Great Planes Pluma 3D Bipe ARF ARF - GPMA1130 - Manual (Page 17)

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10. Speed brakes have been provided for you if you fl y
indoors. These are optional and should not be installed until
the model has been test-fl own and properly trimmed out. Install
them between the aileron link rods so that they are centered
vertically. Use thick foam-safe CA or tape to attach these to
the link rods. These should only be used indoors and will help
keep speed constant during up and downline maneuvers.
BALANCE THE MODEL (C.G.)
Set the C.G.
In order to properly set the C.G. (center of gravity) you will need
to confi gure the airplane with all of the equipment it will have
on board when you’re fl ying. To do this you’ll need to install the
battery pack in place and have the propeller attached.
To ensure a successful fi rst fl ight, fl y your model set up only
according to the C.G. and control surface throws specifi ed in
this manual. The throws and C.G. are not arbitrary, but have
been determined through extensive testing and accurate
record-keeping. This provides you with the best chance for
success and enjoyable fi rst fl ights that should be surprise-free.
Additionally, the throws and C.G. shown are true, real data
which will allow the model to perform in the manner in which it
was intended when fl own by a pilot of the skill level for which
it was intended. DO NOT OVERLOOK THESE IMPORTANT
PROCEDURES. A model that is not properly setup may be
unstable and possibly unfl yable.
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1. Place the battery pack in the plane. Do not connect the
battery to the ESC.
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2. Use a felt-tip pen or 1/8" [3mm]-wide tape to accurately
mark the C.G. on the bottom of the upper wing on both sides
of the center cabane strut. If you are fl ying indoors primarily,
make two marks that are 2-5/8" [67mm] from the LE of the
upper wing. If you are fl ying outdoors, make two C.G. marks
that are 2-1/2" [63mm] from the LE of the upper wing. The
total C.G. range is from 1-3/4" [44mm] forward to 3-5/16"
[85mm] aft. Do not fl y your model outside of this range.
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3. Place your fi ngers on the C.G. marks that you made. Hold
the plane up with your fi ngertips and see where it balances.
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4. If the tail drops, the model is “tail heavy” and the battery
pack must be shifted forward or weight must be added to the
nose to balance. If the nose drops, the model is “nose heavy”
and the battery pack must be shifted aft or weight must be
added to the tail to balance. If additional weight is required,
use Great Planes (GPMQ4485) “stick-on” lead.
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5. IMPORTANT: If you found it necessary to add any weight,
recheck the C.G. after the weight has been installed.
Balance the Model Laterally
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1. With the wings level, lift the model by the motor propeller
shaft and the bottom of the fuselage under the TE of the fi n.
Do this several times.
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2. If one wing always drops when you lift the model, it means
that side is heavy. Balance the airplane by adding weight to the
other wing tip. An airplane that has been laterally balanced
will track better in loops and other maneuvers.