E-FLITE S.E.5a Slow Flyer ARF EFL1925 User manual

Specifications
Wingspan: 30 in (760mm)
Length: 23 in (595mm)
Wing Area: 310 sq in (20.0 sq dm)
Weight w/battery: 7.5–8.5 oz (210–225 g)
Weight w/o battery: 7 oz (200 g)
Radio: 3-channels with 2 sub-micro servos
S.E.5a Slow Flyer ARF
Assembly Manual

2 E-flite S.E.5a Slow Flyer ARF Assembly Manual
Introduction
The S.E.5a was a fast, maneuverable WWI fighter plane.
Together with the Sopwith Camel, the S.E.5a was instrumental
in regaining allied air superiority in the summer of 1917 and
maintaining it for the rest of the war. Twenty-two squadrons of
the RFC and the US Air Corps were flying the S.E.5a by the time
of the Armistice. E-flite’s S.E.5a Slow Flyer 250 is an electric,
semi-scale version of the famous WWI fighter. A vacuum-
molded foam fuselage keeps weight to a minimum while also
contributing to the great scale looks of this aircraft. Its biplane
design affords low weight as well as substantially reduced
wing loading for a more majestic type slow flight, and the ARF
design means a shorter build time. Specifically designed for
use with an E-flite® Park 250 Brushless Outrunner Motor, the
S.E.5a is a fantastic flying foamie with outstanding slow speed
characteristics—making it perfect for indoor flight.
Using the Manual
This manual is divided into sections to help make assembly
easier to understand, and to provide breaks between each
major section. In addition, check boxes have been placed next
to each step to keep track of each step completed. Steps with
a single circle () are performed once, while steps with two
circles () indicate that the step will require repeating, such
as for a right or left wing panel, two servos, etc.
Remember to take your time and follow the directions.
Table of Contents
Specifications.........................................................................1
Introduction............................................................................2
Using the Manual...................................................................2
Contents of Kit/Parts Layout....................................................3
Required Radio Equipment......................................................3
Motor Setup...........................................................................4
Optional Accessories..............................................................4
Note on Lithium Polymer Batteries ...........................................4
Required Tools and Adhesives.................................................4
Warning................................................................................4
Warranty Period ....................................................................4
Limited Warranty ...................................................................5
Damage Limits .......................................................................5
Safety Precautions ..................................................................5
Questions, Assistance, and Repairs .........................................6
Inspection or Repairs ..............................................................6
Warranty Inspection and Repairs ............................................6
Non-Warranty Repairs ...........................................................6
Safety, Precautions, and Warnings ..........................................7
Motor Installation ...................................................................7
Rudder and Elevator Installation ............................................10
Radio Installation..................................................................12
Wing Installation..................................................................15
Landing Gear Installation......................................................18
Wing Rigging Installation......................................................19
Control Throws.....................................................................21
Center of Gravity .................................................................22
Range Test Your Radio ..........................................................22
Preflight ...............................................................................23
Flying the S.E.5a Slow Flyer..................................................23
2007 Official AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code ......24

3E-flite S.E.5a Slow Flyer ARF Assembly Manual
Contents of Kit/Parts Layout
Large Replacement Parts
EFL1926 Wing (Top and Bottom)
EFL1927 Fuselage
EFL1928 Tail Set
EFL1929 Cowling
EFL1930 Main Landing Gear w/Wheels
EFLM1960 Carbon Fiber Tube, 6-inch (152mm),
8mm OD, 6mm ID: Park 250
Required Radio Equipment
You will need a minimum 4-channel transmitter, crystals, micro
receiver, and two super sub-micro servos. You can choose to
purchase a complete radio system, or if you are using an existing
transmitter, just purchase the other required equipment separately.
We recommend the crystal-free, interference-free Spektrum™DX6i
2.4GHz DSM2®6-channel full range transmitter and receiver
(no servos). If using your own transmitter or any other, we
recommend the E-flite S60 super sub-micro servos.
If you own the Spektrum DX7 radio, just add a AR6100 DSM2™
receiver and two of our E-flite S60 sub-micro servos.
Radio System
SPM6600 DX6i DSM2 6CH (without servos)
Or
SPM6100 AR6100 DSM2 6-Channel Receiver Ultralite
SPMAR6300F DSM2 6-Channel Nanolite Flight Pack
And
EFLRS60 6.0g Super Sub-Micro S60 Servo (2)
For 72MHz Users
JSP30610 6-Channel UltraLite Rx w/o Crystal, Positive
Shift JR/AIR (72MHz)
JSP30615 6-Channel UltraLite Rx w/o Crystal,
Negative Shift Fut/HRC (72MHz)
JRPXFR** FM Receiver Crystal (JR only, not AR6000)
EFLRS60 6.0-Gram Super Sub-Micro Servo (2)
Spektrum is used with permission of
Bachmann Industries, Inc.

