Flex innovations RV-8 60E G2 User manual

60E G2
DESIGNE
D BY:
Quick Assembly Guide
Thank you for purchasing the Flex Innovations RV-8 60E G2!
Flex Innovations airplanes are now shipping with digital manuals. This ensures that you always have
the most up-to-date information, including any future modifications, upgrades or even future product
generations. It also makes your assembly and flying experience as accurate and enjoyable as possible.
You can find the most updated version of the manual at the link shown below or simply by scanning
the QR code with your phone. If you would like a printed version of the manual and did not order one
with your airplane you can also find information on how to order
one at the same location.
If you have experience assembling Flex Innovations Super PNP
aircraft then this quick assembly guide is for you. Inside you
will find general assembly sequence recommendations, radio
setup details and everything you need pre-flight. This
assembly guide is not comprehensive and assumes a certain
level of familiarity and comfort with the process.
For full details on how to put together your RV-8 60E G2, for
any last minute updates, for additional details such as parts
lists please follow the link or the QR code for the complete
manual.
https://www.flexinnovations.com/product/rv-8-60e-g2-super-pnp/

2
Introduction
The Flex Innovations RV-8 60E G2 is a massive, yet lightweight airframe that offers an incredibly wide flight envelope.
From beginners to experts, the RV-8 has something to offer everyone. Beautiful scale lines, clear canopy with pilot
figure and a beautiful color scheme deliver a true-to-scale presence in the air and on the ground. With multiple
improvements over the original, generation 2 of the RV-8 60E offers better performance, better reliability and better fit
and finish!
Completion Items
You will need the following to complete your RV-8 60E G2:
•4200-6200mAh 6S 22.2V 35C+ Li-Po (FPZB52006S40 recommended)
•Minimum 8 channel transmitter
•Serial capable receiver to match your transmitter, e.g. Spektrum 4651T or Futaba R2001SB. For a current list off
compatible receivers visit: https://wiki.flexinnovations.com/wiki/Aura
General Tips for this Quick Assembly Guide
This guide will go through a recommended sequence of assembly, including most pertinent information for each
step, but without any major details. It will include a small quantity of pictures wherever necessary to clarify or
illustrate these steps.
This information should be enough to put the RV-8 60E G2 together but if you have any doubts please reference
the full manual.
Note: Do not use thread locker when attaching plastic parts, the parts will soften and fail.
Note: If you have the night version of the RV-8 60E G2 we recommend that you dry assemble the airframe
and test all the lights before bonding anything permanently in place.
Assembly Sequence
Landing Gear
The diagram to the right shows the orientation of the landing gear, note this
when assembling and mounting.
1. Mount the main landing gear to the fuselage using four M3x20 screws
and thread locker.
2. Mount the inside wheel pants and retaining plates to the main landing
gear using M3x12 self tapping screws.
3. Mount the main gear shafts to the landing gear using a washer, an M5
nut and thread locker.
4. Secure the outside of the wheel pants to the inside using five M3x8 self tapping
screws per side.
5. Insert the tail wheel into the slot in the bottom of the rudder (orientation
showing in picture to the right).
6. Secure the retaining plate to the rudder fin using three M3x7 self tapping screws.
Vertical Fin
The vertical fin assembly uses the short carbon fiber rod for reinforcement.
1. Dry fit the vertical fin and reinforcement rod to the fuselage.
2. Once everything fits correctly, remove the carbon fiber rod and lightly scuffit with 220 grit sandpaper to aid
in adhesion. Clean all surfaces with rubbing alcohol before bonding.
3. Bond the vertical fin assembly to the fuselage using 30-minute epoxy adhesive. Ensure that you get
adhesive not only on all the mating surfaces but also on the carbon fiber rod.
4. Clamp the vertical fin assembly in place while the adhesive dries. Note: Do not apply tape directly to any
painted part as this will strip the paint offthe part.
Nose Tail

