Please retain this information for future reference.
ASSEMBLE ONLY WITH ADULT SUPERVISION
Please read through this instruction booklet to THOROUGHLY familiarize yourself with the assembly and fl ight characteristics
of this airplane before beginning to assemble the kit.
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 fl ying of this airplane, please call us at (217) 398-8970 and we’ll be glad to help.
™
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 modifi cation. 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 fi nal assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any damage resulting
from the use by the user of the fi nal user-assembled product. By the act of using the user-assembled product, the user accepts
all resulting liability.
If the buyers are not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this product, they are 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:
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.
Your Beechcraft Staggerwing 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 Beechcraft Staggerwing, if not assembled and
operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to
yourself or spectators and damage to property.
We highly recommend that you get experienced,
knowledgeable help with assembly and during
your fi rst fl ights. This will make your modeling
experience more enjoyable. You’ll learn faster
and avoid risking your model before you are
truly ready to fl y solo. Your local hobby shop has
information about fl ying clubs in your area whose
membership includes qualifi ed instructors. You
can also contact the National Academy of Model
Aeronautics (AMA), which has more than 2,500
chartered clubs across the country. Instructor
training programs and insured newcomer training
are available through any one of these clubs.
PRECAUTIONS
1. Assemble the plane according to instructions.
DO NOT alter or modify the model. If you make
any modifi cations, you void your warranty.
2. Te s t the operation of the model before each fl ight
to insure that all equipment is operating properly
and that the model remains structurally sound.
3. Fly only on calm days (with wind speeds less
than 5mph) and in large, open areas free of trees,
people, buildings, or any other obstacles.
Remember: Take your time and follow the
instructions to end up with a well-built model that
is durable and easy to fl y.
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
assembly and fl ying instructions carefully and
completely. We hope you enjoy fl ying your
Beechcraft Staggerwing.
Contact the AMA at the address or toll-free phone
number below.
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302
(800) 435-9262 Fax: (765) 741-0057
or via the Internet at: www.modelaircraft.org
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,
and (2) This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
CAUTION: Changes or modifi cations to this product
not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance may void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
GLOSSARY
Electronic Speed Control/Receiver (ESC/RX):
This unit controls the speed of the motor and
control surfaces.
Elevator: The moving surface on the horizontal
stabilizer that controls the pitch of the airplane
causing it to climb or descend.
Rudder: The moving surface on the vertical fi n
that controls movement of the airplane to the left
or right.
Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Battery:
Rechargeable batteries which are used to power
the airplane. NiMH batteries are lighter and smaller
than most other types of rechargable batteries.
Transmitter (TX): This is the hand-held unit that sends
the signal to the control unit (or RX). Moving the
sticks controls altitude and direction. The throttle
lever on the back of the transmitter controls speed.
2
AIRFRAME PARTS AND HARDWARE
Before starting to build, take an inventory of this kit to make sure it is complete and inspect the parts
to make sure they are of acceptable quality. If you need assistance with assembly, contact Product
Support. When reporting defective or missing parts, please use the part names exactly as they are
written in the parts list.
3
2
1
4
5
15
14
6
7
1. Fuselage
2. Cowl
3. Propeller Assembly
4. Top Wing
5. Bottom Wing
6. Wing Struts (2)
7. Fin
8. Fin Holder
11
9
10
8
12
13
9. Horizontal Stab
10. Tail Mount Hardware
11. Main Landing Gear Assembly
12. Tail Wheel Assembly
13. NiMH 7.2V 900mAh Battery
14. 12V DC Peak Charger
15. Tactic 3-Channel Transmitter
3
ASSEMBLE THE TAIL
❏ 1. Remove all of the components from the plastic
packaging and lay them out on your work surface.
❏ 2. Install the “U” shaped threaded wire into the
plastic fi n holder as shown. The longer end of
the wire should be installed at the end of the fi n
holder that has the angled edge.
❏ 4. Slide the wire through the holes in the top of
fuselage, pressing the horizontal stab onto the top
of the fuselage.
❏ 3. Slide the wires through the holes in the top of
the horizontal stab, sliding the plastic fi n holder
fl ush with the horizontal stab.
❏ 5. Install a plastic nut onto each threaded end of
the wire until the horizontal stabilizer fi ts snug to
the fuselage.
❏ 6. Install the fi n into the fi n holder.
4
❏ 7. From the right side of the fi n holder install two
2mm x 8mm machine screws. Tighten the screws
until the fi n fi ts snug in the fi n holder. Be careful
not to overtighten the screws.
