E-flite Pitts Model 12 15e ARF User Manual
Pitts Model 12 15e ARF
Assembly Manual
Specifications
Wingspan: 40 in (1015mm)
Length: 39 in (990mm)
Wing Area: 555 sq in (35.8 sq dm)
Weight w/ Battery: 48–50 oz (1360–1420 g)
Weight w/o Battery: 43–45 oz (1220–1275 g)
Table of Contents
Introduction
Specifications ...................................................................... 1
Introduction ......................................................................... 2
Scale Outline and History .................................................... 2
Using the Manual ................................................................ 3
Contents of Kit/Parts Layout ................................................. 3
Required Radio Equipment ................................................... 3
Important Information About Motor Selection ........................ 4
Lightweight 3D 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
Warning ............................................................................. 5
Warranty Period ................................................................. 5
Limited Warranty ................................................................ 5
Damage Limits .................................................................... 6
Safety Precautions ............................................................... 6
Questions, Assistance, and Repairs ...................................... 6
Inspection or Repairs ........................................................... 6
Warranty Inspection and Repairs ......................................... 6
Non-Warranty Repairs ........................................................ 7
Safety, Precautions, and Warnings ....................................... 7
Hinging the Control Surfaces ............................................... 8
Wing Installation ............................................................... 11
Stabilizer Installation ......................................................... 14
Rudder Installation ............................................................. 16
Landing Gear Installation ................................................... 18
Radio Installation ............................................................... 21
Motor Installation .............................................................. 27
Final Detail Installation ....................................................... 30
Control Throws .................................................................. 32
Center of Gravity .............................................................. 33
Range Test Your Radio ....................................................... 33
Preflight ............................................................................ 34
Flying Your Pitts Model 12 15e ARF ................................... 34
2007 Official AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code ... 35
The E-flite® Pitts Model 12 15e ARF is a 3D-capable, sport
replica of one of aviation’s hottest aerobatic machines. Designed
by veteran world class competitor, Quique Somenzini, it will
give intermediate to expert pilots a thrilling scale aerobatic
experience unlike any other. The large wing area and light
wing loading of its biplane design offers very forgiving flight
characteristics while keeping roll response crisp and precise.
E-flite’s Power 15 and Power 25 brushless outrunner motors are
excellent power choices, depending on your skill level. Sport
aerobatics or stick-bending 3D, the Pitts Model 12 15e will do
whatever you ask and will look good doing it.
Scale Outline and History
Designed by Quique Somenzini, this Pitts Model 12's outline
is accurate with the following exceptions. The vertical fin and
rudder area has been increased slightly to deliver an improved
feel and handling qualities during aggressive 3D maneuvering.
The horizontal stab has been raised slightly for the same reason.
The airplane modeled is owned by Keyes Kaitis of Joliet, Illinois.
You will see the full-size aircraft on the top of the box. We have
deviated from the scale paint scheme in a few minor areas.
First, our cowling front ring, landing gear, and wheel pants are
painted silver. The real aircraft is polished aluminum in these
areas. This is something we cannot currently duplicate. Next
we have changed the trim scheme on the bottom of the wings.
This was done to ensure there was a contrast from the top to the
bottom wing to aid during 3D flight for our customers. Other
than these deviations, we have tried to maintain the lines of the
Pitts Model 12 as it is currently flown.
We would like to personally thank both Keyes Kaitis and Mark
Streitz for their help on this project. Without the efforts of these
two men, we would not have been able to bring you this replica
of the Pitts Model 12.
2 E-flite Pitts Model 12 15e ARF Assembly Manual
Using the Manual
Required Radio Equipment
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.
Contents of Kit/Parts Layout
Large Replacement Parts
EFL2551 Wing Set w/ailerons
EFL2552 Fuselage w/rudder
EFL2553 Tail set
EFL2554 Cowling
EFL2555 Landing gear
EFL2556 Wheel pants
EFL2557 Pushrod set
EFL2558 Canopy
You will need a minimum 6-channel transmitter (for proper
mixing and dual rate capabilities), crystals, micro receiver, and
four micro servos. You can choose to purchase a complete radio
system that includes all of these items or, if you are using an
existing transmitter, just purchase the other required equipment
separately. We recommend the crystal-free, interference-free
Spektrum
own transmitter, we recommend the JR SPORT
servos.
If you own the Spektrum DX7 radio, just add the AR7000 DSM2
7-channel receiver and four of our JR SPORT MC35 Micro servos.
Complete Radio System
SPM2710 DX7 DSM 7CH system
Or Purchase Separately
JRPR720UL UltraLite 7-Channel ScanSelect
Or
SPMAR6200 AR6200 DSM2 6-Channel Receiver Ultralite
™
DX7 2.4GHz DSM® 7-channel system. If using your
™
MC35 Micro
FM Receiver (72MHz)
(for DX7 only)
™
Or
SPM6070 AR7000 DSM2 7CH Rx (for DX7 only)
And
JSP20030 MC35 Micro Servo (4)
EFLREX6L 6-inch lightweight extension (2)
EFLREX9L 9-inch lightweight extension (2)
3E-flite Pitts Model 12 15e ARF Assembly Manual
Important Information About
Optional Accessories
Motor Selection
We recommend the E-flite® Power 15 Brushless Outrunner,
950Kv (EFLM4015A) to provide you with lightweight 3D
performance, or the Power 25 Brushless Outrunner, 870Kv
(EFLM4025A) for sport performance.
