Flyzone DHC-2 BEAVER User manual

© 2012 Hobbico®, Inc. All rights reserved. FLZA4020 FLZA4022 Mnl
Length: 38.5 in
[980mm]
Radio: 5-channel
radio system
Motor: 40mm dia.
850kV outrunner,
40A ESC,
12x6 propeller
SPECIFICATIONS
Wingspan: 59.5 in
[1510mm]
Wing
Area:
430 in2
[27.7 dm2]
Weight: 3–3.25 lb
[1360–1470 g]
Wing
Loading:
16–17 oz/ft2
[49– 52 g/dm2]
READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT
INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.
WARRANTY
Flyzone guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both
material and workmanship at the date of purchase. This warranty
does not cover any component parts damaged by use or
modification. In no case shall Flyzone’s liability exceed the
original cost of the purchased kit. Further, Flyzone reserves
the right to change or modify this warranty without notice.
In that Flyzone has no control over the final assembly or material
used for final assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor
accepted for any damage resulting from the use by the user of
the final user-assembled product. By the act of using the
user-assembled product, the user accepts all resulting liability.
If the buyer is not prepared to accept the liability associated
with the use of this product, the buyer is advised to return
this kit immediately in new and unused condition to the
place of purchase.
To make a warranty claim send the defective part or item to
Hobby Services at the address below:
Hobby Services
3002 N. Apollo Dr. Suite 1
Champaign IL 61822 USA
Include a letter stating your name, return shipping address, as
much contact information as possible (daytime telephone
number, fax number, e-mail address), a detailed description of
the problem and a photocopy of the purchase receipt. Upon
receipt of the package the problem will be evaluated as quickly
as possible.
INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
™

2
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Academy of Model Aeronautics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
REQUIRED FOR COMPLETION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
LiPo Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
KIT INSPECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
ASSEMBLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Mount the Landing Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Mount the Floats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Mount the Horizontal and Vertical Stabilizer . . . . . . . . 6
Install the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Hook Up the Rudder and Elevator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Mount the Wings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Hook Up the Flaps and Ailerons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
FINAL FLIGHT PREPARATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Check the Control Throws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Check the C.G.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
MOTOR / ESC OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
FLYING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
REPAIRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the Flyzone 1/10
th
-scale de Havilland
DHC-2 Beaver RTF/Tx-R. For anybody who enjoys flying float
planes or who aspires to do so for the first time, the Flyzone
Beaver is the perfect choice because it maneuvers and flies
off the water so well—you virtually can’t mess up a takeoff or
landing unless you try! Of course, the Beaver is almost just
as much at home on dry land as it is in the water. And with
the flaps extended you can set your Beaver down on water
or on land as light as a feather.
For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
Beaver, visit the Flyzone site at www.flyzoneplanes.com. Open
the “Airplanes” link, then select the Beaver ARF. If there is
new technical information or changes to this model a “tech
notice” box will appear in the upper left corner of the page.
Academy of Model Aeronautics
If you are not already a member of the AMA, please join! The
AMA is the governing body of model aviation and membership
provides liability insurance coverage, protects modelers’ rights
and interests and is required to fly at most R/C sites.
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302-9252
Tele. [phone]
Fax [phone]
Or via the Internet at: http://www.modelaircraft.org
IMPORTANT!!! Two of the most important things you can
do to preserve the radio controlled aircraft hobby are to avoid
flying near full-scale aircraft and avoid flying near or over
groups of people.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF AND OTHERS...
FOLLOW THESE IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1.Your de Havilland Beaver should not be considered a toy, but
rather a sophisticated, working model that functions very much
like a full-size airplane. Because of its performance capabilities,
the Beaver, if not assembled and operated correctly, could
possibly cause injury to yourself or spectators and damage
to property.
2.You must assemble the Beaver according to the instructions.
Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so may result in an
unsafe or unflyable model. In a few cases the instructions may
differ slightly from the photos. In those instances the written
instructions should be considered as correct.
3.You must use an R/C radio system that is in good condition.
All components must be correctly installed so that the model
operates correctly on the ground and in the air. You must
check the operation of the model and all components before
every flight.
4. If you are not an experienced pilot or 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.
5. While this kit has been flight tested to exceed normal
use, if the plane will be used for extremely high stress flying,
such as racing, or if a motor or battery larger than ones in
the recommended range is used, the modeler is responsible
for taking steps to reinforce the high stress points and/or
substituting hardware more suitable for the increased stress.

