E-flite Aeronca Champ 15e ARF User Manual
Aeronca Champ 15e ARF
Assembly Manual
Table of Contents
Introduction
Notice
Notice ................................................................... 2
All instructions, warranties and other collateral
documents are subject to change at the sole
discretion of Horizon Hobby, Inc. For up-to-date
product literature, visit http://www.horizonhobby.
com and click on the support tab for this product.
Meaning of Special Language
The following terms are used throughout the product
literature to indicate various levels of potential harm
when operating this product:
NOTICE: Procedures, which if not properly followed,
create a possibility of physical property damage
AND a little or no possibility of injury.
CAUTION: Procedures, which if not properly followed,
create the probability of physical property damage
AND a possibility of serious injury.
WARNING: Procedures, which if not properly followed,
create the probability of property damage, collateral
damage, and serious injury OR create a high
probability of superficial injury.
WARNING: Read the ENTIRE instruction manual
to become familiar with the features of the product
before operating. Failure to operate the product
correctly can result in damage to the product, personal
property and cause serious injury.
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. Do not
attempt disassembly, use with incompatible components
or augment product in any way without the approval
of Horizon Hobby, Inc. This 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 serious injury.
2 E-flite Aeronca Champ 15e ARF Assembly Manual
Meaning of Special Language ................................. 2
Introduction ........................................................... 2
Important Information Regarding
Warranty Information ........................................ 2
Specifications ......................................................... 2
Using the Manual ................................................... 3
Contents of Kit/Parts Layout .................................... 3
Covering Colors ..................................................... 3
Hardware/Accessory Sizes ..................................... 3
Recommended Radio Equipment ............................. 3
Power 15 Motor Setup ........................................... 3
Optional Accessories .............................................. 3
Required Tools and Adhesives ................................. 3
Warnings .............................................................. 3
Aileron Servo Installation ........................................ 4
Landing Gear Installation ........................................ 9
Motor and Speed Control Installation .................... 11
Rudder and Elevator Installation ............................ 14
Rudder and Elevator Servo Installation ................... 17
Tail Wheel Installation .......................................... 21
Receiver Installation .............................................. 22
Window Installation ............................................. 24
Wing Installation .................................................. 25
Tail Rigging Installation ......................................... 28
Battery Installation and Center of Gravity ............... 30
Control Throws..................................................... 31
Preflight ............................................................... 31
Flying Your Aeronca Champ 15e ARF ................... 32
Range Test Your Radio .......................................... 32
Safety Do’s and Don’ts for Pilots ............................ 32
Daily Flight Checks ............................................... 32
Warranty and Repair Policy .................................. 33
Warranty Services ................................................ 33
Compliance Information for the European Union .... 34
2010 Official Academy of
Model Aeronautics Safety Code ....................... 34
Designed as an answer to Piper’s J-3 Cub, the Aeronca
7AC Champion has been winning the hearts of pilots
since 1944. Its honest, easy-going flight characteristics
just seem to have a way of soothing the nerves and
restoring the soul of everyone who flies it.
Now modelers can experience the Champ’s winning
ways in stunning scale detail with the E-flite® Aeronca
Champ 15e. In addition to its near-perfect scale
outline, this Platinum Series ARF comes out of the box
with many other details, most of which have been
completed for you. Some of these include a classic
Champ trim scheme, instrument panel details, a
painted fiberglass cowl with simulated exhausts and
scale shock absorbing landing gear. E-flite has even
gone so far as to construct the airframe as close as
possible to the full-scale version.
If you love general aviation classics, but don’t really
feel like spending a lot of time building one, the E-flite
Aeronca Champ 15e is just the scale stick-and-rudder
fix you’ve been waiting for.
Important Information
Regarding Warranty Information
Please read our Warranty and Liability Limitations
section on Page 33 before building this product. 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.
