ASSEMBLE ONLY WITH ADULT SUPERVISION
Please read through this instruction booklet to THOROUGHLY familiarize yourself with the assembly
and flight characteristics of this airplane before beginning to assemble this model.
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.
WARRANTY
Hobbico®, Inc. 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 model. Further, Hobbico reserves the right to
change or modify this warranty without notice.
In that Hobbico has no control over the 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 userassembled 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.
CCOMPLETE R
OMPLETE R
TF
TF
AIRPLANE
AIRPLANE
Requires 8 “AA” Alkaline
Batteries (not included)
Quiet Electric Flight
Radio-Controlled Model
Entire Contents © Copyright 2003 Printed in China HCAZ3003 for HCAA1995 V1.0
™
™
Your SWIFT FLYER™is not a toy, but rather a
sophisticated, working
model that functions very much like an actual airplane. Because
of its realistic performance, the model, if not assembled and
operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself and
spectators or damage property.
We highly recommend that you get experienced, knowledgeable
help with assembly and during your first flights, to make your R/C
modeling experience totally enjoyable. You’ll learn faster and
avoid risking your model before you’re truly ready to solo. Your
local hobby shop has information about flying clubs in your area
whose membership includes qualified 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.
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: http://www.modelaircraft.org
1. Assemble the plane according to the instructions. Do not alter
or modify the model. If you make any modifications, you will void
your warranty.
2. Test the operation of the model before each flight 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 5 mph) 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 straight, durable and easy to fly.
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 flying instructions carefully and completely. We
hope you enjoy flying your SWIFT FLYER.
Receiver and Speed Control Unit: This unit controls the speed of
the motors. It also contains the receiver.
Motors: The motors rotate the props to provide thrust.
NiMH Battery: Rechargeable batteries which are used to power
the airplane.
Transmitter (TX): This is the hand-held unit that sends the signal to
the receiver. As you move the sticks on the transmitter, the motors
in the airplane will react accordingly.
GLOSSARY
PRECAUTIONS
PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF
AND OTHERS.
FOLLOW THIS IMPORTANT SAFETY
PRECAUTION!
2
3
AIRFRAME PARTS AND HARDWARE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
14
13
15
16
12
11
10
UNPACKING THE BOX
Check the parts against the list below. If any parts are
damaged or missing, give us a call at: (217) 398-8970.
Part Name Qty.
❏ 1. Main Wing ...................................1
❏ 2. Fuselage .......................................1
❏ 3. Transmitter....................................1
❏ 4. Transmitter Antenna......................1
❏ 5. Wind Direction Ribbon ................1
❏ 6. NiMH Battery ...............................1
❏ 7. Charger.........................................1
❏ 8. Screwdriver ..................................1
❏ 9. V-Tail ............................................1
❏10. Wing Brace Locking Retainers ......1
(set of 8 retainers)
❏11. Wing Braces .................................4
Part Name Qty.
❏12. Wrench ........................................1
❏13. Small Parts Bag .............................1
❏14. V-Tail Attachment Bracket.............1
❏15. Propellers .....................................4
❏16. Landing Gear................................1
ITEMS NOT SHOWN
Part Name Qty.
Instruction Manual .......................1
Instruction Video...........................1
Welcome to the world of R/C aeromodeling. You will find your
new hobby to be exciting, very interesting, and most of all, a lot
of fun. You have purchased, quite possibly, the best flying, the
most reliable, and the easiest flying R/C airplane available today.
Be sure to follow the written instructions and the video
instructions completely and in detail. Doing this will assure you a
successful first flight and many continued hours of enjoyment
from your new R/C hobby.
❏ 1. Locate the fuselage, the V-Tail, the V-Tail
attachment bracket,
the wrench (not shown in photo), and two washers and nuts from
the small parts package.
❏
2. Carefully place the threaded shafts through the holes in the
V-Tail as shown in the photo above. Note: Make sure the V-tail
attachment bracket is placed through the V-Tail with the decals up
as shown above.
❏ 3. Insert the V-Tail and attachment bracket
combination through
the holes in the tail boom as shown in the
above photo with the
decals on the top side of the V-
Tail.
❏
4. Place the washers and nuts onto the threaded shafts that
extend below the tail boom using the wrench supplied with the
model. Do not overtighten these nuts; doing this could damage the
V-Tail. Tighten them only until they are snug and will remain in place.
❏1. Turn the fuselage upside-down and slide the
landing gear wire
into the landing gear slot as shown above.