3
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.
Remember:Take your time and follow the instructions to
end up with a well-built model.
REQUIRED FOR COMPLETION
Other than a #1 and #2 Phillips screwdriver and a few drops
of non-permanent threadlocker (GPMR6060), no adhesives
or anything extraordinary is required to assemble the Beaver.
The RTF is fully equipped with a complete radio control
system, LiPo battery and charger, so no other accessories
are required, but the following items are required to complete
the Tx-R edition:
Transmitter
The Tx-R includes the Tactic™ TR624 6-Channel 2.4GHz
receiver, so you’ll need either a Tactic TX600 6-channel 2.4GHz
transmitter, or any other 5-channel (or more) transmitter
compatible with the Tactic AnyLink™ 2.4GHz radio adapter*.
Using the AnyLink allows any compatible transmitter to work
with the Tactic receiver.
❍TX600 6-channel transmitter (TACJ2600)
❍AnyLink radio adapter* (TACJ2000)
*In addition to the AnyLink radio adapter, some AnyLink-
compatible transmitters may also require additional adapter
cables. Visit Tx-Ready.com to see the AnyLink compatibility
chart or contact Product Support at the contact information
on this page.
LiPo Battery
The RTF edition of the Beaver includes a Flyzone 3S (11.1V)
1800mAh 20C LiPo battery and the same is recommended for
the Tx-R, but a 2100mAh battery is also an option for slightly
longer flight times (more about flying time on page 15).
❍Flyzone 3S (11.1V) 1800mAh 20C LiPo battery
(HCAA6430)
❍Flyzone 3S (11.1V) 2100mAh 20C LiPo battery
(HCAA6387)
Spare batteries may also be purchased and charged at home
ahead of time, eliminating the wait between flights for batteries
to charge at the field.
NOTE: The Flyzone batteries suggested are equipped with
a SuperTigre
®
battery connector that fit the connector on
the ESC. If using a different LiPo battery that has a Deans®
connector, a SuperTigre-to-Deans adapter (SUPM0040) will
be required, or the battery connector on the ESC may be
replaced with a Deans Ultra Plug®male connector which will
require soldering (but is a simple task for those so equipped).
Charger
The RTF comes equipped with a Great Planes 3S LiPo
balancing Smart Charger, but the Tx-R requires a charger to
be purchased separately. The Smart Charger is a safe way to
charge your LiPo battery, but it’s very basic and just enough
to get you started. The Smart Charger charges at a rate of .8
Amps, so it will take at least one-and-a-half hours or more to
charge your battery. For those who have the RTF and wish
to upgrade their charger, or those with the Tx-R who must
purchase a charger anyway, the Duratrax®Onyx™ 235 AC/
DC Advanced Peak Charger (DTXP4235) is recommended.
The Onyx is perfect for 3S batteries used with the Beaver
and may be powered either by an external DC power source
(such as a 12V battery), or a 110V AC outlet. The Onyx also
has an adjustable charge rate to charge your batteries in as
little as a half-hour or less (depending on the condition of your
batteries and the manufacturer’s specified charge rate). The
Onyx can also charge larger batteries and batteries other than
LiPos, so it is a versatile charger you can grow into. Finally, the
235 features an LCD digital display screen, so you can see
how much capacity it took to recharge the battery (required
for monitoring the condition of your batteries and calculating
how long you can fly).
NOTE: For use with the Onyx 235, LiPo batteries that come
with a SuperTigre connector (such as the Flyzone batteries
recommended) require a banana plugs-to-SuperTiger charge
lead (SUPM0070). And batteries that come with a Deans Ultra
Plug connector require a Charge Lead with banana plugs/
Deans Ultra Plug Male charge lead (GPMM3148).
KIT INSPECTION
Before assembly, take an inventory of this kit to make sure
it is complete, and inspect the parts to make sure they are
of acceptable quality. If any parts are missing or are not of
acceptable quality, or if you need assistance with assembly,
contact Product Support.When reporting defective or missing
parts, use the part names exactly as they are written in the
Contents list.
Flyzone Product Support Ph: [phone] ext. 5
3002 N Apollo Drive Suite 1 Fax: [phone]
Champaign, IL 61822
E-mail: airsupport@flyzoneplanes.com
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS
Replacement parts for the Flyzone de Havilland Beaver RTF/
Tx-R are available using the order numbers in the Replacement
Parts List that follows.The fastest, most economical service
can be provided by your hobby dealer or mail-order company.
To locate a hobby dealer, visit the Flyzone web site at www.
flyzoneplanes.com. Click on the Storefront icon at the top
of the page to load the Flyzone Dealer Locator. Follow the
instructions provided on the page to locate a U.S., Canadian or
International dealer.