Lightweight 3D Outrunner Setup
EFLM4015A Power 15 BL Outrunner, 950Kv
EFLA1060 60-Amp Pro Switch-Mode
BEC Brushless ESC
THP20704SX 2070mAh 4-Cell 14.8V Li-Po
APC11080E 11 x 8 Electric Prop
EFLAEC303 EC3 Device & Battery Connector,
Male/Female
EFLC3005 Celectra
This is a high-power performance setup for strong 3D flights.
™
1- to 3-Cell Li-Po Charger
Sport Outrunner Setup
EFLM4025A Power 25 BL Outrunner, 870Kv
EFLA1060 60-Amp Pro Switch-Mode
BEC Brushless ESC
THP42003S2PPL 4200mAh 3-Cell 11.1V Li-Po
APC12080E 12 x 8 Electric Prop
EFLAEC303 EC3 Device & Battery Connector,
Male/Female
EFLC3005 Celectra 1- to 3-Cell Li-Po Charger
This is a high-power performance setup for sport flights.
EFLA110 Power Meter
Required Tools and Adhesives
Tools & Equipment
EFLA250 Park Flyer Tool Assortment, 5-piece
Or Purchase Separately
EFLA257 Screwdriver, #0 Phillips (or included with
EFLA250)
EFLA251 Hex Wrench: 3/32-inch (or included with
EFLA250)
Drill
Drill bit: 1/16-inch (1.5mm)
Felt-tipped pen
Threadlock
T-pins
Thin CA
Medium CA
Paper towels
Hobby knife (#11 blade)
6-minute epoxy
Pliers
Ruler
Square
Sandpaper
5/64-inch (2mm) drill bit
30-minute epoxy
Phillips screwdriver: #0, #1
Masking tape
Canopy glue
Rotary tool
3mm ball driver
Pin drill
Side cutters
4 E-flite Pitts Model 12 15e 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 Pitts Model 12 15e 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 Pitts Model 12 15e 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 Pitts Model 12 15e ARF Assembly Manual
Hinging the Control Surfaces
Required Parts
Top wing w/ailerons Bottom wing w/ailerons
Stabilizer/elevator CA hinge (22)
Required Tools and Adhesives
Rotary tool Drill bit: 1/16-inch (1.5mm)
Thin CA T-pins
Hobby knife
1. Use a rotary tool and 1/16-inch (1.5mm) drill bit to
drill a hole in the center of each hinge. This will act as a
tunnel, allowing the thin CA to fully penetrate each hinge.
2. Place a T-pin in the center of four of the CA hinges.
This will help in centering the hinge when installed.
Note: The hinges in your kit will differ from those
pictured. The hinges in your kit are narrower than shown
and result in an easier moving flight control surface.
3. Place the four hinges into the slots in the wing. The
T-pins will rest against the edge of the wing.
Note: It is suggested to drill the CA tunnel in the top and
bottom wings, ailerons, stabilizer, elevator, rudder and
fuselage at this time as well.
8 E-flite Pitts Model 12 15e ARF Assembly Manual
4. Slide the aileron on the hinges. Remove the T-pins and
align the wing tip and aileron tip. Apply enough thin
CA to the top and bottom of each hinge to saturate the
hinge. Allow the CA to cure before proceeding to the
next step.
5. Carefully pull on the aileron to make sure the hinges
are secure. If not, reglue the hinges in question.
6. Flex the aileron up and down a number of times to
break in the hinges.
Note: Do not use CA accelerator while gluing the
hinges. The CA must be allowed to soak into each
hinge naturally. If not, the bond between the hinge and
surrounding wood could fail in flight.
Note: Placing a #11 hobby knife blade between the
wing trailing edge and the leading edge of the aileron
will ensure you will get maximum deflection without
binding for 3D flight.
9E-flite Pitts Model 12 15e ARF Assembly Manual
7. Install the aileron in the top wing at this time. Follow
the hinging procedure as described for the bottom wing.
8. Use six CA hinges to attach the stabilizer to the
elevator. Again, follow the hinging process as described.
10 E-flite Pitts Model 12 15e ARF Assembly Manual
Wing Installation
Required Parts
Top wing w/ailerons Pre-covered wing bolt support
3mm washer 2mm blind nut
Wing strut (2) 2mm nut (12)
Bottom wing w/ailerons 2mm washer (12)
2mm x 10mm machine screw (12)
3mm x 25mm machine screw
1 x 9/64-inch (25 x 3.5mm) wing dowel (2)
Required Tools and Adhesives
Hobby knife 6-minute epoxy
Felt-tipped pen 3mm ball driver
Threadlock Medium CA
Pliers Phillips screwdriver: #0, #1
1. Use a sharp hobby knife to remove the covering from
the holes in the leading edge of the bottom wing for the
wing dowels.
2. Use 6-minute epoxy to glue the 1 x 9/64-inch (25 x
3.5mm) wing dowels into the wing. Make sure to leave
3/8-inch (10mm) of the dowels exposed forward of the
leading edge.
3. Remove the covering for the wing bolt on the bottom
wing. Place the pre-covered wing bolt support in position
and trace around the support using a felt-tipped pen.
11E-flite Pitts Model 12 15e ARF Assembly Manual
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