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WARNING! THIS IS NOT A TOY!
This R/C kit and the model you will build is not a toy! It is
capable of serious bodily harm and property damage. IT IS
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AND YOURS ALONE - 
to build
this kit correctly, to properly install all R/C components and
to test and fly the model only with experienced, competent
help in accordance with all safety standards and common
sense as set down in the Academy of Model Aeronautics
Safety Code. It is suggested that you join the AMA to
become properly insured before you attempt to fly this
model. IF YOU ARE JUST STARTING R/C MODELING,
CONSULT YOUR LOCAL HOBBY SHOP OR WRITE TO
THE ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS TO FIND AN
EXPERIENCED INSTRUCTOR IN YOUR AREA.

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: http://www.modelaircraft.org

Thank you for purchasing the Great Planes SPIRIT ELITE
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 wing uses the SA7035 airfoil at the root
blending to the SA7036 airfoil at the tip. This combination
gives the aircraft a superior Lift to Drag (L/D) ratio with
outstanding performance in higher wind conditions. This
advanced wing design incorporates flaps and ailerons to
provide the ultimate in control when using computer radio
mixing functions.

Take your time and follow directions to end up with a
well-built model that is straight and true.

Radio having at least 4 channels (5 channels required

for crow mixing)

Iron-on Covering Material (2 rolls)

Latex Foam Rubber Padding (1/4” thick) (HCAQ1000)

Hi-start or other Launching Device (DYFP8302)

BB’s or Lead Shot for Balancing

2 oz. Thin CA Adhesive (GPMR6003)

1 oz. Medium or Thick CA Adhesive (GPMR6008)

5-Minute Epoxy (GPMR6045)

Hand or Electric Drill

Sealing Iron (TOPR2100)

Heat Gun (TOPR2000)

Razor Saw

Hobby Knife, #11 Blades

Screw Drivers

T-Pins (HCAR5100)

Straightedge

Sandpaper (coarse, medium, fine grit)*

Easy-Touch

Sander (GPMR6170)

Plan Protector or Wax Paper (GPMR6167)

Lightweight Balsa Filler (HCAR3401)

10-24 Tap, Tap Wrench

The SPIRIT ELITE kit has two different wing options: a
straight wing or a polyhedral wing. The straight wing is for
the more experienced sailplane pilot. It allows better
coordinated turn efficiency and much better handling in
cross winds. The polyhedral wing has more stability, turns
tighter with rudder, and is generally easier to fly. If you are a
novice sailplane pilot we recommend you build the
polyhedral option.

BALSA

BASSWOOD

PLYWOOD

1. Unroll the plan sheet. Reroll the plan inside out and let it
uncurl. This will help the plan lie flat. 

2. Remove all parts from the box. Identify each part by
comparing it with the plan, parts list and die-cut parts page.
Write the part number  or  size  on each piece to avoid
confusion later. Use the die-cut patterns shown on page 3
to identify and mark the die-cut parts. 

3. If any of the die-cut parts are difficult to remove, use a
hobby knife to free them. Use your sanding block to lightly
sand the edges to remove any die-cutting irregularities.

Get Ready to Build

Types of Wood

WING OPTIONS

Supplies & Tools Needed

Other Items Required

INTRODUCTION

PROTECT YOUR MODEL,

YOURSELF & OTHERS

2

Содержание Spirit Elite

Страница 1: ...bly no liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any damage resulting from the use by the user of the final user assembled product By the act of using the user assembled product the user accepts all resulting liability If the buyer is not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this product the buyer is advised to return this kit immediately in new and unused condition to the...

Страница 2: ...hat is straight and true Radio having at least 4 channels 5 channels required for crow mixing Iron on Covering Material 2 rolls Latex Foam Rubber Padding 1 4 thick HCAQ1000 Hi start or other Launching Device DYFP8302 BB s or Lead Shot for Balancing 2 oz Thin CA Adhesive GPMR6003 1 oz Medium or Thick CA Adhesive GPMR6008 5 Minute Epoxy GPMR6045 Hand or Electric Drill Sealing Iron TOPR2100 Heat Gun ...

