Great Planes PT-E Trainer Electric Kit - GPMA0110 - Manual (Page 3)

PRECAUTIONS
1 You must build the plane according to the
plans and instructions. Do not alter or modify the
model as represented by the plans, as doing so may
result in an unsafe or unflyable model.
2 You must take time to build straight, true
and strong
3 You must use a proper R/C radio that is in
first class condition, the correct size motor and cor-
rect components (fuel tank, wheels, etc.) through-
out your building process
4 You must properly install all R/C and other
components so that the model operates properly on
the ground
5. You must test the operation of the model
before the first and each successive flight to insure
that all equipment is operating and you must make
certain that the model has remained structurally
sound.
6. You must fly the model only with compe-
tent help from a well experienced R/C pilot if
you are not already an experienced and know-
ledgeable R/C pilot at this time.
Note We, as the kit manufacturer, can provide
you with a top quality kit and great instructions,
but ultimately the quality and flyability of your
finished model depends on how you build it, there-
fore, we cannot in any way guarantee the perform-
ance 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 di-
rections to end up with a well-built model that
is straight and true.
KEEP IT LIGHT!
Because the electric motor and motor battery
are relatively heavy, and because electric motors do
not produce as much thrust as glow engines (when
compared to their weight), it is essential that the
basic structure of the airplane be kept as light as
possible In doing so, you will help insure that the
finished airplane will not be too heavy to fly well
One way to prevent excess weight build- up is
to use only as much glue as needed for good glue
joints. Do not apply extra "fillets" of glue thinking
that it will make your plane stronger' All that extra
glue adds ounces to the weight of your plane, and
will detract from the performance.
The finished PT-Electnc, ready to fly, should
weigh-in right at 3 lbs (48 ounces) as an ideal weight
It will, however, perform quite well at weights up to
3-1/4 lbs We have successfully flown the PT-Electnc
at 3-1/2 lbs , but the performance was marginal
We will give you tips throughout this book on
how to keep the structure light, and we urge you to
follow them
RADIO SELECTION
If you are a beginner, we recommend that
you purchase a radio system that has a built-in
Trainer System If you do, you will be able to receive
training for your first flights using the "buddy box"
system, in which two transmitters (yours and your
instructor's) are connected with a "trainer cord"
Because weight is an important factor in the
PT-Electnc, the ideal radio system is one that em-
ploys a small 225 mAh battery pack, a miniature
receiver and 2 or 3 "micro" servos, such as Futaba's
S-33 servos We have, however, done most of our test
flying using 3 standard Futaba S-38 servos and a
225 mAh battery pack, and this combination has
proven to be satisfactory
If you already have a radio, we encourage you
to use it, rather than purchasing a new one just to
save a couple of ounces, however, we do recommend
that you use a 225 mAh battery pack rather than
the 550 mAh pack that comes standard with most
radios Be aware, however, that a smaller battery
pack means fewer flights between charging.
Please make sure you select a radio system
that is on a frequency (channel) designated" for air-
craft use only", and one that meets current FCC stan-
dards.
BATTERY SELECTION
The PT-Electnc was designed to fly with a stan-
dard 6-cell 7 2 volt 1200 mAh battery pack for motor
power, and it does so very well' If you want additional
power and a super climb rate, you may wish to use
a 7-cell 84 volt 1200 mAh pack ("flat" type) The
Thrustmaster switch harness uses a connector that
is made to fit batteries with "Kyosho"-type connec-
tors We think the best all-around battery for the
PT-Electnc is the Kyosho 6-cell 1200 mAh Racing
Battery.
BATTERY CHARGER SELECTION
You may use any of the commercially available
battery chargers that are designed for charging 6 or
7 cell nicad battery packs Some chargers have a
"peak detector" which sense when the battery is fully
charged and automatically shut off at the right time
Some chargers operate from 110 volt house current,
12 volt DC (automobile battery), or both
PROPELLER SELECTION
The propeller type size and pitch seem to affect
the performance of the PT-Electnc more than any
other single factor For use with the Thrustmaster
and similar motors we recommend the Grish 8 x 4
Nylon Propeller over any others we tested in direct
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