Specifications
Wingspan: 60.0 in (1530mm)
Length: 37.6 in (955mm)
Wing Area: 499 sq in (32.2 sq dm)
Weight w/o Battery: 2.80–2.95 lb (1.25–1.35 kg)
Weight with Battery: 3.30–3.65 lb (1.50–1.65 kg)
Using the Manual
Recommended Radio Equipment
Required Tools and Adhesives
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 its completion. Steps with a single circle () are
performed once, while steps with two circles ( )
indicate 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.
Contents of Kit/Parts Layout
Replacement Parts
EFL280001 Fuselage
EFL280002 Wing Panels (left and right)
EFL280003 Tail Set
EFL280004 Landing Gear
EFL280005 Cowling
EFL280006 Main Wheel Set
EFL280007 Windshields
EFL280008 Hardware
EFL280009 Pushrods
EFL280010 Main Struts
EFL280011 Wing Tube
EFL280012 Tail Wheel Assmembly
Covering Colors
Orange HANU877
Cub Yellow HANU884
Hardware/Accessory Sizes
Main wheel diameter 21/2-inch (63mm)
Tail wheel diameter 1-inch (25mm)
You will need a minimum 4-channel transmitter,
receiver and four servos. You can choose to purchase
a complete radio system. If you are using an
existing transmitter, just purchase the other required
equipment separately. We recommend the crystalfree, interference-free Spektrum™ DX6i 2.4GHz DSM®
6-channel system. If using your own transmitter, we
recommend the following radio equipment.
If you own the Spektrum DX6i radio, or you are using
a different DSM2 radio, just add the AR6200 DSM2
6-channel receiver and four JR SPORT™ MC35 servos.
Complete Radio System
SPM6600 DX6i DSM2 6CH system
Or Purchase Separately
SPMAR6200 AR6200 DSM2 6-Channel
Full-Range Receiver
JSP20030 MC35 Servo (4)
JSP98110 6-inch (152mm) (2)
aileron servo inside wing
JRPA096 9-inch (228mm)
receiver to aileron extension
JSP98030 12-inch (305mm)
receiver to aileron extension
JSP98060 Large JR Sport Servo Arm
Optional
JSP98020 6-inch (152mm) Y-Harness
(Required if not using a
computer radio with dual aileron
inputs)
Power 15 Motor Setup
EFLM4015A: Power 15 Brushless Outrunner
Motor, 950Kv
EFLA1040L: 40-Amp Lite Pro Switch-Mode
BEC Brushless ESC
EFLB32003S30: 3200mAh 3S 11.1V 30C Li-Po,
12AWG EC3
APC11070E APC Electric Propeller,11 x 7E
Optional Accessories
EFLA110 Power Meter
EFLC505 Intelligent 1- to 5-Cell
Balancing Charger
EFLAEC312 Charge Lead with 12-inch
Wire and Jacks, 16AWG
EFLA151 Civilian Pilot, Blue
Tools & Equipment
Balancing stand Card stock
Clamps Drill
Felt-tipped pen Hemostat
Low-tack tape Mixing cup
Mixing stick Needle nose pliers
Paper towels Pencil
Pin vise Phillips screwdriver: #1
Pliers Razor saw
Rubbing alcohol Ruler
Sanding block Scissors
Side cutter Small flat blade screwdriver
™
Square Straightedge
String Toothpicks
T-pins Tweezer
Hex wrench: 1.5mm, 3/32-inch
Hobby knife with #11 blade
Drill bit: 1/16-inch (1.5mm), 5/64-inch (2mm)
Nut driver: 4mm, 7mm
Adhesives
12-minute epoxy 6-minute epoxy
Thin CA Medium CA
Threadlock Canopy glue
Warnings
Read and follow all instructions and safety precautions
before use. Improper use can result in fire, serious
injury and damage to property.
COMPONENTS
Use only with compatible components. Should any
compatibility questions exist please refer to the product
instructions, the component instructions or contact
Horizon Hobby, Inc.
The Spektrum trademark is used with permission
of Bachmann Industries, Inc.
All other marks are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Horizon Hobby, Inc.
3E-flite Aeronca Champ 15e ARF Assembly Manual
FLIGHT
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Aileron Servo Installation
Fly only in open areas to ensure safety. It is
recommended flying be done at AMA (Academy of
Model Aeronautics) approved flying sites. Consult local
laws and ordinances before choosing a location to fly
your aircraft.
