HBZ7015
HobbyZone® products are distributed exclusively by
Horizon Hobby, Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, IL 61822
©2005 Horizon Hobby, Inc.
8072
Instruction Manual
Crash damage is not covered
under the warranty.
Be sure to read the warranty
on page 30 and "Warnings and
Safety" on page 27 before you
proceed to Step 1.
Congratulations on your purchase of the HobbyZone® Firebird Freedom™
RTF electric airplane. Your Firebird Freedom uses advanced Anti-Crash
Technology™ (ACT) that allows you to safely train with a fully proportional
3-channel aircraft and radio system. The Firebird Freedom has built-in
sensors that look for the sky and horizon, and thanks to the specially programmed software, it can temporarily “take over” in the event that your
aircraft is put in danger from incorrect transmitter input. This will help to
prevent a crash, and keep you in the air!
Once you are more experienced and no longer need the training software, you can simply turn off ACT with a flip of the transmitter switch.
When this is done, you will have full control, at all times, allowing you
to perform exciting maneuvers, such as loops and spirals. You can also
add exciting X-Port™ accessories, such as the Sonic Combat Module™
for aerial combat and the Aerial Drop Module™ for dropping bombs.
Your Firebird Freedom comes complete with everything you need, all in
one box, to get you in the air and flying. A video compact disc (VCD) is
also included to give you some helpful hints before you take to the sky.
Please read this instruction manual thoroughly and watch the VCD prior
to flying for the first time. This will greatly add to your flight experience
and help to ensure success on your first flight.
4
Step 2
5
Step 1
Adult Supervision Required
WARNING: Keep everything clear of the
propeller AT ALL TIMES and hold the plane
securely. A moving propeller can cause
severe injury.
1. Turn on transmitter.
2. Install the flight battery into the fuselage
and plug it into the connector.
3. Move the slide throttle back all the way
to arm it and then slide it full forward.
The prop should spin at a high speed
when you move the throttle forward.
Keep everything clear of the propeller
until it stops spinning. This is the indicator that the battery is fully discharged.
If the motor does not run, it likely means
that the battery is already completely
discharged, so you can proceed to the
section for charging the battery.
4. After you have ensured the motor functions correctly, and the battery has been
discharged, unplug the flight battery and
then turn off the transmitter.
1. Remove the transmitter back cover by
pushing down with thumbs, as indicated
by the arrows.
2. Install the included "AA" batteries. Use
eight fresh 1.5V “AA” batteries only.
3. Be sure to observe proper polarity when
installing the batteries, and then 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).
Transmitter Motor Test and Battery Discharging
Always make sure the transmitter is on
when the flight battery is plugged in!
Step 4
7
Wing and Landing Gear Attachment
Step 3
6
Attaching the Landing Gear
1. Locate the landing gear within the box.
2. Simply insert the landing gear into the
slot on the bottom of fuselage.
Note: If you are only flying over grass and
intend to land on the grass, and you do not
have an X-Port™ accessory attached, landing
gear is not required.
Attaching the Wings
1. Locate the wing halves and wing spar.
2. Slide the spar carefully into one wing half.
3. Slide the wing and spar into the side of
fuselage, as shown in the image on the
right.
4. Slide the remaining wing half onto the
spar that is sticking out the side of the
fuselage.
5. Make sure that both wing halves are on
securely and are pushed firmly into the
wing cavity of the fuselage.
Charging the Aircraft Battery
Variable rate DC peak charger features:
• Variable charge rate from 0.3–1.2A
• Trickle charge
• LED charge indicator
• Charges 4- to 7-cell Ni-Cd and Ni-MH
battery packs
1. Select a charge rate of 1.2 amps for the
included 8.4V 1000mAh Ni-MH battery.
2. Attach the battery to the charger.
3. Plug the charger into the 12V power
outlet of an automobile. An adult should
supervise children while they are charging
the battery pack to avoid injury or possible fire. ALWAYS PLACE BATTERIES
ON A HEAT-RESISTANT SURFACE WHILE
CHARGING.
4. The LED indicator will blink on and off
while the battery is fast charging.
5. When the LED indicator glows solidly, it
has fully peaked and is trickle charging.
6. We recommend peak charging your flight
battery right before flying (within a few
hours).
