Flyzone FLZA4010 User Manual

SPECIFICATIONS

SPEC

S

:

n

[

]

g

A

:

35

n

2

[

2

]

Weight:

30.4 oz

IFICATION

48 i

rea

48 in
[1220mm]

1220mm

354 in

4 i

[22.8 dm2]

22.8 dm

Wingspan:

Wingspan

Wing

Win

Area:

™

2

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

WARRANTY

Hobbico guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both

material and workmanship at the date of purchase. This warranty
does not 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 reserves
the right to change or modify this warranty without notice.

In that Hobbico 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

Weight:

Wing

Loading:

Length:

Radio:

Battery

and ESC:

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:

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Dr. Suite 1

Champaign IL 61822 USA

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.

30.4 oz
[860 g]

12.4 oz/ft

2

[38 g/dm2]

33 in
[840mm]

4-channel
(required)

3s 1300mAh,
16A ESC

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT

INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.

© 2010 Hobbico®, Inc. HCAA2527 Mnl

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMA

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Radio Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Additional Battery and Charging System (Optional) . .3

Required Assembly Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

KIT INSPECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

KIT CONTENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

ASSEMBLE THE MODEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Mount the Main Landing Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Mount the Vertical and Horizontal Stabilizers. . . . . . . .5

Hook Up the Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Check the Control Throws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Increased Elevator Throw for Expert Pilots (Optional) . . .9

Mount the Wing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

FINAL PREPARATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Mount the Propeller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Check the C.G. (Center of Gravity) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Identify Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Battery Charging Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

FLYING THE PIPER Super CUB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Find a Suitable Flying Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Know Your Frequency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Perform a Range Check. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Monitor Your Flight Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Take Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Flying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

After Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

If you are not already a member of the AMA, please join!

The AMA is the governing body of model aviation and

membership provides liability insurance coverage, protects
modelers’ rights and interests and is required to fl y at most
R/C sites.

ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS

5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN 47302-9252

Tele. [phone]

Fax [phone]

Or via the Internet at:

http://www.modelaircraft.org

http://www.modelaircraft.org/parkfl yer.aspx

IMPORTANT!!!

Two of the most important things you can do to preserve the

radio controlled aircraft hobby are to avoid fl ying near full­scale aircraft and avoid fl ying near or over groups of people.

PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF

& OTHERS… FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Your Super Cub 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 Cessna Skylane, if not assembled and operated correctly,
could possibly cause injury to yourself or spectators and
damage to property.

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the Piper Super Cub RTF (Ready-

to-Fly). The Cub is forgiving and “friendly” enough for

pilots with little experience, but also responsive enough for
experienced pilots who desire a durable Piper Cub that they
can “toss” around the sky.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to

the Super Cub visit the Hobbico web site at www.hobbico.
com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then select “Super Cub”. If

there is new technical information or changes to this model
a “tech notice” box will appear in the upper left corner of

the page.

2. You must assemble the model according to the
instructions. Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so
may result in an unsafe or unfl yable model. In a few cases
the instructions may differ slightly from the photos. In those
instances the written instructions should be considered
as correct.

3. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not fl own
this type of model before, we recommend that you get
the assistance of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for
your fi rst fl ights. If you’re not a member of a club, your local
hobby shop has information about clubs in your area whose
membership includes experienced pilots.

4. While this kit has been fl ight tested to exceed normal use,
if the plane will be used for extremely high stress fl ying, such
as racing, or if an engine larger than one in the recommended
range is used, the modeler is responsible for taking steps to
reinforce the high stress points and/or substituting hardware
more suitable for the increased stress.

2

We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top quality,
thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but ultimately the
quality and fl yability of your fi nished model depends
on how you build it; therefore, we cannot in any way
guarantee the performance of your completed model,
and no representations are expressed or implied as to the
performance or safety of your completed model.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Radio Control System

(8) AA batteries will be required to operate the

❏

transmitter (FUGP7308).

