Piper Pawnee 15e ARF
Assembly Manual
Specifications
Wingspan: 62 in (1575mm)
Length: 41.5 in (1050mm)
Wing Area: 550 sq in (35.5 sq dm)
Weight w/ Battery: 4–4.25 lb (1800–1900 g)
Weight w/o Battery: 3.25 lb (1450 g)
Table of Contents
Introduction
Specifications ...................................................................... 1
Introduction ......................................................................... 2
Using the Manual ................................................................ 2
Contents of Kit/Parts Layout ................................................. 3
Required Radio Equipment ................................................... 3
Important Information About Motor Selection ........................ 4
Scale Outrunner Setup ......................................................... 4
Sport Outrunner Setup ......................................................... 4
Optional Accessories ........................................................... 4
Required Tools and Adhesives .............................................. 4
Notes Regarding Servos and ESC ........................................ 5
Note on Lithium Polymer Batteries ........................................ 5
Warranty Information ...................................................... 5–7
Landing Gear Assembly....................................................... 8
Aileron Servo Installation ................................................... 12
Flap Servo Installation ....................................................... 19
Joining the Wing Panels .................................................... 22
Rudder and Elevator Installation ......................................... 25
Main Radio Installation ...................................................... 30
Motor Installation .............................................................. 37
Final Assembly .................................................................. 41
Control Throws .................................................................. 43
Range Test Your Radio ....................................................... 44
Center of Gravity .............................................................. 44
Preflight ............................................................................ 45
Flying Your Piper Pawnee ARF ........................................... 45
Instructions for Disposal of WEEE
by Users in the European Union ............................... 46
2007 Official AMA
National Model Aircraft Safety Code ....................... 47
The Piper Pawnee entered service in the late 1950s as one of
the first planes to be purpose-built for agricultural spraying and
dusting. While most have been retired from crop-dusting duty,
many are still on the job today towing advertising banners or
serving as towplanes for glider clubs around the world.
E-flite’s Piper Pawnee 15e ARF is a superbly detailed replica
of this aerial workhorse that flies every bit as good as it looks.
Its fuselage and wing outlines are exact-to-scale and perfectly
match the proportions of the full-scale Pawnee. Other realistic
touches include the prepainted fiberglass cowl and belly pan
as well as cockpit instrument gauges and a pilot’s seat. And
like its full-scale inspiration, the Pawnee 15e’s generous wing
area gives it exceptionally forgiving flight characteristics that
are perfect for newer pilots. You can even outfit the Pawnee 15e
with optional flaps and experience exciting short field takeoffs
and landings.
Using the Manual
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 each step completed. Steps with
a single circle () are performed once, while steps with two
circles ( ) indicate that 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.
2 E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
Contents of Kit/Parts Layout
Required Radio Equipment
EFL2651 Wing Set w/Struts
EFL2652 Fuselage
EFL2653 Tail Set
EFL2654 Landing Gear
EFL2655 Cowling
EFL2656 Canopy
EFL2657 Pushrod Set
EFL2658 Belly Pan
EFL2659 Pilot Seat
EFL2660 Wing Struts
EFL2661 Battery Hatch
EFL2662 Motor Mount Spacers
EFL2663 Instrument Panel
You will need a minimum 6-channel transmitter (for proper mixing
and dual rate capabilities), crystals, micro receiver, and four mini
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 crystal-free,
™
interference-free Spektrum
DX6i 2.4GHz DSM2® 6-channel
full range transmitter and receiver (no servos). If using your own
™
transmitter, we recommend the JR SPORT
If you own the Spektrum DX7 radio, just add the AR7000 DSM2
MN48 Mini servos.
™
7-channel receiver and four of our JR SPORT MN48 Mini servos.
Radio System
SPM6600 DX6i DSM2 6CH (without servos)
Or Purchase Separately
JRPR720UL UltraLite 7-Channel ScanSelect
FM Receiver (72MHz)
Or
SPMAR6200 AR6200 DSM2 6-Channel Receiver Ultralite
(for DX7 only)
Or
SPM6070 AR7000 DSM2 7CH Rx (for DX7 only)
And
JSP20040 MN48 Mini Servo (4)
JSP98110 6-inch extension (2)
JSP98020 Y harness (1), (2) w/optional flaps
3E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
Important Information About
Required Tools and Adhesives
Motor Selection
We recommend the E-flite® Power 15 Brushless Outrunner,
950Kv (EFLM4015A) for sport performance.
