2
As a new owner of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), you
are responsible for the operation of this vehicle and the safety
of those around you. Please contact your local authorities
to fi nd out the latest rules and regulations.
In the United States, please visit:
knowbeforeyoufl y.org faa.gov/uas
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the TOWER HOBBIES
Vista Grande powered glider! The Vista Grande is the largest
of the Tower Hobbies Vista sailplane series. The Grande
boasts a long 100" wingspan with a dedicated spoiler and
comes equipped with the powerful RimFire .32 (42-50-800)
brushless outrunner motor, 13.5 x 7 folding propeller and
capable 70A ESC that will get your glider to soaring altitude in
seconds! No need to bring along any launching equipment…
all you need is a charged up LiPo battery and you’re ready
for some thermal hunting. The huge wing area of the Vista
Grande will collect the rising air and your glider will coast
effortlessly for long fl ying sessions. When you’re ready to
land, fl ip a switch on your transmitter to raise the spoiler and
make the perfect touch down right on your target!
AMA
We urge you to join the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics)
and a local R/C club. The AMA is the governing body of model
aviation and membership is required to fl y at AMA clubs.
Though joining the AMA provides many benefi ts, one of the
primary reasons to join is liability protection. Coverage is not
limited to fl ying at contests or on the club fi eld. It even applies
to fl ying at public demonstrations and air shows. Failure
to comply with the Safety Code may endanger insurance
coverage. Additionally, training programs and instructors are
available at AMA club sites to help you get started the right
way. There are over 2,500 AMA 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
Tele. (800) 435-9262
Fax (765) 741-0057
Or via the Internet at: www.modelaircraft.org
IMPORTANT:
Two of the most important things you can do
to preserve the radio controlled aircraft hobby are to avoid
fl ying near full-scale aircraft and avoid fl ying near or over
groups of people.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Protect Your Model, Yourself & Others…
Follow These Important Safety Precautions
1. Your Vista Grande 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,
this model, 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 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.
5. You must correctly install all R/C and other components
so that the model operates correctly on the ground and in
the air.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
AMA
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
ELECTRIC MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
. . . . . . . . 3
LITHIUM BATTERY WARNING!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
REQUIRED ITEMS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Radio Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Battery and Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Adhesives and Building Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Optional Supplies and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Covering Material. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Building Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
KIT INSPECTION
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
CONTENTS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
PREPARATION
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
WING ASSEMBLY
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
FUSELAGE ASSEMBLY
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Check the Control Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Set the Control Throws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Preparing to Balance the Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Balance the Model Laterally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Balance the Model (C.G.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
PREFLIGHT
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Identify Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Charge the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Ground Check and Range Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
FLYING
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Mount the Wing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