Additional Battery and

Charging System (Optional)

The LiPo battery charger included with your Piper Super Cub
RTF is a simple, safe, entry-level charger that charges at a
rate of 800mA. The capacity of the included LiPo battery is
1300mAh, so this works out to an approximate charge time
(for a discharged battery) of 1 hour, 37 minutes (1300mAh

divided by 800mA = 1.625 x 60 minutes = 97 minutes). But

some pilots prefer to have several batteries and charge them

faster so they can fl y more. For charging up to four batteries

faster (60 minutes) all at the same time, the Great Planes
PolyCharge4™ DC-powered LiPo charger (GPMM3015) is
recommended. But unlike the included ElectriFly charger,

the PolyCharge4 does not have an internal LiPo cell

balancer which is a critical component in making sure your
LiPo batteries charge effi ciently and evenly. So, for each
LiPo battery you wish to charge simultaneously, one Great
Planes Equinox™ LiPo Cell Balancer (GPMM3160) will also

be required. Finally, the PolyCharge4 does not have AC
capability, so if wall-charging is a priority a separate A/C
12-Volt power source must also be purchased separately.
A suitable power supply for the PolyCharge4 is the Great
Planes 12V 12A DC power supply (GPMP0901).

Required Assembly Tools

Other than common hobby tools this is the list of adhesives
and building supplies that are required to fi nish the Cub.

Small needle-nose pliers (HCAR0625) or hemostats

❏

(BRUR1302)

#1 Phillips screwdriver (DTXR0174)

❏

Thread-locking cement (GPMR6060)

❏

Small crescent wrench

❏

Great Planes stick-on lead weight (Optional, GPMQ4485)

❏

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Hobbico Flyzone Super Cub
are available using the order numbers in the Replacement
Parts List that follows. The fastest, most economical service
can be provided by your hobby dealer or mail-order company.

To locate a hobby dealer, visit the Hobbico web site at www.

hobbico.com. Choose “Where to Buy” at the bottom of the
menu on the left side of the page. Follow the instructions
provided on the page to locate a U.S., Canadian or
International dealer.

Parts may also be ordered directly from Hobby Services
by calling [phone], or fax at [phone], but full
retail prices and shipping and handling charges will apply.
Illinois and Nevada residents will also be charged sales tax.
If ordering via fax, include a Visa
and expiration date for payment.

Mail parts orders and payments by personal check to:

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

Be certain to specify the order number exactly as listed in
the Replacement Parts List. Payment by credit card or
personal check only; no C.O.D.

If additional assistance is required for any reason, contact
Product Support by telephone at [phone], or by
e-mail at [e-mail].

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

Order No. Description

HCAA6310
HCAA6311
HCAA6312
HCAA6313
HCAA6314
HCAA6316
HCAA6317
HCAA6318
HCAA6319
HCAA6320
HCAA6321
HCAA6322
GPMM3318
TACJ0403
TACL0624

NOTE

11.4V LiPo 1300
Fuselage
Wing
Stabilizer
Vertical Fin
Wing Struts
Landing Gear
Brushless Motor
8x4 Propeller
18 AMP ESC
Servo
Tail Wheel
3S LiPo Smart Balancing Charger
TTX404 2.4 GHz 4-Channel Transmitter
TR624 2.4 GHz 6-Channel Receiver

Full-size plans are not available.
You can download a copy of this
manual at www.hobbico.com.

®

or MasterCard® number

3

KIT INSPECTION

Before starting to build, inspect the parts to make sure they are of acceptable quality. If any parts are missing or are not of
acceptable quality, or if you need assistance with assembly, contact Product Support. When reporting defective or missing
parts, use the part names exactly as they are written in the Kit Contents list.

Hobbico Product Support

3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

Telephone: [phone], ext. 5

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

KIT CONTENTS

7

9

10

8

11

12

1

KIT CONTENTS

1. Wing assembly (aileron servo installed)

2. Fuselage assembly (battery hatch, tail gear, motor, ESC,

receiver, elevator servo, rudder servo installed)

3. Horizontal stabilizer assembly (elevator hinged to stab)

4. Vertical stabilizer assembly (rudder hinged to fi n)

5. Wing strut assembly (2)

6. R&L landing gear assembly

2

4

6

3

5

7. 8.25" Diameter propeller

8. ElectriFly 3-Cell 11.1V LiPo balancing charger

9. ElectriFly AC/DC Adapter

10. Cigarette lighter DC charge adapter

11. EMAX 1300mAh 11.1V 3S1P 10C LiPo battery
(ST connectors)

12. TX404 Transmitter

Not shown: (3) wire pushrods with Z-bends on one end

4

ASSEMBLE THE MODEL

Mount the Main Landing Gear

1. Remove the preinstalled 2 x 15mm Phillips screws from

❏

the aft landing gear mount on the bottom of the fuselage.

