Great Planes PT-60 Kit - GPMA0119 - Manual (Page 2)

PRECAUTIONS...............................................................2
INTRODUCTION..............................................................2
DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE.......................................3
Engine selection..............................................................3
Wing configuration ..........................................................3
PREPARATIONS .............................................................3
Other items required .......................................................3
Setting up shop ...............................................................3
Suggested supplies and tools.........................................4
Common abbreviations...................................................5
Types of wood .................................................................5
Metric conversions..........................................................5
The what and how of adhesives......................................5
Get ready to build............................................................6
Die-Cut Patterns......................................................... 7&8
BUILD THE TAIL SURFACES..........................................9
Build the stabilizer and fin ...............................................9
Hinge the elevator and rudder.......................................10
BUILD THE FUSELAGE.................................................11
Preparation....................................................................11
Assemble the major fuse parts......................................13
Install the main landing gear.........................................16
Install the engine and fuel tank .....................................17
Attach the stab and fin...................................................19
BUILD THE WING ..........................................................20
Preparation....................................................................20
Assemble wing panels ..................................................21
Join the wing panels......................................................23
Sheet the wing ..............................................................25
Install the aileron servo tray ..........................................27
Wing completion............................................................28
FINISHING......................................................................30
Final sanding.................................................................30
Fuel proofing.................................................................31
Balance the airplane laterally........................................31
Cover the structure........................................................31
Recommended covering sequence...............................32
FINAL HOOKUPS AND CHECKS.................................32
Install the control surfaces ............................................32
Install landing gear........................................................32
Preliminary Radio installation........................................33
Balance your model ......................................................35
Final radio hook-up .......................................................36
Aileron lock for 3-channel operation..............................38
Control surface throws ..................................................39
Ground stance...............................................................40
Pre-flight........................................................................41
Engine safety precautions.............................................41
AMA safety code ...........................................................42
FLYING..........................................................................4 2
Taxiing..........................................................................43
Takeoff...........................................................................43
Flying............................................................................43
Landing .........................................................................44
Some modeling terms and trivia....................................44
TWO-VIEW DRAWING...................................................48
Your PT-60 is not a toy, but rather a sophisticated, working
model that functions very much like an actual airplane.
Because of its realistic performance, the PT-60, 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 experienced,
knowledgeable help with assembly and during 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 f l y i n g clubs in your area whose
membership includes qualified instructors.
You can also contact the national Academy of Model
Aeronautics (AMA), which has more than 2,300 chartered
clubs across the country. Through any one of them,
instructor training programs and insured newcomer training
are available.
Contact the AMA at the address or toll-free phone
number below.
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302-9252
(800) 435-9262
(317)287-1256
Thank you for purchasing the Great Planes PT-60, the
Perfect Trainer, for possibly your first step into the exciting
world of R/C flying. We are sure that you will find a great
deal of modeling satisfaction while building and flying this
new version of the classic trainer that has helped tens of
thousands of newcomers to successfully get off the ground
and into the sky.
The PT family of trainers has been around since 1986.
As just about any old pro will tell you, no other trainer
model offers so many of the important features most
needed by a novice. While R/C flying can be learned by
practically anyone, it does require a fair amount of eye-
hand coordination-a skill that can only be learned by
quality "stick time." This is where the PTs shine. They are
all designed to be rugged, stable, self-recovering and able
to fly slowly enough to allow you time to think about your
next maneuver.
For your tricky first flights, altitude is your friend. Our
newest member of the family, the PT-60, has a relatively
large 71" wingspan so it is easy to see, even when flying a
few hundred feet above the ground. Once a PT has been
trimmed for straight and level flight (hopefully by an
experienced pilot) you will be able to get out of most bad
situations by simply letting go of the sticks on your
transmitter. The PT will normally level its own wings and
resume stable flight within 50-100 feet. This feature alone
has helped many student pilots master the basics in the
shortest possible time.
2