HobbyZone Aerobird Challenger Instruction Manual
HobbyZone®products are distributed exclusively by
Horizon Hobby, Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, IL 61822
©2003 Horizon Hobby, Inc.
www.hobbyzonesports.com
5723
HBZ3515
6
05482 16030 5
5723_HBZ(fb cllngr. manual) 5/28/03 5:00 PM Page 42
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Crash damage is not covered
under the warranty.
Be sure to read the warranty
on page 38 and "Warnings and
Safety" on page 35 before you
proceed to Step 1.
The Pro Mode changes the Aerobird Challenger’s characteristics,
and allows more aggressive maneuvers for those who want it!
See page 26 for more on Multi Mode.
The Aerobird Challenger is also equipped with HobbyZone’s
exclusive X-port™ feature. This allows the attachment of exciting
accessories, including the Sonic Combat Module (HBZ4020) for
air-to-air and air-to-ground fighting, and the Aerial Drop Module
(HBZ6023), which allows items such as the parachute jumper
and streamer bombs to be dropped. See page 31 for more on
the X-port.
Be sure to read the warranty on page 38 and "Success Tips"
on page 36 before you proceed to Step 1.
Your Aerobird Challenger™adventures are about to begin. In
order to have a safe and successful experience, we’d like you
to do a couple of things first: watch the instructional Video
CD and read and follow the directions carefully.
While easy to fly, the Aerobird Challenger may be more than
the first-time pilot can handle. If you haven’t flown one of
HobbyZone’s Zone 1 or 2 airplanes or any other radio
controlled aircraft, we recommend you seek the help of an
experienced radio control pilot during your beginning flights.
Crash damage is not covered under the warranty.
The Aerobird Challenger is equipped with some
exciting features, including a Multi-Mode Flight Control
system. The computer onboard the plane is programmed
with two flight modes. The default Sport Mode is great for
pilots transitioning from 2-channel planes and for those who
want a more relaxed flying experience.
5723_HBZ(fb cllngr. manual) 5/28/03 5:00 PM Page 2
2. Once you're satisfied that the wing is centered,
attach the wing using the 6 rubber bands
provided. Stretch two of the rubber bands from
the front to the rear attach points. Stretch the
next two diagonally across the middle. Stretch the
last two rubber bands from the front to rear attach
points as you did with the first two. Once the
rubber bands are in place, confirm the wing is
securely attached.
3. Before each flight, make sure the front and
trailing edges of the wing are exactly centered
on the fuselage.Rc
Step 2
5
Step 1
4
Mounting the Landing Gear
1. Insert the landing gear into the slot on bottom
of the fuselage.
Note: When flying without X-port™modules and
landing on grass, it is not necessary to have the
landing gear installed.
Attaching the Wing
1. Center the wing on the fuselage by aligning
the center dot on the wing with the fuselage
top seam and by centering the half circle on
the wing’s trailing edge over the fuselage
center.
1. Remove the transmitter back cover by pushing down
with your thumbs, as indicated.
2. Install batteries. Use fresh 1.5V "AA" and watch
the polarity.
3. Replace the cover.
4. To test, switch on the transmitter—the LED should
glow brightly.
5. Replace the batteries when you hear
the low-battery alarm (beeping sound).
Needed for Step 1
8 "AA" Batteries (included)
Transmitter
Needed for Step 2
Rubber Bands (x6)
Main Landing Gear
Wing and Landing Gear Attachment
5723_HBZ(fb cllngr. manual) 5/28/03 5:00 PM Page 4
Step 3
7
Step 2
6
Motor Test Wing and Landing Gear Attachment continued
1. Be sure throttle slider is in the Off position.
2. Turn the transmitter on.
3. Install the battery in the fuselage slot and plug
in the connector.
4. The Aerobird Challenger™has a built-in throttle
arming feature, which needs to “see” the throttle
slider in the Off position before it will spin the
propeller. First, keep all objects clear of the
propeller. Advance the throttle forward and the
propeller will start to turn. Since most batteries
come partially charged, the propeller should spin
at high speed. The throttle arming feature will
need to be activated each time the battery is
plugged into the airplane. (If the motor does
not run, proceed to Step 4: “Charging the
Aircraft Battery.”)
