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 the kit.
Please inspect all parts carefully before starting assembly! If any parts are missing, broken or defective, or if y ou
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 kit. 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 2001 HCAZ3002 for HCAA2013 V1.1
™
™
Your SKY ZAP™plane 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 SKY ZAP plane.
Electronic Speed Control with Auto Cut-off: This unit
controls the motors. Also, it monitors the battery voltage
and turns off the motors when the voltage gets low. That
way there will be enough battery power to only operate
the motors for steering during the landing.
Motors: The motors rotate the props to provide thrust.
NiMH Battery: Rechargeable batteries which are used
as power for 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 Y OUR MODEL, YOURSELF
AND OTHERS.
FOLLOW THIS IMPORT ANT SAFETY
PRECAUTION
2
3
AIRFRAME PARTS AND HARDWARE
2
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
14
15
16
17
18
20
19
13
10
11
12
UNP ACKING 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. Landing Gear.............................................1
❏ 2. Propellers ..................................................4
❏ 3. Fuselage/Tail Boom....................................1
❏ 4. Canopy/Battery Cover (Installed
in Fuselage) ................................................1
❏ 5. Motor Covers (Left & Right)........................2
❏ 6. 600 mAh NiMH Battery ............................1
❏ 7. Top Cover Screws ......................................2
❏ 8. Top Cover ..................................................1
❏ 9. Motor Cover Screws...................................2
❏ 10. Charger......................................................1
❏ 11. Left W ing Tip Section .................................1
❏ 12. Small W ing Joiner Wires ............................2
❏ 13. Large W ing Joiner Wires.............................2
❏ 14. Fin..............................................................1
❏ 15. Transmitter.................................................2
❏ 16. Wrench for Tightening Nuts .......................1
❏ 17. Nuts...........................................................2
❏ 18. Horizontal Stabilizer..................................1
❏ 19. Wing Center-Section ..................................1
❏ 20. Right W ing Tip Section...............................1
❏ 21. Instructional Video (Not shown in photo)...1
❏ 22. Small Phillips Screwdriver
(Not shown in photo).................................1
❏ 23. Tape for Wing Joints (Not shown
in photo)....................................................1
❏
1. The above photo shows the components you will
need to assemble the stabilizer and fin. You will need
the horizontal stabilizer, the fin, two nuts, and the
special wrench for tightening the nuts.
❏ 2. Note that the fin is installed on top of the
horizontal
stabilizer. Make sure that the swept back edge is
mounted
to the front of the model. Place the two fin mounting
bolts (already installed on the bottom of the fin) through
the top of the horizontal stabilizer , forming a single unit.
The top of the horizontal stabilizer is the side with the
decals applied.
❏
3. Place the mounting bolts of the assembly through
the holes from the top of the tail of the fuselage as
shown in the photo. Make sure that the tail skid is
pointing down.
❏
4. Place the two nuts on the mounting bolts that
extend through the bottom of the tail boom as shown in
the photo. Using the special wrench included with the
model, tighten the nuts firmly but do not overtighten.
You have now completed the assembly of the fin and
stabilizer.
❏
1. Turn the fuselage upside-down. Insert the landing
gear wire into the slot in the bottom of the fuselage as
shown in the previous photos.
INSTALL THE LANDING GEAR
INSTALL THE STABILIZER & FIN
4
Note: There are three pieces to the main wing itself; the
center-section, the right wing tip panel, and the left
wing tip panel.
❏
1. Using the phillips screwdriver, supplied with the
airplane, remove the two 20mm phillips head screws
from the top wing cover located on the top of the
fuselage.
❏ 2. Turn the fuse ov er and remove the tw o motor
covers
by removing the two small screws on the bottom of the
motor pod. Do not remove the motors.
❏ ❏ 3. Locate the right wing tip, the wing center -
section,
a large wing joiner wire, and a small joiner wire as
shown in the above photo.
❏ ❏ 4. Insert the large wing joiner wire into the front
plastic
joiner insert and the small wing joiner wire in the
rearward plastic joiner insert. Make sure that the bends
in the two wires are inserted so that the ends point
upwards.
❏ ❏
5. Carefully slide the outer wing panel onto both
the joiner wires, making sure that the wires remain in
the proper position and allowing the outer wing panel
to point upward.
❏ ❏
6. Using the clear tape included, apply it to the joint
of the wing tip, making sure that the joint remains
butted tightly in place against the center-section. Tape
both the top and bottom of the joint.
INST ALL THE MAIN WING
5
❏
7. Repeat steps #3 through #6 for the left wing tip.
Your wing should like the above photo.
