Great Planes Edge 540 1.60-43cc Performance Series ARF - GPMA1414 - Manual (Page 49)

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• Dependable, redundant and fail safe battery systems are
recommended.
• The use of anti-glitch devices for long leads is recommended.
• There is no maximum engine displacement limit, as it is the
position of this body that an under powered aircraft presents
a greater danger than an over powered aircraft. However, the
selections of engine size relative to airframe strength and
power loading mandates good discretionary judgment by
the designer and builder. Current AMA maximums for engine
displacement are 6.0 cu. in. for two stroke and 9.6 cu. in. for
four stroke engines. These maximums apply only to AMA
Sanction competition events such as 511, 512, 515 and 520.
All non competition events should be sanctioned as Class C
events, in which these engine size maximums do not apply.
• Generally, it is recommended that no attempt should be
made to fly a radio controlled model aircraft with a gasoline
engine in which the model aircraft weight would exceed
12 pounds per cubic inch of engine displacement (under
powered), or be less than 5 pounds per cubic inch of engine
displacement (overpowered). Example: Using a 3 cu. in. engine,
a model would likely be under powered at an aircraft weight
greater than 36 pounds. With the same engine, an aircraft
weighing less than 15 pounds would likely be overpowered.
• Servo arms and control horns should be rated heavy-
duty. Glass filled servo arms and control horns are
highly recommended.
• Control surface linkages are listed in order of preference:
1. Cable system (pull-pull). A tiller bar is highly recommended
along with necessary bracing.
2. Arrow-shaft, fiberglass or aluminum, 1/4" or 5/16" OD.
Bracing every six (6) to ten (10) inches is highly
recommended.
3. Tube in tube (Nyrod). Bracing every few inches is highly
recommended. Inner tube should be totally enclosed in
outer tube.
4. Hardwood dowel, 3/8" OD. Bracing every six (6) to ten
(10) inches is highly recommended.
• Hinges should be rated heavy-duty and manufactured
primarily for use in giant-sized aircraft. Homemade and
original design hinges are acceptable if determined to be
adequate for the intended use.
• Clevis (steel, excluding heavy-duty ball links) and attachment
hardware should be heavy-duty 4-40 thread-and-rod type.
2-56 thread size rod is acceptable for some applications
(e.g. throttle). Clevises must have lock nuts and sleeve (fuel
tubing) or spring keepers.
• Propeller tips should be painted or colored in a visible and
contrasting manner to increase the visibility of the propeller
tip arc.
ChECk LIST
During the last few moments of preparation your mind may
be elsewhere anticipating the excitement of the first flight.
Because of this, you may be more likely to overlook certain
checks and procedures that should be performed before
the model is flown. To help avoid this, a check list is provided
to make sure these important areas are not overlooked.
Many are covered in the instruction manual, so where
appropriate, refer to the manual for complete instructions.
Be sure to check the items off as they are completed.
o 1. Fuel proof all areas exposed to fuel or exhaust residue
such as the cowl mounting blocks, wing saddle area, etc.
o 2. Check the C.G. according to the measurements
provided in the manual.
o 3. Be certain the battery and receiver are securely mounted
in the fuse. Simply stuffing them into place with foam
rubber is not sufficient.
o 4. Extend your receiver antenna and make sure it has a
strain relief inside the fuselage to keep tension off the
solder joint inside the receiver.
o 5. Balance your model laterally as explained in the instructions.
o 6. Use threadlocking compound to secure critical
fasteners such as the set screws that hold the wheel
axles to the struts, screws that hold the carburetor arm
(if applicable), screw-lock pushrod connectors, etc.
o 7. Add a drop of oil to the axles so the wheels will turn freely.
o 8. Make sure all hinges are securely glued in place.
o 9. Reinforce holes for wood screws with thin CA where
appropriate (servo mounting screws, cowl mounting
screws, etc.).
o 10. Confirm that all controls operate in the correct direction
and the throws are set up according to the manual.
o 11. Make sure there are silicone retainers on all the clevises
and that all servo arms are secured to the servos with
the screws included with your radio.
o 12. Secure connections between servo wires and
Y-connectors or servo extensions, and the connection
between your battery pack and the on/off switch with
vinyl tape, heat shrink tubing or special clips suitable
for that purpose.
o 13. Make sure any servo extension cords you may have
used do not interfere with other systems (servo arms,
pushrods, etc.).
o 14. Secure the pressure tap (if used) to the muffler with
high temp RTV silicone, threadlocking compound or
J.B. Weld.
o 15. Make sure the fuel lines are connected and are
not kinked.
o 16. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
o 17. Tighten the propeller nut and spinner.
o 18. Place your name, address, AMA number and telephone
number on or inside your model.
o 19. Cycle your receiver battery pack (if necessary) and
make sure it is fully charged.
o 20. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before
your first flight.
o 21. Range check your radio when you get to the flying field.