3
Assembly Sequence Continued
Horizontal Stabilizer
1. Insert and roughly center the carbon fiber horizontal stabilizer tube in the fuselage.
2. Insert both halves of the horizontal stabilizer onto the tube. Ensure that the control horn faces the bottom
of the fuselage and that the elevator jointer tabs line up properly.
3. If you have the night version, connect the LED power connectors.
4. Once both halves of the horizontal stabilizer are seated in place secure them each using two M3x8 self
tapping screws.
Rudder and Elevator Linkages
Install the rudder and elevator linkages now but after setup you may need to re-center servo arms and ensure
that the pushrods are the correct length to center the control surfaces.
1. Using M3x6 screws, Install the servo arms on the servos so that they are perpendicular to the servos and
face towards the ground. Once radio setup is complete, remove these screws and re-install them with
thread locker.
2. Install the linkages between the servos and the corresponding control surface using the following hardware
sequence: M2x10 Machine Screw →M2 Washer →Servo Arm or Control Horn →M2 Lock Nut.
3. The following diagrams show the positions of the linkages:
Wing Installation
1. Remove the hatch from the fuselage.
2. Insert and roughly center the carbon fiber wing tube in the fuselage.
3. Slide the left and right wing panels onto the tube. Ensure the servos orient to the bottom of the fuselage.
4. Connect the single wing connector from each wing panel to the corresponding connector on the fuselage.
5. If you have the night version, connect the LED power connectors.
6. Seat the wings completely in the wing saddles and secure the wings using the thumb screws through the
aluminum tabs.
Exhaust Installation
1. Use medium CA to bond the scale exhaust pieces to the exhaust port on the bottom of the fuselage.
Motor and Cowling Installation
1. Install the prop adapter on the front of the motor using the provided socket head hex screws and thread
locker.
2. Install the x-brace on the back of the motor using four M4x8 flat head screws and thread locker.
3. Mount the motor to the firewall using four M4x22 button head screws and thread locker.
4. Connect the the three motor leads to the ESC leads in the fuselage (when you test the motor, if it spins in
the wrong direction you can reverse the direction of rotation by swapping any two leads).
5. Install the cowling using two M3x8 screws through the cooling holes in the cowling.
6. Note: Do not install the propeller on the airplane for now, this will be installed after radio setup and
testing.
Note: Do not use thread locker on
the bolts holding the push rods to
the servos or the control horns!
Using thread locker will weaken the
plastic, void your warranty and
cause your airplane to crash!
Control Horns
Elevator Rudder
Servo Arms
Elevator Rudder

4
Radio Configuration
The following shows the pre-configured Aura flight modes in the RV-8 60E G2.
RV-8 60E G2 Aura Profile
Flight Mode 1: Sport (Gyro On)
• For general flight
• Rates are low and expos tuned for general flight (no live wing).
• Gyro is set set to low
Flight Mode 2: Advanced (Gyro On)
• For more advanced aerobatics like tumbles and spins while at high airspeeds
• Rates are moderately high and expos are tuned for comfortable flight
• Flaps work in conjunction with ailerons for added roll authority (live wing).
• Gyro is set to low
Flight Mode 3: Slow Speed 3D (Gyro On)
• For slow speed, 3D flight
• Rates are highest and expos are tuned for comfortable flight
• Flaps work in conjunction with ailerons for added roll authority (live wing).
• Gyro is set to its highest setting and may oscillate in high speed flight under certain conditions.
The following table shows the radio configuration required for the RV-8 60# G2:
* The default Aura program has Gyro On/Offand Crow disabled, see the full manual for instructions on using Quick
Set to enable Gyro On/Offand Crow.
Connect your serial receiver to the Aura and bind it to your transmitter. Once this is complete proceed with final
configuration.
For more details on compatible receivers, on connecting and binding different receivers, flight modes and radio
configuration download the complete RV-8 60E G2 manual (link on the cover page) or visit the Aura Wiki at:
https://wiki.flexinnovations.com/wiki/Aura
Spektrum, Futaba,
JR & Graupner
FrSky
Jeti (EX-Bus)
Wing/Tail Type
1 Aileron, 1 Elevator, 1
Rudder
1 Aileron, 1 Elevator, 1
Rudder
1 Aileron, 1 Elevator, 1
Rudder
End Points
(Travel Adjust or ATV)
Ail/Ele/Rud – 125%
Ail/Ele/Rud – 100%
Aileron/Ele/Rud – 100%
Thro/CH5/CH6 – 100%
Thro/CH5/CH6 – 84%
Thro/CH5/CH6 – 80%
Reversing
Not Allowed
Sub-Trim
Verify at Zero, NOT ALLOWED
Trim Levers
Verify at Zero
CH5 (Gear) – Flight Mode
Assign to a 3 Position Switch
CH6 (Aux 1) – Flaps
Assign to a 3 Position Switch
(Do NOT use Transmitter Flap System)
CH7 (Aux 2) – Gyro On/Off*
Assign to a 2 Position Switch
CH8 (Aux 3) – Crow*
Assign to a 2 Position Switch
First Flight Timer
For your first flight, set to 5:30