5. When finished with the motor test, be sure to
disconnect the battery first then turn off the
transmitter.
Attaching the Tail Wheel
• Installation of the included tail wheel is optional.
If added, be extremely careful to adjust the
tail screws and tail to their original positions.
Adult Supervision Required
WARNING: Keep everything clear of the propeller
and hold the plane securely. A moving propeller
can cause severe injury.
5723_HBZ(fb cllngr. manual) 5/28/03 5:00 PM Page 6
Step 4
9
Step 4
8
Charging the Aircraft Battery continued
DC Peak Detect Charger Features:
• Variable charge rate from 0.3–1.2 amp charge rate
• Trickle charge
• Automobile 12V power outlet DC adapter
• HobbyZone®large battery pack connector
• Charges Ni-Cd and Ni-MH battery packs
• LED charge indicator
Charging HobbyZone Ni-MH Battery Packs
1. Using the dial indicator on the side of the charger,
set the charge rate as indicated in the chart below.
2. Connect the battery pack to the charger.
3. Connect the charger to the 12V power outlet in
your automobile. The LED will continually blink
slowly while the battery charges.
4. Charging is finished when the LED indicator
glows steadily
Note: If you purchase the connector adapter
(HBZ1027), you can use your peak charger to
charge other HobbyZone airplane and boat
batteries. Use the charge rates from the chart
at the left.
Note: Damage to the charger and battery pack
will occur if you exceed the maximum charge
rates recommended in the chart.
Safety Precautions
Do not leave the battery and charger unattended
while in use. While charging, place the battery on
a heat resistant surface and constantly monitor
the temperature of the battery pack. Do not allow
children to charge batteries unless they are supervised by a responsible adult.
Battery Capacity Maximum Typical
Charge Rate Charge Time
Aerobird Challenger
900mAh 7.2 and 8.4V Ni-MH 1.2 amps 40 minutes*
Other HobbyZone Batteries
600mAh 4.8 and 6.0V Ni-MH 0.8 amps 40 minutes*
Requires connector adapter (sold separately)
300mAh 6.0V Ni-MH 0.4 amps 40 minutes*
Requires connector adapter (sold separately)
* Above charge times are only estimates. Actual charge
times may vary.
Charging the Aircraft Battery
This charger uses a unique peak detection circuitry that
ensures an accurate charge every time and protects
your Ni-Cd and Ni-MH batteries from the dangers of
over-charging. This charger continually monitors the
battery’s charge curve and automatically stops charging
when the peak charge is detected. The peak detection
charger will help avoid damaging Ni-Cd and
Ni-MH cells.
Important:
The Aerobird Challenger™battery should be charged
shortly before flying.If you charge the battery 12 to
24 hours prior to flying, you will need to “re-peak”
the battery before you fly by repeating the steps
on page 9.
5723_HBZ(fb cllngr. manual) 5/28/03 5:00 PM Page 8
Step 5
11
Tail Control Test continued
Step 5
10
Moves Up
Moves Up
Moves Down
Moves Up
Pull Back for
“Up” Elevator
Push Forward for
“Down” Elevator
Tail Control Test
Warning: Keep everything clear of the propeller
before starting the control test in the event that
you accidentally turn on the motor.
1. Be sure the throttle slider is in the Off position.
2. Switch on the transmitter–check to make sure the
LED is lit, indicating the transmitter has power.
3. Install battery in fuselage and plug in
connector.
4. Move the stick side to side. The tail flaps
should move as shown on the following page.
5. Move the stick up and down. The tail flaps
should move as shown on the following page.
6. The small lever under and to the side of the
control stick are the trim levers and are used to
adjust the “neutral” point of your control stick.
It’s very important that this lever is centered
when performing these control tests.
7. If each flap is not level with the rest of the tail
surface when the trim levers are centered,
adjust the control lines so they are level
(see pages 12 and 24).
5723_HBZ(fb cllngr. manual) 5/28/03 5:00 PM Page 10
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