Scale Outrunner Setup
EFLM4015A Power 15 BL Outrunner, 950Kv
EFLA1040 40-Amp Brushless ESC
THP42003S2PPL 4200mAh 3-Cell 11.1V Li-Po
APC11070E 11 x 7 Electric Prop
EFLAEC303 EC3 Device & Battery Connector,
Male/Female (included with our ESC)
EFLC3005 Celectra
™
1- to 3-Cell Li-Po Charger
Sport Outrunner Setup
EFLM4025A Power 25 BL Outrunner, 870Kv
EFLA1060 60-Amp Brushless ESC
THP42003S2PPL 4200mAh 3-Cell 11.1 V Li-Po
APC12080E 12 x 8E Electric Prop
EFLAEC303 EC3 Device & Battery Connector,
Male/Female (included with our ESC)
EFLC3005 Celectra 1- to 3-Cell Li-Po Charger
Optional Accessories
EFLA110 Power Meter
Tools & Equipment
EFLA250 Park Flyer Tool Assortment, 5-piece
Or Purchase Separately
EFLA257 Screwdriver, #1 and #2 Phillips
(or included with EFLA250)
EFLA251 Hex Wrench: 3/32-inch (or included
with EFLA250)
30-minute epoxy 6-minute epoxy
Adjustable wrench (2) Canopy glue
Card stock Clamps
Covering iron Drill
Epoxy Brush Felt-tipped pen
File Flat blade screwdriver
Hex Wrench: 1.5mm Hobby knife (#11 blade)
Low-tack tape Medium CA
Mixing Cups Mixing Sticks
Paper Towels Pencil
Pin drill Pliers
Razor Saw Rubbing Alcohol
Ruler Sandpaper
Scissors Side cutters
Square String
Thin CA Threadlock
T-pins
Rotary tool w/sanding drum
Drill bit: 1/16-inch (1.5mm), 5/64-inch (2mm), 1/8-inch (3mm)
4 E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
Notes Regarding Servos and ESC
WARNING: Use of servos other than those we recommend may
overload the BEC of the recommended Electronic Speed Control
(ESC). We suggest the use of only the servos we recommend
when utilizing the recommended ESC’s BEC, or the use of a
separate BEC (like the UBEC) or receiver battery pack when
using other servos.
Note on Lithium Polymer Batteries
Lithium Polymer batteries are significantly more
volatile than alkaline or Ni-Cd/Ni-MH batteries used
in RC applications. All manufacturer’s instructions
and warnings must be followed closely. Mishandling
of Li-Po batteries can result in fire. Always follow the
manufacturer’s instructions when disposing of Lithium
Polymer batteries.
Warning
An RC aircraft is not a toy! If misused, it can cause serious
bodily harm and damage to property. Fly only in open areas,
preferably at AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) approved
flying sites, following all instructions included with your radio.
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.
Warranty Period
Limited Warranty
(a) This warranty is limited to the original Purchaser
("Purchaser") and is not transferable. REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT
AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE
REMEDY OF THE PURCHASER. This warranty covers only those
Products purchased from an authorized Horizon dealer. Third
party transactions are not covered by this warranty. Proof of
purchase is required for warranty claims. Further, Horizon
reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without
notice and disclaims all other warranties, express or implied.
(b) Limitations- HORIZON MAKES NO WARRANTY OR
REPRESENTATION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ABOUT NONINFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF THE PRODUCT. THE PURCHASER
ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THEY ALONE HAVE DETERMINED
THAT THE PRODUCT WILL SUITABLY MEET THE REQUIREMENTS
OF THE PURCHASER’S INTENDED USE.
(c) Purchaser Remedy- Horizon's sole obligation hereunder
shall be that Horizon will, at its option, (i) repair or (ii)
replace, any Product determined by Horizon to be defective.
In the event of a defect, these are the Purchaser's exclusive
remedies. Horizon reserves the right to inspect any and all
equipment involved in a warranty claim. Repair or replacement
decisions are at the sole discretion of Horizon. This warranty
does not cover cosmetic damage or damage due to acts of
God, accident, misuse, abuse, negligence, commercial use,
or modification of or to any part of the Product. This warranty
does not cover damage due to improper installation, operation,
maintenance, or attempted repair by anyone other than
Horizon. Return of any goods by Purchaser must be approved
in writing by Horizon before shipment.
Horizon Hobby, Inc., (Horizon) warranties that the Products
purchased (the “Product”) will be free from defects in materials
and workmanship at the date of purchase by the Purchaser.
5E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
Damage Limits
Questions, Assistance, and Repairs
HORIZON SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSS OF PROFITS OR
PRODUCTION OR COMMERCIAL LOSS IN ANY WAY
CONNECTED WITH THE PRODUCT, WHETHER SUCH CLAIM IS
BASED IN CONTRACT, WARRANTY, NEGLIGENCE, OR STRICT
LIABILITY. Further, in no event shall the liability of Horizon
exceed the individual price of the Product on which liability
is asserted. As Horizon has no control over use, setup, final
assembly, modification or misuse, no liability shall be assumed
nor accepted for any resulting damage or injury. By the act of
use, setup or assembly, the user accepts all resulting liability.
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.
Law: These Terms are governed by Illinois law (without regard to
conflict of law principals).
Safety Precautions
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. The Product 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 injury.
Your local hobby store and/or place of purchase cannot provide
warranty support or repair. Once assembly, setup or use of the
Product has been started, you must contact Horizon directly.
This will enable Horizon to better answer your questions and
service you in the event that you may need any assistance.
For questions or assistance, please direct your email to
productsupport@horizonhobby.com, or call 877.504.0233 toll
free to speak to a service technician.
Inspection or Repairs
If this Product needs to be inspected or repaired, please call for
a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA). Pack the Product
securely using a shipping carton. Please note that original boxes
may be included, but are not designed to withstand the rigors
of shipping without additional protection. Ship via a carrier that
provides tracking and insurance for lost or damaged parcels, as
Horizon is not responsible for merchandise until it arrives and
is accepted at our facility. A Service Repair Request is available
at www.horizonhobby.com on the “Support” tab. If you do not
have internet access, please include a letter with your complete
name, street address, email address and phone number where
you can be reached during business days, your RMA number,
a list of the included items, method of payment for any nonwarranty expenses and a brief summary of the problem.
Your original sales receipt must also be included for warranty
consideration. Be sure your name, address, and RMA number
are clearly written on the outside of the shipping carton.
Warranty Inspection and Repairs
To receive warranty service, you must include your original
sales receipt verifying the proof-of-purchase date. Provided
warranty conditions have been met, your Product will be
repaired or replaced free of charge. Repair or replacement
decisions are at the sole discretion of Horizon Hobby.
