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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.

7. If you are not already an experienced R/C pilot, you
should fly the model only with the help of a competent,
experienced R/C pilot.

Remember: Take your time and follow the instructions
to end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.

If you have not flown this type of model before, we
recommend that you get the assistance of an experienced
pilot in your R/C club for your first flights. If you’re not a
member of a club, your local hobby shop has information
about clubs in your area whose membership includes
experienced pilots.

In addition to joining an R/C club, we strongly recommend
you join the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics). AMA
membership is required to fly at AMA sanctioned clubs.
There are over 2,500 AMA chartered clubs across the
country. Among other benefits, the AMA provides insurance
to its members who fly at sanctioned sites and events.
Additionally, training programs and instructors are available
at AMA club sites to help you get started the right way. Contact
the AMA at the address or toll-free phone number below:

This is a partial list of items required to finish the Viper 500
ARF that may require planning or decision-making before
starting to build. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

Receiver: standard size, minimum 4-channel.

Note: Due to the unusually high speeds and stresses
placed upon racing models such as the Viper 500 ARF,

lightweight components such as “micro” or “feather”
receivers normally intended for lightweight airplanes
(such as Park Flyers) should not be used. The Futaba

®

R148DF or R148DP receivers are suitable. Additionally,
due to the space constraints of the radio compartment,
make certain the components fit before purchasing
new gear.

250mAh Lightweight receiver pack: (FUTM1210)

Servo extensions: (2) 9" extensions to allow easy
connection of throttle and aileron servos (FUTM3910)

Switch: Standard, with heatshrink to secure to battery

Servos: (4), 3 requiring 35 oz-in of torque

Servo recommendations: The Viper 500 ARF is
designed to fit a wide variety of servos. All servos may
be mid-size or standard-size servos, so long as they
provide at least 35 ounces-inch of torque. The throttle
servo may be micro through standard, so long as it
provides sufficient torque to operate your carburetor.

The recommended engine size range for the Viper 500 ARF
is .25 to .46 cu in [4.0 – 7.5cc] two-stroke. This model is not
designed for a four-stroke. As of the time of this writing, the
maximum power plant allowed for Quickie 500 racing is a
.40 [6.5cc] two-stroke, and only front-intake, side-exhaust,
commercially available, unmodified engines with stock
carburetors, utilizing approved propellers and fuels, are
permitted.

In addition to common household tools and hobby tools, this
is the “short list” of the most important items required to
build the Viper 500 ARF.

Great Planes Pro

CA and Epoxy

glue are recommended.

1/2 oz Thin CA (GPMR6001)

Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 3/16" [4.8mm], 1/4" [6.4mm]

R/C foam rubber 1/4" [6mm] - (HCAQ1000)

R/C foam rubber 1/2" [13mm] - (HCAQ1050)

Fiberglass cloth to secure the throttle pushrod

Adhesives & Building Supplies

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

REMEMBER: We will not quote all of the AMA
regulations for Quickie 500 racing in this manual. Any
information regarding racing is provided for
informational purposes only and is NOT guaranteed
to be accurate. Only the printed version of the AMA
regulations should be used in case of protests or
other disputes involving events contained in the
regulations.

Engine Recommendations

Radio Equipment

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN 47302

Tele: (800) 435-9262

Fax (765) 741-0057

Or via the Internet at:

http://www.modelaircraft.org

We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top
quality, thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but
ultimately the quality and flyability of your finished model
depends on how you build it; therefore, we cannot in any
way guarantee the performance of your completed
model, and no representations are expressed or implied
as to the performance or safety of your completed model.

3

Summary of Contents for Viper 500 ARF

Page 1: ...buyer is advised to return this kit immediately in new and unused condition to the place of purchase IMPORTANT NOTE This model is designed for sport flying and AMA Quickie 500 racing We will not quot...

Page 2: ...an fly at reasonable speeds until your confidence and skill are up to their full speed adrenaline rush The Viper 500 ARF is designed for sport flying and AMA Quickie 500 pylon racing competition accor...

Page 3: ...y connection of throttle and aileron servos FUTM3910 Switch Standard with heatshrink to secure to battery Servos 4 3 requiring 35 oz in of torque Servo recommendations The Viper 500 ARF is designed to...