Phillps screw into the aft mount and through the gear, but
don’t tighten it all the way down yet (the screw will be removed
and reinstalled again later when attaching the wing struts).
Mount the right main landing gear the same way.

3. Remove the small screw from the plastic landing gear

❏

wire connector that is not already holding in the other gear
wire. Insert the other landing gear wire into the connector,
making sure it is fully seated. Reinstall the screw using care
not to over-tighten it. Mount the end of both gear springs to
the front, inner mount with 2 x 5mm Phillips screws.

Mount the Vertical & Horizontal

Stabilizers (Fin and Stab)

1. Flex the elevators up and down a few times to loosen

❏

them up so they move easier.

2. Press the landing gear wire in the left main landing gear

❏

into the landing gear mount. Then, reinstall the 2 x 15mm

2. Insert one of the pushrod wires part way up through the

❏

elevator pushrod guide tube in the fuselage.

5

5

3. Insert the “Z-bend” of the wire into the bottom hole in

❏

the elevator horn as shown.

4. Turn the elevator over and fi t it over the molded-in guide

❏

posts in the fuselage as you guide the pushrod up through
the tube in the fuselage.

5. Same as the elevator pushrod, guide the two rudder

❏

pushrods partway up through the guide tubes in the fuselage.
Connect the pushrods to the outer holes in the rudder horn,
then rotate the rudder 90° to lock the pushrods in.

6. Prepare to join the vertical stabilizer assembly to the

❏

fuselage by inserting the tail gear wire partway into the rudder.

6

Hook Up the Controls

1. If you haven’t yet done so, familiarize yourself with the

❏

included Tactic™ 404 radio control system included with this
Cub by reading the separate included instruction manual.

2. Use needle-nose pliers or hemostats to guide the

❏

pushrod wires into the screw-lock connectors on the elevator
and rudder servo arms—if necessary you can rotate the
servo arms to get the pushrods in.

7. Join the vertical stabilizer (fi n) to the fuselage by placing

❏

it over the guide posts sticking up through the stab. Pull the

rudder forward, locking it into position.

8. Lock the tail gear into position with a 2 x 6mm Phillips

❏

screw.

CAUTION: Perform the following steps without the
propeller mounted to the motor. Do not mount the
propeller until instructed to do so.

3. Move the throttle stick all the way down and center all

❏

the trims on the transmitter (except for the throttle trim which
should be all the way down). Turn on your transmitter and
connect the included battery pack to the battery wire coming
from the ESC (electronic speed control) in the fuselage.
When the connection is made you will hear one or two beeps
coming from the ESC. IMPORTANT: The beeping sound
alerts you that the system has power and the motor is “armed.”

This means whenever the throttle control stick is advanced

the propeller will turn. So later, when the propeller is mounted
and you are ready to fl y, keep clear of the propeller while
handling the model and do not inadvertently advance the
throttle stick. If you do, the propeller will turn and damage or
injury could be caused.

4. Make sure the motor brake function in the ESC is

❏

deactivated. When you advance the throttle stick the motor
should turn and when you bring the throttle stick all the way
back down the motor should come to a coasting stop. If the
motor stops abruptly this means that the brake is on. To turn
off the brake, disconnect the motor battery, but leave the
transmitter on. Advance the throttle stick and throttle trim all
the way. Reconnect the battery and listen for one beep. Bring
the throttle stick and the throttle trim all the way back down
and listen for another single beep. Now the motor brake
function is turned off.

7

The procedure for turning on the motor brake is the same

with the exception that two beeps will sound when the brake
is being armed.

5. Add a tiny drop of threadlocker to the 2.5mm x 5mm

❏

Phillips screws and install them into the screw-lock connectors
on the elevator and rudder servos, but don’t tighten them down
yet. If you have diffi culty getting the screws in, it may be easier

to hold your screwdriver upright and hold the fuselage upside­down. This way the screws won’t fall off the screwdriver.

