib.
Cut 2-1/2" [63.5mm] from one of the 1-3/4" x 24"
[44.4mm x 610mm] balsa triangles and glue in
place at the wing root.
Trim off and sand the leading
edge smooth.
Finish the slot in W1A
for the wing dowel.
Epoxy the wing
dowel and W1C
to the wing root.
Step 24 Step 25
Medium

16
Step 26
Cut the spars straight with rib 9.
Position the 1/8" [3.2mm]
spars over the plan. 1/8" [3.2mm]
BUILD THE
OUTER PANEL
Step 27
W11
W10
W23
W12 W13
W14 W15 W16
1/16" [1.6mm]
SHIMS
Make rib jigs from
the 3/16" [4.8mm]
square sticks.
Step 28 Step 29
1/16" X 3/8" X 42" [1.6mm X 9.5mm X 1067mm]
BALSA LE
(Left over from the inner panel.)
1/8" X 1/2" X 42" [1.6mm X 9.5mm X 1067mm]
BALSA TE
(Left over from the inner panel.)
Thin
Thin

17
Step 30
1/16" X 3" X 24"
[1.6mm X 76mm X 610mm]
BALSA SHEETING
1/16" X 3/8" X 42"
[1.6mm X 9.5mm X 1067mm]
BALSA TE SHEETING
1/16" [1.6mm]
PLY HATCH
Install the servo rails.
Cut from 3/16" x 3/8" x 5-1/2" basswood. Install 1/16" [1.6mm] balsa sheeting
around the servo hatch.
Step 31 Step 32
Step 33
Cut a small gusset from
3/8" [9.5mm] balsa.
Medium
or
aliphatic
wood
glue
Medium Thin
Thin

18
W9A
W9B
Trim excess sheeting.
Step 34 Step 35
1/16" X 3" X 24"
[1.6mm X 76mm X 610mm]
BALSA SHEETING
Step 36
1/16" X 3/8" X 42"
[1.6mm X 9.5mm X 1067mm]
BALSA TE SHEETING
Step 37
Trim off the excess sheeting
and sand smooth.
Sand the root and
tip ribs smooth.
Thin

19
Step 38
Join the tip panel to the root panel
using epoxy and the straight
W19 1/16" [1.6mm] ply joiner.
Sand the root and
tip ribs smooth.
W19
STRAIGHT WING
Step 40
Shape the LE as
shown on the plan.
Glue the 1/4" x 7/16" x 42"
[6.4mm x 11mm x 1067mm]
balsa LE to the wing panels.
Step 39
Join the tip panel to the root
panel using epoxy and the
W18 1/16" [1.6mm] ply joiner.
Use the (DGP) gauge
under the W16 rib to
help set the height.
W18
POLYHEDRAL WING

20
Bevel the LE so the balsa will
follow the shape of the rib.
Glue and shape the balsa
wing tip to the tip panel.
Cut 2-1/2" [63.5mm] from a
1-3/4" x 24" [44.4mm x 610mm]
balsa triangle.
Step 41 Step 42
1/16" [1.6mm]
PLY WING BOLT
PLATES
Make an aileron and a flap from the leftover
1-3/4" [44.4mm] balsa triangles. Bevel their
leading edges as shown on the plan.
Step 43 Step 44
Drill two 5/32" [4mm] holes
through the wing and into
the fuselage.
Align the wing to the fuselage.
3/4”
[19mm]
7/16”
[11mm]
Step 45 Step 46
AILERON
FLAP
Medium Medium
Medium