Страница 3: ...3 DIE CUT PATTERNS ...

Страница 4: ... 5 Step 3 Step 1 ASSEMBLE THE TAIL 4 Cover the stabilizer and elevator plan with Great Planes Plan Protector or wax paper Medium When you see this symbol use the suggested CA When you see this symbol use the suggested CA Thin Thin Thin Thin ...

Страница 5: ...p 15 Step 13 Step 11 Step 9 5 Thin Thin Thin Thin LE SAND THE ELEVATOR BEVEL THE LEADING EDGE LE TE Sand the stabilizer smooth Round the leading edge LE and tips Cover the fin and rudder plan with Great Planes Plan Protector or wax paper ...

Страница 6: ...Step 22 Step 20 Step 18 Step 23 Step 21 Step 19 Step 17 6 Thin Thin Thin Thin Sand the fin and rudder smooth Round the LE of the fin SAND THE RUDDER TO A TAPER ...

Страница 7: ...re the pushrod tubes fit easily into the guide holes before installing the formers Use rubber bands to hold everything together Thin Thin Thin Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium Make sure the fuselage lines up straight Cover the fuselage plan with Great Planes Plan Protector or wax paper ...

Страница 8: ...F9 face the inside of the fuselage Use rubber bands to hold the fuselage together Make sure the fuselage is straight and then glue Thin Thin Thin Medium Medium Make sure the fuselage is straight before gluing Sand entire fuselage smooth Round corners as shown on plan Trim off excess Slide in from back ...

Страница 9: ...ing 30 minute epoxy Wipe off any excess epoxy before it cures Cover the wing plan with Great Planes Plan Protector or wax paper 1 16 1 6mm PLY WING JOINERS 1 16 1 6mm PLY JOINER CAPS ALUMINUM JOINER Clean with alcohol Step 1 Step 2 BUILD THE WING ...

Страница 10: ... Step 5 Cut the 1 8 x 3 4 x 12 1 2 3 2mm x 19mm x 317mm plywood to make the joiner box parts Position the 1 8 x 5 16 x 40 3 2mm x 8mm x 1016mm spars over the plan Cut the spars at rib 9 Leave 1 4 6 4mm overhang Cut the W23 balsa shear web at rib 9 ...

Страница 11: ...he spar up from the table using 1 16 1 6mm balsa Use leftover pieces from the rib die sheets Use pieces of the 3 16 x 3 16 balsa sticks as rib jigs to hold the ribs in place for the steps that follow Clamp the 1 8 3 2mm joiner box front and joiner box aft to the spars Add ribs 2A B Add ribs 3A B BUILD THE INBOARD PANEL Thin DO NOT GLUE THE JOINER BOX YET ...

Страница 12: ...iner and wipe clean Coat the wing joiner with isopropyl alcohol so the epoxy won t stick DGR DGR W1B W1A Align the rib between the dashed lines on the plan Align the rib between the dashed lines on the plan Use the dihedral gauge to set the angle 1 16 X 3 8 X 42 1 6mm X 9 5mm X 1067mm SUB LE 1 8 X 1 2 X 42 3 2mm X 12 7mm X 1067mm BALSA WING TE Step 9 Center the TE on the ribs Line up the LE Step 1...

Страница 13: ... 5 1 2 4 8mm X 9 5mm X 140mm BASSWOOD RAILS 2 3 4 70mm 2 3 4 70mm Step 16 DGP W9B W9A FIBERGLASS CLOTH POLYHEDRAL WING Use the polyhedral gauge only if you are building the polyhedral wing Cut the fiberglass cloth into four 4 100mm pieces Attach part of the fiberglass cloth to the spars using thin CA You will finish this step after you remove the panel from the table STRAIGHT WING Align ribs W9A a...