INSTALL THE LANDING GEAR
❏ 1. Slide the tail wheel wire into the slot on the
bottom of the fuselage.
❏ 8. Remove the pushrod retainers from the
pushrod wires. Slide the wire into the outermost
hole in both the rudder and elevators’ control
horns, and then re-install the pushrod retainers.
❏ 2. Place the plastic tail wheel retainer over the
landing gear slot. Secure it to the fuselage with
2mm x 5mm sheet metal screws.
5
landing gear retaining plug and two 2.5mm x 8mm
sheet metal screws. Slide the landing gear wire into
the slot in the fuselage. Insert the main landing
gear retaining plug into the slot. Then, secure it
with the two screws.
INSTALL THE WINGS
❏ 3. There are three components for the main
landing gear. The landing gear wire, the main
❏ 1. Begin with the bottom wing (the bottom
wing has the black stripe decals). Slide the dowels
on the leading edge of the wing into the holes in
the fuselage.
❏ 2. Press the wing onto the fuselage and secure it
with the 3mm x 15mm sheet metal screw. The screw
should be tight enough to hold wing snug against
fuse, yet not crush the wing. Do not overtighten.
6
❏ 3. Repeat these steps to install the top wing. The
top wing should be secured with a 3mm x 18mm
sheet metal screw.
❏ 4. Making sure the curvature on the ends of the
strut match the curvature of the wing, slide one of
the plastic wing struts into the slot in the bottom,
left wing and the slot in the top, left wing.
❏ 5. Slide the strut locking ring over the tab
extending through the wing from the strut. Rotate
the locking ring ¼ turn so the tab on the strut
aligns with the tabs on the locking ring.
❏ 6. Repeat this for the right wing.
7
GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY
CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK
The battery can be charged using the included 12V
peak charger. To use the 12V peak charger, plug
the battery charger into a 12-volt power outlet in a
vehicle. When using the 12V charger, place it and
battery outside the car, away from fl ammables
To begin charging the battery pack, plug the batter y
pack into the 12V peak charger connector. It will
only connect one way. Do not force it. Charge the
battery for 45 minutes. Do not have the engine of
your vehicle running. Overcharging the battery
may result!
❏ 3. Charging the airplane battery while your car’s
engine is running can be dangerous, because it
increases the chances of overcharging. For this
reason, you should never charge your battery
while your car’s engine is running.
❏ 4. If your battery is not completely discharged
before charging, the charging time may take less
than 60 minutes when using the 12V peak charger.
Again, only let the battery get warm to the touch
– not hot.
❏ 5. If you use a different battery charger, charge
this battery pack only at a maximum charge rate of
1 amp. A higher charge rate will charge the battery
pack too quickly and heat up the wires.
IMPORTANT! NEVER LEAVE A CHARGING
BATTERY UNATTENDED.
Always disconnect the charger from the 12-volt power
outlet in your vehicle when fi nished charging.
After each fl ight, completely discharge the battery
and remove the battery pack from the airplane
and allow it to cool completely before recharging.
To fully discharge your airplane battery, run the
motor at high speed until the motor starts to pulse
on and off.
BATTERY CHARGING PRECAUTIONS
❏ 1. Be careful to avoid overcharging the battery!
When you plug the battery into the charger there
is no way to know how much charge is left in the
battery (unless you have just completed a fl ight
in which the battery was run all the way down
or have fully discharged the battery). If you put
too much charge into the battery, it will get very
hot. This may result in melting the plastic battery
cover, causing the cells to vent and damaging the
charger! Always remove the battery from your
airplane before charging.
❏ 6. 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, fi re or damage to surroundings.
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.
WARNING: This product contains a chemical
known to the State of California to cause cancer.
❏ 2. Remember to check the temperature of the
battery every 5 minutes during the charge. Unplug
the battery immediately if it begins to get hot.
8
INSTALL THE BATTERY
❏ 1. Check the switch on the left side of the
airplane making sure it is in the off position. When
the switch is forward the power to the airplane
motor is off. Open the battery cover located on
the bottom of the fuselage.
and the wire into the hole inside of the battery
compartment. Then, push the battery until it is
seated against the bottom of the fuselage.
❏ 3. Re-install the battery cover.
❏ 2. Plug the battery into the connector inside
of the battery compartment. Push the connector
BALANCE THE MODEL
❏ 1. Use a fi ne-point felt-tip pen to mark the
balance range on the left and right sides of the top of the bottom wing. The balance point should be
2-1/4” [57mm] back from the leading edge of the
wing, measured at the fuselage sides.