Page 4: ...ecommended that you use only 30 minute or 45 minute epoxy because you will need the working time and or the additional strength Photos and sketches are placed before the step they refer to Frequently...

Page 5: ...lick on Where to Buy If this kit is missing parts contact Great Planes Product Support Replacement Parts List Order Number Description How to Purchase Missing pieces Contact Product Support Instructio...

Page 6: ...mount wing GPMQ3046 4 6 32 x 1 4 Bolts for main landing gear GPMQ3024 5 2 x 3 8 Screws to mount servo tray and hatch GPMQ3820 1 2 Washers to mount servo tray and hatch GPMR3400 1 2 x 9 CA Hinge Strip...

Page 7: ...photo the aileron torque rods protrude from the bottom of the wing cut the covering from the servo opening and the bottom of the four wing bolt holes Turn the wing over and cut the covering from the...

Page 8: ...A to the top and bottom of each hinge Do not use CA accelerator Gently work the aileron up and down while the glue hardens After the CA has fully hardened test the hinges by pulling on the ailerons 1...

Page 9: ...me as you did with the wing Permanently attach the ruddervators to the V tail the using the same hinging technique used with the ailerons 2 Bolt the V tail to the fuse with two 8 32 x 1 1 2 38mm flat...

Page 10: ...make a slight bend Reinstall the pushrods and attach the clevises Note This bend is to make the pushrod move as freely as possible in the pushrod tube It may take several small adjustments to get fri...

Page 11: ...hole in the mount as a guide to drill a 3 16 4 8mm hole through the firewall Note It is okay if you drill through a portion of the factory installed blind nut on the back of the firewall Remove the m...

Page 12: ...uselage in the approximate location of the fuel lines from the tank Remove the tank Drill 1 4 6mm holes for the fuel lines Harden the wood around the holes you just drilled with thin CA 12 Guide a 12...

Page 13: ...der Modifications on page 16 1 Trim the servo tray to fit your servos 2 Glue the V tail servo supports to the servo tray The side you glued the supports onto is now the bottom Note If you used servos...

Page 14: ...A 8 Lift the plastic antenna tube up through the servo tray Reinstall the receiver and receiver battery 9 Remove the covering from the antenna tube exit at the rear of the fuse 10 Using an arm cut off...

Page 15: ...20 Secure the front of the hatch with a 2 x 3 8 9 5mm screw and 2 washer 21 Determine the size of the throttle servo you are going to use Using the photos as a reference mount the throttle servo in th...

Page 16: ...e modifications are recommended only if your radio does not have V tail mixing 1 Cut the tail of the fuse off 1 4 6mm behind the tail skid 2 Remove covering from the rudder 3 Glue 1 4 x 1 2 x 1 1 2 6...

Page 17: ...dervator pushrod as shown Connect the two ruddervator pushrods together with two 5 32 4mm wheel collars 15 Attach the rudder pushrod to the right hand servo with the Faslink as done with the other ser...

Page 18: ...f the systems in place including the engine landing gear covering and paint and the radio system More than any other factor the C G balance point can have the greatest effect on how a model flies and...

Page 19: ...eight to fall off Use 2 sheet metal screws RTV silicone or epoxy to permanently hold the weight in place 4 IMPORTANT If you found it necessary to add any weight recheck the C G after the weight has be...

Page 20: ...an assistant holding the model using hand signals to show you what is happening If the control surfaces do not respond correctly do not fly Find and correct the problem first Look for loose servo con...

Page 21: ...hasn t been cut shortened or otherwise damaged 5 Balance your model laterally as explained in the instructions 6 Use thread locking compound to secure critical fasteners such as the set screws that h...

Page 22: ...rface flutter Because flutter can quickly destroy components of your airplane any time you detect flutter you must immediately cut the throttle and land the airplane Check all servo grommets for deter...

Page 23: ...to be aware of the relationship between a race model s airspeed and the responsiveness of its flight controls A flight plan greatly reduces the chances of crashing your model just because of poor pla...

Page 24: ...____________ Where Purchased _________________________ Date Construction Started __________________ Date Construction Finished _________________ Finished Weight __________________________ Date of Firs...

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