Check the Control Throws

One major factor that determines how any plane handles in
the air is the control surface throw, or how far each control
surface (aileron, elevator and rudder) moves up and down or
left and right. If the throw is too much, the plane will respond
too quickly. If the throw is too little, the plane will respond too
slowly. The control throws in your Cub have already been
determined by where the pushrods are connected to the
servo arms and control surfaces and how far the servo arms
rotate. But if you’re using a radio control system different than
the one recommended, the servo arms could rotate more or
less than anticipated, changing the throws. Therefore, it’s a
good idea to double-check the throws just to make sure they
are acceptable. Follow the procedure below to make sure
the control throws are properly set.

Measure the elevator throw fi rst:

1. Use a small box or something similar to prop up the aft

❏

end of the fuselage so the stab will be level (or nearly level).

6. With the elevator and rudder centered, use hemostats

❏

or needle-nose pliers to hold the screw-lock connectors
while tightening the screws to lock the pushrods down.

4-CHANNEL RADIO SET UP

(STANDARD MODE 2)

RIGHT AILERON

RUDDER

MOVES

RIGHT

MOVES UP
LEFT AILERON
MOVES DOWN

2. Still without the propeller mounted to the motor,

❏

turn on your transmitter and connect the battery. Place a
ruler to the trailing edge of the elevator at the widest part
(from front-to-back).

FULL

THROTTLE

7. Move the sticks on the transmitter and make sure all

❏

the controls respond in the correct direction. If any of the
controls do not respond in the correct direction use the servo
reversing function in the transmitter to reverse any of the
controls necessary.

ELEVATOR

MOVES DOWN

3. Use your transmitter to move the elevator up and measure

❏

the distance it moved from center. This is your “up” control
throw. Measure the down elevator control throw the same way.

8

Compare your up and down elevator throw to the
recommended elevator throw below. Measure and compare

the rudder and aileron throws as well.

These are the recommended control surface throws:

This should be the
new elevator throw:

ELEVATOR

(EXPERT)

ELEVATOR

Up

3/8"

[9.5mm]

9˚

Note: If you ever install different servos in the plane or use a different radio control
system, make sure you set it up so you will have the recommended throws.

Down

3/8"

[9.5mm]

9˚

RUDDER

Right

1-1/4"

[32mm]

30˚

Left

1-1/4"

[32mm]

30˚

AILERONS

Up

1/2"

[12.7mm]

17˚

Down

1/2"

[12.7mm]

17˚

Increased Elevator Throw for

Expert Pilots (Optional)

Pilots who have mastered fl ying their Piper Super Cub with
the recommended control throws, or pilots who are already
experienced, may increase the elevator throw as shown
below for even more maneuverability.

Up

5/8"

[15.9mm]

14˚

Down

5/8"

[15.9mm]

14˚

Mount the Wing

1. Loosen the screw in the screw-lock connector on the

❏

elevator servo arm and remove the screw in the servo arm.
Remove the elevator servo arm from the elevator servo.

2. Remove the retainer,

❏

then switch the screw-lock
connector from the inner hole

to the outer hole. Replace the
retainer on the screw-lock
connector, then replace the

servo arm on the servo with

the screw. Center the elevator

the same way you did before
with the radio on and tighten

down the screw in the screw-

lock connector to lock the pushrod down.

1. For balancing the model later, use a fi ne-point felt-tip

❏

pen to mark three balance lines across the bottom of the
wing 2” [51mm], 2-1/4” [57mm] and 2-1/2” [64mm] back from
the leading edge. The line in the middle is the recommended
starting balance point and the forward and aft lines mark the
forward and aft balance points.

2. Connect the aileron servo wire to the aileron servo

❏

extension coming from the receiver.

9

3. Turn the wing over. Making sure the aileron servo wire

❏

doesn’t get caught between the bottom of the wing and the

top of the fuselage, key the tab in the wing into the notch

just ahead of the aft mounting post. Push the top of the wing

down and back to lock it in.

5. Turn the airplane over. Remove the 2 x 15mm screws

❏

that are holding in the rear of the landing gear and mount the
ends of the struts with the screws.

6. Fasten the struts and strut braces to the wing with

❏

2 x 8mm Phillips screws.

4. Fasten the wing to the fuselage with a 3x10mm Phillips

❏

screw.

