INTRODUCTION ................................................................2
IMAA ..................................................................................2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ..................................................2
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED .....................................3
Hardware & Accessories .............................................3
Adhesives & Building Supplies ....................................3
Optional Supplies & Tools ............................................4
IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES.......................................4
KIT INSPECTION...............................................................5
METRIC CONVERSIONS ..................................................6
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS...............................6
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT WORKING
WITH FIBERGLASS ..........................................................6
PREPARATIONS................................................................7
BUILD THE WING ..............................................................7
Installing the Ailerons...................................................7
Join the Wing ...............................................................7
Install the Aileron Servos & Pushrods .........................8
BUILD THE FUSELAGE ..................................................11
Preparations...............................................................11
Install the Stab, Elevator, Fin & Rudder.....................11
Attach the Wing & Cabanes ......................................13
Build the Carry Handle ..............................................15
Install the Engine & Throttle Servo ............................17
Install the Cowl & Dummy Radial Engine ..................18
Install the Fuel Tank ...................................................21
Assemble the Nose Weight Box ................................21
Install the Wheels.......................................................22
Install the Radio System ............................................23
Finishing Touches ......................................................26
Optional Flying Wire Installation ................................26
Apply the Decals........................................................29
GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY..................................30
Check the Control Directions .....................................30
Set the Control Throws ..............................................30
Balance the Model (C.G.) ..........................................31
Balance the Model Laterally ......................................31
PREFLIGHT .....................................................................31
Identify Your Model.....................................................31
Charge the Batteries..................................................31
Balance the Propellers...............................................32
Ground Check............................................................32
Range Check .............................................................32
ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .................................32
AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts) ....................................32
IMAA SAFETY CODE (excerpts) ...................................33
CHECK LIST....................................................................33
FLYING.............................................................................34
Fuel Mixture Adjustments ..........................................34
Take Off......................................................................34
Flight ..........................................................................34
Landing ......................................................................35
The PT-17 Military Stearman ARF has a long and colorful
history in both military and civilian use. You will thoroughly
enjoy the wide range of capabilities of this plane as well as
its good looks. We think you will be pleased with the
attention to detail and its flight characteristics. For the latest
technical updates or manual corrections to the PT-17
Military Stearman ARF, visit the Great Planes web site at
www.greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then
select the PT-17 Military Stearman ARF. If there is new
technical information or changes to this model a “tech
notice” box will appear in the upper left corner of the page.
The PT-17 Military Stearman ARF is an excellent sport-
scale model and is eligible to fly in IMAA events. The IMAA
(International Miniature Aircraft Association) is an
organization that promotes non-competitive flying of giant-
scale models. If you plan to attend an IMAA event, obtain a
copy of the IMAA Safety Code by contacting the IMAA at
the address or telephone number below, or by logging on to
their web site at
www.fly-imaa.org/imaa/sanction.html.
IMAA
205 S. Hilldale Road
Salina, KS 67401
(913) 823-5569
1. Your PT-17 Military Stearman ARF should not be
considered a toy, but rather a sophisticated, working model
that functions very much like a full-size airplane. Because of
its performance capabilities, the PT-17 Military Stearman
ARF, if not assembled and operated correctly, could
possibly cause injury to yourself or spectators and damage
to property.
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 unflyable 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 first-class
condition, and a correctly sized engine and components
(fuel tank, wheels, etc.) throughout the building process.
PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF
& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
IMAA
INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
