Great Planes Escapade EP/GP ARF - GPMA1200 User Manual
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ............................................................... 2
AMA .................................................................................. 2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ................................................. 2
DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE ........................................ 3
Motor/Battery/ESC
Recommendations
........................ 3
Glow Engine Recommendations .................................. 4
Radio
Equipment
.......................................................... 4
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED .................................... 4
Optional Supplies & Tools ............................................ 4
IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES ...................................... 4
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS .............................. 5
METRIC CONVERSIONS ................................................. 5
KIT INSPECTION .............................................................. 6
KIT CONTENTS ................................................................ 6
PREPARATIONS ............................................................... 7
Tighten the Covering .................................................... 7
ASSEMBLE THE WINGS .................................................. 7
Hook Up the Ailerons (Single Servo Option) ................ 7
Hook Up the Ailerons (Dual Servo Option) .................. 9
ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE ........................................ 11
Hook Up the Elevator & Rudder ................................. 11
Mount the Main Landing Gear .................................... 12
Mount the Electric Motor ............................................ 13
Mount the Engine ....................................................... 14
Mount the Fuel Tank (or Motor Battery) ..................... 15
Hook Up the Throttle .................................................. 17
Two-Stroke
Hookup
.................................................... 17
Four-Stroke
Hookup
................................................... 17
FINAL ASSEMBLY ......................................................... 19
Final Radio Installation ............................................... 19
Apply the Decals ........................................................ 20
GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY ................................. 20
Battery
Precautions
.................................................... 20
Check the Control Directions ..................................... 21
Set the Control Throws ............................................... 22
Balance the Model (C.G.) ........................................... 23
Balance the Model Laterally ....................................... 24
PREFLIGHT .................................................................... 24
Identify
Your
Model
..................................................... 24
Charge the Batteries .................................................. 24
Balance
Propellers
..................................................... 24
Ground Check & Range Check .................................. 24
ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ................................. 25
AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts) .................................... 25
CHECK LIST ................................................................... 26
FLYING ............................................................................ 26
Takeoff
........................................................................ 26
Flight
.......................................................................... 27
Landing
...................................................................... 27
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the Great Planes Escapade ARF.
The Escapade is a perfect “second airplane” for someone
who is ready to move on from their high-wing trainer. The
Escapade is also a great Sunday fl yer for pilots who want to
enjoy the simplicity and thrill of a “straight-forward” .40-size,
low-wing sport model.
The Escapade may be powered by either a 2-stroke
or 4-stroke glow engine, or electric motor. Installation
instructions for each are detailed in this instruction manual.
The Escapade also features the option of dual, outboard
aileron servos or a single aileron servo mounted in the
middle of the wing. Dual aileron servos will provide a little
more precision and control response because the pushrods
work directly on the ailerons. Additionally, response will be
quicker. There will be more “power” connected to the ailerons
because each one is operated by its own servo. But, if you
prefer simplicity and economy, the single aileron servo will
fl y the Escapade well.
For the latest technical updates or manual corrections
to the Escapade ARF visit the Great Planes web site at
www.greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then
select the Escapade ARF. If there is new technical information
or changes to this model a “tech notice” box will appear in
the upper left corner of the page.
AMA
If you are not already a member of the AMA, please join!
The AMA is the governing body of model aviation and
membership provides liability insurance coverage, protects
modelers’ rights and interests and is required to fl y at most
R/C sites.
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302-9252
Tele. (800) 435-9262
Fax (765) 741-0057
Or via the Internet at:
http://www.modelaircraft.org
IMPORTANT!!! Two of the most important things you can do
to preserve the radio controlled aircraft hobby are to avoid
fl ying near full-scale aircraft and avoid fl ying near or over
groups of people.
PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF
& OTHERS....FOLLOW THESE
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1. Your Escapade 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 Escapade, if not assembled and operated correctly, could
possibly cause injury to yourself or spectators and damage
to property.
2. You must assemble the model according to the instructions.
Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so may result in an
unsafe or unfl yable model. In a few cases the instructions may
differ slightly from the photos. In those instances the written
instructions should be considered as correct.