5
Aura Configuration
Aura 8 Auto-Detect
Once your receiver is bound, powered, and connected to the Aura, the Aura will begin the Auto-Detect process to
learn what type of receiver you are using and set itself up for that specific system. Auto-Detect is indicated by a
series of sweeping LEDs of various colors. After Auto-Detect is completed, verify that Aura is on and receiving
data from your receiver by looking at the LEDs on the Aura.
Connecting Battery and Arming ESC
1. Turn on the transmitter. Lower the throttle stick AND throttle trim to their lowest settings.
2. Ensure the aileron, elevator and rudder gimbals are centered.
3. With the airplane on a solid surface, connect the battery to the ESC and wait. The ESC will make the motor
emit a series of audible tones during its initialization process.
4. The ESC will make the motor emit a short, final tone sequence indicating that the ESC is now armed and
that the motor will spin in response to throttle stick movement.
ESC Throttle Calibration
In order to map the full range of the ESC output to your throttle stick motion you will have to preform an ESC
throttle calibration. NOTE: Execute ESC throttle calibration with the propeller and spinner removed.
1. Power on your transmitter, DISABLE any throttle hold or throttle kill switches, completely lower the throttle
trim and set the stick to full throttle.
2. Connect the flight pack to your RV-8 60E G2.
3. Listen for the tones coming from the ESC through the motor, after
about 2 seconds you should hear two tones.
4. Pull your throttle stick back to idle.
5. Listen for the ESC arming tones from the motor.
6. Unplug the flight battery to complete calibration.
Final Radio Setup
Take this moment to finalize the position of the servo arms and pushrod lengths on your Elevators and Rudder
and ensure that the motor is spinning in the correct direction (clockwise when viewed from the cockpit). Make
any final control surface adjustments as necessary either mechanically or in the Aura, do not use trim or sub-trim.
DEFAULT AURA CONNECTIONS
S1 – Throttle
S2 – Left Aileron
S3 – Right Aileron
S4 – Elevator
S5 – Rudder
S6 – Left Flap
S7 – Right Flap
S8 – Water Rudder (optional, with floats)
Port B – Serial Receiver Input
Mini Port A&B – Remote Receiver Inputs
Mini Port A
Mini Port B
Micro USB Port
Port B
Ready-To-Fly:
Solid Orange LED: Aura On and
Calibrated
Solid Green LED: Aura receiving Valid
receiver data
Possible Errors:
Flashing Orange LED: Aura Moved
During Power Up
No Green LED: Aura NOT receiving
receiver data
Note: After throttle calibration
is complete it is necessary to
reset the failsafe (see your radio
documentation, this may
require a re-bind).