6 E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
Non-Warranty Repairs
Safety, Precautions, and Warnings
Should your repair not be covered by warranty the repair
will be completed and payment will be required without
notification or estimate of the expense unless the expense
exceeds 50% of the retail purchase cost. By submitting the item
for repair you are agreeing to payment of the repair without
notification. Repair estimates are available upon request. You
must include this request with your repair. Non-warranty repair
estimates will be billed a minimum of ½ hour of labor. In
addition you will be billed for return freight. Please advise us
of your preferred method of payment. Horizon accepts money
orders and cashiers checks, as well as Visa, MasterCard,
American Express, and Discover cards. If you choose to pay
by credit card, please include your credit card number and
expiration date. Any repair left unpaid or unclaimed after 90
days will be considered abandoned and will be disposed of
accordingly. Please note: non-warranty repair is only available
on electronics and model engines.
Electronics and engines requiring inspection or repair should be
shipped to the following address:
Horizon Service Center
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, Illinois 61822
All other Products requiring warranty inspection or repair should
be shipped to the following address:
Horizon Product Support
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, Illinois 61822
Please call 877-504-0233 with any questions or concerns
regarding this product or warranty.
As the user of this product, you are solely responsible for
operating it in a manner that does not endanger yourself
and others or result in damage to the product or the property
of others.
Carefully follow the directions and warnings for this and any
optional support equipment (chargers, rechargeable battery
packs, etc.) that you use.
This model is controlled by a radio signal that is subject to
interference from many sources outside your control. This
interference can cause momentary loss of control so it is
necessary to always keep a safe distance in all directions
around your model, as this margin will help to avoid collisions
or injury.
• Always operate your model in an open area away from cars,
traffic, or people.
• Avoid operating your model in the street where injury or
damage can occur.
• Never operate the model out into the street or populated
areas for any reason.
• Never operate your model with low transmitter batteries.
• Carefully follow the directions and warnings for this and any
optional support equipment (chargers, rechargeable battery
packs, etc.) that you use.
• Keep all chemicals, small parts and anything electrical out of
the reach of children.
• Moisture causes damage to electronics. Avoid water exposure
to all equipment not specifically designed and protected for
this purpose.
7E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
Landing Gear Assembly
Required Parts
Landing gear Landing gear cover (2)
Axle w/nut (2) Instrument panel
Pilot seat 2mm x 6mm machine screw (4)
Landing gear cover (2) 5/64-inch wheel collar w/setscrew
Vertical Fin Rudder
3/4-inch (19mm) tailwheel
2mm x 15mm sheet metal screw (8)
5/32-inch wheel collar w/setscrew (2)
1
2
/
-inch (63mm) main wheel w/hubs (2)
2
Required Tools and Adhesives
#1 Phillips screwdriver Hex wrench: 1.5mm
Threadlock File
Medium CA Adjustable wrench (2)
Note: We will assemble the landing gear and set them
aside until needed. This will reduce the number of parts
to track, yet keep the fuselage light to install the rudder,
elevator and radio system.
1. Locate the two axles and axle nuts, as well as the
landing gear. Use two adjustable wrenches to secure the
axles to the landing gear.
2. Use a file to create a flat on the bottom of the landing
gear wire. This provides a place to tighten the screws for
the wheel collars, making them more secure on the wire.
8 E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
3. Remove the hubs from the wheels. Note which is the
rear hub and which is the front hub.
4. Slide the rear hub onto the axle. With the 5/32-inch
wheel collar in the center of the axle, tighten the setscrew
using a 1.5mm hex wrench to secure the collar to the
axle. Make sure to use threadlock on the setscrew to
prevent it from vibrating loose.
9E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
5. Slip the tire over the rear hub. Insert the front hub
into the tire. Place a piece of music wire or hex wrench
through a hole in the front hub and into a screw hole in
the rear hub to help align the holes when inserting the
front hub in the wheel.
6. Use four 2mm x 15mm sheet metal screws and a #1
Phillips screwdriver to secure the front and rear hubs. You
can now install the hubcap onteh wheel.
7. Attach the landing gear covers to the landing gear
using four 2mm x 6mm machine screws. Make sure to
use threadlock on these screws. The front edge of the
covers will line up with the front edge of the landing gear
when installed correctly.
10 E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
8. Repeat Steps 2 through 7 for the remaining
wheel installation.
9. Slide the tail wheel onto the tail gear wire. Use a
5/64-inch wheel collar and setscrew to secure the tail
wheel. Remember to use threadlock on the setscrew to
prevent it from vibrating loose.
10. Use medium CA to glue the instrument panel into
the cockpit as shown.
11. Use medium CA to glue the seat into the fuselage.
11E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
Aileron Servo Installation
Required Parts
Wing panels (right and left)
Servo w/hardware (2)
Servo cover (right and left)
6-inch (152) servo extension (2)
2mm x 15mm machine screw (4)
2mm x 8mm self-tapping screw (8)
Control horn w/backplate (2)
Clevis (2)
Clevis retainer (2)
4-inch (102mm) pushrod wire (2)
6-inch (152mm) servo extension (2)
Pushrod connector (2)
Servo mounting block
5/8 x 3/8 x 3/8-inch (16 x 9.5 x 9.5mm) (4)
Required Tools and Adhesives
6-minute epoxy Pencil
Phillips screwdriver: #1 Felt-tipped pen
String Side cutters
Pin drill Pliers
Drill Thin CA
Drill bit: 1/16-inch (1.5mm), 5/64-inch (2mm)
2. Prepare the aileron servos for installation by removing
any unnecessary arms from the servo horns as shown.
