Apprentice RTF Assembly Manual Specifications Wingspan: Length: Wing Area: Weight w/o Battery: Weight w/Battery: 58 in (1475mm) 37 in (940mm) 525 sq in (33.
Table of Contents Introduction.......................................................................... 2 Using the Manual................................................................. 2 Contents of Kit/Parts Layout.................................................. 3 Required Tools and Adhesives............................................... 3 Optional Accessories............................................................ 3 Note on Lithium Polymer Batteries.........................................
Contents of Kit/Parts Layout EFL2726 Wing Set EFL2727 Fuselage EFL2728 Tail Set EFL2729 Cowl EFL2730 Pushrod Set EFL2731 Nose Gear EFL2732 Main Landing Gear EFL2733 Spinner EFL2734 Motor Mount EFL2735 5mm Prop Adapter EFLA1030 30 Amp Pro Switch-mode BEC Brushless ESC EFLB1040 3200mAh 3S 11.
Charging the Flight Battery Your Apprentice can be ready to fly in as little time as it takes to charge the flight battery. Since this takes approximately 60 minutes, let's get the battery charging right away so it's on charge while you're assembling your new Apprentice. That way you can start flying as soon as possible. Required Parts Charger 3200 3S 11.1V LiPo battery Power supply or 12-volt battery (not included) 1. Connect the charger to a 12-volt battery or 12-volt power supply.
2. Select the proper number of cells that you will be charging. Your Apprentice includes a 3-cell flight pack, so set the charger to 3 cells. 3. Set the charge rate for your battery to 3 amps. 4. Locate the balance charge lead on the battery pack. The charge lead of a 3-cell LiPo battery will plug into the larger 4-pin port on the bottom right of the charger. A 2-cell pack will need to plug into the 3-pin port on bottom left of the charger.
5. Push the start button to begin the charging process. Once this is done, the charger will make an audible beep that matches the cell count, and then the red (charge) LED will begin to flash. Do not adjust the current once the charger has begun to charge. Note: At times, the green LED may also flash during the charging process, indicating that the charger is balancing one or more of the cells at the same time it is charging the battery pack.
2. Slide the pins on the bottom of the fin through the holes of the stabilizer and into those in the fuselage. Make sure to seat the fin completely down on the horizontal stab. You might need to push the fin down with some slight pressure to fully seat it. E-flite Apprentice Assembly Manual 3. Use a #1 Phillips screwdriver to install the two 2.5mm x 12mm sheet metal screws that secure the tail assembly to the fuselage. Tighten the screws until they stop.
4. Connect the elevator pushrod clevis to the elevator control horn in the hole that is farthest away from the elevator. Make sure to slide the silicone retainer onto the clevis to keep the clevis from popping off of the control horn. 5. Connect the rudder pushrod clevis to the rudder control horn in the hole that is farthest away from the rudder. Make sure to slide the silicone retainer onto the clevis to keep the clevis from popping off of the control horn.
Landing Gear Installation Required Parts Fuselage Assembly Main gear w/wheels Nose gear w/wheel Required Tools Phillips screwdriver: #1 2. You will need to back out the screw in the nose wheel steering arm before sliding in the nose gear wire. Slide the nose gear into the nose gear bracket. Use a #1 Phillips screwdriver to tighten the screw that secures the nose gear. Make sure the screw is tightened against the flat area as indicated in Step 1. 1. Locate the flat area on the nose gear.
10 3. Locate the main gear and press it into the slot in the fuselage that is behind the battery compartment on the bottom of the fuselage. You may need to flex the landing gear wire inwards towards itself to get it to fully seat inside the slot. Checking the Receiver Required Parts Fuselage Assembly 1. Check that the servos and speed control are plugged into the receiver properly.
Wing Installation Required Parts Wing panel (right and left) Wing cover, rear Fuselage assembly 2. Locate the front and rear wing covers. The front cover has a rounded edge, while the rear has a squared edge. Wing cover, front Rubber band (8) 1. Align the carbon wing tube with the socket in the opposite wing panel. Slide the two panels tightly together. Hint: You may want to practice the next steps before removing the backing from the adhesive tape on the wing covers.