4
Parts may also be ordered directly from Hobby Services by
calling [phone], or via facsimile at [phone], but
full retail prices and shipping and handling charges will apply.
Illinois and Nevada residents will also be charged sales tax. If
ordering via fax, include a Visa®or MasterCard®number and
expiration date for payment.
Mail parts orders Hobby Services
and payments by 3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1
personal check to: Champaign IL 61822
Be certain to specify the order number exactly as listed in the
Replacement Parts List. Payment by credit card or personal
check only; no C.O.D.
If additional assistance is required for any reason contact
Product Support by e-mail at productsupport@flyzoneplanes.
com, or by telephone at [phone].
CONTENTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Fuselage
Left Wing
Right Wing
Main Landing Gear
Float Brackets
Wing Struts
Vertical Stabilizer
Hardware
Propeller/Spinner Assembly
Top Hatch
Horizontal Stabilizer
Floats
1
6
7
2
4
8
9
10
11
12
3
75
REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST
ORDER NO. DESCRIPTION
Fuselage Set
Wing Set
Horizontal Stab
Vertical Fin
Main Landing Gear
Tail Wheel Set
Cowl
12x6 Propeller
Spinner
Prop Adapter
Float Set
Float Brackets
FLZA6265
FLZA6266
FLZA6267
FLZA6268
FLZA6269
FLZA6270
FLZA6271
FLZA6272
FLZA6273
FLZA6274
FLZA6275
FLZA6276
ORDER NO. DESCRIPTION
Water Rudders
Wing Clips
Hatch Set
41-19-850 Motor
40 Amp ESC
Main Wheels
Servo
Wing Strut Set
Decal Sheet
Flyzone LiPo Battery 3S 11.1V 1800mAh 20C
Tactic TTX600 6Ch SLT 2.4GHz Radio System No Servos
Tactic TR624 6-Channel SLT 2.4GHz Receiver
Great Planes AC/DC 3S LiPo Balancing Smart Charger
FLZA6277
FLZA6278
FLZA6279
FLZA6280
FLZA6281
FLZA6282
FLZA6283
FLZA6284
FLZA6285
FLZA6024
TACJ2600
TACL0624
GPMM3318

5
ASSEMBLY
NOTE: This instruction manual applies to both the RTF
and Tx-R editions of the de Havilland Beaver. If assembling
the RTF edition, simply skip steps that do not apply.
Mount the Landing Gear
❏
1. Use a #2 Phillips screwdriver to fasten both main landing
gears to the fuselage with three M3x16 screws in each side.
❏
2. Mount the tail gear with two M2.5x8 screws, then fasten
the pushrod wires as shown. Make sure the tail wheel is
perpendicular with the steering arm.
Mount the Floats
❏ 1. Connect the floats to each other with the horizontal struts
and four M2.5x20 machine-thread screws.

