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