4 E-flite S.E.5a Slow Flyer ARF Assembly Manual
Motor Setup
EFLM1130 Park 250 Outrunner, 2200Kv
EFLA1010 10A Brushless ESC
EFLB4302SJ 430mAh 2-Cell 7.4V Li-Po, JST
GWSEP6050B Electric Propeller, 6x5 Slow-Flyer
EFLC3005 Celectra 1- to 3-cell Li-Po Charger
Optional Accessories
EFLA110 Power Meter
HAN172 Hangar 9 Digital Servo and
Rx Current Meter
Note on Lithium Polymer Batteries
Lithium Polymer batteries are significantly more
volatile than alkaline or Ni-Cd/Ni-MH batteries used
in RC applications. All manufacturer’s instructions
and warnings must be followed closely. Mishandling
of Li-Po batteries can result in fire. Always follow the
manufacturer’s instructions when disposing of Lithium
Polymer batteries.
Required Tools and Adhesives
Tools & Equipment
EFLA250 Park Flyer Tool Assortment, 5-piece
Or Purchase Separately
EFLA257 Screwdriver, #0 Phillips (or included
with EFLA250)
Hobby knife Felt-tipped pen
Square Sandpaper
Pin drill Drill Bit: 1/16 in (1.5mm)
Pliers Side Cutters
Ruler Screwdriver, #1 Phillips
Thin CA Needle
Adhesives
EFLA208 Foam CA 1oz/Activator 2oz Pack
RTV silicone
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.
Keep loose items that can get entangled in the propeller away
from the prop, including loose clothing, or other objects such as
pencils and screwdrivers. Especially keep your hands away from
the propeller.
Warranty Period
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.

5E-flite S.E.5a Slow Flyer ARF Assembly Manual
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. This warranty covers only those
Products purchased from an authorized Horizon dealer. Third
party transactions are not covered by this warranty. Proof of
purchase is required for warranty claims. Further, Horizon
reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without
notice and disclaims all other warranties, express or implied.
(b) Limitations- HORIZON MAKES NO WARRANTY OR
REPRESENTATION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ABOUT NON-
INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF THE PRODUCT. THE PURCHASER
ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THEY ALONE HAVE DETERMINED
THAT THE PRODUCT WILL SUITABLY MEET THE REQUIREMENTS
OF THE PURCHASER’S INTENDED USE.
(c) Purchaser Remedy- Horizon's sole obligation hereunder
shall be that Horizon will, at its option, (i) repair or (ii)
replace, any Product determined by Horizon to be defective.
In the event of a defect, these are the Purchaser's exclusive
remedies. Horizon reserves the right to inspect any and all
equipment involved in a warranty claim. Repair or replacement
decisions are at the 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.
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. As Horizon has no control over use, setup, final
assembly, modification or misuse, no liability shall be assumed
nor accepted for any resulting damage or injury. By the act of
use, setup or assembly, the user accepts all resulting liability.
If you as the Purchaser or user are not prepared to accept the
liability associated with the use of this Product, you are advised
to return this Product immediately in new and unused condition
to the place of purchase.
Law: These Terms are governed by Illinois law (without regard to
conflict of law principals).
Safety Precautions
This is a sophisticated hobby Product and not a toy. It must be
operated with caution and common sense and requires some
basic mechanical ability. Failure to operate this Product in a safe
and responsible manner could result in injury or damage to the
Product or other property. This Product is not intended for use
by children without direct adult supervision. The Product manual
contains instructions for safety, operation 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.