6
❏
2. Use eight M2.5x8 screws to fasten the braces to the
floats, matching the labels printed or molded into the end of
each brace to each mount location on each float.
❏ 3. Fasten the float braces to the fuselage with one M3x16mm
screw and two M2.5x8mm screws in each side of the fuselage.
❏ 4. Connect a small rubber band to each float and water
rudder as shown.
❏ 5. Fasten the wire hooks on the end of each rudder line
to the connectors in the steering arm. As best as you can,
adjust the tension in the lines to center the water rudders—the
rudders don’t have to be perfectly centered, because over
time they may drift anyway, and the rudders are forgiving and
overall water handling is easy.
Mount the Horizontal
and Vertical Stabilizer
❏ 1. Fasten the vertical stabilizers to each end of the horizontal
stabilizer (stab) with M2x6 screws.

7
❏ 2. Connect the elevator pushrod to the bottom hole in the
elevator horn as shown.
❏ 3. Rotate the stab upward and key it into the fuselage.
❏ 4. Key the rudder torque rod down into the receptacle while
fitting the vertical stabilizer (fin) into the fuselage.Tightly press
the assembly down into position.

8
❏ 5. Secure the stab and fin with the M3x22 screw.
Install the Battery
❏ 1. Cut two 1" [25mm] strips from the rougher, “hook” side
of the included adhesive-back hook-and-loop material. Apply
the strips inside the fuselage where shown and press them
down tightly so they adhere.
❏ 2. Cut a 3" [76mm] strip from the softer, “loop” side and
attach it to the battery so the larger “discharge” wires will be on
the right side as shown. (This will position the wires opposite
the receiver for a better fit.)
Hook Up the Rudder and Elevator
Centered
ON
Down
❏ 1. Turn on the transmitter, lower the throttle stick all the
way, center the trims and make sure the throttle channel in
your transmitter is in the “reverse” position.
❏ 2. Connect the battery to the ESC. If all is working properly,
the ESC will send three, short, electrical pulses to the motor
causing it to chime three times (“ 1-2-3”) followed by a longer,

9
single, lower tone beep (“BEEEP”) followed by a shorter, higher
tone beep (“beep”). If the chimes and beeps do not sound in
this manner refer to “MOTOR/ESC OPERATION” on page
15 to setup the transmitter and ESC correctly.
A magnetic screwdriver, or a small magnet stuck to a screw
driver to make it magnetic, will be helpful for the next couple
of steps.
❏ 3. Remove the screw from the connector on the elevator
servo arm.
❏ 4. Lightly wet the threads of the screw with threadlocker.
❏ 5. Reinstall the screw, but do not tighten yet. With the
transmitter and receiver on, center the elevator and tighten
the screw to lock the pushrod down.
❏ 6. Repeat the same procedure for the rudder, making
sure it is centered. Lock the pushrod down with the screw
and threadlocker.
❏ 7. Disconnect the battery and turn off the transmitter.
Mount the Wings
❏
1. Fasten the wing clips to both sides of the fuselage with
four M3x10 screws.

10
❏ 2. Guide the wires from the right wing into the fuselage, then
slide the wing joiner tube and the flap pushrod wire through
the corresponding holes. Also guide the flap pushrod wire into
the screw-lock connector on the flap servo. Guide the joiner
tube through the hole in the left side of the fuselage, then
tightly “CLICK!” the wing onto the wing clips.
❏ 3. Mount the left wing the same way.
❏
4. Mount the top of each wing strut to the wing with a
M2.5x8 machine-thread screw.
❏ 5. Mount the bottom of each strut to the fuselage over the
float strut (or over the main landing gear) with a M3x16 screw.

