Instruction Manual
Your Aerobird 3™ adventures are about to begin. In order to have a safe and successful experience, please read and follow this instructional manual carefully. To enhance your flying experience, we have also included an instructional DVD that will provide you with flying tips and help you learn how to perform advanced aerial maneuvers. While easy to fly, the Aerobird 3 is not intended for beginner pilots.
Pro Mode (High Rate). The default Sport Mode is great for pilots transitioning from 2-channel planes and for those who want a more relaxed flying experience. The Place to Start™ The Pro Mode changes the Aerobird 3’s characteristics, and allows more aggressive maneuvers for those who want it! Crash damage is not covered under the warranty. The Aerobird 3 is also equipped with HobbyZone’s exclusive X-Port™ feature.
Step 1 Transmitter Needed for Step 1 8 "AA" Batteries (included) 1. Remove the transmitter back cover by pushing down with your thumbs, as indicated. 2. Install batteries. Use fresh 1.5V "AA" and watch the polarity. 3. Replace the cover. 4. To test, switch on the transmitter— the LED should glow brightly. 5. Replace the batteries when you hear the low-battery alarm (beeping sound).
Step 2 Wing and Landing Gear Attachment Needed for Step 2 Rubber Bands (x6) Main Landing Gear Mounting the Landing Gear 1. Insert the landing gear into the slot on bottom of the fuselage. Note: When flying without X-Port™ modules and landing on grass, it is not necessary to have the landing gear installed. Attaching the Wing 1.
Step 2 Wing and Landing Gear Attachment Attaching the Tail Wheel • Installation of the included tail wheel is optional. If added, be extremely careful to adjust the tail screws and tail to their original positions.
Adult Supervision Required WARNING: Keep everything clear of the propeller and hold the plane securely. A moving propeller can cause severe injury. 1. Be sure the throttle slider is in the Off position. 2. Turn the transmitter on. 3. Install the battery in the fuselage slot and plug in the connector. 4. The Aerobird 3™ has a built-in throttle arming feature, which needs to “see” the throttle slider in the Off position before it will spin the propeller.
Step 4 Charging the Aircraft Battery This charger uses a unique peak detection circuitry that ensures an accurate charge every time and protects your Ni-Cd and Ni-MH batteries from the dangers of overcharging. This charger continually monitors the battery’s charge curve and automatically stops charging when the peak charge is detected. The peak detection charger will help avoid damaging Ni-Cd and Ni-MH cells. Important: The Aerobird 3™ battery should be charged shortly before flying.
Charging HobbyZone Ni-MH Battery Packs 1. Using the dial indicator on the side of the charger, set the charge rate as indicated in the chart below. Note: If you purchase the connector adapter (HBZ1027), you can use your peak charger to charge other HobbyZone airplane and boat batteries. Use the charge rates from the chart at the left. Battery Capacity Aerobird3 1000mAh 7.2 and 8.
Step 5 Tail Control Test Elevator Trim Lever Rudder Trim Lever 10 Warning: Keep everything clear of the propeller before starting the control test in the event that you accidentally turn on the motor. 1. Be sure the throttle slider is in the Off position. 2. Switch on the transmitter—check to make sure the LED is lit, indicating the trans mitter has power. 3. Install battery in fuselage and plug in connector. 4. Move the stick side to side.
Rudder Controls (Sport Mode) Right Rudder Step 5 Tail Control Test (continued) Elevator Controls Rudder Controls (Pro Mode) Down Elevator Moves Up Moves Down Moves Down Up Elevator Left Rudder Moves Up Moves Up Moves Up View from Rear 11
Step 6 Making Adjustments—Leveling the Tail Control Surfaces Before making your first flight, if tail control surfaces are not level with rest of tail surface, adjust them so they are level by doing the following: 1. Be sure the throttle slider is in the Off position. 2. Turn the transmitter on, plug in the aircraft battery and center the right control stick and trim levers. 3. Loosen the round spool on the control surface. Move the control surface back to neutral and re-tighten the spool.
• A large, open grass field is required. The Aerobird 3™ flies approximately 20 mph, so it covers ground fast. The bigger the field, the better! • It is absolutely essential to have a minimum of 300 feet of clear space in all directions from the pilot. If you ignore this direction, you will regret it.
Step 8 Choose a Calm Day You want to fly! If you wait until the day is right, you will have a successful flight. On your first flights, do not fly if the wind is more than 7 mph! SUCCESS TIP: Flying in too much wind is by far the #1 reason for crashes and/or lost planes. Follow these guidelines to protect the Aerobird 3™—you’ll be glad you did. To check wind conditions: 1. Tie the included red flag to the end of the transmitter antenna. 2.
You will need two people to do the range test: one to hold the transmitter and one to hold the airplane. Warning: The person holding the airplane should hold it so that the propeller does not come in contact with any part of their body. 1. One person holds the transmitter; the other person walks 100 paces away with the airplane. 2. Be sure the throttle slider is in the off position. 3. Extend transmitter antenna completely and turn transmitter on. 4.