Страница 14: ...ove the wing from the table Cut off the jig tabs and sand smooth Step 20 Wrap the fiberglass cloth tightly around the joiner box and glue it in place Cut off any excess 1 16 X 3 X 24 1 6mm X 76mm X 610mm BALSA SHEET Step 21 Glue the top sheeting in place 1 16 X 3 8 X 42 1 6mm X 9 5mm X 1067mm BALSA SHEETING Medium Medium Thin Medium or aliphatic wood glue The cloth will cause the sheeting to bulge...

Страница 15: ...oth Bevel the leading edge so the balsa will follow the shape of the rib Cut 2 1 2 63 5mm from one of the 1 3 4 x 24 44 4mm x 610mm balsa triangles and glue in place at the wing root Trim off and sand the leading edge smooth Finish the slot in W1A for the wing dowel Epoxy the wing dowel and W1C to the wing root Step 24 Step 25 Medium ...

Страница 16: ... THE OUTER PANEL Step 27 W11 W10 W23 W12 W13 W14 W15 W16 1 16 1 6mm SHIMS Make rib jigs from the 3 16 4 8mm square sticks Step 28 Step 29 1 16 X 3 8 X 42 1 6mm X 9 5mm X 1067mm BALSA LE Left over from the inner panel 1 8 X 1 2 X 42 1 6mm X 9 5mm X 1067mm BALSA TE Left over from the inner panel Thin Thin ...

Страница 17: ...X 9 5mm X 1067mm BALSA TE SHEETING 1 16 1 6mm PLY HATCH Install the servo rails Cut from 3 16 x 3 8 x 5 1 2 basswood Install 1 16 1 6mm balsa sheeting around the servo hatch Step 31 Step 32 Step 33 Cut a small gusset from 3 8 9 5mm balsa Medium or aliphatic wood glue Medium Thin Thin ...

Страница 18: ...eting Step 34 Step 35 1 16 X 3 X 24 1 6mm X 76mm X 610mm BALSA SHEETING Step 36 1 16 X 3 8 X 42 1 6mm X 9 5mm X 1067mm BALSA TE SHEETING Step 37 Trim off the excess sheeting and sand smooth Sand the root and tip ribs smooth Thin ...

Страница 19: ... tip ribs smooth W19 STRAIGHT WING Step 40 Shape the LE as shown on the plan Glue the 1 4 x 7 16 x 42 6 4mm x 11mm x 1067mm balsa LE to the wing panels Step 39 Join the tip panel to the root panel using epoxy and the W18 1 16 1 6mm ply joiner Use the DGP gauge under the W16 rib to help set the height W18 POLYHEDRAL WING ...

Страница 20: ... balsa triangle Step 41 Step 42 1 16 1 6mm PLY WING BOLT PLATES Make an aileron and a flap from the leftover 1 3 4 44 4mm balsa triangles Bevel their leading edges as shown on the plan Step 43 Step 44 Drill two 5 32 4mm holes through the wing and into the fuselage Align the wing to the fuselage 3 4 19mm 7 16 11mm Step 45 Step 46 AILERON FLAP Medium Medium Medium ...

Страница 21: ... to C1 balsa canopy base Glue the canopy parts together Be carful not to glue them to the fuselage Trim and sand C1 and C3 to fit your Step 1 Step 2 C1 C1 C3 C4 C2 Drill a 1 8 3mm hole into the nose block Glue in the 1 8 x 1 3mm x 25 4mm dowel into the canopy base Do not glue the dowel to the fuselage Step 3 Step 4 BALSA NOSE BLOCK 1 8 3mm DRILL BIT Medium Thin Thin FINISHING ...

Страница 22: ...three blind nuts Step 7 Step 8 SMALL RUBBER BAND 4 40 TOW HOOK CENTERLINE MARKING TOOL 4 40 WASHER 4 40 NUT 2 X 3 8 9 5mm SCREW 1 8 3mm DRILL BIT Mark a center line on the fin and rudder Carefully cut hinge slots at the locations shown on the plan Cut two 3 4 x 1 19mm x 25 4mm hinges from the 2 x 9 50 5 x 228 5mm hinge strip Step 9 Step 10 HINGE THE RUDDER Medium DO NOT GLUE YET ...

