Great Planes Spirit of St. Louis ARF - GPMA1152 User Manual
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INTRODUCTION.................................................................................2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS...................................................................2
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED......................................................3
Flight Equipment .........................................................................3
Building Supplies.........................................................................3
IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES .......................................................3
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS ...............................................4
METRIC/INCH RULER .......................................................................4
KIT CONTENTS .................................................................................5
ASSEMBLY ........................................................................................6
Assemble the Tail Surfaces .........................................................6
Assemble the Fuselage...............................................................7
Landing Gear Assembly ..............................................................7
Wing Construction .....................................................................10
Attach the Tail............................................................................12
Radio Installation.......................................................................13
Motor Installation .......................................................................14
PREPARE FOR FLYING ..................................................................15
Set the Control Throws..............................................................15
Balance the Model (C.G.)..........................................................16
Identify Your Model ....................................................................16
Charge the Transmitter Batteries ..............................................16
Ground Inspection .....................................................................16
Range Check.............................................................................16
Performance Tips ......................................................................17
Motor Safety Precautions ..........................................................17
AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpt).......................................................17
General......................................................................................17
Radio Control ............................................................................17
FIND A SAFE PLACE TO FLY .........................................................17
FLYING .............................................................................................18
Takeoff .......................................................................................18
Flight..........................................................................................18
Landing......................................................................................18
ROG Takeoff ..............................................................................18
Thank you for purchasing the Great Planes Spirit of St.
Louis ARF. The Spirit of St. Louis ARF is a lightweight, slow-
flying
Park Flyer that can be flown just about anywhere there
is an open area clear of obstacles. Since the Spirit of St.
Louis ARF is constructed mostly of molded plastic foam, it
is durable and does not require the application of film
coverings used on wood models. And, the Spirit of St. Louis
landing gear makes ROG (rise off ground) takeoffs from
smooth surfaces a snap.
1. Although the Spirit of St. Louis is a slow-flying electric
powered model, just the same as any R/C plane, it should
still be flown with care. Even while gliding with the motor off
the Spirit of St. Louis could possibly cause injury to yourself
or spectators and damage property.
2. You must assemble the Spirit of St. Louis according to
the instructions. Modifications may reduce performance. In
cases where the instructions differ from the photos, the
written instructions are correct.
3.You must use an R/C radio system that is reliable and in good
condition. You must properly install all components so that the
model operates correctly on the ground and in the air.
4. You must check the operation of the model before every
flight to insure that all equipment is operating and that the
model has remained structurally sound.
Remember: Take your time and follow the instructions to
end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.
Before starting to build, compare the parts in this kit with
the Kit Contents, and note any missing parts. Also
inspect all parts to make sure they are of acceptable
quality. If any parts are missing, broken or defective, or if
you have any questions about building or flying this
airplane, please call us at (217) 398-8970, or e-mail us at:
If you are contacting us for replacement parts, please
be sure to provide the full kit name (Great Planes Spirit
of St. Louis ARF) and the part numbers as listed in the
Kit Contents.
You can also check our web site for the latest Spirit of
St. Louis ARF updates.
www.greatplanes.com
To make your R/C modeling experience totally enjoyable, if
this is your first R/C model, we recommend that you get the
assistance of an experienced pilot. If you’re not currently a
member of an R/C club, your local hobby shop has
information about clubs in your area whose membership
includes experienced pilots.
If you’re not already an Academy of Model Aeronautics
(AMA) member, we strongly urge you to join. There are over
2,500 AMA chartered clubs across the country. Among
other benefits, the AMA provides insurance to its members
who fly at sanctioned sites and events. Additionally, training
programs and instructors are available at AMA club sites to
Note: We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top
quality, thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but
ultimately the quality and flyability of your finished model
depends on how you build it; therefore, we cannot in any
way guarantee the performance of your completed
model, and no representations are expressed or implied
as to the performance or safety of your completed model.
PROTECT YOUR MODEL,YOURSELF
& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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