Please read through this instruction booklet to THOROUGHLY familiarize yourself with the assembly and flight characteristics of this airplane
prior to assembly. Please inspect all parts carefully before starting assembly! If any parts are missing, broken or defective, or if you have any
questions about the assembly or flying of this airplane, please call us at (217) 398-8970 and we’ll be glad to help.
This product is suitable only for people of 14 years and older.
®
Hobbico
Inc. guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both material and workmanship at the date of purchase. This warranty does not
WARRANTY
cover any component parts damaged by use or modification. In no case shall Hobbico’s liability exceed the original cost of the
purchased kit. Further, Hobbico, Inc. reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice. In that Hobbico, Inc. has no
control over the final assembly or material used for final assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any damage resulting from
the use by the user of the final user-assembled product. By the act of using the user-assembled product, the user accepts all resulting
liability. If the buyer is not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this product, the buyer is advised to return this kit immediately in new and unused condition to the place of purchase. To make a warranty claim send the defective part or item to Hobby
Services at the address below:
Include a letter stating your name, return shipping address, as much contact information as possible
(daytime telephone number, fax number, e-mail address), a detailed description of the problem and a
photocopy of the purchase receipt. Upon receipt of the package, the problem will be evaluated as quickly
as possible.
Page 2
INCLUDED ITEMS
Check the parts against those shown. If
any parts are damaged or missing, please
call Hobby Services at: (217) 398-8970.
Note: Tx-R version (FLZA2312) does not
include transmitter. It does include a 1S
charger (not pictured).
FCC AND ETSI
FCC REQUIREMENT
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions.
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference.
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
NOTE: THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY RADIO OR TV INTERFERENCE CAUSED BY UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS
TO THIS EQUIPMENT. SUCH MODIFICATIONS COULD VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT.
CE COMPLIANCE INFORMATION FOR THE EUROPEAN UNION
Instructions for Disposal of Waste Equipment by Private Users in the European Union: This symbol on the product
or its packaging indicates this product must not be disposed of with other household 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 location where you purchased the product.
Tactic TTX402 transmitter and Tactic TR421 receiver: The objects
of the declaration described here are in conformity with the
requirements of the specifications listed below, following the
provisions of the European 2006/95/EC Low Voltage Directive:
EN 60950-1:2006 Safety
The objects of the declaration described here are in conformity
with the requirements of the specifications listed below, following
the provisions of the European R&TTE directive 1995/5/EC:
ETSI EN 300 328 V1.7.1 Technical requirements for radio equipment
ETSI EN 301 489-1 V1.8.1, 301 489-17 V1.3.2 General EMC
requirements for radio equipment
Tactic
c/o Hobbico, Inc.
2904 Research Road
Champaign, IL USA 61826
The associated regulatory agencies of the following
countries recognize the noted certifications to this
product as authorized for sale and use.
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ROSIATITESPTIE
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Page 3
PRECAUTIONS
Your Micro P-38 Lightning should not be considered a toy, but rather a sophisticated, working model that functions
very much like a full-size airplane. Because of its performance capabilities, the Micro P-38 Lightning, if not assembled
and operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself or spectators and damage to property.
1. Operate the plane according to the instructions. DO NOT alter or modify the model. If you make any modifications,
you void your warranty.
2. Test the operation of the model before each flight to ensure that all equipment is operating properly and that the
model remains structurally sound.
3. Fly only indoors or outdoors on very calm days (with wind speeds less than 5mph) and in large open areas free
of trees, people, buildings, or any other obstacles.
4. Although the Micro P-38 Lightning is designed to be fairly easy to fly, if you are a first-time pilot, you may still
benefit from the assistance of an experienced pilot for your first flights. If you’re not a member of an R/C club,
your local hobby shop has information about clubs in your area whose membership includes experienced pilots.
You can also contact the National Academy of Aeronautics (AMA) which has over 2,500 chartered clubs across
the country. Instructor training programs and insured newcomer training are available through any of these clubs.
Contact the AMA at the following address or toll-free phone number:
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5151 East Memorial Drive Ph. (800) 435-9262
Muncie, IN 47302-9252 Fx. (765) 741-0057
The R/C model hobby becomes more and more enjoyable as your experience grows. Your chances for success and
graduation to higher levels are very good if you take your time and follow the flying instructions carefully and completely.
We hope you enjoy flying your Micro P-38 Lightning plane.
www.modelaircraft.org
TRANSMITTER CAUTIONS
● Do not use rechargeable (NiCd) batteries.
● Do not mix old and new batteries.
● Do not mix alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc) or
rechargeable (NiCd) batteries.
BATTERY CHARGING PRECAUTIONS
1. Always remove the battery from your Micro P-38
❏
Lightning before charging.