11
Hook Up the Flaps and Ailerons
❏ 1. Connect the wing lighting wires and the aileron servo
wires to the lighting and flap wiring harnesses coming from
the receiver.
❏ 2.Turn on the transmitter and install and connect the battery.
Then install and secure the hatch.
❏ 3. Move the dial or switch on your transmitter that controls
the flaps to the “up” position, rotating the flap servo arm
clockwise. Remove the screw in the flap servo arm, wet the
threads with threadlocker, and then reinstall and tighten the
screw so the flaps will be in their fully retracted (“up”) position.

12
❏ 4. With the system still on, make sure the ailerons are
centered and aligned with the wing tips. If necessary, apply a
few clicks of aileron trim to get the ailerons centered. If more
than a few clicks of trim are required, or if you cannot get both
ailerons neutralized, a small screwdriver may be used to pop
off one or both flap servo covers to access the pushrods.
Adjust the pushrods in the connectors to get the ailerons
centered.When finished, replace the cover, press into position,
and hold in place with tape or a dab of glue.
FINAL FLIGHT PREPARATION
Check the Control Throws
Because the servos and pushrods are factory-installed
the control throws should already be correct, but because
of the effect the control throws can have on a model, it’s
always a good idea to check them anyway.
FULL
THROTTLE
RUDDER
MOVES
RIGHT
ELEVATOR
MOVES DOWN
RIGHT AILERON MOVES UP
LEFT AILERON
MOVES DOWN
4-Channel Radio Set Up (Standard Mode 2)
❏ 1. Confirm that the controls are responding in the correct
direction according to control inputs from the transmitter. If
necessary, use the servo reversing program in your transmitter
to change the servo direction of any controls that are moving
the wrong way.
❏ 2. If your de Havilland Beaver is configured with wheels,
use a small box or something similar to prop up the bottom
of the fuselage under the tail so the wings and stab are level
(or nearly level).
❏
3. Measure and set the control throws according to the
measurements below. The throws are measured at the widest
part (front-to-back) of each surface.

13
Recommended Control Surface Throws
INCHES
ELEVATOR
LOW RATEHIGH RATE
5/16"
Up
5/16"
Down
7/16"
Up
7/16"
Down
AILERONS
3/8" 3/8"1/2" 1/2"
RUDDER (R&L)
7/8" 7/8"1-1/4" 1-1/4"
FLAP
7/16"
Recommended Control Surface Throws
MILLIMETERS
ELEVATOR
LOW RATEHIGH RATE
8mm
Up
8mm
Down
11mm
Up
11mm
Down
AILERONS
10 mm 10 mm13 mm 13 mm
RUDDER (R&L)
22 mm 22 mm32 mm 32 mm
FLAP
11mm
Recommended Control Surface Throws
DEGREES
ELEVATOR
LOW RATEHIGH RATE
8º
Up
8º
Down
10 º
Up
10 º
Down
AILERONS
14º 14º20 º 20 º
RUDDER (R&L)
18º 18º26 º 26 º
FLAP
34º
More Control Throw
Pushrod
Farther Out Pushrod
Farther In
Less Control Throw
❏ 4. If any of the control throws require adjustment use the
programming in your transmitter to increase or decrease the
throws accordingly. If the programming isn’t enough or if your
radio doesn’t have adjustable throws, the pushrod connectors
on the servo arms can be relocated in different holes inward
or outward to increase or decrease the throw—moving the
pushrods inward on the servo arms decreases the throw and
moving the pushrods outward on the servo arms increases
the throw.
Check the C.G.
Same as the control throws, the C.G. has a great effect on how
every model flies, so do not skip this procedure. If the model
is tail-heavy it may be too instable and respond too quickly to
the controls. If the model is nose-heavy it may be too stable
and not respond fast enough—in either case possibly causing
a crash. Do not overlook this important procedure.
64 mm
51mm
2-1/2"
2"
English Metric