INSTALL THE LANDING GEAR
INSTALL THE V-TAIL
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
4
❏
1. Remove the paper backing from the four pieces of double-
sided tape
on the main wing as shown in the above
photograph.
❏
2. Install the wing braces into the holes in the wing carefully
and gently press into place. Make sure that these braces are
installed into the top of the wing.
❏
3. Turn the wing over and attach four wing brace locking
retainers as shown in the above photograph. The retainers are easy
to install by placing them onto the wing brace tabs and turning the
retainer 1/4 turn in either direction. Repeat this procedure on the
other side of the wing.
❏
4. Place the wing onto the fuselage by sliding the two tabs
located on the front of the center section of the
wing into the
fuselage as shown in the photograph
above.
❏
5. Secure the two wing mounting screws, from the small parts
bag, into the wing as shown in the above photograph. Do not
overtighten them.
❏
1. Press the propellers onto the motors. To prevent the props
from binding, be sure to leave a small space (about the same
thickness of a penny), between the propellers and the back of the
motor covers.
INSTALL THE PROPELLERS
ASSEMBLE & INSTALL THE WING
5
• Caution: Do not use rechargeable (NiCd) batteries.
• Do not mix old and new batteries.
• Do not mix alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc) or rechargeable
(NiCd) batteries.
❏
1. Place the transmitter antenna into the top of the transmitter
case as shown above. Tighten it down “clockwise” until it has a
snug fit. Do not overtighten the antenna. Tie the Wind Direction
Ribbon to the top of the antenna.
❏
2. The transmitter that controls your airplane requires eight
alkaline “AA” batteries. To install the batteries, remove the battery
hatch and install the batteries, carefully following the diagram
inside the battery compartment.
❏
3. Reinstall the battery hatch.
❏
4. Push the switch on the transmitter to the right and check the
LEDs on the front of the transmitter. If the green light is on, it is safe
to fly. If no lights come on, check to make sure that the batteries
are installed correctly. The red LED will come on as the transmitter
sticks are moved; this is normal and tells you that your transmitter
is working properly.
NOTE: DO NOT CHARGE THIS BATTERY UNLESS IT HAS BEEN
FULLY DISCHARGED.
CHARGE THE MOTOR BATTERY
INSTALL THE TRANSMITTER BATTERIES
6
❏
1. Before operating your Swift Flyer you will need to charge the
NiMH battery pack. Plug the wall charger into a standard
household outlet. Plug the battery pack into the charge cord as
shown in the above photograph.
Charge the battery for 2 hours. Under no circumstances let the
battery pack become hot to the touch and never leave a charging
battery unattended.
❏
2. After the battery pack is charged, move the canopy locking
latch toward the rear of the airplane and lift the canopy.
❏
3. Place the battery inside the fuselage as shown above and
close the canopy, locking it into place as you do so. Do not
connect
the battery to the connector inside the fuselage at this time.
Note: Before attempting to operate or fly your Swift Flyer, please
make sure you fully understand its entire operation outlined in
this section.
❏
1. Make sure the battery is fully discharged before charging.
❏
2. Never leave a charging battery unattended.
❏
3 Never let the battery charge until it feels hot. A hot battery is
an overcharged battery. Only let the battery get warm to the touch.
❏
4. If you ever use a different battery charger, charge this battery
pack only at a maximum charge rate of 0.6 amp. A higher charge
rate will charge the battery pack too quickly and heat up the wires.
❏
5. 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.
❏
6. After each flight, remove the battery pack from the airplane
and allow it to cool completely before recharging.
ATTENTION: The product you have purchased is powered by a
rechargeable battery. At the end of its 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.
This product contains a chemical known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
BATTERY RECYCLING
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR
CHARGING BATTERIES
BEFORE GOING TO THE FIELD
7
Note: The following is a detailed description of how you will
control your Swift Flyer in flight once you are ready to go to the
flying site for your first flight. Please study it carefully so you will
become familiar with the operation of the transmitter.
Your transmitter controls the height of the airplane by operating
both motors and the direction of the plane by slowing down either
the left or right motor.
❏
1. First switch on the transmitter and make sure the green light
is on.
❏
2. Open the canopy on the fuselage and plug the freshly
charged battery pack into the plug in the fuselage. The plugs will
only go together in the correct direction. Close and lock the
canopy.
❏
3. Move the ON/OFF switch located on the left side of the
fuselage forward to the ON position.
CAUTION: Stay clear of the propellers once the battery pack is
plugged in and the switch turned on.