9
❏ 2. With the battery in place, turn the model upside
down then lift the model with your fi ngertips on
the lines under the wing. Position your fi ngertips
where necessary to get the model to sit level, or
“balance”. If your fi ngertips are on the line, the
Staggerwing is ready to fl y.
❏ 3. If the model balances with your fi ngertips
ahead of the lines, weight will have to be added
to the tail to get it to balance. Tail weight may be
stuck to the bottom of the fuselage.
❏ 4. If the model balances with your fi ngertips
behind the lines, weight will have to be added to
the nose to get the model to balance. Nose-weight
may be stuck to the fi rewall inside of the cowl.
Stick-on lead weight may be purchased from your
local hobby shop.
PREPARE THE TRANSMITTER
❏ 1. Locate the antenna and screw it into the top
of the transmitter.
❏ 2. The transmitter that controls your airplane
requires power, in the form of eight “AA” batteries.
To install the batteries, remove the screw from the
battery hatch on the bottom of the transmitter.
❏ 3. Install eight new “AA” batteries, following the
diagram on the holder.
❏ 4. Reinsert the battery holder in the transmitter
case. Reinstall the battery hatch on the bottom of
the transmitter case and screw it in place.
Stick on as much weight as required to get the
model to balance when lifted by your fi ngers. If
you added any weight, recheck the balance.
❏ 5. Switch on the transmitter and check the LED
on the front of the transmitter. If the LED is green,
it is safe to fl y. If the red LED is fl ashing, you need
to install fresh batteries.
CAUTION:
• Do not use rechargeable (NiMH) batteries.
• Do not mix old and new batteries.
• Do not mix alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc) or
rechargeable (NiMH) batteries.
10
RADIO ADJUSTMENT
❏ 1. Switch on the transmitter and move the throttle
slide to the left. Make sure the LED on the radio
is green. IMPORTANT! When you turn on the
transmitter the LED should be green. If it is no longer
green and begins to turn to a pale yellow, the battery
is getting low. If the LED is fl ashing red, the battery
voltage is unsafe to fl y the model. Never fl y when the
transmitter battery’s LED is not green.
❏ 2. Install the battery and battery cover. Turn on the
radio using the switch on the side of the airplane.
CHECK THE CONTROL DIRECTIONS
❏ 1. Be sure your transmitter has fresh “AA” batteries
installed (not included). Turn on the transmitter
and center the trims. If necessary, adjust the control
surfaces with the adjustment knobs to center them
or use the trim levers on the radio.
❏ 2. Make sure the battery is connected in the
airplane. Turn the switch to the on position
(towards the back of the plane).
❏ 3. Check the operation of all control surfaces.
The stick on the front of the radio will control the
rudder and elevator. The slide switch on the top,
left side of the transmitter controls the throttle.
The throttle slide should be to the far left positon.
CAUTION: Once the battery is connected to
the ESC and the plane is turned on, stay clear of
the propeller.
❏ 3. Center the rudder and elevator trim. Be sure
the elevator is aligned with the horizontal stab and
that the rudder is aligned with the vertical fi n. If
they are not, align them using the trims.
❏ A. When the control stick is moved down, the
elevator will move up. When the control stick is
moved up, the elevator will move down.
❏ B. When the control stick is moved left, the
rudder will move left. When the control stick is
moved right, the rudder will move right.
11
the tail of the airplane securely. Move the throttle
to the far right position and leave it there for
approximately 10 seconds. Then, move it back to
the far left position. The ESC is now armed. When
you move the slider back to the right the motor
will accelerate.
❏ 3. When you are certain everything is working
correctly turn off the radio and airplane.
CHOOSE A GOOD FLYING SITE
❏ C. If stick movement results in control surface
movements or thottle operation is opposite as it
is described above, fl ip the appropriate reversing
switch on the transmitter and recheck the
control directions.
Turn off the airplane and the transmitter.
ARMING THE MOTOR
The Staggerwing should be fl own only when the
wind speed is 5 mph or less. Find an area clear of
trees, power lines and other structures. A fl ying
fi eld for R/C planes is best. Don’t fl y around groups
of people, especially children or within 6-miles of
existing R/C fl ying fi elds. Caution: If you have not
previously fl own a trainer R/C airplane it is strongly
suggested that you learn to fl y with one fi rst. If you
do not do this, seek out an experienced pilot to
help you with the fi rst few fl ights.
PREPARE FOR TAKEOFF
❏ 1. Find an open area free of buildings, trees,
power lines and people.