6
Control Direction Test
Refer to the chart below to determine the proper control surface directions.
If controls are reversed, DO NOT REVERSE CONTROLS IN YOUR TRANSMITTER OR IN THE AURA CONFIG
TOOL. Email us at support@flexinnovations.com for corrective action. Note that BOTH the Transmitter
Control Direction Test AND the Flight Controller Sensor Direction Test MUST BE PASSED! IF EITHER ONE
DOES NOT PASS, DO NOT FLY!
NOTE: There is pre-configured rudder to aileron and rudder to elevator mixing programmed into the Aura.
Simultaneous movement of these control surfaces with rudder input is intentional and completely NORMAL.
Additionally: Aura has a built-in flap system that moves the flaps at a slower speed. There is also flap to elevator
mixing configured in the Aura Flap System. This speed and mixing is intentional and completely NORMAL.
Transmitter
Command
Proper Control
Surface Deflection
Stick Left
Stick Right
Stick Forward
Stick Aft
Stick Left
Stick Right
RUDDER
ELEVATOR
AILERON

7
Aura Sensor Direction Test
Perform a test of the gyro system to verify the corrections made for a given movement are correct. If
any of the tests do not result in the correct reaction from the airplane's gyro system, DO NOT
FLY THE AIRPLANE, and contact us via email at support@flexinnovations.com
The flight control system activates with RF broadcast. Perform these tests in Flight Mode 3 (higher
gain) for better visibility and then in the remaining Flight Modes. Control surface deflections are
exaggerated in the pictures below for clarity. Please note that the control surfaces will move ONLY
while the aircraft is being ROTATED.
Aircraft
Movement
Proper Control
Surface Deflection
RUDDER
ELEVATOR
AILERON

© 2023 Flex Innovations, LLC. All rights reserved.
Potenza™ is a trademarks of Flex Innovations LLC
DSM®, DSM2™, and DSMX™ are trademarks of Horizon Hobby, Inc.
Futaba is a registered trademark of Futaba Denshi Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Corporation of Japan.
Jeti, UDI, and Jeti Model are trademarks or registered trademarks of Jelen, Ing. Stanislav of Czech Republic
HoTT is a registered trademark of SJ, Inc.
Rev. A
Created 05/2023
Completion and Flight Readiness
Once your radio and Aura 8 configuration is complete there are only a few steps left to get your RV-8 60E G2 in
the air:
1. Mount the propeller to the motor using the provided washer and nut.
2. Install the spinner to the prop adapter using the provided M3 X 10 screw.
3. Move the battery back and forth as necessary to achieve the desired CG (shown below).
Center of Gravity Verification
The center of gravity (CG) location for your aircraft is located in
two locations depending on the flying style you wish to fly.
For general sport flying, the CG is located 11-7/32 inches
(285mm) FORWARD of the trailing edge of the wing.
For more aerobatic capability, the CG is located 10-13/16
inches (275mm) FORWARD of the trailing edge of the wing.
First Flight and Quick Trim
We recommend that you fly the maiden flight using Flight
Mode 2. Trim the airplane until you achieve straight and level
flight. Once you land execute the below Quick Trim procedure
ensuring that you keep Flight Mode 2 selected.
1. Power offthe RV-8 60E G2. Insert a bind plug into Aura
Port S3 (you will need to remove the servo lead that is currently in S3). Check that the transmitter is
powered on and re-power the Aura to enter Quick Trim.
2. Wait 5 seconds for the Aura to completely initialize. Confirm Quick Trim mode is active by checking the Blue
LED is slowly flashing.
3. Remove the bind plug to save your trim settings, the Blue LED will now flash quickly indicating the new trim
values have been stored successfully. Power offthe RV-8 60E G2 and re-install the servo into port S3.
4. Center all control surface trims on the transmitter.
5. Re-power the RV-8 60E G2, the control surfaces should be unchanged as the new trims have been applied.
www. f l e x inno v a tio n s . c o m
SPORT
11-7/32 in.
(285mm)
AEROBATIC
10-13/16 in.
(275mm)
OR
Enjoy your Flex Innovations RV-8 60E G2!