❏
4. Once you are completely ready to fly, have an assistant
launch the SWIFT FLYER after you move the left stick on the
transmitter forward (or away from you). Both motors will run at full
power. At this setting the plane should climb at a 20° angle. If you
release the left stick both motors will stop.
❏
5. Moving the right stick to the right will cause the right motor
to slow down. This will cause the plane to turn to the right. Note:
You can also turn the airplane without pushing the left stick
forward.
HOW DOES THE SWIFT FLYER WORK?
8
❏
6. Moving the right stick to the left will cause the left motor to
slow down. This will cause the plane to turn to the left. Note: Yo u
can also turn the airplane without pushing the left stick forward.
❏
7. Releasing the left stick will allow your airplane to slowly
descend for landing. Fly down wind, beyond your landing spot
and turn back into the wind. Release the left stick and the airplane
will glide in for a landing.
Use your wind direction ribbon on your antenna to keep the plane
headed into the wind.
❏
1. It is best to fly on calm days, at least for your first few flights,
when there is little or no wind (5 mph maximum). Also, find an
area clear of trees, power lines and other structures. Your flying
location should be about the size of a baseball diamond. A flying
field for R/C planes is best. Don’t fly around groups of people,
especially children or within 6 miles of existing R/C flying fields.
Note: The Wind Direction Ribbon which you tied onto your
transmitter antenna can also be used to indicate the speed of the
wind and if you should fly your Swift Flyer or not. To use this
ribbon in this manner use the process below:
Hold your transmitter in a manner that places the antenna parallel
to the ground as shown in the above photograph. If the ribbon
hangs straight down at 90-degrees from the antenna, of course
there is no wind and it is a perfect day to fly.
The photograph above shows the ribbon with a 5 mph wind
blowing which places the ribbon at 30 degrees from parallel. This
tells you that you can fly but be very careful. If the ribbon is any
higher or closer to being parallel to the ground, do not fly your
airplane.
❏
2. Make sure the battery pack is fully charged and that the
transmitter has fresh “AA” batteries installed.
❏
3. If others are flying in the same area, make sure that they are
not using the same channel radio system you are. Your transmitter
has a tag with a number on it inside the battery compartment. This
is the channel frequency you are using. If someone is on the same
frequency, DO NOT switch on your transmitter until they are
done flying.
❏
1. Caution: Always launch the airplane away from people and
obstacles. It is important to adjust or “trim,” your airplane before
each flight. Select an open area to test your plane.
ELEVATOR TRIMMING
PREPARE FOR FIRST FLIGHT
AT THE FIELD
9
❏
2. With the motors off, grasp the airplane fuselage and gently
toss the airplane into the wind. It should glide straight ahead and
settle gently to the ground. See
the diagram below. If your plane dives
(A) or stalls (B)
follow the steps included below until you have a
correct path (C).
A = Dive.
B = Stall and crash.
C = Correct flight path.
Note: If your airplane flies flat and level the first time, DO NOT
make any further adjustments!
❏
3. If your airplane does not glide on path (C), using a hobby
knife, carefully cut along the sides of the trim tabs as shown in the
above photograph.
If your airplane follows path (A), bend both elevator tabs up
equally.
If your airplane follows path (B), bend both elevators down
equally.
Repeat step 2 until proper flight is achieved.
Important Note: This can only be done following the trimming of
the elevators.
D = Airplane turns left.
E = Airplane turns right.
If your airplane turns to the right (E) during glide tests, bend both
of the trim tabs to the left, being careful to do so in equal amounts
from the position they were adjusted to during elevator trimming.
RUDDER TRIMMING
10
If your airplane turns to the left (D) during glide tests, bend both of
the trim tabs to the right, being careful to do so in equal amounts
from the position they were adjusted to during elevator trimming.
❏
1. Range check your radio before each flight. Switch on the
transmitter and plug the battery pack into the SWIFT FLYER. Have
a helper hold the airplane. With the antenna collapsed, walk 50
feet away from the airplane. Move both control sticks, checking
that the motors run and turn off following the control stick
movement. If you still have control over the airplane, it is safe to
extend the antenna and fly 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 plane. Do not cut the
antenna wire on the plane.
If you have never flown an R/C airplane before, we recommend
that you get help from an experienced R/C pilot. Most R/C clubs
have training programs that will help you learn to fly quickly. If you
cannot find an experienced pilot to help you learn, the following
will help you get your airplane into the air.
1. First, turn your transmitter power switch “ON.” This immediately
puts you in control. Be sure to extend your antenna completely.
2. Plug the freshly charged battery pack into the plug in the
fuselage. Close the canopy and move the switch to the on position.