2. Do not leave a charging battery unattended!
❏
Unplug the battery if it gets warm, even if the charge
LED has not gone out.
3. Use only the charger that comes with your Micro
❏
P-38 Lightning!
WARNING: Misuse or malfunction may overheat the
battery and charger, resulting in personal injury or
damage to surroundings.
LITHIUM POLYMER BATTERY RECYCLING
ATTENTION: The product you have
purchased is powered by a rechargeable
battery. At the end of the battery’s useful
life, under various state and local laws, it
may be illegal to dispose of this battery
into the municipal waste system. Check with your local
solid waste officials for details in your area for recycling
options or proper disposal.
WARNING: This product contains a chemical known
to the State of California to cause cancer.
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Page 4
GLOSSARY
● Ailerons: The flight control on the airplane that controls the ability of the airplane to bank left and right.
● Center of Gravity (C.G.): Point at which the aircraft must balance in order to fly properly.
● Elevator: The flight control that controls pitch attitude. By adding power and pitching up, you can make the model
climb or loop.
● Glide Slope: The proper path for an airplane approaching a landing strip.
● Lithium Polymer (LiPo) Battery: Rechargeable battery which is used to power the airplane. LiPo batteries are
lighter and smaller than most other types of rechargeable batteries.
● Receiver: The unit in the aircraft that receives the signal from the transmitter to provide the input to the servos.
● Servo: The device on the model that moves the flight controls.
● Transmitter (TX): The hand-held unit that sends the signals to the control unit, or receiver (RX), in the aircraft.
PREPARE THE TTX402 TRANSMITTER
For more information on the Tactic Radio System included with the Micro P-38 Lightning visit www.tacticrc.com
Leave the TTX402
switched off.
Push and slide
to remove the
battery door.
Install (5) “AA” batteries.
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Page 5
CHARGE THE 3.7V 250MAH LIPO BATTERY
Do not use the charge feature while flying the Micro P-38 Lightning!
Leave the TTX402
unpowered.
Insert battery to charge.
Make sure the battery
plug is oriented properly
before inserting.
Push down and slide to
open the charger cover.
Illuminated green light indicates charging.
(It may be necessary to cycle the on/off switch
to begin charging.) When the LED goes out,
charging is complete.
TX-R ONLY: CHARGE THE 3.7V 250MAH LIPO BATTERY
1. Install the (5) AA batteries in the included 1S charger using
the polarity diagram shown in the battery compartment.
2. Plug the 3.7V battery in to the charger as shown. The
illuminated LED indicates charging.
Warning: Do not connect the battery other than in the
orientation shown!
3. When the LED goes out, charging is complete.
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Page 6
TTX402 FUNCTIONS
Throttle/Steering Control
Leave the left stick
(throttle control) in
the minimum position
during linking.
Nose Wheel
Steering Trim
Power switch
Full extent............. Centered ........... Full extent
Illuminated red light
indicates the TTX402
is powered and transmitting.
Aileron/Elevator Control
Aileron and
Elevator Trims
TRIM ADJUSTMENT
TX-R ONLY: POWER ANYLINK OR A TACTIC 2.4GHZ TRANSMITTER
AnyLink must be in Normal Mapping (1 Beep) when Futaba®, Hitec® or Tower Hobbies transmitters
are used with Tx-R aircraft. If using a Spektrum® or JR® transmitter, AnyLink must be in Alternate
Mapping (2 Beeps). To change the mapping, consult your AnyLink instruction manual.
All trademarks are property of their respective owners.
LINKING TO MICRO TX-R AIRCRAFT
Micro Tx-R aircraft include a receiver that auto-links to a Tactic transmitter. Once the receiver is powered, it will
link automatically to a present and compatible Tactic SLT 2.4GHz signal. Please follow these steps to safely link
your transmitter and aircraft the fi rst time.
1. Always power the transmitter or AnyLink fi rst.
2. Make sure the throttle stick is down.
3. Plug in the battery to the aircraft.
HELPFUL TIP: If you are going to fl y with a group, pre-link your transmitter and receiver prior to arriving at
the fl ying location.This must be done in an environment free of Tactic SLT 2.4GHz signals. Pre-linking ensures
that familiarity is established between your transmitter and receiver. Familiarity guarantees that as long as your
transmitter is powered fi rst, your receiver will link to your transmitter regardless of the other compatible signals
in the environment.
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Page 7
INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL OF THE LIPO BATTERY
Keep hands clear of the propellers during battery installation and removal.
Remove nose cone. Use two
fingers to secure connector during
battery installation and removal.
Disconnect and remove the battery after each flight by holding the battery lead with two fingers and removing the
battery from the lead with the other hand. Do not yank or jerk the battery from the aircraft. This could dislodge the
RX board from the Micro P-38 Lightning.