Install any grommets or brass eyelets at this time as well.
The servos will have the arms installed opposite of each
other as shown in the photo.
3. Position the aileron servo on the servo cover so the
arm is centered lengthwise in the cutout. The arm will
align with the edge of the servo cover as well. Use a
pencil to mark the position of the servo on the cover.
1. Plug the aileron servos into the radio system and make
sure they operate and are centered as well.
12 E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
4. Use 6-minute epoxy to glue the servo mounting block
to the servo cover as shown. Allow the epoxy to fully cure
before proceeding.
5. Position the servo between the servo mounting
block. Use a pencil to mark the locations for the servo
mounting screws on the blocks. The servo should not
touch the cover to prevent it from absorbing vibrations
from the airframe.
6. Use a drill and 1/16-inch (1.5mm) drill bit to drill the
holes for the servo mounting screws.
7. Apply a few drops of thin CA to each of the
holes drilled in the previous step to harden the
surrounding wood.
13E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
8. Use a #1 phillips screwdriver to install the screws
provided with the servos to attach it to the servo
mounting blocks.
9. Secure a 6-inch (152mm) servo extension to the servo
lead using string or a commercially available connector.
10. Tie a weight to a 24-inch (600mm) piece of string
and lower the string into the opening for the aileron
servo. With the wing tip up, allow the weight to fall into
the wing, retrieve the weight through the hole near the
root of the wing.
14 E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
11. Tie the string to the servo extension and pull the
extension through the wing and out of the hole.
12. Secure the servo cover using four 2mm x 8mm sheet
metal screws and a #1 Phillips screwdriver.
13. Slide a clevis retainer onto a nylon clevis. Thread the
clevis onto one of the 4-inch (102mm) pushrod wires.
Note: Tape the extension to the wing so it does not fall
back into the hole.
15E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
14. Use side cutters to remove the backplate from
a control horn. Attach the clevis to the outer hole
of the horn.
15. Position the control horn so a) the holes in the
horn align with the hinge line and b) the pushrod is
90 degrees to the hinge line. Use a felt-tipped pen
to transfer the locations for the two mounting screws
onto the aileron.
16. Use a drill and 5/64-inch (2mm) drill bit to drill the
two holes for the aileron control mounting screws.
17. Apply a few drops of thin CA to each of the
holes drilled in the previous step to harden the
surrounding wood.
16 E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
18. Use two 2mm x 15mm machine screws, a #1 Phillips
screwdriver and the control horn backplate to secure the
control horn to the aileron.
19. Center the aileron and aileron servo and use a felt-
tipped pen to mark where the pushrod crosses the outer
hole of the servo horn.
20. Use pliers to bend the pushrod 90 degrees at
the mark.
17E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
21. Use a pin drill with a 5/64-inch (2mm) drill bit to
enlarge the outer hole in the servo arm.
22. Slide the bend through the hole in the servo arm.
23. Use a pushrod connector to secure the pushrod
wire to the servo arm. Use side cutters to remove
any excess wire.
24. Use side cutters to trim all but 1/16-inch (1.5mm)
of the wire so it does not interfere with the operation
of the aileron servo.
25. Repeat Steps 3 through 24 to install the remaining
aileron servo and linkage.
18 E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
Flap Servo Installation
Required Parts
Wing panels (right and left)
Servo w/hardware (2)
Servo cover (right and left)
6-inch (152) servo extension (2)
2mm x 15mm machine screw (4)
2mm x 8mm self-tapping screw (8)
Control horn w/backplate (2)
Clevis (2)
Clevis retainer (2)
4-inch (102mm) pushrod wire (2)
Pushrod connector (2)
Servo mounting block
5/8 x 3/8 x 3/8-inch (16 x 9.5 x 9.5mm) (4)
Required Tools and Adhesives
Drill Thin CA
Drill bit: 1/16-inch (1.5mm), 5/64-inch (2mm)
6-minute epoxy Pencil
Phillips screwdriver: #1 Felt-tipped pen
String Side cutters
Pin drill Hobby knife
Razor saw Covering iron
Sandpaper
1. Plug the flap servos into the radio system and make
sure they operate and are centered as well.
Note: The installation of the flaps are optional. You will
need to purchase a Y-harness or use a computer radio
with mixing to operate the flaps.
19E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
2. Use a hobby knife to cut the covering separating the
flap and aileron
3. Use a razor saw to separate the flap from the aileron.
4. Use a hobby knife to remove the covering for the
flap servo. Use a covering iron to iron the edges of
the covering into the opening to have a visually
appealing flap servo installation. Save the covering
for the following step.
20 E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
5. Sand the edges of the flap and aileron so they will not
interfere with each other. Use a covering iron and the
material from the opening for the flap servo to beautify
the ends of the flap and aileron.
6. The installation of the flap servo and linkage
follows the exact same procedure as the aileron servos.
Simply follow those steps to install the servo and linkages
as shown.
21E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
Joining the Wing Panels
Required Parts
Wing panel (right and left) Wing joiner (2)
Required Tools and Adhesives
30-minute epoxy Clamps
Mixing cup Mixing stick
Epoxy brush Low tack tape
Pencil Felt-tipped pen
Sandpaper Rubbing alcohol
Paper towels
1. Mix approximately 1/2 oz (15 ml) of 30-minute
epoxy. Apply the epoxy to the mating sides of each
of the joiners.