6 E-flite S.E.5a Slow Flyer ARF Assembly Manual
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.
This will enable Horizon to better answer your questions and
service you in the event that you may need any assistance.
For questions or assistance, please direct your email to
[e-mail], or call 877.504.0233 toll
free to speak to a service technician.
Inspection or Repairs
If this Product needs to be inspected or repaired, please call for
a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA). Pack the Product
securely using a shipping carton. Please note that original boxes
may be included, but are not designed to withstand the rigors
of shipping without additional protection. Ship via a carrier that
provides tracking and insurance for lost or damaged parcels, as
Horizon is not responsible for merchandise until it arrives and
is accepted at our facility. A Service Repair Request is available
at www.horizonhobby.com on the “Support” tab. If you do not
have internet access, please include a letter with your complete
name, street address, email address and phone number where
you can be reached during business days, your RMA number,
a list of the included items, method of payment for any non-
warranty expenses and a brief summary of the problem.
Your original sales receipt must also be included for warranty
consideration. Be sure your name, address, and RMA number
are clearly written on the outside of the shipping carton.
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.
Non-Warranty Repairs
Should your repair not be covered by warranty the repair
will be completed and payment will be required without
notification or estimate of the expense unless the expense
exceeds 50% of the retail purchase cost. By submitting the item
for repair you are agreeing to payment of the repair without
notification. Repair estimates are available upon request. You
must include this request with your repair. Non-warranty repair
estimates will be billed a minimum of ½ hour of labor. In
addition you will be billed for return freight. Please advise us
of your preferred method of payment. Horizon accepts money
orders and cashiers checks, as well as Visa, MasterCard,
American Express, and Discover cards. 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.
Electronics and engines requiring inspection or repair should be
shipped to the following address:
Horizon Service Center
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, Illinois 61822
All other Products requiring warranty inspection or repair should
be shipped to the following address:
Horizon Product Support
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, Illinois 61822
Please call 877-504-0233 with any questions or concerns
regarding this product or warranty.

7E-flite S.E.5a Slow Flyer ARF Assembly Manual
Safety, Precautions, and Warnings
As the user of this product, you are solely responsible for
operating it in a manner that does not endanger yourself
and others or result in damage to the product or the property
of others.
Carefully follow the directions and warnings for this and any
optional support equipment (chargers, rechargeable battery
packs, etc.) that you use.
This model is controlled by a radio signal that is subject to
interference from many sources outside your control. This
interference can cause momentary loss of control so it is
necessary to always keep a safe distance in all directions
around your model, as this margin will help to avoid collisions
or injury.
• Always operate your model in an open area away from cars,
traffic, or people.
• Avoid operating your model in the street where injury or
damage can occur.
• Never operate the model out into the street or populated
areas for any reason.
• Never operate your model with low transmitter batteries.
• Carefully follow the directions and warnings for this and any
optional support equipment (chargers, rechargeable battery
packs, etc.) that you use.
• Keep all chemicals, small parts and anything electrical out of
the reach of children.
• Moisture causes damage to electronics. Avoid water exposure
to all equipment not specifically designed and protected for
this purpose.
Motor Installation
Required Parts
• Fuselage • Receiver
• Park 250 Brushless motor • Electronic speed control (ESC)
• 11/2-inch (38mm) motor tube • Super sub-micro servos (2)
• Propeller
Required Tools and Adhesives
• Phillips screwdriver: #0 • RTV silicone
• Double-sided tape • Foam-safe CA
• Sandpaper • Pin drill
• Drill bit: 1/16-inch (1.5mm)
1. Use a #0 Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws
holding the cowl to the fuselage and slide the cowl away
from the fuselage.

8 E-flite S.E.5a Slow Flyer ARF Assembly Manual8 E-flite S.E.5a Slow Flyer ARF Assembly Manual
2. Attach the speed control inside the fuselage using
two-sided tape. Route the wires for the motor, battery
and servo connections as shown.
3. Locate the 11/2-inch (38mm) motor tube. Follow the
instructions included with the motor to glue (using RTV
silicone) the motor to the motor tube. Be careful not to get
glue inside the motor bearing.
4. Lightly sand the motor tube once the adhesive used to
glue the motor to the motor tube has fully cured.

