Great Planes Tracer 46 Kit - GPMA0400 - Manual (Page 2)

Safety Precautions......................................................................2
Precautions .................................................................................2
Introduction .................................................................................3
Decisions You Must Make ..........................................................3
Engine Selection....................................................................3
Landing Gear Configuration...................................................3
Preparations ................................................................................3
Accessories Required to Complete Your Tracer.....................3
Suggested Building Supplies and Tools.................................4
Other Tools or Accessories You May Require ........................4
Building Notes .......................................................................5
Common Abbreviations Used in this Manual and on the Plans...5
Types of Wood .......................................................................5
Get Ready to Build ................................................................5
Metric Conversions ................................................................6
Build the Tail Surfaces................................................................8
Build the Stab and Elevators .................................................8
Build the Fin and Rudder .......................................................9
Hinge the Tail Surfaces ........................................................10
Finish the Tail Surfaces........................................................10
Build the Wing ...........................................................................11
Build the Wing Spars ...........................................................11
Add the Rib Doublers...........................................................11
Build the Wing Panels..........................................................12
Join the Wing Panels ...........................................................17
Retract Servo and Linkage Installation ................................18
Finish the Top of the Wing ...................................................20
Hinge the Ailerons ...............................................................22
Build the Fuselage ....................................................................22
Assemble the Fuselage Formers and Sides........................22
Assemble the Belly Pan .......................................................25
Mount the Wing to the Fuselage..........................................25
Install the Firewall, Pushrod Tubes and Tank Hatch ............27
Build the Fuselage Front Deck and Turtle Deck...................28
Mount the Stabilizer and Fin ................................................31
Mount the Engine ................................................................32
Install the Servos and Make the Pushrods ..........................33
Assemble the Cowl ..............................................................35
Balance the Model Laterally ................................................36
Prepare the Model for Covering...........................................36
Finish the Model ..................................................................36
Covering Technique ......................................................36
Painting.........................................................................36
Final Hookups and Checks ......................................................37
Join the Control Surfaces ....................................................37
Install the Hardware.............................................................38
Attach the Canopy ...............................................................38
Set the Control Throws ........................................................39
Balance Your Model .............................................................39
Pre-flight ....................................................................................40
Charge the Batteries............................................................40
Balance the Propeller ..........................................................40
Find a Safe Place to Fly ......................................................40
Ground Check the Model.....................................................40
Range Check Your Radio.....................................................40
Engine Safety Precautions ..................................................41
AMA Safety Code (Excerpt) ................................................41
General.........................................................................41
Radio Control ...............................................................41
Flying .........................................................................................41
Flutter Caution .....................................................................41
Takeoff .................................................................................42
Flying ...................................................................................42
Landing ................................................................................42
Pattern Flying.......................................................................42
Appendix ...................................................................................43
Two View Drawing .....................................................Back Cover
Your Tracer is not a toy, but rather a sophisticated, working
model that functions very much like an actual airplane.
Because of its realistic performance, the Tracer, if not
assembled and operated correctly, could possibly cause
injury to yourself or spectators and damage property.
If this is your first low wing sport model, we recommend
that you get help from an experienced, knowledgeable
modeler with 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.
You may also contact the national Academy of Model
Aeronautics (AMA), which has more than 2,500 chartered
clubs across the country. Contact the AMA at the address
or toll-free phone number below.
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302-9252
Telephone. (800) 435-9262
Fax (765) 741-0057
Or via the internet at: http://www.modelaircraft.org
1. Build the plane according to the plans and instructions.
Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so may result in
an unsafe or unflyable model. In a few cases the plans and
instructions may differ slightly from the photos. In those
instances the written instructions are correct.
2. Take the time to build straight, true and strong.
3. Use an R/C radio system that is in first-class condition
and a correctly sized engine and components (fuel tank,
wheels, etc.) throughout the building process.
4. Properly install all components so that the model
operates properly on the ground and in the air.
5. Check the operation of the model before every flight to
ensure that all equipment is operating and that the model
has remained structurally sound. Be sure to check nylon
clevises or other connectors often and replace them if they
show signs of wear or fatigue.
6. If you are not already an experienced R/C pilot, you must
fly the model only with the help of a competent, well
experienced R/C pilot.
PRECAUTIONS
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
PROTECT YOUR MODEL,
YOURSELF AND OTHERS
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