Decisions you must make, Radio equipment, Power system recommendations – Great Planes Avistar Elite .46 ARF - GPMA1005 User Manual
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2. You must assemble the model according to the instructions. 
Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so may result in an 
unsafe or unfl yable model. In a few cases the instructions may 
differ slightly from the photos. In those instances the written 
instructions should be considered as correct.
3. You must take time to build straight, true and strong.
4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in fi rst-class
condition, and a correctly sized engine and components (fuel 
tank, wheels, etc.) throughout the building process.
5. You must correctly install all R/C and other components so 
that the model operates correctly on the ground and in the air.
6. You must check the operation of the model before every 
fl ight to insure that all equipment is operating and that the 
model has remained structurally sound. Be sure to check 
clevises or other connectors often and replace them if they 
show any signs of wear or fatigue.
7. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not fl own this type
of model before, we recommend that you get the assistance 
of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for your fi rst fl ights. 
If you’re not a member of a club, your local hobby shop has 
information about clubs in your area whose membership 
includes experienced pilots.
8. While this kit has been fl ight tested to exceed normal use, 
if the plane will be used for extremely high stress fl ying, such 
as racing, or if an engine larger than one in the recommended 
range is used, the modeler is responsible for taking steps to 
reinforce the high stress points and/or substituting hardware 
more suitable for the increased stress.
9. WARNING: The optional cowl and wheel pants available 
separately for this kit are made of fi berglass, the fi bers of 
which may cause eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation. Never 
blow into a part (wheel pant, cowl) to remove fi berglass dust, 
as the dust will blow back into your eyes. Always wear safety 
goggles, a particle mask and rubber gloves when grinding, 
drilling and sanding fi berglass parts. Vacuum the parts and 
the work area thoroughly after working with fi berglass parts.
We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top quality, 
thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but ultimately the 
quality and fl yability of your fi nished 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.
Remember: Take your time and follow the instructions to 
end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.
DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE
This is a partial list of items required to fi nish the Avistar Elite
that may require planning or decision making before starting 
to build. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.
Radio Equipment
A basic 4-channel radio with fi ve standard servos (only four
are needed if you install a brushless motor) is required to fl y
the Avistar Elite. If you plan to set up your model with fl aps, 
two additional standard servos are required along with a fl ap 
channel on your transmitter. Recommended part numbers 
are provided below:
❍ Futaba
®
6JA 6-Channel 2.4GHz S-FHSS Air/4 S3004
Servos (FUTK6001)
❍ Futaba S3004 Standard Ball Bearing Servo
(FUTM0004)
In addition, two 12" [305mm] servo extensions are required for 
the aileron servos. One dual servo extension is needed if you 
plan to join the aileron servos together in the same channel 
(typical installation), and an additional dual servo extension
is needed if you plan to use fl aps. An electric power system
will also require a 6” [152mm] servo extension to connect the 
ESC to the receiver.
❍ Hobbico
®
12" Extension Futaba J (HCAM2100)
❍ Futaba Dual Servo Extension 6" J (FUTM4130)
❍ Hobbico 6" Extension Futaba (HCAM2000)
The receiver battery that fi ts well on the receiver tray and is
shown in the manual is:
❍ Hobbico HydriMax
™
NiMH 4C 4.8V 1600mAh 2/3A
Flat Rx U (HCAM6308)
Power System Recommendations
The recommended engine size range for the Avistar is .46 to
.55 cu in [7.5 – 9cc] two-stroke glow engine or a RimFire
™
.46
(42-60-800) brushless outrunner motor. Recommended part
numbers are provided below:
❍ O.S.
®
46AX ABL w/Muffl er (OSMG0547)
❍ O.S. 46AX II w/Muffl er (OSMG0548)
❍ Great Planes
®
RimFire
™
.46 42-60-800 Outrunner
Brushless (GPMG4725)
If you are installing the recommended brushless motor, you 
will also need the following items:
❍ Great Planes Silver Series 45A Brushless ESC 5V/2A
BEC (GPMM1840)
❍ FlightPower
®
LiPo EON-X
™
30 4S 14.8V 3350mAh
30C (FPWP6356)
A LiPo compatible charger is required for the recommended
battery. An all-purpose charger such as the Triton EQ AC/
DC will charge virtually any type of battery and has a built in 
cell balancer. A more economical charger would be the Triton 
Jr. DC charger which is capable of charging NiCd, NiMH, Li-
Ion, LiPo and lead acid batteries. The Triton Jr. is a DC only 
charger and will also require an external cell balancer. Part 
numbers are provided.
❍ Great Planes ElectriFly
™
Triton
™
EQ AC/DC Charger
(GPMM3155)
❍ Great Planes ElectriFly Triton
™
Jr DC Computer
Charger (GPMM3152)
❍ Great Planes ElectriFly Equinox
™
LiPo Cell Balancer
(GPMM3160)