9E-flite S.E.5a Slow Flyer ARF Assembly Manual 9E-flite S.E.5a Slow Flyer ARF Assembly Manual
5. Slide the motor assembly into the fuselage. Plug
the leads from the speed control and motor together
at this time.
Important Information About Your Propeller
It is very important to check to be sure the propeller is
balanced before installing onto the shaft. An unbalanced
propeller may cause poor flight characteristics.
6. Slide the cowl back in position and attach it to the
fuselage. Attach the propeller to the motor following the
instructions provided with the motor.

10 E-flite S.E.5a Slow Flyer ARF Assembly Manual
7. Position the motor so is does not rub against the cowl.
Apply a few drops of foam-safe CA to the intersection of
the motor box and motor tube. Apply CA to the tube at
both the front and rear of the motor box.
8. Use a pin drill and 1/16-inch (1.5mm) drill bit to
enlarge the outer hole in the servo arm. Slide the micro
pushrod connector into the hole.
9. Secure the micro pushrod connector using a micro
pushrod connector backplate.
10. Repeat Steps 8 and 9 to prepare a second
servo arm.

11E-flite S.E.5a Slow Flyer ARF Assembly Manual
11. Turn on your radio system and select a new model if
using a computer radio. Make sure all the sub trims have
been set to 0 and no mixing functions are turned on.
Center the trim levers and stick at this time as well. Plug
the servos into the radio system and make sure all servos
operate and are centered as well.
12. Install the servo arms on the rudder and elevator
servos prior to installation. The servos will have the arms
installed as shown in the photo.
13. Using a pin drill with a 1/16" drill bit, mount the
elevator and rudder servo in the fuselage using the
screws provided with the servo.
Note: Another option would be to glue the servos in with
a drop of foam safe CA over the screw lugs.

12 E-flite S.E.5a Slow Flyer ARF Assembly Manual
14. Use double-sided tape to secure the receiver
inside the fuselage. Position the antenna wires
according to your radio manual. Never shorten the
receiver antenna wire, as this will greatly reduce the
range of your radio system.
15. Attach the battery to the motor box using hook
and loop tape.

13E-flite S.E.5a Slow Flyer ARF Assembly Manual
Important Information About Your Brushless ESC
Make sure your ESC brake is programmed to Off. Also,
be sure to use an ESC with the proper low-voltage cutoff
and it is set correctly for the batteries you are using.
Note: Never check the motor rotation on the bench
with the propeller installed. The plane could move and
cause serious injury. Always check the motor without the
propeller to avoid injury.
16. Turn on the transmitter and bring the throttle trim
and stick to the low throttle position. Plug the battery into
the speed control and check the operation of the motor.
It should rotate counterclockwise when viewed from the
front of the aircraft. Use the instructions provided with
your ESC to make corrections to the direction of rotation
of the motor if necessary.
Note: If the motor rubs on the cowl, enlarge the hole
in the cowl for the motor so the motor does not rub
the cowl.
Wing Installation
Required Parts
• Wing (top and bottom) • Outer strut (2)
• Cabane strut (2)
• #2 x 5/8-inch sheet metal screw (12)
Required Tools and Adhesives
• Foam-safe CA • Ruler
• Hobby knife • Felt-tipped pen
• Pin drill • Drill bit: 1/16-inch (1.5mm)
• Phillips screwdriver: #1 • Sandpaper
1. Attach the cabane struts to the sides of the fuselage
using two #2 x 5/8-inch sheet metal screws and a
#1 Phillips screwdriver. Check that both struts are
positioned the same by measuring from the wing
saddle for the bottom wing to the mounts for the top
wing. If both sides do not match, simply use a hobby
knife to oval the mounting holes are necessary to realign
the struts to match. Use a pin drill to open up the rigging
holes at the top of the struts if they have been sealed with
clear coat.