2. Use clamps or tape to hold the two joiners tightly
together until the epoxy fully cures.
3. Use a felt-tipped pen to mark the wing panels and
joiner. This will help in installing the joiner in the same
orientation it was test fit in.
22 E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
4. Slide the joiner into one wing panel. You may need to
sand the joiner to get it to fit. Use a pencil to mark the
joiner against the wing.
5. Slide the joiner into the opposite panel. It should slide
in up to or beyond the line drawn on it in the previous
step. If not, lightly sand the end of the joiner until it does.
Important: It is suggested to make a dry run of the
following steps to make sure they can be completed
before the epoxy starts to set. If the epoxy begins to set
and the joiner is not in position, all the items with epoxy
applied to them may not be salvageable.
6. Apply epoxy to one half of the wing joiner.
23E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
7. Apply a coat of epoxy to the root rib of one of the
wing panels.
8. Apply epoxy inside the joiner box of the wing panel.
9. Slide the joiner into the wing panel and clean up any
excess epoxy using a paper towel and rubbing alcohol.
Use enough epoxy that is flows out of the joiner pocket
when the joiner is inserted. Repeat Steps 6 through 8 and
quickly proceed to the next step.
10. Use a clamp at the front of the wing and low-tack
tape to hold the wing panels tightly together until the
epoxy fully cures.
24 E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
Rudder and Elevator Installation
Required Parts
Fuselage Wing
Wing fairing 8-32 x 1-inch machine screw (2)
#8 washer (2) Stabilizer
Elevator (2) CA hinge (6)
Required Tools and Adhesives
Hobby knife Felt-tipped pen
Ruler T-pins
Thin CA Rotary tool
Drill bit: 1/16-inch (1.5mm) Square
30-minute epoxy Phillips screwdriver: #2
Medium CA Paper towel
Rubbing alcohol
1. Attach the wing using two 8-32 x 1-inch machine
screws, two #8 washers and a #2 Phillips screwdriver.
2. Use medium CA to glue the wing fairing to the
bottom of the wing. Use care not to glue the wing
to the fuselage.
3. Measure and mark a center line on one side of the
stabilizer. This will help in the alignment.
25E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
4. Position the stabilizer into the slot in the aft end
Align Wing and Stabilizer
of the fuselage. Check that the stabilizer is centered
in the fuselage.
5. View the airframe from the rear and make sure the
wing and stab are parallel. If not, lightly sand the stab
saddle until they are.
6. Double-check the adjustments from Steps 1 through 3.
Use a felt-tipped pen to trace the outline of the fuselage
onto the top and bottom of the stabilizer.
7. Use a sharp hobby knife to cut the covering slightly
inside the lines drawn. Be very careful not to cut into the
underlying wood, as this will weaken the stab and cause
it to fail in flight.
26 E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
Note: You can use a soldering iron instead of a knife.
This will eliminate the chances of cutting into the wood.
8. Apply a thin coat of 30-minute epoxy to the exposed
wood on the top and bottom of the stabilizer. Slide the
stabilizer back into the fuselage and clean up any excess
epoxy using a paper towel and rubbing alcohol.
9. Use a rotary tool and a 1/16-inch (1.5mm) drill bit
to drill a hole in the center of each hinge slot of both the
stabilizer and elevators. This provides a tunnel for the CA
to wick into, penetrating the hinge.
10. Locate three CA hinges. Place a T-pin in the center
of each hinge.
27E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
11. Slide the three hinges into the slots in the elevator.
13. Align the elevator with the tip of the stabilizer so they
do not bind during operation. Apply a few drops onto
each hinge. Make sure to apply the CA on both the top
and bottom of the hinge.
12. Slide the elevator into position on the stabilizer. The
T-pins installed in the hinges will help in keeping equal
amounts in the stabilizer and elevator.
Important: Do not use accelerator on the hinges. The CA
must be allowed to soak in and penetrate the hinge.
14. Gently pull the elevator from the stabilizer once
the CA has fully cured. This is to verify the hinges are
glued securely.
28 E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
15. Flex the stabilizer through its range of motion a few
times to break in the hinges.
17. Place the fin in position on the fuselage. Trace the
outline of the fuselage onto both sides of the fin.
18. Remove the covering from the bottom of the fin using
the same technique used for the stabilizer.
16. Repeat Steps 10 through 15 to attach the remaining
elevator to the stabilizer.
29E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
19. Position the fin back onto the fuselage. Use a square
to check the alignment between the fin and stabilizer.
Lightly sand the bottom of the fin until the alignment
is correct. Use 30-minute epoxy to glue the fin to the
fuselage. Make sure to check the alignment periodically
to make sure it does not change position during the
curing process.
Main Radio Installation
Required Parts
Receiver Servo w/hardware (3)
Pushrod connector (3) Hook and loop material
Required Tools and Adhesives
Phillips screwdriver: #1 Scissors
Pliers Side cutters
6 minute epoxy Felt-tipped pen
Thin CA Hobby Knife
Drill
Drill bit: 1/16-inch (1.5mm), 5/64-inch (2mm)
1. Turn on your radio system and select a new model
if using a computer radio. Make sure all the sub-trims
have been set to 0 and no mixing functions are turned
on. Center the trim levers and stick at this time as well.
Plug the servos into the radio system and make sure all
servos operate and are centered.
2. Prepare the rudder and elevator servos for
installation by removing any unnecessary arms from
the servo horns as shown. Install any grommets or
brass eyelets at this time.
30 E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
3. Slide each of the 23
into the tubes inside the fuselage. You will need to use
a hobby knife to trim the covering near the tail so the
pushrods can exit the fuselage.