12 4. Make sure the two wing panels are pressed tightly together with no gap between them. Position the front wing cover in the notch at the front of the wing. Press the cover down to secure its position on the wing. 5. Repeat the previous step to install the rear wing cover. 6. Install the included Y-harness by plugging it into the Aile port of the receiver.
7. Connect the aileron pushrod clevis to the aileron control horn in the hole that is farthest away from the aileron. Make sure to slide the silicone retainer onto the clevis to keep the clevis from popping off of the control horn. Connect both the right and left aileron linkages at this time. 9. Install the first two rubber bands. They should cross as shown in the image below. 10. The next two rubber bands will go directly from the front to the rear of the fuselage, over the wing. 8.
11. Install the last four rubber bands using the Steps 9 and 10 as a guide. You will install two across (as in step 9) and then two in line (as in step 10), and then two across (as in step 9) and then two in line (as in step 10), and so on until there are no more rubber bands. Battery Installation Required Parts Assembled airframe 3200 3S 11.1 V LiPo battery (charged) 14 1. Turn the battery hatch keeper 90 degrees to release the hatch.
2. Open the hatch from the rear of the fuselage as shown. The front of the hatch is hinged so it will not detach from the fuselage and get lost. 3. Slide the battery into the battery compartment. The connector will face the back of the airplane. E-flite Apprentice Assembly Manual 4. Ensure the battery is slid all the way into the front of the battery compartment. Use the hook and loop straps to secure the battery in the fuselage. 5. Close the hatch from the rear of the fuselage.
Installing the Transmitter Batteries Required Parts Transmitter 16 3. Remove the battery cover and set it aside so it does not get lost. 4. Install the four AA batteries. Note the polarity of the batteries during their installation. AA battery (4) 1. Check to make sure the transmitter power switch is in the "OFF" position. 2. Slide the cover from the battery compartment.
5. Slide the battery cover back into position on the back of the transmitter. Removing the Propeller Required Parts Fuselage assembly Required Tools Adjustable wrench Important: Before performing any maintainance to the motor, make sure the battery has been unplugged and removed from your model to prevent injury. Also remove the propeller when checking the radio system to prevent any personal injury if the motor were to start. 1. Remove the spinner cone from the spinner.
18 2. Use an adjustable wrench to remove the nut from the propeller adapter. Set the nut aside so it does not get lost. 3. Remove the washer and set it aside with the nut and spinner cone. 4. Remove the spinner backplate and set it with the nut, spinner cone and washer.
5. Slide the propeller from the propeller adapter. The installation of the propeller is the reverse of the previous steps. Make sure the nut is tightened properly so the propeller does not depart from your model during flight. Control Functions Required Parts Transmitter The following images to identify the controls for both the Mode 1 and Mode 2 versions of your Apprentice.
Centering the Control Surfaces and Checking Control Direction Elevator/Aileron Stick Throttle/Rudder Stick HI/LO Rate Switch Required Parts Assembled airframe Transmitter Note: This section is designed to help you become acquainted with the operation of the radio in correlation to the model. If a flight control moves in the incorrect direction we will instruct you how to change it in the next section. As always, read through the radio manual which explains the features of your radio system.
2. Plug the EC3 connector on the flight battery into the speed control. You will hear a series of beeps or tones when you plug the battery in. During this process it is normal for the prop to pulse slightly as the ESC powers up. Please ensure you are not in line with the prop or in front of it during power up. Note: The following steps will ensure your flight controls are centered for the first flight. Checking the Elevator (Mode 2) 3. Center the elevator stick.
22 4. Check the movement of the elevator with the radio system. Pulling the elevator/aileron stick (right stick on the Mode 2 transmitter) back will make the airplane elevator move up. 5. Check the movement of the elevator with the radio system. Pushing the elevator/aileron stick forward will make the airplane elevator move down on the Mode 2 transmitter.