PROPELLER
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 as
injury can occur.
BATTERIES
Notes on Lithium Polymer Batteries
When misused, lithium polymer batteries are
significantly more volatile than alkaline or Ni-Cd/
Ni-MH batteries used in RC applications. Always
follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using
and disposing of any batteries. Mishandling of Li-Po
batteries can result in fire and explosion causing
serious injury and damage.
SMALL PARTS
This kit includes small parts and should not be left
unattended near children as choking and serious injury
could result.
• Checkallcontrolsurfacespriortoeachtakeoff.
• Donotflyyourmodelnearspectators,parkingareas
or any other area that could result in injury to people
or damage of property.
• Donotflyduringadverseweatherconditions.Poor
visibility can cause disorientation and loss of control
of your aircraft. Strong winds can cause similar
problems.
• Donottakechances.Ifatanytimeduringflightyou
observe any erratic or abnormal operation, land
immediately and do not resume flight until the cause
of the problem has been ascertained and corrected.
Safety can never be taken lightly.
• Donotflynearpowerlines.
During the course of building your Aeronca Champ
we suggest you use a soft base for the building
surface. Such things as a foam stand, large piece of
bedding foam or a thick bath towel will work well
and help protect the model from damage during
assembly. This is not shown in the instructions
to provide the greatest detail in the photos.
Required Parts
Wing panel (right and left)
Transmitter Receiver
Receiver battery
Nylon clevis (2) Silicone clevis retainer (2)
Micro servo (2) Large servo horn (2)
Servo mounting block, 8mm x 9mm x 12mm (4)
Aileron linkage wire, 4-inch (102mm) (2)
Nylon pushrod connector (2)
2.6mm x 8mm sheet metal screw (4)
Servo extension, 6-inch (152mm) (2)
Required Tools and Adhesives
String Sanding block
Thin CA Pin vise
Pliers Clamps
Side cutter Phillips screwdriver: #1
Ruler Razor saw
Pencil Scissors
6-minute epoxy Mixing cups
Mixing stick Paper towel
Drill bit: 1/16-inch (1.5mm), 5/64-inch (2mm)
1. Install the servo grommets and brass eyelets
following the instructions provided with the servo.
4 E-flite Aeronca Champ 15e ARF Assembly Manual
2. Connect a 6-inch (152mm) servo extension to
the servo lead. Use scissors to cut a 3-inch (76mm)
piece of string. Use the string to secure the extension
to the servo.
3. Remove the servo cover from the wing by lifting the
tape toward the leading edge. The cover has a tab at
the rear that will keep it in position near the aileron.
4. Use a pencil and ruler to mark the center of the
opening in the servo cover for the servo output shaft.
If you are using a computer radio, select an
unused model memory to begin the setup of your
model. It is highly recommended to reset the
model memory to make sure the programming
is set to the default settings. If you are using a
2.4GHz radio system, you will need to bind
the transmitter and receiver at this time.
6. Plug the servo into the receiver. Center the
stick and trim on the transmitter for the ailerons.
Use the transmitter and receiver to center the
aileron servo. Place a large servo horn on
the servo so it is perpendicular to the servo
centerline. Use a #1 Phillips screwdriver to
secure the servo horn to the servo.
Make sure the servo is square on the servo cover
before marking the location for the sides of the servo.
5. Use a #1 Phillips screwdriver to remove the servo
horn from the servo. Position the servo so the servo
output is centered on the mark made in the previous
step. Use a pencil to transfer the edges along the
sides of the servo on the servo cover.
5E-flite Aeronca Champ 15e ARF Assembly Manual
7. Position the servo on the cover, using the lines
drawn in Step 5. Adjust the position of the servo so
the servo horn is positioned center in the opening
as shown.
9. Position the block on the cover near the rear of
the cover. It will be necessary to notch the block to
fit over the tab that secures the rear of the cover.