❏
8. Place the wing into position as shown.
❏
9. Place the fuselage top center cover as shown on
top of the wing and align it with the holes in the wing
and fuselage.
❏
10. Insert the two 20mm phillips head screws that
you removed earlier, being sure not to overtighten them,
which could crush the wing.
❏
11. Note that the motor covers are marked Left and
Right. Make sure that they are installed correctly. Place
one of the motor covers into place. Then, turn the model
over and insert one of the phillips head machine screws
that you removed earlier using y our phillips screwdriver.
Do not overtighten these screws.
❏
12. Hold the remaining motor cover in place and
once again turn the model over and insert the remaining
phillips head machine screw into place.
6
❏
1. Press the propellers onto the motors. To prevent
the prop from binding, be sure to leave a space,
approximately 1/16", between the propellers and the
end of the motor covers.
❏
1. Locate the battery. Remove the canopy from the
fuselage by simply lifting it at the front.
❏
2. Insert the battery inside the canopy compartment
as shown. Re-attach the canopy in place b y inserting the
tail-end tab first. The canopy simply snaps on and off,
providing easy access to the battery in order to remove
it for recharging.
❏
1. The transmitter that controls your airplane requires
power, in the form of eight “AA” batteries. To install the
batteries, just turn over the transmitter, remove the
battery hatch and install the batteries following the
diagram inside the battery compartment. Reinstall the
battery hatch, switch on the transmitter and check the
LEDs on the front of the transmitter. If both the red and
green lights are on, it is safe to fly. If only the red light is
on, you need to install fresh batteries.
INST ALL THE TRANSMITTER BATTTERIES
INSTALL THE BATTERY & CANOPY
INST ALL THE PROPELLERS
7
❏
2. Install the transmitter antenna by placing it into the
top of the transmitter and thread it into place.
❏ 1. Plug the battery charger into a 12-volt po wer
outlet
in a vehicle.
❏
2. Plug the battery pack into the charger connector.
Be careful - the battery pack will plug in only one way.
❏ 3. Rotate the timer knob on the c harger to 20
minutes.
Make sure the red light comes on.
❏ 4. IMPORT ANT! NEVER LEA VE A CHARGING
BA TTER Y
UNATTENDED.
❏
5. During charging, feel the battery to see if it is
starting to warm up. A warmed up (but not hot) battery
pack is a sign that it is fully charged. Once the pack is
warm, disconnect it from the charger. Depending on
how much charge was already in the pack, you may
have to disconnect the battery early.
❏
6. Always disconnect the charger from the 12-volt
power outlet in your vehicle when finished charging.
❏
7. After each flight, remo v e the battery pac k from the
airplane and allow it to cool completely before
recharging.
❏
1. Never leave a charging battery unattended.
❏
2 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.
❏
3. If your battery is not completely discharged before
charging, the charging time may take less than 20
minutes. Again, only let the battery get warm to the
touch – not hot.
❏
4. We recommend that your vehicle’s engine is shut
off during charging. Charging the Sky Zap’s battery
while your vehicle’s engine is running increases the
chance of overcharging the battery.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR
CHARGING BATTERIES
CHARGE THE MOTOR BA TTERY
8
❏
5. If you ever use a different battery charger, charge
this battery pack only at a maximum charge rate of 1/2
amp. A higher charge rate will charge the battery pack
too quickly and heat up the wires.
❏
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.
ATTENTION:The product you hav e purc hased 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.
This product contains a c hemical known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Note: This section is VERY important and must NOT be
omitted! A model that is not properly balanced will be
unstable and possibly unflyable.
❏ 1. After the battery pack is charged, remove the
battery hatch cover/canopy. Insert the battery pack
inside the fuselage. Do not plug the battery pack into
the connector inside the fuselage. Reinstall the battery
hatch cover/canopy.
❏
2. Place marks on the bottom of the wing 2-1/8"
[54mm] back from the front of the wing, next to the left
and right sides of the fuselage. Turn the airplane right
side up. Try balancing the airplane on your finger tips,
on these marks. T his is where the model should balance.
We also found that most of our test models balanced at
this point without having to add weight to the nose or
tail. If it does not balance at these marks, weight will
need to be added to the nose or tail. If it needs weight
in front, just drop a penny or two into the nose until it
balances.
Your transmitter controls the altitude of the airplane by
operating both motors and the direction of the plane by
turning off either the left or right motor.
❏
1. First switch on the transmitter and make sure the
green and red lights are on.
HOW DOES THE SKY ZAP WORK
CHECK THE BALANCE OF Y OUR MODEL
BATTERY RECYCLING
9
❏ 2. Open the battery hatch/canopy and plug the
battery
pack into the plug in the fuselage.