Checking the Elevator (Mode 1) 3. Center the elevator stick. This is the left stick on the transmitter. The elevator should not be deflected up or down, but should be flat with the horizontal stabilizer when viewed from the side. If the elevator is deflected up or down you will need to push the silicone keeper back off the clevis, onto the pushrod. This will enable you to open the clevis up and remove it from the control horn.
5. Check the movement of the elevator with the radio system. Pushing the elevator/rudder stick forward will make the airplane elevator move down on the Mode 1 transmitter. Checking the Rudder (Mode 1 and 2) 6. Mode 1 (Rudder/Elevator on left stick): Center the rudder stick. Thread the clevis in or out on the rudder pushrod until the rudder is aligned with the fin as shown. Mode 2 (Rudder/Throttle on left stick): Confirm the rudder stick is in the down/throttle off position.
7. Check the movement of the rudder using the transmitter. When the rudder/throttle stick (left side of the transmitter) is moved right, the rudder should also move right. 8. Check the movement of the rudder using the transmitter. When the left stick is moved left, the rudder should also move left. Important: When operating a Mode 2 transmitter (rudder/throttle on left stick), be very careful that the left stick is not moved forward when checking the rudder.
Checking the Steering Trim (Mode 1 and 2) Note: Checking the steering trim must be done after the aircraft has been flown and the rudder trimmed for straight flight at the transmitter. The steering trim is a mechanical adjustment and should never be corrected using the rudder trim at the transmitter. 9. Once the rudder has been trimmed for straight flight, you can now adjust the steering trim of your Apprentice. Taxi the aircraft to determine if it turns left or right when the rudder stick is centered.
Checking the Ailerons (Mode 1 and 2) 10. Center the aileron stick. Thread the clevis in or out on the aileron pushrod until the ailerons are aligned with the wing as shown. 11. Check the movement of the aileron using the transmitter. When the elevator/aileron stick (Mode 2 transmitter) or throttle/aileron stick (Mode 1 transmitter) is moved right, the right aileron will move up and the left aileron will move down.
28 12. Check the movement of the aileron using the transmitter. When the aileron/elevator stick (Mode 2 transmitter) or the aileron/throttle stick (Mode 1 transmitter) is moved left, the left aileron will move up and the right aileron will move down. Reversing Direction of Flight Controls If you find any control surface moving in the opposite direction of what it should (example shown below), use the Servo Reversing feature of the DX5e to fix the problem.
13. This completes the radio setup section. You may now power down your airplane and transmitter. To do this follow these steps. A. Unplug the aircraft battery B. Turn transmitter off. Center of Gravity An important part of preparing the aircraft for flight is properly balancing the model. Caution: Do not inadvertently skip this step! The recommended Center of Gravity (CG) location for the Apprentice is 31/4-inch (83mm) back from the leading edge of the top wing.
Range Test Your Radio Before each flying session, and especially with a new model, it is important to perform a range check. The DX5e incorporates a range testing system which, when placed in the range check mode with the trainer switch activated and held, reduces the output power, allowing a range check. Apprentice Balanced - No Correction Needed Apprentice Nose Heavy Add Weight to Tail or Move Battery Rearward 1.
3. You should have total control of the model with the trainer switch pulled at 30 paces (90 feet). 30 paces (90 feet/28 meters) 4. If control issues exist, call the Horizon Support Team at 1 877 504 0233 or go to horizonhobby.com to find a local Spektrum distributor in your country for service.
Setting the Control Throws Required Parts Assembled airframe Transmitter Charged flight battery Required Tools and Adhesives Ruler 1. Turn the radio on using the power switch on the front of the transmitter and check that the throttle stick is at its lowest position. The throttle stick needs to be in the idle/ off position, otherwise the speed control will not arm in the next step. The DX5e featuers digital trims, so they should be centered when the transmitter is powered on.
2. Plug the motor battery into the speed control. Elevator Throw 3. Use a ruler to check the control throws on your elevator. The dimensions are shown below. For your reference the elevator pushrod is set up in the following holes: The outside hole on the elevator control horn and the fourth hole in on the elevator servo arm. Low Rate: Important: Always use extreme caution around the propeller when the motor battery is plugged in. A spinning propeller can cause serious damage or injury.