5
/
-inch (600mm) pushrods
8
4. Position the rudder servo in the fuselage. Mark the
locations for the servo mounting screws on the servo
mounting rails using a felt-tipped pen.
31E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
5. Use a drill and 1/16-inch (1.5mm) drill bit to drill
the four holes for the servo mounting screws.
7. Mount the servo using the screws provided with the
servo and a #1 Phillips screwdriver.
6. Apply a few drops of thin CA to each of the
8. Repeat Steps to install the elevator servo.
holes drilled in the previous step to harden the
surrounding wood.
32 E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
9. Use hook and loop tape to install the receiver in the
fuselage following the manufacturer's instructions. A
tube has been installed inside the fuselage to route the
antenna wire. Do not cut the receiver wire if it extends
excessively outside the fuselage as this will greatly reduce
the range of your radio system.
10. Place a clevis retainer onto a nylon clevis, then
thread the clevis onto the rudder pushrod.
11. Remove the backplate from a control horn and attach
the horn to the clevis. Position the clevis in a similar
fashion as the aileron horn and mark the locations for the
two mounting screws.
12. Use a drill and 5/64-inch (2mm) drill bit to drill the
two holes for the mounting screws.
33E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
13. Apply a few drops of thin CA to each of the
holes drilled in the previous step to harden the
surrounding wood.
14. Mount the rudder control horn using a #1 phillips
screwdriver and two 2mm x 15mm machine screws.
15. Use a felt-tipped pen to mark the pushrod where it
crosses the outer hole of the rudder servo arm.
16. Bend the pushrod wire 90-degrees at the mark made
in the previous step.
34 E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
17. Use a pushrod connector to secure the pushrod
wire to the servo arm. Use side cutters to remove any
excess wire.
18. Repeat Steps 10 through 17 to install the first elevator
pushrod. Before connecting the pushrod to the servo arm,
make sure to slide two 5/32-inch wheel collars onto the
pushrod wire inside the fuselage as shown.
35E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
19. Install the final elevator clevis and control horn.
Use low-tack tape to hold the elevator centered for
the next step.
20. Secure the two wheel collars onto the final elevator
pushrods using two 3mm x 8mm machine screws and a
#2 Phillips screwdriver. It will be necessary to trim (and
possibly bend) the final elevator pushrod to prevent it
from hitting the pushrod connector. Once complete coat
this entire joint with 6-minute epoxy.
Important: You must use threadlock on the two
3mm x 8mm machine screws to prevent them from
vibrating loose. If they do, you may lose control of
your aircraft. Make sure you use threadlock
on these two screws.
36 E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
Motor Installation
Required Parts
Fuselage Motor w/mount and accessories
#4 washer (4) Cowling
Motor Battery
Electronic speed control Propeller
Plywood X mount spacer (2)
Hook and Loop straps (2)
2mm x 8mm sheet metal screw (4)
4-40 x 3/4-inch socket head screw (4)
Required Tools and Adhesives
Drill bit: 1/16-inch (1.5mm), 1/8-inch (3mm)
Threadlock Phillips screwdriver: #2
Card stock Low-tack tape
Pin drill
Ball driver: 3/32-inch
1. Attach the X-Mount to the motor using the screws
provided with the motor and a #2 Phillips screwdriver.
Make sure to use threadlock on all four screws so they do
not vibrate loose.
2. Attach the motor to the firewall using four
4-40 x 3/4-inch socket head screws and a 3/32-inch
ball driver. Place the (2) 3mm plywood X mount spacers
between the firewall and motor mount. Make sure to
use threadlock on the four screws to prevent them from
vibrating loose.
3. Plug the motor wires into the speed control. Secure the
speed control to the bottom of the motor box using hook
and loop tape.
37E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
4. Remove the battery hatch from the fuselage. This is
accomplished by pushing the hatch forward and then
lifting the hatch up.
6. Turn on the radio system and plug the battery into the
speed control. Use the throttle to check that the motor
rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the front. If
not, follow the directions included with your speed control
to change the direction of the motor rotation.
Important Information About Your Brushless ESC
Make sure your ESC brake is programmed to Off. Also,
be sure to use an ESC with the proper low-voltage cutoff
and it is set correctly for the batteries you are using.
Note: Never check the motor rotation on the bench
with the propeller installed. The plane could move and
cause serious injury. Always check the motor without the
propeller to avoid injury.
7. Cut and tape a piece of card stock on both sides of
the fuselage to indicate the front edge of the fuselage.
5. Install the battery in the fuselage using the 8-inch
(204mm) hook and loop straps.
38 E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
8. Slide the cowling onto the fuselage.
9. Slide the propeller and adapter onto the motor shaft.
Important Information About Your Propeller
It is also very important to check to be sure the
propeller is balanced before installing onto the shaft. An
unbalanced propeller may strip the gears or cause poor
flight characteristics.
Note: If it is necessary to enlarge the hole in the
propeller, make sure to check the balance of the
propeller afterwards.
10. Position the cowling so it will not be rubbing on the
propeller when the motor is running. Tape the cowling in
position on the fuselage.
39E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
11. Use a pin drill and 1/16-inch (1.5mm) drill bit
to drill four locations (two each side) for the cowl
mounting screws.
13. Apply a few drops of thin CA to each of the
holes drilled in the previous step to harden the
surrounding wood.
Note: Ensure the painted stripe on the cowl lines up with
the stripe on the fuselage before drilling.
2mm x 8mm sheet metal screws. Secure the propeller
to the motor.