10

FINAL PREPARATION

Check the C.G. (Center of Gravity)

Mount the Propeller

1. Mount the propeller to the propeller shaft with the

❏

washer, nut and a tiny drop of threadlocker on the threads.
Tighten the nut with your fi ngers until it is snug against the
washer. Then, use a small crescent wrench to tighten the nut

securely. Sometimes, as you tighten the nut, the propeller

shaft turns with it causing the nut not to tighten. But if you

turn the nut quickly, it should tighten after another turn or two.

The C.G. (Center of Gravity) is the location on the wing
where the model balances and has a great effect on how
it will fl y. If the C.G. is too far aft (tail heavy), the model
will be too responsive. If the C.G. is too far forward (nose­heavy), the model will not be responsive enough. As
provided to you, your Piper Super Cub should already be
properly balanced, or very nearly properly balanced, but
it’s a good idea to check the balance just in case. Follow
the instructions to make sure the model is balanced
properly and the C.G. is in the correct location.

For future reference, if you ever need to remove the propeller
later, needle-nose pliers may be required to hold the propeller
hub behind the propeller to keep the shaft from turning.

2. Install the propeller spinner by pressing it over the

❏

propeller shaft.

3. Insert the replica antenna into the hole for the wing bolt

❏

in the top of the wing.

1. Install the motor battery, but do not connect it to the

❏

ESC. Also install the battery hatch. All the rest of the parts of
the model should already be installed including the propeller,
propeller spinner and the wing struts.

11

2. You have already marked the balance lines on the

❏

bottom of the wings. Now place your fi ngers on the middle

balance line and lift the model. The fuselage should remain

level—it may be helpful to have an assistant view the model

from the side to see. If the fuselage does not rest level try

moving your fi ngers under the wing making certain to

keep them between the forward and aft lines. As long
as the fuselage is level with your fi ngers between the lines

the balance range is acceptable and the model is ready to
fl y. However, even if after moving your fi ngers all the way to

the forward lines the nose remains low, tail weight will be
required. Or, even if after moving your fi ngers all the way

to the rear lines the tail remains low, nose weight will be
required. Balance the model as instructed below.

Note: Even if your Cub balances perfectly on the
recommended balance point, later you may wish to change

its fl ying characteristics by moving the C.G. forward or aft.

Moving the C.G. forward (nose heavy) will make the model

more stable which may be better for windier days, but this will
also make it less maneuverable. Moving the C.G. back (tail

heavy) will make the Cub more maneuverable which is good

for experienced pilots who wish to perform aerobatics. In any
regard, start at the recommended balance point and never
fl y the model with the C.G. outside of the recommended
range.

3. Determine the amount of weight required by placing

❏

segments of Great Planes stick-on lead (GPMQ4485) (or
similar) over the cowl or tail where shown, but do not attach
it yet.

12

4. Once you can get the model to balance and you know

❏

how much lead will be required, permanently stick it into

position. The best place to add nose weight is to the side of

the fuselage just behind the weights that are already there.
This will require removing the propeller, then the propeller

hub (by holding the shaft with pliers) and then the cowl.
Attach the lead, then replace the cowl, propeller and spinner.
If tail weight is required, simply attach it to the side of the

fuselage under the horizontal stab where shown.

Battery Charging Precautions

Be certain to refer to the instructions that accompany the
charger to properly and safely charge the battery. Also read
and follow the battery charging precautions that follow.

Be careful to avoid overcharging the battery!

•

Remember to check the temperature of the battery during

•

the charge. The batteries should not get hot. If they do,
unplug them from the charger.

If you use a different battery charger, charge the battery

•

pack that came with this Cub at a maximum charge rate
of 1C (1 x capacity or 1300 mAh (1.3Ah). A higher rate
will charge the battery pack too quickly possibly causing
damage or a fi re.

A properly cared for battery pack will last a long time. If the

•

battery pack is continually overcharged or charged at too
high of a rate, the life of the battery pack will be shortened.

WARNING: Misuse or malfunction may overheat the
battery and charger, resulting in personal injury or
damage to surroundings.

5. Recheck the C.G. to make certain the model still

❏

balances where required. Once fi nished, remove the battery.
Never charge the battery while it is installed in the model.