14 E-flite S.E.5a Slow Flyer ARF Assembly Manual
 2. Position and center the bottom wing on the
fuselage. Use a felt-tipped pen to mark the location for
ONE of the wing mounting screws at this time.
 3. Use a pin drill and 1/16-inch (1.5mm) drill bit to
drill a hole for the wing mounting screw marked in the
previous step.
 4. Use a #2 x 5/8-inch sheet metal screw and #1
Phillips screwdriver to temporarily attach the wing to the
fuselage. Using one screw will allow you to align the
bottom wing as described in the following steps.

15E-flite S.E.5a Slow Flyer ARF Assembly Manual
 5. Using a ruler, check the alignment of the bottom wing
to the fuselage. The distance from each wing tip to the
end of the fuselage will be equal when the wing is in
alignment. Move the wing as necessary to adjust the
alignment until both measurements are equal.
 6. Using a #1 Phillips screwdriver, repeat Steps 2 through
4 to install the remaining three #2 x 5/8-inch sheet metal
screws that hold the bottom wing to the fuselage.
7. The installation of the top wing is identical to that of
the bottom wing. Follow Steps 2 through 6 to attach the
top wing to the cabane struts.
 8. Locate the two outer struts. Use medium sandpaper to
remove the clear coat from the top and bottom of the strut
where it contacts the top and bottom wings. Use a pin
drill and 1/16-inch drill bit to open the holes if they have
been sealed by the clear coat as well.

16 E-flite S.E.5a Slow Flyer ARF Assembly Manual
 9. Position the outer strut between the top and bottom
wings as shown. Use foam-safe CA to glue the outer strut
to the top and bottom wings.
10. Repeat Steps 8 and 9 to install the remaining outer
strut between the top and bottom wings.
Attach the Fin and Stabilizer
Required Parts
• Rudder/Fin • Elevator/Stabilizer
• Micro control horn (2) • Micro control horn backplate (2)
Required Tools and Adhesives
• Square • Foam-safe CA
• Sandpaper
1. Position the rudder/fin tab into the slot in the
stabilizer/elevator. The green side of the stabilizer/
elevator faces the rudder/fin. Use a square and foam-
safe CA to glue the two items together, making sure the
rudder/fin is square to the stabilizer/elevator.

17E-flite S.E.5a Slow Flyer ARF Assembly Manual
2. Slide a micro control horn into the slot in the rudder
as shown. Note that the rudder control horn faces away
from the slot in the elevator for the elevator control horn..
3. Slide the micro control horn backplate onto the control
horn from the opposite side of the elevator as the horn.
Apply a few drops of foam-safe CA onto the backplate to
secure it to the horn.
4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 to install the elevator control
horn. The control horn faces down toward the bottom of
the stabilizer/elevator.

18 E-flite S.E.5a Slow Flyer ARF Assembly Manual
5. Position the tail onto the fuselage and check that they
rest parallel to the top and bottom wings. If not, lightly
sand the fuselage where the tail rests to correct any
alignment problems. Use foam-safe CA to glue the tail to
the fuselage once the tail is aligned to the wings.
Radio Installation
Required Parts
• Assembled fuselage • 2mm x 4mm machine screw (2)
Required Tools and Adhesives
• Phillips screwdriver: #0
• Pliers • Side cutters
 1. Make a 90-degree bend 1/2-inch (13mm) from the
end of the wire pushrod as shown.

19E-flite S.E.5a Slow Flyer ARF Assembly Manual
 2. Slide the pushrod wire into the pushrod tube located in
front of the elevator control horn.
 3. The pushrod wire will exit the pushrod tube inside
the fuselage and then pass through the connector on
the servo.
 4. Slide the elevator pushrod wire through the center hole
in the control horn. Place a small bend in the pushrod
wire to apply light tension to keep the pushrod wire from
popping out of the horn.

20 E-flite S.E.5a Slow Flyer ARF Assembly Manual
 5. With the elevator centered, use a 2mm x 4mm
machine screw in the connector and a #0 Phillips
screwdriver to secure the elevator pushrod to the
connector. Use side cutters to remove any excess pushrod
wire that may interfere with the operation of the elevator.
6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 to install the rudder pushrod
wire and attach it to the rudder servo.