Position the block against the tab and use a pencil
to draw a line on the block to determine how much
to remove.
11. Use a sanding block or razor saw to remove
the material necessary from the block to fit over the
tab when the block is positioned on the cover for
mounting the servo.
8. Use a pencil to mark the position of the servo
next to the brass eyelets. Make sure not to move the
servo when marking the servo cover.
10. With the block positioned on the marks made
for the servo, use a pencil to mark the block for
the amount required to be removed so it can fit
over the tab.
12. Use 6-minute epoxy to glue the servo blocks to
the servo cover. Use clamps to hold the blocks in
position until the glue fully cures.
6 E-flite Aeronca Champ 15e ARF Assembly Manual
13. Position the servo between the servo mounting
blocks. Use a pencil to mark the block against
the servo lead so it can be trimmed to provide
clearance for the servo lead.
15. Apply thin CA to the top of each servo
mounting block. The wood fibers will soak in the
CA, which will help prevent the blocks from splitting
when they are drilled for the servo mounting screws.
17. Use a pin vise and 1/16-inch (1.5mm) drill bit
to drill the holes in the servo mounting blocks for the
servo mounting screws.
14. Use a razor saw and sanding block to trim the
servo mounting block to allow clearance for the
servo lead.
16. Position the servo between the blocks. Position
the servo so there is a small gap of 1/64-inch
(.5mm) between the servo cover and servo to
prevent the transfer of vibration from the airframe
into the servo. Use a pencil to mark the locations
on the servo mounting blocks for the servo
mounting screws.
18. Apply 2–3 drops of thin CA in each hole to
harden the surrounding wood. This will help keep
the screws from vibrating loose.
7E-flite Aeronca Champ 15e ARF Assembly Manual
19. Use a #1 Phillips screwdriver and the screws
provided with the servo to secure it to the servo
mounting blocks. Use side cutters to remove the
unused arm from the servo horn so it does not
interfere with the operation of the servo.
20. Use a pin vise and 5/64-inch (2mm) drill bit to
enlarge the hole on the servo horn that is 11/16inch (17.5mm) from the center of the servo horn.
21. Tie the end of the string in the servo opening to
the end of the servo extension.
21. Use the string to pull the servo lead and
extension through the wing and out at the wing
root as shown.
22. Place the servo cover in position in the servo
opening. Use a #1 Phillips screwdriver and two
2.6mm x 8mm sheet metal screws to secure the
cover to the wing.
23. Insert the 4-inch (102mm) pushrod wire into the
hole in the servo horn enlarged in Step 20. Use a
nylon pushrod connector to secure the pushrod to
the servo horn. You may need to use pliers to snap
the connector over the wire.
Leave a short 2-inch (52mm) piece of the string
tied to the aileron extension, just in case it
happens to fall into the wing accidentally.
8 E-flite Aeronca Champ 15e ARF Assembly Manual
24. Slide a silicone clevis retainer over a nylon
clevis. Remove the tape holding the aileron centered
to the wing. This is clear tape from the factory
so it might be difficult to see. Connect the aileron
servo to the receiver and use the radio system to
keep the aileron servo centered. Thread the clevis
on the pushrod wire and connect the clevis to the
aileron control horn. Adjust the clevis so the aileron
is aligned with the wing while the aileron servo is
centered. Slide the silicone clevis retainer over the
forks of the clevis to keep it from opening in flight.
Landing Gear Installation
Required Parts
Fuselage Landing gear strut (2)
2mm locknut (6) 4mm locknut (2)
Side landing gear mount (4)
Bottom landing gear mount
2mm washer (12)
2mm x 12mm machine screw (6)
2.6mm x 10mm sheet metal screw (2)
3mm x 8mm machine screw (4)
Wheel collar (4mm) with setscrew (2)
Wheel with brass spacer, 21/2-inch (63mm) (2)
Required Tools and Adhesives
Nut driver: 7mm Ruler
Hemostat Threadlock
Small flat blade screwdriver
Phillips screwdriver: #1
Hex wrench: 1.5mm
1. Remove the tape holding the front windscreen
on the fuselage. Remove the windscreen and set it
aside until it is time to glue it into position.