6. Later, once you become an expert at fl ying your Cub,

❏

you may change the fl ying characteristics by changing the

balance point—but do not go beyond the marks you made
on the bottom of the wing. Moving the C.G. forward (nose

heavy) will improve the model’s stability. This could be an
advantage on breezy days. Moving the C.G. aft (tail heavy)
will make the model more responsive.

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY

Identify Your Model

No matter if you fl y at an AMA sanctioned R/C club site or

if you fl y somewhere on your own, you should always have
your name, address, telephone number and AMA number on
or inside your model. It is required at all AMA R/C club fl ying

sites and AMA sanctioned fl ying events and simply a “good

idea” even if fl ying somewhere else. Write this information
on a strip of masking tape and place it on the inside of the

battery hatch (or simply write the information directly on the

battery hatch).

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 offi cials for details in your
area for recycling options or proper disposal. We encourage
contacting your local recycling center for more information.

FLYING THE PIPER Super CUB

Although the Piper Super Cub has the confi guration of a trainer
(a high wing), due to its small size and lack of self-correcting
features it is not necessarily intended for beginners. The Cub is,
however, easy to fl y even for pilots with moderate experience. If
you have not previously fl own a trainer it is strongly suggested
that you learn to fl y with one fi rst. Or, get the assistance of an
experienced pilot to help you with the fi rst few fl ights.

Find a Suitable Flying Site

Find a fl ying site clear of buildings, trees, power lines and
other obstructions. Until you know how much area will be
required and have mastered fl ying your Cub in confi ned
spaces, a site at least the size of two or three football fi elds
should be adequate—a fl ying fi eld specifi cally intended for
R/C planes is best. Don’t fl y within fi ve miles of R/C fl ying
fi elds and never fl y near people—especially children who
can wander unpredictably.

13

Perform a Range Check

Take Off

As a precaution, an operational ground range test should

be performed before the fi rst fl ight each time you go out.
Performing a range test is a good way to detect problems that
could cause loss of control such as low batteries, defective
or damaged radio components or radio interference. This
usually requires an assistant and should be done at the
actual fl ying site you will be using.

First turn on the transmitter, then install the fully-charged

battery into the fuselage. Connect the battery and install the

hatch.

Remember, use care not to “bump” the throttle stick.
Otherwise, the propeller will turn and possibly cause

damage or injury.

Follow the instructions that came with your radio control

system to perform a ground range check. Make sure you
operate the motor and vary the rpm while performing the
check. Have your assistant alert you if the controls quit
responding or move suddenly or erratically.

If the controls aren’t working correctly or if anything seems
wrong, don’t fl y the model until you fi nd and correct the

problem. Make certain all the servo wires are securely
connected to the receiver and that the transmitter batteries
are in good condition.

Until you have become comfortable fl ying your Super Cub,
do not fl y if the wind speed is greater than 10mph [16kph].

One fi nal check before takeoff: always check the fl ight
control response to your inputs from the transmitter
before every fl ight. Be certain the ailerons, elevator, rudder

and throttle respond correctly and that none of the controls
have inadvertently become reversed.

Your Cub may takeoff from short grass or pavement. For

beginners, short grass is usually best because it stabilizes the
wheels making it easier to keep the plane rolling straight ahead.
If the grass is too tall the Cub may also be hand-launched.

ROG (Rise off Ground)
Place the model on the ground with the nose pointing
directly into the wind—taking off into the wind reduces the
ground speed required for takeoff and helps stabilize the
plane keeping it moving straight ahead. Smoothly but rapidly
advance the throttle using the left control stick (rudder)
to keep the Cub going straight and the right control stick

(ailerons) to keep the wings level. Once the plane becomes

“light” smoothly apply just enough “up” elevator to allow

the model to rise into the air—all this will happen in a few
seconds. Do not “yank” up on the elevator stick—rather, be
smooth and allow the plane to establish a gentle climb

Monitor Your Flight Time

Monitor and limit your fl ight time using a timer (such as one
on a wrist watch or in your transmitter if yours has one).
When the batteries are getting low you will usually notice a

performance drop before the ESC cuts off motor power, so
when the plane starts fl ying slower you should land. Often
(but not always), power can be briefl y restored after the

motor cuts off by holding the throttle stick all the way down

for a few seconds.