12. Use a pin drill and 1/8-inch (3mm) drill bit to drill
the four holes in the cowling for the mounting screws.
40 E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
14. Secure the cowl to the fuselage using four
Final Assembly
Required Parts
Fuselage Wing
Wing strut (2) 2mm x 12mm sheet metal screw (6)
Canopy Y-harness (2)
6-32 x 1/2-inch socket head screw (2)
Required Tools and Adhesives
Canopy glue Phillips screwdriver: #1, #2
Low-tack masking tape Hex wrench: 7/64-inch
Threadlock Hobby knife
Medium CA
1/16-inch (1.5mm) drill bit or T-pin
1. Use a hobby knife to remove the covering to expose
the blind nuts for the landing gear.
2. Attach the landing gear to the fuselage using
two 6-32 x 1/2-inch socket head screws and a
7/64-inch hex wrench. Use threadlock on the screws
to prevent them from vibrating loose in flight.
41E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
3. Use RC-56 canopy glue to attach the canopy to
the fuselage. Use low-tack tape to hold the canopy in
position until the glue fully cures.
4. Slide a 1/16-inch (1.5mm) drill bit or T-pin through
the hole in the strut mounting block from the inside of the
fuselage to puncture the fuselage covering.
5. Plug the Y-harnesses for the flaps and ailerons into the
receiver. Connect the extensions for the flaps and ailerons
to the Y-harnesses. Label each of the connections so they
can be plugged in later without guessing. Attach the wing
using the two wing bolts and a #2 Phillips screwdriver.
42 E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
6. Test fit the struts between the fuselage and wing.
They can be turned over (top to bottom) if they do
not align with the holes in the wing and fuselage.
Secure the strut to the fuselage using a 2mm x 12mm
sheet metal screw and #1 Phillips screwdriver.
Control Throws
1. Turn on the transmitter and receiver of your Piper Pawnee.
Check the movement of the rudder using the transmitter.
When the stick is moved right, the rudder should also move
right. Reverse the direction of the servo at the transmitter if
necessary.
2. Check the movement of the elevator with the radio system.
Moving the elevator stick down will make the airplane
elevator move up.
3. Check the movement of the ailerons with the radio system.
Moving the aileron stick right will make the right aileron
move up and the left aileron move down.
4. Use a ruler to adjust the throw of the elevator, ailerons
and rudder. Adjust the position of the pushrod at the control
horn to achieve the following measurements when moving the
sticks to their endpoints.
Note: Measurements are taken at the widest point on
the surface.
7. Secure the struts to the wing using two 2mm x 12mm
sheet metal screws and #1 Phillips screwdriver.
Ailerons
High Rate: 1-inch (25mm) (Up/Down)
Low Rate: 5/8-inch (15mm) (Up/Down)
Elevator
High Rate: 2-inch (51mm) (Up/Down)
1
/
Low Rate: 1
-inch (32mm) (Up/Down)
4
Rudder
High Rate: 3-inch (76mm) (Right/Left)
Low Rate: 2-inch (51mm) (Right/Left)
These are general guidelines measured from our own flight tests.
You can experiment with higher rates to match your preferred
style of flying.
43E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
Once all the control throws have been set, make sure to slide
the clevis retainers over the clevises to prevent them from
opening accidentally.
Center of Gravity
An important part of preparing the aircraft for flight is properly
balancing the model.
Caution: Do not inadvertently skip this step!
The recommended Center of Gravity (CG) location for the Piper
1
Pawnee ARF is 2
leading edge on the top of the wing. Support the model inverted
on the marks to check the balance.
/
– 2
4
3
/
-inch (57–70mm) back from the
4
Range Test Your Radio
1. Before each flying session, be sure to range check your
radio. This is accomplished by turning on your transmitter
with the antenna collapsed. Turn on the receiver in your
airplane. With your airplane on the ground and the
engine running, you should be able to walk 30 paces
(approximately 100 feet) away from your airplane and still
have complete control of all functions.
If not, don’t attempt to fly! Have your radio equipment
checked out by the manufacturer.
2. Double-check that all controls (aileron, elevator, rudder
and throttle) move in the correct direction.
3. Be sure that your transmitter batteries are fully charged,
per the instructions included with your radio.
44 E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
After the first flights, the CG position can be adjusted for your
personal preference.
Preflight
Flying Your Piper Pawnee ARF
Check Your Radio
Before going to the field, be sure that your batteries are fully
charged per the instructions included with your radio. Charge
both the transmitter and receiver pack for your airplane. Use
the recommended charger supplied with your particular radio
system, following the instructions provided with the radio. In
most cases, the radio should be charged the night before going
out flying.
Before each flying session, be sure to range check your radio.
See your radio manual for the recommended range and
instructions for your radio system. Each radio manufacturer
specifies different procedures for their radio systems. Next, start
the motor. With the model securely anchored, check the range
again. The range test should not be significantly affected. If it is,
don’t attempt to fly! Have your radio equipment checked out by
the manufacturer.
Note: Keep loose items that can get entangled in
the propeller away from the prop. These include
loose clothing, or other objects such as pencils and
screwdrivers. Especially keep your hands away from the
propeller.
Double-check that all controls (aileron, elevator, rudder and
throttle) move in the correct direction.
Check the radio installation and make sure all the control
surfaces are moving correctly (i.e. the correct direction and with
the recommended throws). Test run the motor and make sure
it transitions smoothly from off to full throttle and back. Also
ensure the engine is installed according to the manufacturer’s
instructions, and it will operate consistently.