CHECK THE CONTROL SURFACE DIRECTION
Right stick moves left, left aileron moves
up and right aileron moves down, causing
the aircraft to bank to the left.
Press battery into
place to secure.
Replace nose cone.
Right stick moves down,
elevator moves up causing
the aircraft’s nose to pitch up.
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Page 8
CENTER THE CONTROL SURFACES
Before flight, center aileron control
surface with aileron trim adjustment.
REVERSE THE CONTROL THROWS
Before flight, center elevator control
surface with elevator trim adjustment.
If you ever need to reverse the control throws, follow this simple procedure.
CAUTION: Unplug the battery
in the model before attempting
to reverse the control throws.
Press and hold one of the corresponding
control surface trim buttons and cycle the
power off and then on to reverse any control
surface direction.
ARM THE PROPELLERS
Keep hands and onlookers clear of propeller during arming and operation.
Throttle control stick is in the low
or minimum position. Plug battery
into plane.
Raise the throttle control stick
to the maximum or high position.
Hear a
«Beep»
sound.
8
Return the throttle control stick to
the minimum position. Hear
«Beep Beep»
now armed and the propellers will
operate if the throttle stick is raised.
sound. The motors are
Page 9
ADJUSTMENT OF ELEVATOR LINKAGE:
To alter the center position, or increase/decrease the elevator control throw, follow these steps. Be sure to unplug the
battery from the model before attempting to mechanically adjust the linkage.
CHOOSE A FLYING SITE
5 minute flight times
(outdoor)
INDOOR
FACILITY
8–10 minute flight times
(indoor)
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Page 10
RANGE CHECK
With the transmitter powered and the battery plugged into the Micro P-38 Lightning, walk 50' [15m] from the aircraft
and check the control functions for proper and smooth operation.
50' [15m]
FLYING THE MICRO P-38 LIGHTNING
If at anytime during operation, the controls or propellers
become jammed or unresponsive, reduce the power to the
propellers and land. Fix the problem before attempting to fly.
Take off (or hand launch) heading directly into the wind.
NOTE: If you hand launch, you can remove the landing
gear by gently pulling the landing gear wires straight out
of the mounts. It is highly recommended to cut power to
the motors completely just before the propellers touch the
ground to prevent any damage.
Hand launch with throttle set at ¾ to full power, wings level
and with a slight toss (it is not necessary to aggressively
throw this model to hand launch it).
Once in the air, gain altitude to allow yourself sufficient reaction time to make a correction during flight. Once you’re
comfortable, adjust the aileron and elevator trims one click at a time so that the Micro P-38 Lightning flies straight
and level with the control sticks centered.
Concentrate on using small aileron control inputs so the model turns without banking the wings excessively. A slight
amount of up elevator may be necessary to maintain altitude going into a turn and the elevator will need to be returned
to neutral when coming out of a turn to avoid gaining altitude.
It’s recommended that you attempt to land before the motors lose power and don’t have enough voltage to maintain
altitude. Always land directly into the wind if possible. Gradually reduce power when you are close to the landing
spot and when close to the ground and about to touch down, pull the elevator stick back slightly to raise the nose
of the model and slow the landing speed to “flair” for landing. Unplug the battery from the model and switch off the
transmitter. Allow the motors to cool between flights.
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Page 11
PROPELLER REPLACEMENT
To replace the propellers, fi rst make sure the battery is
unplugged. Remove the spinner by gently wiggling it and
breaking the glue joint that holds the spinner in place on
the propeller. Gently and carefully hold the motor shaft with
needle nose pliers or a hemostat to keep it from rotating and
gently unscrew the propellers from the shafts. As shown in
the picture, the left propeller unscrews clockwise and the
right propeller unscrews counterclockwise. BE SURE you
replace the propeller with the same rotating direction
propeller! The spinner can be glued back on the propeller
with a small amount of aliphatic (white) glue. Allow the glue
to dry suffi ciently before fl ying the model. Gently pull on
the spinner to make sure it is really glued to the propeller.
REPAIRS
Repairs can be made to the Micro P-38 Lightning by using the following items:
● Thick Foam Safe CA (for parts adhesion), GPMR6072
● Foam safe CA accelerator, GPMR6035
● Two sets of needle nose pliers or hemostats, HCAR0625
● Hobby Knife (#11 blade), RMXR6900
● Clear tape
REPLACEMENT PARTS
To order replacement parts for the Micro P-38 Lightning, use the order numbers in the list below. Replacement parts
are available only as listed. Replacement parts are not available from Product Support, but can be purchased from
hobby shops or mail order/Internet order firms. If you need assistance locating a dealer to purchase parts from, contact: