GREAT PLANES Pluma, User Manual

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ............................................................... 2
AMA .................................................................................. 2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ................................................. 2
LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING & USAGE ..................... 3
DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE ........................................ 3
 Radio 

Equipment 

.......................................................... 3

Motor, Propeller, Battery & ESC Recommendations ....... 3

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED .................................... 4
 

Required Hardware & Accessories .............................. 4

Optional Supplies & Tools ............................................ 4

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES ...................................... 4
KIT INSPECTION .............................................................. 5
KIT CONTENTS ................................................................ 5
METRIC/INCH RULER ...................................................... 5
GETTING STARTED ......................................................... 6
WING INSTALLATION ...................................................... 6
 Install 

the 

Wings 

........................................................... 6

Link the Ailerons ........................................................... 7

HORIZONTAL & VERTICAL TAIL INSTALLATION .......... 8
 

Install the Horizontal Stabilizer ..................................... 8

Hinge the Rudder ......................................................... 9

INSTALL THE  SERVOS .................................................. 10
PUSHROD & CONTROL HORN INSTALLATION .......... 10
 

Install the Control Horns ............................................ 10

Install the Pushrods .................................................... 11

MOTOR & ESC INSTALLATION ..................................... 12
FINAL ASSEMBLY ......................................................... 13
 

Install the Wing Braces ............................................... 13

Install the Aileron Servo ............................................. 14

Install the Radio, Landing Gear, & Propeller .............. 15

BALANCE THE MODEL (C.G.) ...................................... 17
 

Set the C.G. ................................................................ 17

Balance the Model Laterally ....................................... 17

SET THE CONTROL THROWS & DIRECTION
OF TRAVEL ..................................................................... 18
 

Check the Control Directions ..................................... 18

Set the Control Throws ............................................... 18

PREFLIGHT .................................................................... 18
 Identify 

Your 

Model 

..................................................... 18

Charge the Batteries .................................................. 19

 Balance 

Propellers 

..................................................... 19

Ground Check & Range Check .................................. 19

MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ................................. 19
AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts) .................................... 19
CHECK LIST ................................................................... 20
FLYING ............................................................................ 20
 Takeoff 

........................................................................ 21

 Flight 

.......................................................................... 21

 Landing 

...................................................................... 21

TEMPLATES ........................................... Back Cover Page

INTRODUCTION

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections 
to the Pluma 3D ARF visit the Great Planes web site at
www.greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link and then 
select the Pluma 3D 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.

AMA

If you are not already a member of the AMA, please join! 
The AMA is the governing body of model aviation and 
membership provides liability insurance coverage, protects 
modelers’ rights and interests and is required to fl y at most 
R/C sites.

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

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.

PROTECT YOUR  MODEL, YOURSELF 

& OTHERS....FOLLOW THESE

 IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Your Pluma 3D 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 Pluma 3D 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 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, and a correctly sized motor and components 
throughout the building process.

5. You must correctly install all R/C and other components so 
that the model operates correctly on the ground and in the air.