Horizon Hobby AerBird3 User manual

Instruction Manual

The Place to Start™
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.
If you have never flown one of HobbyZone’s Zone 1 or 2 airplanes or
any other radio controlled aircraft, we recommend you seek the help
of an experienced radio control pilot during your beginning flights.
Crash damage is not covered under the warranty. Your Aerobird 3 is
equipped with the ZX10 radio system, which utilizes 10-bit, 1024-step
processing for high fidelity control. It uses a 6-channel FM receiver
with industry standard 3-wire servos, along with X-Port capability for
maximum expandability and reusability.
The Aerobird 3 is equipped with some exciting features, including a
Multi-Mode™Flight Control system. The controller onboard the plane
is programmed with two flight modes, Sport Mode (Low Rate) and

The Place to Start™
3
Crash damage is not covered
under the warranty.
Be sure to read the warranty
on page 36 and "Warnings and
Safety" on page 33 before you
proceed to Step 1.
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 Pro Mode changes the Aerobird 3’s characteristics, and allows more
aggressive maneuvers for those who want it!
The Aerobird 3 is also equipped with HobbyZone’s exclusive X-Port™
feature. This allows the attachment of exciting accessories, including
the Sonic Combat Module™(HBZ4020) for air-to-air combat, and the
Aerial Drop Module™(HBZ6023), which allows items such as the
parachute jumper and streamer bombs to be dropped. See page 28
for more on the X-Port.
Be sure to read the warranty on page 36 and "Success Tips" on page
33 before you proceed to Step 1.

Step 1

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).
Needed for Step 1
8 "AA" Batteries (included)
Transmitter

2. Once you're satisfied that the wing is
centered, attach the wing using the 6
rubber bands provided. Stretch two of
the rubber bands from the front to the
rear attach points. Stretch the next two
diagonally across the middle. Stretch the
last two rubber bands from the front to
rear attach points as you did with the first
two. Once the rubber bands are in place,
confirm the wing is securely attached.
3. Before each flight, make sure the front
and trailing edges of the wing are exactly
centered on the fuselage.Rc
Step 2
5
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. Center the wing on the fuselage by
aligning the center dot on the wing with
the fuselage top seam and by centering
the half circle on the wing’s trailing edge
over the fuselage center.
Needed for Step 2
Rubber Bands (x6)
Main Landing Gear
Wing and Landing Gear Attachment

Step 2
6
Wing and Landing Gear Attachment continued
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.

Step 3
7
Motor Test 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. First, keep all
objects clear of the propeller at all times.
Ensure the throttle is in the Off position,
then advance the throttle forward and the
propeller will start to turn. Since most
batteries come partially charged, the
propeller should spin at high speed. The
throttle arming feature will need to be
activated each time the battery is
plugged into the airplane (If the motor
does not run, proceed to Step 4:
“Charging the Aircraft Battery”).
5. When finished with the motor test, be
sure to disconnect the battery first then
turn off the transmitter.
Adult Supervision Required
WARNING: Keep everything clear of the
propeller and hold the plane securely. A
moving propeller can cause severe injury.

Step 
8
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 over-
charging. 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. If you charge the
battery 12 to 24 hours prior to flying, you
will need to “re-peak” the battery before
you fly by repeating the steps on page 9.
DC Peak Detect Charger Features:
• Variable charge rate from 0.3- to 1.2-amp.
charge rate
• Trickle charge
• Automobile 12V power outlet DC adapter
• HobbyZone®large battery pack connector
• Charges Ni-Cd and Ni-MH battery packs
• LED charge indicator

Step 
9
Charging the Aircraft Battery (continued)
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.
2. Connect the battery pack to the charger.
3. Connect the charger to the 12V power
outlet in your automobile. The LED will
continually blink slowly while the battery
charges.
4. Charging is finished when the LED
indicator glows steadily
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.
Note: Damage to the charger and battery
pack will occur if you exceed the maximum
charge rates recommended in the chart.
Safety Precautions
Do not leave the battery and charger
unattended while in use. While charging,
place the battery on a heat resistant surface
and constantly monitor the temperature of
the battery pack. Do not allow children to
charge batteries unless they are supervised
by a responsible adult.
Battery Capacity Maximum Typical
Charge Rate Charge Time
Aerobird3
1000mAh 7.2 and 8.4V Ni-MH 1.2 amps 40 minutes*
Other HobbyZone Batteries
600mAh 4.8 and 6.0V Ni-MH 0.8 amps 40 minutes*
Requires connector adapter (sold separately)
300mAh 6.0V Ni-MH 0.4 amps 40 minutes*
Requires connector adapter (sold separately)
* Above charge times are only estimates. Actual charge times may vary.

Step 5
10
Tail Control Test
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. The tail
control surfaces should move as shown
on the following page.
5. Move the stick up and down. The tail
control surfaces should move as shown
on the following page.
6. The small levers under and to the side
of the control stick are the trim levers
and are used to adjust the “neutral”
point of your control stick. It’s very
important that this lever is centered
when performing these control tests.
7. If each control surface is not level with the
rest of the tail surface when the trim levers
are centered, adjust the control surfaces
so they are level (see page 12).
Warning: Keep everything clear of the
propeller before starting the control test
in the event that you accidentally turn on
the motor.
Elevator
Trim Lever
Rudder
Trim Lever

Step 5
11
Tail Control Test (continued)
View from Rear
Rudder Controls
(Sport Mode) Elevator Controls Rudder Controls
(Pro Mode)
Moves
Up
Moves
Down
Down Elevator
Up Elevator
Moves
Up
Moves
Up
Right Rudder
Left Rudder
Moves
Up
Moves
Down

Step 6
12
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.

Step 7
13
Choose a Large, Open Grassy Field
• 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.
Important: Do not fly over or near people,
buildings, power lines, highways, train
tracks, vehicles, trees, water, pavement,
gravel, any hard surface or any object you
don't want to crash into. Please take this
warning seriously to keep people, property
and your Aerobird 3 safe. Crash damage is
not covered by the warranty.

Step 8
14
• If the flag hangs down,
it’s good to fly.
• If the angle between the antenna
and the flag is less than 20˚, it’s
too windy for your first flights.
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!
To check wind conditions:
1. Tie the included red flag to the end of
the transmitter antenna.
2. Hold the transmitter flat so the antenna
is parallel to the ground and note how
much the flag moves in the wind.
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.

Step 9
15
Range Test 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. Plug in airplane battery and close hatch
cover.
5. As soon as you move the throttle slider
forward the propeller should spin quickly.
6. As the first person moves the transmitter
controls at the same time, the other
person watches to be sure the airplane’s
motor and tail controls operate smoothly.
Warning: The person holding the airplane
should hold it so that the propeller does not
come in contact with any part of their body.
You will need two people to do the range
test: one to hold the transmitter and one to
hold the airplane.
If model does not range test correctly, do not
fly. Call Horizon Hobby Product Support staff
toll-free at 1-877-504-0233 for directions on
how to proceed.

Step 10
16
Seek Assistance from an Experienced
Radio Control Pilot
VERY IMPORTANT
The 3-channel control system is designed
for the experienced radio control pilot and
is not intended for the first-time flyer. If
you can successfully fly the HobbyZone®
Firebird Phantom™, Firebird Commander 2®
or Super Cub, then you should be ready for
the Aerobird 3™. The Aerobird Challenger
can be controlled in a similar manner as a
2-channel plane, such as the Firebird
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.
The flying characteristics of the Aerobird 3
should not be altered for your first flights.
Once you are comfortable flying the plane
in the standard configuration, i.e. the out-of-
the-box configuration, only then should you
attempt to change the flying characteristics of
the Aerobird 3 by changing hole positions in
the control horns and adding wing streamers.

Hand Launch
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. Point it level
(parallel) with the ground when releasing.
Think of it as a javelin that you are
throwing 20 feet away.
Step 11
17
Watch out! Keep the spinning propeller
away from your hair, head and hands or
injury may occur.
Important: Before launching, determine
the wind direction by watching which way
the red transmitter ribbon is blowing.

Step 12
18
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. Apply some UP elevator by pull-
ing the stick back slightly, and the plane
should lift off the ground in a shorter
distance.

Step 13
19
Flying 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. Don’t attempt a turn until the
Aerobird 3 reaches 50 feet of altitude.
3. Control range is 2500 feet. Don’t let
the plane fly too far away. Keep upwind,
especially if wind is over 10 mph, or the
wind may carry it out of sight and/or
control range. Your first flights on the
Aerobird 3 should be on Low Rate (which
will limit the travel of the control surfaces).
After you have gained more experience,
you can switch to High Rate.
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.
Throttle

Step 13
20
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.
Rudder Trim
If the model always turns one direction, use
the trim control lever below the control stick
to correct. The model should fly straight with
the control stick at neutral. See page 24 if
additional adjustments are needed.
Elevator Trim
If the model always goes up or down, use the
trim control lever to the side of the control
stick to correct. The model should fly straight
with the control stick at neutral. See page 25
if additional adjustments are needed. The
Aerobird Challenger®should have a steady
shallow climb at full throttle.
Elevator Trim
Lever
Rudder Trim
Lever
Note: With the throttle stick set at low or
off (gliding), the plane will not turn as fast
as when the throttle is set on high.