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GREAT PLANES Super Decathlon 40 - User Manual

GREAT PLANES Super Decathlon 40
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INSTRUCTION BOOK
PLEASE READ THROUGH THIS INSTRUCTION BOOKLET IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE BEGINNING
ASSEMBLY. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY
AND USE OF THIS MODEL.
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, properly install all R/C components and flying gear (engine, tank,
pushrods, etc.) and to test the model and fly it only with experienced, competent help, using
common sense and in accordance with all safety standards 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 (800) 435-9262 DE40P03

Table of Contents

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Summary

Instruction Book Overview

Critical Safety Warning: Not a Toy

Emphasizes that the model kit is not a toy and carries risks of harm or damage.

Introduction to the Super Decathlon 40

Building and Safety Precautions

Essential guidelines for building and handling the model safely and correctly.

Common Abbreviations Used

Glossary of terms and abbreviations used throughout the instruction manual.

Die-Cut Part Identification

Die Patterns Reference

Visual guide to identify all die-cut parts using the provided patterns.

Key Build Decisions and Requirements

Engine and Mount Selection

Guidance on choosing the appropriate engine and mounting hardware for the model.

Wheel Selection for Handling

Recommendations for main and tail wheel sizes for optimal handling and scale appearance.

Required Items and Supplies

Lists of additional items and tools needed for the construction process.

Tail Feather Construction: Rudder

Building the Rudder

Step-by-step instructions for constructing the rudder component of the aircraft.

Tail Feather Construction: Fin

Building the Fin

Detailed steps for assembling the vertical fin structure of the model.

Tail Feather Construction: Stabilizer & Elevators

Building the Stabilizer

Instructions for constructing the horizontal stabilizer, including shaping and alignment.

Building the Elevators

Guidance on constructing the movable elevator surfaces, including joiner installation.

Hinge and Wing Assembly Introduction

Installing the Hinges

Preparing and installing hinges for control surface movement.

Building the Wing Panels

Detailed steps for constructing the left and right wing panels using plans and components.

Wing Panel Construction: Spars and Ribs

Spar and Rib Assembly

Assembling spars, ribs, and trailing edges to form the wing structure.

Wing Panel Construction: Sheeting

Leading and Trailing Edge Sheeting

Applying leading and trailing edge sheeting for structural integrity and airfoil shape.

Joining the Wing Panels

Dihedral Brace Installation

Joining the two wing panels with dihedral braces for strength and proper wing angle.

Wing Center Section and Controls

Center Ribs and Sheeting Installation

Adding center section sheeting and ribs for structural support.

Aileron Torque Rod Installation

Fitting the torque rods for the aileron control system.

Center Wing Section Reinforcement

Fiberglass Center Section

Applying fiberglass cloth and resin for essential center wing section reinforcement.

Wing Tip and Aileron Installation

Installing Wing Tips

Shaping and attaching the wing tips to the wing panels.

Installing Ailerons

Fitting the ailerons into the wing, including hinge and torque rod connections.

Wing Hardware Installation

Wing Dowels and Bolt Plate

Temporarily installing wing dowels and the wing bolt plate for alignment.

Wing Strut Plates

Gluing wing strut plates to the bottom of the wing panels.

Fuselage Assembly: Side Preparation

Preparing Fuse Sides

Assembling and preparing the left and right fuselage side panels.

Lower Fuselage Assembly

Assembling the Lower Fuselage

Constructing the bottom section of the fuselage, including formers and bracing.

Upper Fuselage Assembly

Assembling the Upper Fuselage

Building the top section of the fuselage, including cabin and dashboard elements.

Mounting the Wing to the Fuselage

Wing Mounting Procedure

Securing the assembled wing to the fuselage saddle using dowels and bolts.

Mounting the Stabilizer and Fin

Attaching Stabilizer and Fin

Aligning and gluing the horizontal stabilizer and vertical fin to the fuselage rear.

Final Assembly Steps

Engine Installation

Procedures for installing the engine and its associated firewall components.

2-Cycle Firewall Setup

Specific steps for assembling and installing the firewall for 2-cycle engines.

Control System Setup

Engine Mount and Servo Installation

Mounting the engine and installing servos, horns, and pushrods for control surfaces.

Fuel System and Control Throws

Fuel Tank and Fuelproofing

Installing the fuel tank and fuelproofing the engine compartment.

Control Surface Throws

Recommended control surface movements for initial flights.

Electronics and Landing Gear Installation

Wing Strut Straps and Battery

Attaching wing strut straps and securing receiver, switch, and battery.

Main Landing Gear Installation

Fitting and securing the main landing gear assembly.

Wheel Pants Installation

Fitting and Attaching Wheel Pants

Preparing and attaching the scale wheel pants to the landing gear.

Cowl Fitting Procedures

Fitting the Engine Cowl

Cutting and fitting the engine cowl for proper air intake and clearance.

Finishing and Surface Treatment

Additional Fuelproofing

Ensuring the engine compartment and exposed wood are fuel-resistant.

Lateral Airplane Balance

Adjusting weight for side-to-side balance to improve flight stability.

Final Sanding and Covering Prep

Smoothing the airframe and preparing for covering material application.

Decals and Trim Application

Applying Decals and Trim

Placing decals and trim tape according to the layout for scale appearance.

Hinge Gluing and Windshield Installation

Gluing Control Surface Hinges

Securely gluing hinges for rudder, elevators, and ailerons.

Installing the Windshield

Fitting and attaching the clear windshield to the fuselage cockpit.

Wing Seating and Strut Installation

Wing Seating Procedure

Sealing the wing-to-fuselage joint for a clean fit.

Installing Wing Struts

Attaching the scale wing struts for structural support and appearance.

Side Windows and Model Balance

Installing Side Windows

Cutting and fitting the clear side windows into the fuselage.

Balancing Your Model (CG)

Crucial step to determine and adjust the Center of Gravity for stable flight.

Pre-Flight Checks and Procedures

Radio System and Battery Checks

Charging batteries, performing range checks, and ensuring proper control surface operation.

Finding a Safe Flying Location

Guidance on selecting appropriate and safe locations for flying the model.

Ground Operations and Safety Codes

Ground Check and Engine Safety

Performing thorough ground checks and adhering to engine safety precautions.

AMA Safety Code Adherence

Adherence to the Academy of Model Aeronautics safety guidelines.

Radio Control and Flying Operations

Radio Control Setup

Basic radio control setup and operational advice for flying.

Takeoff, Flight, and Landing

Procedures and tips for successful takeoff, general flight, and landing.

Wing Incidence Check

Checking Wing Incidence

Step-by-step guide to checking and adjusting wing incidence for optimal flight.

Parts List and Identification

Detailed Component Breakdown

Comprehensive list of all parts included in the model kit with part numbers.

GREAT PLANES Super Decathlon 40 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Skill LevelIntermediate
AirfoilSemi-symmetrical
Wingspan60 in (1524 mm)
Weight5.5 lbs
Engine Size.40-.46 cu in
Radio4-channel
Servos4 standard servos
CG (Center of Gravity)3.5 in from leading edge
Control Throw (Ailerons)1 in up, 1 in down
Control Throw (Elevator)3/8 in up, 3/8 in down (10 mm each way)
Control Throw (Rudder)1.5 in each way (38 mm)

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