Страница 23: ...ms low spots and notches with HobbyLite balsa colored filler After the filler has dried use progressively finer grades of sandpaper to even and smooth all the edges seams and surfaces Remove all the balsa dust from the model with compressed air or a vacuum with a brush and a tack cloth Covering Technique Cover the model with Top Flite MonoKote film using the suggested covering sequence that follow...

Страница 24: ...wn on the plans It is best to leave a very slight hinge gap rather than closing it up tight This will prevent the Glue from wicking along the hinge line Insert a small pin through the center of each hinge to keep the hinge centered while you install the control surfaces Step 15 DRILL A 3 32 HOLE 1 2 DEEP IN CENTER OF HINGE SLOT TEMPORARY PIN TO KEEP HINGE CENTERED ASSEMBLE THEN APPLY 6 DROPS OF TH...

Страница 25: ...trong tape hinge Step 20 Step 19 2 X 3 8 9 5mm FLAT HEAD SCREWS Cut servo blocks from the 3 16 x 3 8 x 2 4 8mm x 9 5mm x 50 8mm basswood Drill small pilot holes for the servo screws Drill pilot holes for the screws Install the servos to the blocks Cover the hatch with Monokote Glue in place with Medium CA or epoxy Step 22 Step 21 A A A A A A A A Step 18 Align the stabilizer so that it is parallel ...

Страница 26: ...HREADED WIRE METAL CLEVIS NYLON BACKPLATE NYLON CONTROL HORN 2 56 X 3 8 9 5mm BOLT 2 56 X 3 8 9 5mm BOLT Wrap the receiver and battery in foam Line up the control horns with the pushrods Attach the control horns to the elevator and rudder Install the switch inside the fuselage next to the receiver Step 23 ...

Страница 27: ...ts After the first flights the tow hook can be moved back to the middle hole for most flying conditions For contest flying you may want to try the rear hole as it can help achieve a higher launch But be careful as the sailplane will be less stable and more apt to Pop Off the line If you are not thoroughly familiar with the operation of R C models ask an experienced modeler to check to see you have...

Страница 28: ...lose altitude quickly and to control your glide for spot landings This mixing is tied to the flap stick throttle and allows the ailerons to come up as the flaps drop Be sure to use plenty of aileron differential when using CROW mixing because the ailerons become less effective at very high angles of deflection Also use maximum rudder coupling at full CROW If you don t have CROW capabilities just u...

Страница 29: ... fly in a straight line and only touch the controls when you have to Watch the sailplane carefully and it will tell you what it is encountering When the sailplane flys directly into a thermal it will either start rising or stop sinking Either case is reason enough to start circling Fly straight until you feel like you are in the strongest lift then fly a couple of seconds farther so your circle wi...

Страница 30: ...o the slope You will be surprised at the altitude you can gain just from slope lift Thermals will often be popped loose by these slopes If you catch a thermal and follow it downwind be very careful to stay high enough to make it back to the slope without flying through the turbulent air Landings can be very tricky on some slopes On gentle slopes you can often fly very close to the top of the slope...

Страница 31: ...m thermal to thermal The kit s easy assembly using the photo illustrated manual durability and forgiving flight make it great for beginners Includes hardware canopy molded cockpit Goldfire 550 motor system and 8x4 prop Add Great Planes scimitar style 8x4 Nylon Folding Propeller GPMQ1690 to minimize drag A 2 meter electric that climbs from 0 500 feet in 60 seconds Suitable for any skill level with ...

Страница 32: ...______ Where Purchased _________________________ Date Construction Started __________________ Date Construction Finished _________________ Finished Weight __________________________ Date of First Flight ________________________ FLIGHT LOG PRINTED IN USA ...

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