Great Planes PT-40 MkII Kit - GPMA0118 - Manual (Page 2)

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .................................................2
INTRODUCTION...............................................................3
Important Note About this Manual .................................3
DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE........................................4
Engine Selection ............................................................4
Wing Configuration ........................................................4
PREPARATIONS ..............................................................4
Accessories Required to Complete Your PT-20..............4
Accessories Required to Complete Your PT-40..............5
Suggested Supplies and Tools .......................................5
Optional Supplies and Tools...........................................5
Setting Up Shop .............................................................6
Building Notes ................................................................7
Common Abbreviations..................................................7
Types of Wood................................................................7
The What and How of Adhesives ...................................7
Metric Conversion ..........................................................8
Get Ready to Build .........................................................9
DIE-CUT PATTERNS ......................................................10
BUILD THE TAIL SURFACES.........................................12
Build the Stabilizer and Fin ..........................................12
Hinge the Elevator and Rudder ....................................12
BUILD THE FUSELAGE .................................................14
Preparation ..................................................................14
Join the Fuselage Sides...............................................17
Install the Main Landing Gear ......................................20
Install the Engine .........................................................21
Install the Nose Gear ...................................................23
Attach the Stab and Fin to the Fuse ............................24
BUILD THE WING ...........................................................26
Preparation ..................................................................26
Build the Wing Panels ..................................................27
Join the Wing Panels....................................................28
Prepare the Wing for Sheeting .....................................31
Sheet the Wing.............................................................31
Fit the Aileron Servo Tray .............................................35
Wing Completion..........................................................36
Reinforce the Wing.......................................................39
FINISHING ......................................................................40
Final Sanding ...............................................................40
Fuelproofing .................................................................40
Balance the Airplane Laterally .....................................40
Cover the Structure ......................................................41
Recommended Covering Sequence ............................42
FINAL HOOKUPS AND CHECKS..................................43
Join the Control Surfaces.............................................43
Install the Landing Gear ...............................................44
Preliminary Radio Installation ......................................44
Balance Your Model .....................................................47
Final Radio Hook Up ....................................................48
Aileron Lock for 3-Channel Operation ..........................51
Checks and Final Setup ...............................................51
Control Surface Throws................................................52
Ground Stance .............................................................53
PREFLIGHT ....................................................................54
Charge the Batteries ....................................................54
Balance the Propeller...................................................54
Find a Safe Place to Fly ...............................................54
Ground Check the Model .............................................54
Range Check Your Radio .............................................54
Engine Safety Precautions...........................................54
AMA SAFETY CODE .....................................................55
FLYING............................................................................55
Taxiing ..........................................................................56
Takeoff..........................................................................56
Flying ...........................................................................56
Landing ........................................................................57
SOME MODELING TERMS & TRIVIA ............................57
FLIGHT TRIMMING ........................................................61
FLIGHT TRIMMING CHART ...........................................62
TWO-VIEW DRAWING ...................................................64
Your PT is not a toy, but rather a sophisticated, working
model that functions very much like an actual airplane.
Because of its realistic perfor mance, the PT, if not
assembled and operated correctly, could possibly cause
injury to yourself or spectators and damage property.
To make your R/C modeling experience totally
enjoyable, we recommend that you get help from an
experienced, knowledgeable modeler with assembly
and your first flights. You'll learn faster and avoid risking
your model before you're truly ready to solo. Your local
hobby shop has information about flying clubs in your area
whose membership includes qualified instructors.
Protect Your Model, Yourself &
Others...Follow This Important
Safety Precaution
IF YOU DON'T READ ANYTHING ELSE...BEFORE YOU
BEGIN CONSTRUCTION, PLEASE READ THIS:
We realize there is a lot to read between the cover and
step one where you finally start gluing parts together (we
wrote it all). Please do not be tempted to just “skim over”
this preliminary reading material – it contains very
important information. Other manufacturers’ instructions
may be shorter, but in the end you'll be glad we gave you
the extra information. It is important to get started on the
right foot if you are to build and fly your PT successfully – the
rest of your modeling “career” depends on it! Our
suggestion is to forget about building until you have
carefully studied this preliminary information and
skimmed through the construction portion of the manual.
The PT is not at all a difficult model to build but a
methodical, patient outlook is the correct approach to
take – and following this advice is a good place to begin.
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