The charger supplied with your Firebird
Freedom™ is a variable rate DC peak charger. This charger will allow you to safely and
fully charge your flight battery along with
other 4- to 7-cell HobbyZone battery packs:
Maximum
Battery Charge Rate
4.8V 600mAh Ni-MH (requires HBZ1027) 0.8 amps
6.0V 600mAh Ni-MH (requires HBZ1027) 0.8 amps
6.0V 300mAh Ni-MH (requires HBZ1027) 0.4 amps
7.2V 1000mAh Ni-MH 1.2 amps
Note: If you exceed the maximum charge
rate recommended above, permanent damage can occur to both your charger and battery pack, and a fire may result.
View from Rear
Moves Up
Step 5
9
Tail Control Test (continued)
Step 5
8
Tail Control Test
1. Make sure slide throttle is “off” and then
turn on transmitter.
2. Install and plug in the flight battery.
3. Move the stick side to side while observing
that the tail flaps are moving as shown.
4. Move the stick up and down while observing
that the tail flaps are moving as shown.
5. The small levers under and to the side of
the stick are the trim levers and are used
to adjust the “neutral” point of your control stick. These should be centered prior
to performing the test.
6. If you find that each flap is not level with
the rest of the tail surface when the trim
levers are centered, adjust the control surfaces so they are level. To do this, loosen
the round spool on the control surface.
Then, move the control surface back to
neutral and re-tighten the spool. (See
page 32 for more details).
WARNING: Keep everything clear of the
propeller when you conduct the tail control test in the event that you accidentally turn on the motor.
Moves Up
Moves Up
Moves Down
Elevator
Trim
Rudder Trim
Right Rudder
Left Rudder
Down Elevator
Up Elevator
We know you want to have fun and fly
your Firebird Freedom.™ However, flying in
too much wind can place your airplane in
jeopardy. On your first flight, make sure the
winds are no stronger than 7 mph.
To check wind conditions:
1. Tie the included red ribbon to the end of
the transmitter antenna.
2. Hold the transmitter so that the antenna
is parallel to the ground.
Always position yourself so that when you
are flying, the airplane is UPWIND of you.
Never let the airplane come too far downwind where it can be carried farther and
farther away from you and lost. Additionally,
the winds are stronger at higher altitudes.
Do not climb too high, or you could lose
control of your airplane.
Step 7
11
Step 6
10
Choose a Calm Day
Choose a Large, Open Grass Field
In order to have the most success, and
to protect property and your Firebird
Freedom™ from any damage, it is very
important to select a place to fly that is very
open. The site should:
• Have a minimum of 300 feet of clear
space in all directions
• Be clear of pedestrians
• Be free of trees or buildings that could
interfere with your sightline, or power
lines that could entangle your airplane
• Be clear of automobiles and other property that could be damaged by your
plane if you have problems coming in
for a landing.
Remember, your Firebird Freedom can fly
at speeds in excess of 30 mph, so it covers
ground fast. Plan on using more space than
you think you need, especially with the first
flights that you make.
HINT: In many places, you will find that the
winds are the most calm in the mornings
(shortly after sunrise) and evenings (about
an hour prior to sunset). You may want to
prepare and fly your first flights during those
times. Flying in too much wind is by far the
number one reason for crashes/lost planes.
If the flag hangs down,
it’s good to fly.
If the angle between the antenna and the
flag is less than 20 degrees, it is too windy
and you need to postpone your flight
Step 2
Step 8
12
Range Test
Prior to your first flight you will need to do
a range test. Two people are needed to do
this–one to hold the transmitter and one to
hold the airplane.
1. One person holds the transmitter while
the other person walks 100 paces away
with the airplane.
2. Be sure the throttle slider is in the "OFF"
position.
2. Extend the transmitter antenna completely
and turn on the transmitter.
3. Plug in the airplane battery and close
the hatch cover.
4. As soon as the throttle is advanced, the
props should spin quickly.
5. As the first person moves both of the
transmitter controls in all directions,
the other person watches to be sure
the airplane’s motor and tail controls
operate smoothly.
If your plane does not range test correctly,
do not fly! Call Horizon Hobby Product
Support Staff toll-free at 1-877-504-0233 for
directions on how to proceed.
WARNING: The person holding the airplane should hold it so that the propeller
does not come near any part of their body.