❏
3. Reinstall the battery hatch cover/canopy.
❏
4. Move the power switc h forward to the on position.
CAUTION: Stay clear of the propellers once the
battery pack is plugged in and the switch is turned on.
❏
5. Have an assistant hold the SKY ZAP while you
move the left stick on the transmitter forward, or away
from you. Both motors will run. When flying, with the
motors running, the plane should climb at a 20 to 30
degree angle. Release the left stick and both motors will
stop. In flight, the SKY ZAP will start to glide and slowly
descend to the ground.
❏ 6. Moving the right stick to the right, the left motor
will
run. This will cause the plane to turn to the right in
flight.
❏ 7. Moving the right stick to the left, the right motor
will
run. This will cause the plane to turn to the left in flight.
The Sk y Zap should be flown only w hen the wind speed
is 5 mph or less. If the wind is calm or very light, the Sky
CHOOSE A GOOD FLYING SITE
10
Zap will be docile and easy to control, especially for
beginners. Also, find an area clear of trees, power lines
and other structures. 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.
1. Find an open area free of buildings, trees, power lines
and people.
2. For your first few flights, fly only when the wind is
calm. After you are comfortable with the airplane, you
can fly in winds that are no more than 5 miles per hour.
If flown in stronger winds, the plane may be blown
down wind and not have enough power to get back
to you.
3. Make sure the battery pack is fully charged and that
the transmitter has fresh “AA” batteries installed.
4. If others are flying 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 it (i.e. 27.195 MHz). This is the channel
frequency you are using. If someone is on the same
frequency, DO NOT switch on your transmitter until
they are finished flying.
5. Range check your radio before each flight. Switch on
the transmitter and then switch on the airplane. 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.
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. Have an assistant help with the launch. Move the
throttle stick forward so that the motors are running.
Have your assistant launch the plane into the wind. It is
not necessary to throw the plane really hard. Just a nice,
smooth and level toss into the wind is more than
enough.
2. Allow the airplane to climb at a 20 to 30 degree angle
for a few seconds before turning it. This will allow the
plane to gain altitude and air speed.
3. To turn the SKY ZAP, quickly move the right stick to
the left or right, and release it. Do this several times in a
row until the plane has turned. If you hold the right
stick, instead of releasing it, the plane will turn tightly
and lose altitude. When the SKY ZAP 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.
4. 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, is to turn y our body so that
you are facing the same direction the plane is going,
looking over your shoulder at the plane. Now w hen y ou
move the right stick left the plane will go to your left.
5. 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.
6. When learning to fly, it is best to keep the plane high
enough 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 SKY ZAP will get up to 15 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.
IT’S NOW TIME TO LAND
FLYING THE SKY ZAP
PREPARE FOR TAKEOFF
11
2. During your first flight, while at a high altitude, turn
the motors off and notice how the SKY ZAP reacts. This
will give you an idea of how the plane will react during
landing.
3. To land the SKY ZAP, fly down wind, past the landing
area a few yards. Gently turn into the wind and turn the
motors off. The plane will start to come down. If it
appears that the SKY ZAP will be short of the landing
area, turn the motors back on for a couple of seconds to
lengthen your approach.
4. As the SKY ZAP slowly descends, use the right stick
to control the direction. The SKY ZAP will just about
land itself. All you need to do is control its direction.
Switch off the airplane. Then, switch the transmitter off.
Unplug the battery from the plane and remove it from
the battery compartment. 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 SKY ZAP, 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,
contact:
Product Support
Phone: 217-398-0007
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
HCAA3460 Main Wing Kit
HCAA3461 Tail Assembly Kit
HCAA3463 Canopy (Hatch)
HCAA3462 Motor Covers (L/R)
HCAQ3330 Propellers (4)
HCAA3465 Fuselage Set
HCAQ3331 Landing Gear
HCAA3464 Decals
HCAM7029 Battery NIMH
HCAP0120 Charger 12V DC w/Adapter
HCAM7105 Transmitter Antenna
Hobbico FLYZONE Aero Cruiser™Electric
The 37.5" span Aero Cruiser features factory-built main
sections, along with assembly tools AND a video that
shows how it’s done. A 380 motor, electronic speed control
w/auto cut-off, 8.4V NiMH battery are installed for you —
and an AC charger and two props are included. The “RTF”
includes a 3-channel transmitter and requires only 8 “AA”
cells. The “ARF” is identical in building ease, but requires
a 3–4 channel radio w/2 standard or mini servos.
HCAA2004/2011
OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE
FROM HOBBICO
REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST
REPAIRS
AFTER THE FLIGHT
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