14
❏ 1. Mark the forward and aft C.G. limits on both sides of
the bottom of the wing 2" and 2-1/2" [51mm and 64mm] back
from the leading edge where shown—using narrow strips of
tape will allow you to feel the marks when lifting the model
with your fingertips to balance.
❏ 2. Mount the propeller and spinner.
❏ 3. Install the battery, battery hatch and cabin hatch. At
this point the Beaver must be in ready-to-fly condition with
everything attached and installed including the floats or wheels
and battery and propeller.
❏
4. Lift the model by your fingers between the lines indicating
the balance range. As long as the Beaver sits level with your
fingers on the forward or aft lines or anywhere between the
lines it is properly balanced and ready to fly. If you have to
move your fingertips outside the lines the Beaver is out of
balance and should not be flown. If necessary, add squares
of stick-on lead to the nose or tail to get the Beaver to balance
within the specified range.
MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Failure to follow these safety precautions may result in
severe injury to yourself and others.
●Seek the assistance of an experienced pilot if new to
electric motors.
●Wear safety glasses whenever in the proximity of a
spinning propeller.
●Do not operate the motor in an area of loose gravel or
sand; the propeller may throw such material in your face
or eyes.
●Keep spectators as well as your own face and body out
of the plane of rotation of the propeller.

15
●Keep all loose clothing, long hair or any other loose objects
such as pencils or screwdrivers that may fall out pockets
away from the propeller.
MOTOR / ESC OPERATION
Turning on the transmitter and running the motor is intuitive
for most pilots who already have experience with electric
motors, but for those who may have little or no experience
with electric motors here are basic operating instructions for
the ESC and motor:
When ready to fly and running the motor, first turn on the
transmitter and make sure the throttle stick is all the way down.
Always securely hold onto the model when connecting the
battery.The propeller should not turn, but expecting it to do so
anyway will prevent an accident or injury. Connect the battery
to the ESC.The ESC will send three short electrical pulses to
the motor, causing it to chime three times (“ 1-2-3”) followed
by a longer, single, lower tone beep (“BEEEP”), followed by
a shorter, higher tone beep (“beep”). The model is ready to
fly and the propeller will turn when the throttle is advanced.
If the transmitter is not turned on before the battery and
ESC are connected (so the receiver is not receiving a signal)
the motor will still chime three times (“ 1- 2- 3”), but then it
will sound consecutive, higher tone beeps (“beep,” “beep,”
“beep,”….) until the transmitter is turned on at which time it
will emit a single, lower tone beep (“BEEEP”) followed by the
single higher tone beep (“beep”).
If, when the battery is connected to the ESC the throttle stick
is not all the way down the motor will beep rapidly (“beep beep
beep beep beep…”) until either the battery is disconnected or
the throttle stick is returned to the off position at which time it
will emit a single, lower tone beep (“BEEEP”) followed by the
single higher tone beep (“beep”).
FLYING
The Beaver flies mostly the same as any similar-type, high-wing
airplane, but you may find that the roll rate is a little slower.
This suits the Beaver well as it is a scale-like, STOL (Short
TakeOff and Landing) craft. Just give yourself more time and
altitude before trying your first full roll.
The only peculiarity arises when the flaps are extended—if you
extend the flaps too soon before the Beaver has lost enough
flying speed the nose will pitch up. The way to avoid this is
first by making sure you have given the Beaver enough time
to slow after cutting the throttle. You can also roll in the flaps
gradually. If you have a computer radio you could also mix in
some down elevator with flaps. In any regard, once the Beaver
reaches “equilibrium” and has initiated a gliding descent the
nose will resume a normal, downward glide angle. Similarly,
when powering up the throttle with the flaps extended the
nose will pitch up, so be ready to counter with down elevator.
Taken verbatim from our flight log book… “Flying the Beaver
from water with floats can be described with many adjectives
including astonishing, easy, fun, smooth, remarkable, etc.”
Unless weather conditions are terrible, you should have no
trouble flying the Beaver from either rough or calm water.
The water rudders direct the Beaver well and they don’t have
to be perfectly centered to be effective (so don’t spend an
exorbitant amount of time on the work bench working on
them!).The Beaver turns more tightly at idle speeds, so if you
need to do a U-turn throttle back to bring the Beaver around.
At higher speeds during a takeoff run the water rudders have
the correct amount of effectiveness to steer the Beaver on its
intended path.Takeoffs can be long and graceful or short and
steep—either way the floats handle the water well. If the winds
are really high the Beaver can still be flown from water, but
avoid turning it directly across the wind. Otherwise, the wind
can get under the wing and flip the Beaver over. In the air, the
only effect of the floats is that the Beaver flies slightly slower.
Flying “normally” (using half-throttle for general cruising and
full-throttle only when required) the Beaver consumes about
200mAh/minute for recommended flight times of about 7
minutes with an 1800 mAh battery and about 8.5 minutes with
a 2100 mAh battery. Flying more aggressively using higher
throttle settings, the current draw increases closer to 260 mAh/
minute for recommended flight times of 5.5 minutes with an
1800 mAh battery and 6.5 minutes with a 2100mAh battery.
To find out for yourself how long you can fly, set your timer
to a conservative 5 minutes. Fly until the timer sounds, then
land. Use a charger with a digital display to find out how
much capacity it took to recharge the battery (indicating how
much capacity was used). To avoid over discharging your
LiPos use only 80% of your battery’s capacity, so multiply
your battery’s capacity by .8 to find out how much you have
available. Compare the capacity used to 80% of your battery’s
capacity and adjust your flight time accordingly.
For example: If using the recommended 1800mAh battery,
your target capacity to use for a flight is 1440 mAh (1800 mAh x
.8 = 1440 mAh). If you fly for five minutes and it takes 1000 mAh
to recharge your battery, you still have 440mAh to go before
you should land, so adjust your timer to increase your flight
time accordingly until you reach your 1440 mAh target. (You
could also divide 1000 mAh by five minutes to figure a current
consumption rate of 200mAh/minute. Divide 1440 mAh by
200 mAh/minute to conclude that you can fly for 7.2 minutes
[7 min. 12 sec.]—but round down to 7 minutes.)

