INTRODUCTION ................................................................2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ..................................................2
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED .....................................3
Hardware and Accessories ................................................3
Adhesives and Building Supplies .......................................3
Optional Supplies and Tools...............................................3
IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES.......................................3
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS...............................4
METRIC CONVERSION RULER .......................................4
KIT CONTENTS.................................................................5
WING ASSEMBLY .............................................................6
Install the Ailerons and Flaps .............................................6
Install the Aileron and Flap Servos ....................................6
Install the Wing Dowels and Bolt Plates ............................7
FUSELAGE ASSEMBLY ...................................................8
Mounting the Wing .............................................................8
Install the Stabilizer (Stab) .................................................9
Install the Fin ....................................................................10
Align the Tail .....................................................................11
Install the Elevator and Rudder ........................................11
Install the Elevator and Rudder Servos............................11
Install the Elevator and Rudder Pushrods........................12
Install the Receiver and Battery .......................................14
FINAL ASSEMBLY
..........................................................14
Install the Tow Hook .........................................................14
Hook Up the Wing Servos................................................15
Attach the Canopy............................................................16
BALANCE THE MODEL ..................................................18
BALANCE THE MODEL LATERALLY ............................18
CONTROL SURFACE THROWS .....................................18
TOW HOOK LOCATION ..................................................18
PREFLIGHT .....................................................................18
Identify Your Model ...........................................................18
Charge the Batteries ........................................................18
Range Check....................................................................18
AMA SAFETY CODE ......................................................19
General.............................................................................19
Radio Control ...................................................................19
CHECKLIST .....................................................................19
FLYING.............................................................................20
Trimming Flights ...............................................................20
Hi-Start Launch ................................................................20
First Flights.......................................................................20
ADVANCED FEATURES .................................................21
FACTS ABOUT THERMALS ...........................................21
THERMAL SOARING ......................................................22
SLOPE SOARING............................................................22
BALLAST.........................................................................22
Thank you for purchasing the Great Planes Spirit Elite ARF
sailplane. Soaring offers a freedom that no other type of
flying can provide! With a little practice and some help from
Mother Nature, you will be able to defy gravity and enjoy
flights that can last for hours.
The Spirit Elite's high performance airfoils give the aircraft a
superior Lift to Drag (L/D) ratio with outstanding performance
in a high variety of wind conditions. The advanced wing
design features flaps and ailerons to provide the ultimate in
control when using computer radio mixing functions.
Take your time and follow the directions carefully to end
up with a well-built model that is straight and true.
For the latest technical updates or manual corrections for
the Spirit Elite ARF, visit the web site listed below and select
the Great Planes Spirit Elite ARF. If there is new technical
information or changes to this kit, a “tech notice” box will
appear in the upper left corner of the page.
http://www.greatplanes.com/airplanes/index.html
1. Your Spirit Elite ARF should not be considered a toy, but
rather a sophisticated, working model that functions very
much like a full-size sailplane. Because of its performance
capabilities, the Spirit Elite 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.
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
flight 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.
PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF
& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