Step 10 Seek Assistance from an Experienced Radio Control Pilot Commander 2, by simply limiting control stick movements to the left or the right and using the throttle to ascend or descend. However, first-time pilots of the Aerobird 3 should seek the assistance of an experienced RC flyer until the additional third channel, pitch control, has been competently mastered. Crash damage is not covered under the warranty.
1. On first flights, have a second person (adult recommended) launch the Aerobird 3™ while the pilot controls with the transmitter. Adult assistance is always recommended with pilots 12 years of age or younger. 2. Make sure the battery is fully charged. 3. While holding the transmitter in one hand, push throttle slider to full on (up) with thumb. 4. Take a couple of steps and launch the model directly into the wind. Keep the wings level. Use medium force. Do not throw it up or down.
Step 12 Runway Takeoff (Not recommended for inexperienced pilots) 1. Stand behind the Aerobird 3™ and point it directly into the wind on smooth asphalt or concrete. 2. Apply full power and adjust the right control stick as necessary to keep the Aerobird 3 headed directly into the wind. 3. If battery is fully charged, your Aerobird 3 should lift off the ground in approximately 35 feet.
Important: Don’t hold the stick to the right or left full over for more than 2 seconds. This can cause the model to spiral dive and crash. Do not try to climb too steeply, as very little UP elevator (pull back on stick) should be required. 1. After launching, the Aerobird 3™ will begin climbing at full throttle. Keep the throttle full on. 2. Make right and left adjustments of the control stick to keep it flying straight into the wind.
Step 13 Flying (continued) Turning Move the stick in the direction you want the model to turn. Avoid holding full right or full left for more than 2 seconds, as this will cause the plane to spiral dive and it could crash. Sharp Turns Move the stick in the direction you want to turn and add some UP elevator at the same time, i.e. pull the stick back. The plane will make a sharper banking turn.
F O ull n ff O 1. Climb to an altitude of 100 feet or more with full throttle. 2. To achieve a level "cruising" altitude, reduce power by moving the throttle stick down to approximately 50% of full on. 3. To reduce altitude, reduce throttle. 4. To increase altitude, increase throttle. WATCH OUT! If you're flying with the motor off or at a low speed, allow the Aerobird 3™ a bit more area for turns. Step 14 Throttle Adjustment Throttle Lever Approx.
Step 15 22 Using Elevator will cause the airspeed to slow down and stall the airplane. To avoid crashing from a stall, always maintain enough altitude to recover from it. The Aerobird 3™ is equipped with a third channel for elevator (pitch) control. Pulling back on the stick provides UP elevator that allows for shorter takeoffs, better flares for landing, a better climb rate and more effective turns (see “Turning” on pages 19–20, Step 13).
When you notice that the Aerobird 3™ no longer climbs well under full power (normally after approximately 10 to 15 minutes), the battery is getting low, and it's time to land. Line the model up, heading directly into the wind toward the desired landing spot. At 10 feet of altitude, gradually reduce the throttle stick to turn off the motor. The Aerobird 3 will glide in for a landing.
Step 17 24 Making Adjustments—Plane Turns to the Left or Right IMPORTANT: If there is a bend (even a small one) in the tail or wing or a tear near the flap areas, it is impossible to have correct flight control. Replace the damaged part immediately! A. If the Aerobird 3™ keeps turning to the left and adjusting the trim control lever (page 20) does not correct enough to fly straight with the stick at neutral: B.
Note: Only use this option if you do not have enough travel with the trim lever to the left of the control stick or if you would like to fine-tune the flight characteristics with the trim levers and controls in the neutral position. A. If the Aerobird 3™ (with a fully charged battery) does not climb fast enough with full throttle, you can adjust the climb rate by: 1. Tightening the front tail screw in one full turn and loosening the rear tail screw one full turn. 2. Test fly. 3.
Step 19 Aerobatic Flight The Aerobird 3™ comes out of the box with the controls set for beginning pilots. Keeping the control lines further from the control surfaces softens the Aerobird 3's responsiveness and makes it easier to fly. By adjusting the control linkages to holes on the control horns that are closer to the control surfaces, you will give the Aerobird 3 more control response for aerobatic maneuvers like loops and tail slides (good for experienced pilots).
The Aerobird 3™ is capable of the following aerobatics: out to straight and level flight by adding some UP elevator (pull back on stick). Loop: From a high altitude, push forward on the stick to build up speed in a medium dive (about 30˚ angle to ground), then steadily pull back on the stick and hold it until the aircraft goes over the top of the loop. Exit the maneuver straight and level by returning the stick to the neutral position as the plane nears the bottom of the loop.