Check all the control horns, servo horns, and clevises to make
sure they are secure and in good condition. Replace any items
that would be considered questionable. Failure of any of these
components in flight would mean the loss of your aircraft.
Ensure you have set the model up correctly and have the CG set
per the instructions. Taxi into the wind and set the throttle trim so
the motor idles with the prop spinning. You will need about 200
feet to take off so ensure you have plenty of room. We fly at the
local club field instead of at a park with the Piper Pawnee. It
is a substantially larger model than a park flyer and has much
more mass. Do not use flaps for your first takeoff. Power up
slowly but smoothly while steering the model with the rudder
and begin your takeoff roll. You will find the model accelerates
out quickly and the tail will come up when it is ready. After
about 100 feet and while at full power, apply up elevator in a
smooth motion until the model lifts from the ground.
Once in the air you will find the Piper Pawnee is in its element.
Straightline flight is easy as well as high-banked turns. This
plane grooves like no other 15-size electric on the market today.
Aileron rolls are smooth and precise. Loops are strong and
large. The Piper Pawnee will pick up speed very quickly and
can fly at a brisk pace if you so choose. It is very leisurely in
the air at around 5/8 throttle. Once you are up and have the
model trimmed out, climb to a safe altitude and put the flaps
down. Set them for both the mid and full rate and note for any
trim changes. Have your helper make note of any significant
trim changes to the elevator and then set up to land.
Set up to land on the downwind leg and select full flaps. You
will find you will need to carry a small amount of power when
flaps are deployed. Come around from base leg to final with
the nose pointing down at the runway, flaps full down. Adjust
power as needed, flying towards your touchdown point. At
about 2 feet above the ground and beginning to feel ground
effect, reduce power and maintain a flat glide slop until
touchdown on the main wheels occurs. The model enjoys tailhigh landings with full flaps all day long. You will be looking
like a pro in no time. If you elect to land without the flaps
deployed, a flared, three-point landing is recommended as your
best approach.
We hope you enjoy many happy flights with your new E-flite
Piper Pawnee.
45E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
Instructions for Disposal of WEEE by
Users in the European Union
This product must not be disposed of with other waste. Instead,
it is the user’s responsibility to dispose of their waste equipment
by handing it over to a designated collection point for the
recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment. The
separate collection and recycling of your waste equipment at
the time of disposal will help to conserve natural resources and
ensure that it is recycled in a manner that protects human health
and the environment. For more information about where you
can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please contact
your local city office, your household waste disposal service or
where you purchased the product.
46 E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
2007 Official AMA National
Model Aircraft Safety Code
GENERAL
1) I will not fly my model aircraft in sanctioned events, air shows
or model flying demonstrations until it has been proven to be
airworthy by having been previously, successfully flight tested.
2) I will not fly my model higher than approximately 400 feet within 3
miles of an airport without notifying the airport operator. I will give
right-of-way and avoid flying in the proximity of full-scale aircraft.
Where necessary, an observer shall be utilized to supervise flying
to avoid having models fly in the proximity of full-scale aircraft.
3) Where established, I will abide by the safety rules for the flying
site I use, and I will not willfully or deliberately fly my models in a
careless, reckless and/or dangerous manner.
4) The maximum takeoff weight of a model is 55 pounds, except
models flown under Experimental Aircraft rules.
5) I will not fly my model unless it is identified with my name and
address or AMA number on or in the model. (This does not apply
to models while being flown indoors.)
6) I will not operate models with metal-bladed propellers or with
gaseous boosts, in which gases other than air enter their internal
combustion engine(s); nor will I operate models with extremely
hazardous fuels such as those containing tetranitromethane or
hydrazine.
RADIO CONTROL
1) I will have completed a successful radio equipment ground range
check before the first flight of a new or repaired model.
2) I will not fly my model aircraft in the presence of spectators until I
become a qualified flier, unless assisted by an experienced helper.
3) At all flying sites a straight or curved line(s) must be established
in front of which all flying takes place with the other side for
spectators. Only personnel involved with flying the aircraft are
allowed at or in front of the flight line. Intentional flying behind the
flight line is prohibited.
4) I will operate my model using only radio control frequencies
currently allowed by the Federal Communications Commission.
(Only properly licensed Amateurs are authorized to operate
equipment on Amateur Band frequencies.)
5) Flying sites separated by three miles or more are considered safe
from site-to-site interference, even when both sites use the same
frequencies. Any circumstances under three miles separation
require a frequency management arrangement, which may be
either an allocation of specific frequencies for each site or testing
to determine that freedom from interference exists. Allocation plans
or interference test reports shall be signed by the parties involved
and provided to AMA Headquarters.
Documents of agreement and reports may exist between (1) two
or more AMA Chartered Clubs, (2) AMA clubs and individual
AMA members not associated with AMA Clubs, or (3) two or
more individual AMA members.
6) For Combat, distance between combat engagement line
and spectator line will be 500 feet per cubic inch of engine
displacement. (Example: .40 engine = 200 feet.); electric motors
will be based on equivalent combustion engine size. Additional
safety requirements will be per the RC Combat section of the
current Competition Regulations.
7) At air shows or model flying demonstrations, a single straight line
must be established, one side of which is for flying, with the other
side for spectators.
8) With the exception of events flown under AMA Competition rules,
after launch, except for pilots or helpers being used, no powered
model may be flown closer than 25 feet to any person.
9) Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch a
powered model in flight.
47E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
11066
© 2007 Horizon Hobby, Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, Illinois 61822
(877) 504-0233
horizonhobby.com
E-fliteRC.com
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