Make sure to use threadlock on all metal-to-
metal fasteners so they don’t vibrate loose.
2. Use a #1 Phillips screwdriver to tighten the
3mm x 8mm machine screws that attach the four
side landing gear mounts to the fuselage. There
are two mounts on the right and two on the left
side of the fuselage.
25. Repeat Steps 1 through 24 to install the
remaining aileron servo and linkage.
26. If you have not done so, turn off the transmitter
and remove the power from the receiver.
3. Attach the bottom landing gear mount to the
bottom of the fuselage using two 2.6mm x 10mm
sheet metal screws. Use a #1 Phillips screwdriver to
tighten the screws.
9E-flite Aeronca Champ 15e ARF Assembly Manual
4. Attach the landing gear strut to the side landing
gear mount using two 2mm x 12mm machine
screws and two 2mm locknuts. Make sure to place
a 2mm washer on the screw, one under the head of
the screw and one between the mount and locknut.
Tighten the front screw, but not so tight as to bind
the movement of the gear. The rear only needs to be
in position, as it will be removed later to install the
wing struts. Use hemostats to hold the locknut while
tightening the screw using a #1 Phillips screwdriver.
5. Secure the strut leg from the landing gear to the
bottom landing gear mount using a 2mm x 12mm
machine screw, two 2mm washers and a 2mm
locknut. Use hemostats to hold the locknut while
tightening the screw using a #1 Phillips screwdriver.
Do not over-tighten the screw and cause binding of
the landing gear.
Make sure to use threadlock on all metal-to-
metal fasteners so they don’t vibrate loose.
7. Use a small flat blade screwdriver to remove the
hub cap from the wheel. Work slowly, lifting the hub
cap slightly, rotating the wheel to lift the hub cap at
different locations around its perimeter.
8. There is a brass spacer located inside the wheel.
Make sure this spacer is installed in the wheel
before placing the wheel on the axle or it will not
roll correctly. Slide the wheel on the axle. Use a
4mm locknut and 7mm nut driver to tighten the nut.
Do not over-tighten the nut so the wheel can roll
freely.
6. Install the 4mm wheel collar on the landing gear
strut. Position the wheel collar so it is 5/8-inch
(16.5mm) from the end of the axle as shown. Use
a 1.5mm hex wrench to tighten the setscrew that
secures the wheel collar to the axle.
10 E-flite Aeronca Champ 15e ARF Assembly Manual
9. Place the hub cap back in position to complete
the wheel installation.
10. Repeat Steps 4 through 9 to install the
remaining landing gear strut and wheel.
Motor and Speed Control Installation
Required Parts
Fuselage assembly Cowling
Propeller Motor battery (charged)
Speed control Hook and loop tape
Transmitter Receiver
#4 washer (4) Motor with accessories
4-40 x 1/2-inch socket head screw (4)
2mm x 8mm sheet metal screw (4)
Required Tools and Adhesives
Low-tack tape Ruler
Pin vise Scissors
Card stock Phillips screwdriver: #1
Thin CA Hex wrench: 3/32-inch
Threadlock Drill bit: 1/16-inch (1.5mm)
Make sure to use threadlock on all metal-to-
metal fasteners so they don’t vibrate loose.
1. Attach the X-mount to the back of the motor
using the screws provided with the motor. Use a #1
Phillips screwdriver to tighten the screws.
2. Attach the motor to the firewall using four 4-40 x
1/2-inch socket head screws and four #4 washers.
Use a 3/32-inch hex wrench to tighten the screws.
The blind nuts in the firewall can be repositioned
for a variety of motors. It may be necessary to
move them for your particular motor installation.
3. Remove the battery/radio cover from the bottom
of the fuselage by pulling the catch rearward and
lifting the front of the hatch. The rear is held in
place using a tab.
Make sure to use threadlock on all metal-to-
metal fasteners so they don’t vibrate loose.
11E-flite Aeronca Champ 15e ARF Assembly Manual
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