❏ 2. For your fi rst few fl ights, fl y only when the
wind is calm. After you are comfortable with the
airplane, you can fl y in winds that are no more
than 5 miles per hour. If fl own in stronger winds,
the plane may be blown down wind and not have
enough power to get back.
❏ 1. Insert a small wire through the hole in the
propeller nut to be sure the nut is tight. If you do not
have a small wire, carefully tighten it with pliers.
❏ 2. The throttle control should be to the far left
position. Turn on the transmitter and the airplane.
Keep your hands free of the propeller and hold
❏ 3. Make sure the battery pack is fully charged and
that the transmitter has fresh “AA” batteries installed.
❏ 4. If others are fl ying in the same area, make sure
that they are not using the same channel radio
system you are. The front of your transmitter has
a tag with a number on the crystal housing. This is
the channel number and frequency you are using.
If someone is on the same channel or frequency,
DO NOT switch on your transmitter until they are
fi nished fl ying.
12
FLYING THE STAGGERWING
Your transmitter controls the altitude, direction and
speed of the airplane. The control stick controls
both the altitude and direction of the airplane.
When the battery power gets too low, the “Auto
Cut-Off” feature of the speed control provides an
extra degree of insurance. It reacts to low power
by pulsing the motor on and off, in effect saving
power for the receiver. That way your airplane goes
into a glide and you stay in control as you land.
1. Extend the antenna on the transmitter and
throttle slider all the way to the left. Then, turn the
power switch to the “ON” position.
2. Plug in the battery in the airplane and turn the
switch to the “on” position.
3. Move the throttle lever all the way to the right,
to arm the motor.
4. Perform a range check with your radio before
each fl ight. Have a helper hold the airplane. With
the transmitter and airplane on, collapse the
transmitter antenna, walk 100 feet away from the
airplane, holding the transmitter with the antenna
pointing up. Move the control stick, checking that
the control surface responds. Also, turn the motor
on and check the range. If you still have control
of the airplane, it is safe to extend the transmitter
antenna and fl y the airplane. If you do not have
control of the plane, make sure the batteries in the
transmitter are fresh and the battery in the plane
is charged. Also, make sure the wire antenna is
extending out the back of the airplane.
6. Move the control stick down (towards you) so
that the plane climbs at a 20° to 30° angle. Allow the
airplane to climb a few seconds before turning it.
7. When your airplane is moving away from you,
moving the control stick to the left will make your
plane turn to the left. Moving the stick to the right
will make the airplane turn to the right. By adding
a little up elevator (moving the stick down) during
the turn, the airplane will turn much tighter. To
stop the turn, move the stick the opposite direction
until the airplane is fl ying straight.
8. Now that you have gained some altitude, it is
time to trim the plane for straight, level fl ight. If
the airplane wants to climb when the control stick
is released, move the vertical trim lever up away
from you. If the airplane wants to dive, move the
vertical trim lever down away from you. It should
require very little trim. Your goal is to have the
airplane fl y level with the control stick centered.
9. Now, with the airplane fl ying level, check to
see if the airplane is fl ying straight. If it wants to
turn when the control stick is centered, move
the horizontal trim lever opposite the direction
the airplane is turning. The airplane should be
trimmed so that if you take your hands off of the
control stick, the airplane will fl y straight and level
on its own. Having the airplane trimmed properly
makes fl ying much easier and more enjoyable.
10. Don’t let the airplane get too far away from
you. The farther away it is, the harder it is to see
what the airplane is doing.
11. While becoming familiar with the airplane, it
is best to keep the airplane high enough so that if
you make a mistake, you have enough altitude to
correct the mistake.
5. With the throttle lever moved fully to the right,
hand launch the Staggerwing into the wind, at a
slight upward angle. Note: For the fi rst couple
of fl ights, we recommend having a helper hand
launch the airplane. After you become familiar with
the fl ight characteristics of the airplane, it can be
fl own off a hard surface instead of hand launched.
13
LANDING
AFTER THE FLIGHT
1. For your fi rst couple of fl ights we recommend that
you attempt to land well before the motor stops.
2. During your fi rst fl ight, while at a high altitude,
turn the motor off and notice how the airplane
reacts. This will give you an idea of how the
airplane will react during a landing.
3. To land, fl y down wind, past the landing area.
Gently turn into the wind and reduce the throttle
so that the airplane starts to come down. Adjust
the throttle as needed to reach the landing area,
but not fl y past it.
4. Just before landing, at about 1 foot above the
ground, apply a little up elevator to fl are (raise the
nose of the airplane). This will cause the airplane
to slow and settle to the ground.