Rudder Throw 4. Use a ruler to check the control throws on your rudder. The dimensions are shown below. For your reference the rudder pushrod is set up in the following holes: The outside hole on the rudder control horn and the outside hole on the rudder servo arm. Low Rate: 1/2-inch (14mm) (Right/Left) Aileron Throw 5. Use a ruler to check the control throws on the ailerons. The dimensions are shown below.
6. Once all the control throws have been set, make sure to slide the clevis retainers over the clevises to prevent them from opening accidentally. Installing the Propeller Required Parts Fuselage assembly Propeller nut Spinner cone Propeller Propeller washer Spinner backplate Required Tools Adjustable wrench Important: Before performing any maintainance to the motor, make sure the battery has been unplugged and removed from your model to prevent injury. 1.
2. Slide the spinner backplate on the propeller adapter. 3. Install the washer on the propeller shaft. 4. Thread the nut on the propeller adapter. Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the nut. Make sure the nut is tightened properly so the propeller does not depart from your model during flight.
5. Snap the spinner cone on the spinner backplate. It should snap on the backplate using a little force. Warning An RC aircraft is not a toy! If misused, it can cause serious bodily harm and damage to property. Fly only in open areas, preferably at AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) approved flying sites, following all instructions included with your radio.
Optional Items for Your Apprentice E-flite 32003S Battery As you have selected the world of electric power to begin your RC experience, we thought it would be good to show you some optional equipment that will help you grow and enjoy the world of electric flight. The equipment included with your Apprentice works very well and will serve your needs without hesitation. All of the items shown in this section are available from your local hobby dealer.
LiPo Battery Pack Information • LiPo batteries may explode if damaged or if disposed of improperly. Warning! Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries are significantly more volatile than other rechargeable batteries used in RC applications. Failure to read and follow these instructions and safety precautions may result in fire, personal injury and damage to property. E-flite, Horizon Hobby, Inc.
• Lithium batteries can still ignite after at least 45 minutes due to a delayed chemical reaction. If battery is damaged or overheats, observe the battery in a safe area outside of any building or vehicle and away from combustible material. • Do not allow children to charge LiPo battery packs. • Do not allow children to use LiPo batteries without adult supervision. • Shorting the wire leads can cause fire.
Basic Disposal Instructions Before discarding any LiPo battery it must be rendered safe. The following steps must be taken to avoid damage or injury to yourself, your property and anyone who comes in contact with the battery. If the battery is undamaged but no longer useful: 1. Discharge the battery to a maximum of 2.5V using a slow, safe discharge method. 2. Leave battery uncharged and retest after at least 24 hours. Many batteries experience “rebound” and may have more than 2.5V after 24 hours.
Damage Limits HORIZON SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSS OF PROFITS OR PRODUCTION OR COMMERCIAL LOSS IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THE PRODUCT, WHETHER SUCH CLAIM IS BASED IN CONTRACT, WARRANTY, NEGLIGENCE, OR STRICT LIABILITY. Further, in no event shall the liability of Horizon exceed the individual price of the Product on which liability is asserted.
If you choose to pay by credit card, please include your credit card number and expiration date. Any repair left unpaid or unclaimed after 90 days will be considered abandoned and will be disposed of accordingly. Please note: non-warranty repair is only available on electronics and model engines.
2008 Official AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code GENERAL 1) I will not fly my model aircraft in sanctioned events, air shows or model flying demonstrations until it has been proven to be airworthy by having been previously, successfully flight tested. 2) I will not fly my model higher than approximately 400 feet within 3 miles of an airport without notifying the airport operator. I will give right-of-way and avoid flying in the proximity of full-scale aircraft.
Building and Flying Notes E-flite Apprentice Assembly Manual 45
Building and Flying Notes 46 E-flite Apprentice Assembly Manual
Building and Flying Notes E-flite Apprentice Assembly Manual 47
13464.1 © 2008 Horizon Hobby, Inc. 4105 Fieldstone Road Champaign, Illinois 61822 1 877 504 0233 horizonhobby.com E-fliteRC.