Caution: Stay clear of the propellers.
3. Have an assistant help with the launch. Move the throttle stick
forward so that both motors are running. Have your assistant
launch the plane into the wind. Note: Do not throw the airplane!
Start the motor and release the airplane with a gentle forward
motion of your arm. All that is needed is to start the forward
momentum of the airplane.
4. Allow the airplane to climb at a 20° angle for a few seconds
before turning it. This will allow the plane to gain altitude and
air speed.
5. To turn the SWIFT FLYER, move the right stick, left or right until
the plane has turned. When the SWIFT FLYER is moving away from
you, moving the right stick to the left will make your plane turn to
the left. Moving the
right stick to the right will make the plane turn
to the
right.
6. When the plane is coming toward you, moving the right stick
left still causes the plane to turn left, but it appears to turn to your
right. In short, you have to reverse the way you control the right
stick. A good way to familiarize yourself with the controls is when
the plane is coming toward you, turn your body so that you are
facing the same direction the plane is going, looking over your
shoulder at the plane. Now when you move the right stick left the
plane will go to your left.
7. Don’t let the airplane get too far away from you. The farther
away it is, the harder it is to see what the plane is doing.
8. When learning to fly, it is best to keep the plane high so that if
you make a mistake, you have enough altitude to correct the
mistake.
It’s a known fact among fellow R/C pilots that your airplane will
land. It is up to you as to where and how it lands.
1. The SWIFT FLYER will get approximately 10 minutes of flight, at
full throttle, on a fully charged battery before the motors stop. For
your first couple of flights we recommend that you attempt to land
before the motors stop. This will allow enough power to abort the
landing and try again if you miss your landing area.
2. During your first flight, while at a high altitude, turn the motors
off and notice how the SWIFT FLYER reacts. This will give you an
idea how the plane will react during landing.
LANDING
FLYING THE SWIFT FLYER
RANGE CHECK
11
3. To land the SWIFT FLYER, fly down wind, beyond the landing
area, a few hundred feet. Gently turn into the wind and turn the
motors off. The plane will start to come down. If it appears that the
SWIFT FLYER will be short of the landing area, turn the motors
back on for a couple of seconds to lengthen your approach. To do
this push the left stick forward. As the SWIFT FLYER slowly
descends, use the right stick to control the direction. The SWIFT
FLYER will just about land itself. All you need to do is control its
direction by moving the right stick from side to side.
Move the switch on the side of the fuselage to the “OFF” position
then unplug the battery from the plane and remove it from the
battery compartment. Then, switch the transmitter off. Allow the
motor battery to cool before recharging. Check the plane over to
make sure nothing has come loose.
Even the best R/C pilots in the world damage their planes 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 area and hold together with clear packaging tape.
Let the glue cure, leaving the tape in place for added strength.
To order replacement parts for your SWIFT FLYER, use the order
numbers as listed. 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, contact:
Product Support
Phone: 217-398-8970
Fax: 217-398-7721
E-mail: productsupport@hobbico.com
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 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 parts list.
Stock Number Description
HCAA3479 DECALS
HCAM3481 RECEIVER CH 1
HCAM3482 RECEIVER CH 2
HCAM3483 RECEIVER CH 3
HCAM3484 RECEIVER CH 4
HCAM3485 RECEIVER CH 5
HCAM3486 RECEIVER CH 6
HCAA3487 CANOPY W/ HARDWARE
HCAA3488 LANDING GEAR
HCAA3492 TAIL W/ HARDWARE
HCAA3490 WING W/ HARDWARE
HCAA3491 MOTOR COVERS (2)
HCAG1055 MOTOR W/ WIRES
HCAA3493 FUSELAGE
HCAQ3494 PROPS (4)
HCAP3495 FAST FIELD CHARGER
HCAP3496 A/C WALL CHARGER
HCAM3497 BATTERY 6C NIMH
HCAZ3003 MANUAL
Cut out and tape to back of transmitter.
BEFORE FLIGHT CHECK LIST
1. Check the area to make sure no one is on your frequency.
2. Charge the airplane battery.
3. Switch on the transmitter and extend the antenna. Make sure
the green light is on.
4. Lift the canopy and plug in the airplane battery.
5. Close the canopy.
6. Move the switch on the airplane to the “ON” position.
7. With an assistant, range check the radio system.
8. Move the left stick forward and launch the airplane.
AFTER LANDING
1. Switch off the airplane.
2. Switch off the transmitter.
3. Check over the airplane making sure nothing came loose.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
REPAIRS
AFTER THE FLIGHT
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