To avoid an unexpected dead-stick landing on your fi rst
fl ight set your timer to a conservative 7 minutes (in most
conditions the Super Cub will usually fl y for approximately
9 minutes, but this can vary). When your alarm sounds you
can either land right away, or if you are an experienced pilot
you may continue to fl y until the motor fi nally quits. Then,
glide it in for a landing. If planning a “dead-stick,” circle your
Cub upwind of the landing area until the motor quits and

note the run time.

When you learn how much fl ight time you are getting you
can adjust your timer accordingly. Always be conservative so

the motor won’t quit unexpectedly and you will have enough

battery to land under power.

Hand-Launch

It’s easy to hand-launch your Piper Cub, but it’s even easier
to have an assistant launch it—especially for the fi rst time.

Have your assistant hold the model under the fuselage
behind the landing gear. When you have signaled “ready”
and your assistant has acknowledged, advance the throttle
to full power. The Cub should pretty much fl y out of his hand,
but it’s a good idea to give it a strong toss at a slightly nose­up attitude. Remind your assistant to do his best to launch
the Cub with the wings level. The Cub will initially ascend,
then climb once it gains enough fl ying speed. Apply “up”
elevator to start climbing and use the ailerons to keep the
wings level.

14

Flying

One fi nal check before landing: see how the model will react
when you cut the power. While at altitude, cut the motor
power. The model should establish a gentle, downward glide
path. This is how it will react when it’s actually time to land.

Add power and climb back to your original altitude. Practice

a few of these “climb and glides” to judge how your Cub react.

NO!

TOO STEEP!

OKAY!

20°

Good climb angle – no more than 20°

Once the Cub has become airborne, establish a gentle climb
at an approximately 20°-30° angle. Continue climbing and

keeping the wings level until the Cub has reached an altitude
of approximately 100’ [30m] when you can make your fi rst

turn away from yourself.

If you already have some fl ight experience and are relatively
comfortable fl ying your Cub, the fi rst thing you should do is
use the trims to adjust the fl ight controls so the plane will fl y

straight-and-level when the control sticks are centered.

If you fi nd yourself in a little over your head and are having

diffi culty controlling your Cub, your fi rst priority will be simply

to keep the model airborne. Concentrate on making smooth

turns by using the ailerons to bank the wings and the elevator

to control pitch. It may also be a good idea to throttle back

some to slow the Cub as well.

One thing for beginner pilots to keep in mind is that when

the plane is fl ying away from you, moving the aileron stick

to the right will make the plane bank to your right. However,
when the model is fl ying toward you, moving the aileron

stick to the right will make the plane move to your left. Of
course, the plane is still responding the same way, it’s just

that your orientation is reversed. This must be kept in mind
while learning to fl y (and is also a good reason to take fl ight

lessons from an experienced pilot!).

To establish a turn, “up” elevator (pulling back on the stick) is
usually required along with aileron input to get the model into
a bank. To stop the turn, apply a small amount of opposite
aileron.

Remember to keep the model high enough to give yourself

time to make corrections, but don’t let it get too far away.
Otherwise, it will be diffi cult to tell what the plane is doing
and where it is going. Continue to fl y your Cub, getting used

to how it responds before fi nally coming in to land.

Landing

To land, fl y down-wind past the landing area. Gently turn into

the wind and reduce the throttle so that the airplane initiates
an ascending glide path. If necessary, add power to extend
the glide path to reach the runway. As the model approaches
and loses altitude, gradually and proportionally, add “up”
elevator to control the glide path and altitude. Continue to
apply elevator until the model touches down, at which time
you should be holding full, or nearly full up elevator. This will
cause the airplane to slow and settle to the ground.

Caution: If, during a rough landing, the propeller
becomes jammed and cannot rotate, the battery and
speed control will become very hot. Immediately
move the throttle down to stop the motor. If you fail
to do this, the motor, speed control and/or battery will
be damaged.

After Flight

Disconnect the battery and remove it from the airplane. Then
turn off the transmitter. Inspect the airplane to make sure
nothing has become loose or damaged. Allow the battery to
cool before recharging, or allow the motor to cool for a few
minutes before installing another battery and fl ying again.

15

™

16