CAUTION: If, during a rough landing, the
propeller should become jammed and cannot
rotate with the throttle in the run position, the
battery and speed control will become very hot.
Immediately move the throttle lever to the left
to stop the motor. If you fail to do this, the motor,
speed control and/or battery will be damaged.
Disconnect the battery from the airplane. Then,
switch the transmitter off and remove the battery
from the battery compartment of the airplane.
Allow the motor and battery to cool before
recharging. Check the airplane over to make sure
nothing has come loose or may be damaged.
REPAIRS
Even the best R/C pilots in the world damage their
airplanes every now and then. In the unfortunate
event that you damage your airplane, repairs are
fairly simple to make yourself. If there are any
cracks in the wing or fuselage, apply 6-minute
epoxy or white glue to the broken areas and hold
together with clear packaging tape. Let the glue
cure, leaving the tape in place for added strength.
14
REPLACEMENT PARTS
To order replacement parts for your Staggerwing, 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 fi rms. If you need
assistance locating a dealer to purchase parts, contact:
Product Support
Phone: 217-398-0007
Fax: 217-398-7721
E-mail: productsupport@hobbico.com
HCAA3970 ... Main Wings
HCAA3971 ... Propeller Assembly
HCAA3972 ... Cowl with Screws
HCAA3973 ... Wing Struts (2)
HCAA3974 ... Main Landing Gear Assembly
HCAA3975 ... Tail Assembly
HCAA3976 ... Battery Hatch
HCAA3977 ... Fuselage with Pushrods
HCAA3978 ... Tail Wheel Assembly
HCAA3979 ... Motor with Gearbox
HCAA3980 ... Wing Screws (2)
HCAA3981 ... Prop Adapter
HCAA3982 ... Pushrod Set
HCAA3983 ... Decal Set
GPMM7702... 12V DC Peak Charger 7.2-8.4V NiMH
GPMP7702 ... NiMH 7.2V 900mAh Battery
HCAQ3503 ..8x6 Propeller (2)
HCAA3913 ... Control Horn Set
TACM0100 ... TSX100 Micro Servo
TACM5100 ... TSX100 Servo Gear Set
TACM5101 ... TSX100 Servo Arms
Add 8 “AA” batteries to this RTF, and you have
everything you need for a low-key afternoon of sport
fl ying. The airframe and reinforced 1-piece wing are
molded foam, factory-fi nished and decaled. And all
of the on-board electronics — including a 380-size
motor, ESC, receiver and three micro servos — are
installed. Charge up the battery and you’re ready
to go. The included 4-channel Tactic™ FM radio has
one channel each for throttle, elevator, ailerons and
rudder — all you need for lazy loops, unhurried
barrel rolls and smooth banking turns. HCAA24**
DIABLO EDF JET
TRAINER RTF
Learn to fl y — with a jet! The Diablo is virtually fl ight-ready when you open
the box. Its advanced AeroCell™ foam construction makes it virtually immune
to crash damage. And since fi nishing is done, all that’s left between you and a
fi rst fl ight are some easy assembly and a quick charge. Add just 8 “AA” batteries;
everything else is included — 1500mAh ElectriFly™ LiPo battery, balancing LiPo
charger, Tactic™ 4-channel radio, ESC, HyperFlow™ ducted fan unit (and 370
motor) and Tactic™ 4-channel radio. HCAA28**
Wingspan: 36 in
Length: 26 in
Includes: Tactic radio w/6-channel receiver & 3
speed control, HyperFlow™ ducted fan
system, ElectriFly™ 3S 11.1V 1500mAh
LiPo battery pack, ElectriFly balancing
charger w/AC & DC adapters
Requires: 8 “AA” alkaline batteries
CESSNA 182
With this Cessna, no building, painting, or covering is needed.
Even the decals are factory-applied and all electronics are
preinstalled. The Tactic 4-channel 72MHz FM transmitter features
elevator, aileron, rudder and throttle controls, plus a Futaba®compatible trainer jack. The cowl and wheel pants are ABS, the
foam wheels attach to heavy-duty aluminum landing gear — and
the 380-size motor is more powerful than those found in other
RTF planes. You can recharge the included NiMH battery right at
the fi eld using the included 12V DC peak charger. HCAA23**
RTF
Wingspan: 35 in
Length: 27.5 in
Requires: 8 “AA” batteries
Cessna Skylane emblems, logos, and body designs are trademarks of
Textron Innovations, Inc. and are used under license by HOBBICO®, Inc.
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