Step 19 Aerobatic Flight For added visual effects in flight, the Aerobird 3™ has chrome-colored wingtip streamers that can be applied using the included two sided sticky tape. To learn about more aerobatic maneuvers with the Aerobird 3 visit, www.hobbyzonerc.com 28 The Aerobird 3 is equipped with the exclusive X-Port™ feature, which will allow you to add to the fun.
Note: X-Port accessories are activated by pressing the button on the top-left of the transmitter. The Aerial Drop Module™ (HBZ6023-sold separately) will allow you to fly sorties, scanning the necessary targets to drop the included streamer bombs on. The ADM attaches to your fuselage and allows you, with the proper transmitter input, to drop your bomb at precisely the correct moment. A parachute jumper is also included, offering the opportunity to practice dropping your man "behind enemy lines.
HobbyZone® Accessories 30 HBZ1013 8.4V 1000mAh Ni-MH Battery Purchase an extra battery pack so you can stay in the air! HBZ6023 Aerial Drop Module (ADM) Plug in the Aerial Drop Module and you can drop streamer bombs or a parachute jumper, which are included. HBZ4020 Sonic Combat Module (SCM) Plug in the Sonic Combat Module and take on similarly equipped HobbyZone planes in aerial combat. When “hit”, the SCM temporarily disables your motor while allowing you to steer.
Aerobird 3™ Combat Options Let the Dogfighting Begin Have from 2–6 Aerobird 3 (or other X-Port™ equipped HobbyZone aircraft) flying on different frequencies and engage in air combat with the Sonic Combat Module (SCM).
If a Crash Occurs 1. If you happen to crash and part of the foam wing or tail breaks, it can be repaired using packing tape to cover missing pieces. 2. If damage is severe or if wing or tail is bent, replace damaged parts immediate ly. See page 39 for a complete replace ment parts list. 32 IMPORTANT: Control Alignment Tail flaps must be level or nearly level with no slack in the control lines or the plane will not fly well. See pages 10–12 if adjustment is necessary.
Warnings and Safety Checklist 1. Read and follow this manual and included video CD completely, observing all instructions and safety directions. Otherwise, serious injury and damage can occur. Think safety first. 2. Keep propeller away from all body parts at all times! Beware of loose clothing or hair becoming entangled in the propeller. 3. Never fly when it is too windy or you may lose control of the airplane.
Success Tips 1. Don’t fly in winds over 7 mph! First-time pilots should get help from an experienced radio control pilot during first flights. 2. Choose your flying field carefully—grass and soft ground with 600-foot diameter is optimal to fly and will lengthen the life of the Aerobird 3™ . 3. Remember that holding the right stick full over for too long can cause the Aerobird 3 to spiral dive and crash.
Troubleshooting Unit does not operate Aircraft keeps turning in one direction Aircraft is difficult to control 1. 2. 3. 4. Transmitter "AA" batteries are depleted or installed incorrectly indicated by a dim or unlit LED on transmitter or the low battery alarm No electrical connection Aerobird 3™ battery not charged Crash has damaged the radio inside the Aerobird 3 1. Check polarity installation or replace with fresh "AA" batteries 2. Push connectors together until they "click" 3.
Warranty and Follow-Up Procedures ranty and Follow-Up Procedures Warranty Period: Exclusive Warranty- Horizon Hobby, Inc., (Horizon) warranties that the Products purchased (the "Product") will be free from defects in materials and workmanship at the date of purchase by the Purchaser. 36 Limited Warranty (a) This warranty is limited to the original Purchaser ("Purchaser") and is not transferable. REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE PURCHASER.
sole discretion of Horizon. This warranty does not cover cosmetic damage or damage due to acts of God, accident, misuse, abuse, negligence, commercial use, or modification of or to any part of the Product. This warranty does not cover damage due to improper installation, operation, maintenance, or attempted repair by anyone other than Horizon. Return of any goods by Purchaser must be approved in writing by Horizon before shipment.
Warranty and Follow-Up Procedures (continued) and maintenance. It is essential to read and follow all the instructions and warnings in the manual, prior to assembly, setup or use, in order to operate correctly and avoid damage or injury. Questions, Assistance, and Repairs: Your local hobby store and/or place of purchase cannot provide warranty support or repair. Once assembly, setup or use of the Product has been started, you must contact Horizon directly.
Warranty Inspection and Repairs To receive warranty service, you must include your original sales receipt verifying the proof-of-purchase date. Provided warranty conditions have been met, your Product will be repaired or replaced free of charge. Repair or replacement decisions are at the sole discretion of Horizon Hobby.
Replacement Parts and Optional Parts Keep the Aerobird 3™ in the air! Spare parts are available from your local dealer or from Horizon Hobby. (www.horizonhobby.com) Please check with your dealer first—by supporting your local dealer, they’ll be there when you need them.
HobbyZone ® products are distributed exclusively by Horizon Hobby, Inc. 4105 Fieldstone Road Champaign, IL 61822 ©2007 Horizon Hobby, Inc. www.hobbyzonerc.