16
It’s also a great idea to use a LiPo battery checker (HCAP0275)
to check the battery before each flight (to make sure you
haven’t inadvertently grabbed a discharged battery) and to
check the battery after flight to make sure you haven’t over
discharged your battery by flying too long. A safe, conservative,
minimum voltage is 3.65V – 3.7V per cell right after a flight.
REPAIRS
Parts damaged beyond repair can be purchased separately.
The full replacement part list is printed in the front of the manual
on page 4. Often though, parts can be repaired and you can
get your Beaver back into the air with a little glue and ingenuity.
The Beaver is made from injection-molded EPO (expanded
polyolefin) foam which can be glued with just about anything.
Most people use regular CA.With CA no clamping is required,
but some prefer softer, more flexible adhesives such as white
glue or canopy glue.These will require clamps or tape to hold
the parts together while the glue dries.
One final note about flying your model. Have a goal or flight
plan in mind for every flight. This can be learning a new
maneuver(s), improving a maneuver(s) you already know,
or learning how the model behaves in certain conditions
(such as on high or low rates). This is not necessarily to
improve your skills (though it is never a bad idea!), but more
importantly so you do not surprise yourself by impulsively
attempting a maneuver and suddenly finding that you’ve run
out of time, altitude or airspeed. Every maneuver should be
deliberate, not impulsive. For example, if you’re going to do a
loop, check your altitude, mind the wind direction (anticipating
rudder corrections that will be required to maintain heading),
remember to throttle back at the top, and make certain you
are on the desired rates (high/low rates). A flight plan greatly
reduces the chances of crashing your model just because
of poor planning and impulsive moves. Remember to think.
Have a ball! But always stay in control
and fly in a safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!
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