13
Your Firebird Freedom™ comes equipped
with exclusive Anti-Crash Technology.™ This
software helps prevent crashes due to overcontrol by pilots. The sensors included in
the fuselage “see” the horizon. One sensor
is above the canopy and faces forward. The
other is at the bottom of the fuselage and
faces backward.
The electronic system connected to them
knows the airplane should not be allowed
to enter a steep dive. If you give transmitter
input that causes the plane to enter into a
spiral dive that may threaten your aircraft,
the ACT software will override your input to
help prevent the aircraft from crashing to
the ground. The ACT will intervene for you
when the aircraft is in jeopardy by reducing
throttle and adding some up elevator, as
well. This causes the nose of the airplane
to pull up, thereby helping to prevent your
Firebird Freedom from crashing, provided
there is enough altitude for recovery. The
ACT software will only interrupt flight in
extreme situations, allowing you to enjoy as
much control of the airplane as you need.
Anti-Crash Technology (ACT)
Step 9
ACT Turned ON
ACT Turned OFF
Step 2
Step 2
14
Step 9
The Firebird Freedom's ACT™ software will
help prevent you from crashing into the
ground. If you enter a severe dive while flying with ACT engaged, you will notice the
following things take place:
• You will hear the motor speed reduce as
the ACT programming overrides your
input. This slows the descent of the aircraft
to help prevent a crash.
• The ACT software will give up elevator
input to the aircraft’s electronics to help
pull the plane out of a dive.
• There will be a noticeable change in the
movement of the aircraft if you give it
extreme input, and the diameter of turns
will be larger.
• The nose of the airplane will only be
allowed to reach a limited angle, and then
will rise up in order to prevent too much
speed from being generated.
• Once the ACT software has taken over,
you will not be able to give control input
until you have released the steering
stick, allowing it to return to neutral.
Remember, the purpose of ACT is to help
you to learn to fly properly and smoothly.
When ACT is engaged, and overrides your
input, it means that you have placed your
aircraft in jeopardy. Keeping the stick more
in the middle, and less in the corners, will
allow you to fly more smoothly and prevent
ACT from engaging. ACT should be the
backup for you. The key is to learn to make
minor movements on the controls because
the transmitter is proportional and is sensitive to movements of the control stick.
Once you have gained more experience,
and feel more comfortable flying, you can
turn the ACT software off to enter “Expert
Mode.” It is possible to change flight modes
in the air, but sufficient altitude is required.
To turn ACT off:
Move the switch on top of the transmitter to
the appropriate position.
Anti-Crash Technology (ACT)
15
Step 10
• Don’t fly at too low of an altitude and
expect the ACT to save your Firebird
Freedom.™ You must be at an altitude of
at least 150 ft. for the software to be able
to help prevent crashes due to incorrect
transmitter input.
• Even when flying with ACT on, if you feel
that your airplane is beginning to enter
a steep dive, you may then apply some
up elevator to aid recovery as well as
reduce throttle.
• Because the Freedom’s ACT uses sensors
to activate the protective software, there
could be times when the sensors could be
fooled. This may be especially true when
flying in very bright sunshine and/or when
the sun is close to the horizon.
• Don’t fly over water, light sand, snow, ice,
asphalt or anything else that can reflect
light and temporarily fool the sensors.
Anti-Crash Technology (ACT) Flying Tips
• Don’t fly in too small of an area, as the
ACT technology will not help to prevent
crashes into trees, buildings, or other
obstacles.
• Make several successful flights (including
soft landings) prior to attempting to fly
without the aid of the ACT software.
• Remember, it is possible to switch ACT on
and off in flight, but make sure you have
sufficient altitude, and the plane is in level
controlled flight.
• Do not let the airplane drift too far down
wind from you, as it can become very
difficult to get back to you.
Step 2
Step 2
Runway Takeoff (ROG)
Not recommended for inexperienced pilots.
1. Make sure your landing gear is properly
installed and is securely in the slot on
the fuselage before you attempt takeoff.
2. Stand behind the Firebird Freedom™ and
point it directly into the wind on smooth
asphalt or concrete.
3. Apply full power and adjust the right
control stick as necessary to keep the
Firebird Freedom headed directly into
the wind.
4. If the battery is fully charged, the
Firebird Freedom should lift off the
ground in approximately 40 feet. Apply
some UP elevator by pulling the stick
back, and the plane will lift off of the
ground in a shorter distance. Remember,
only a small amount of UP is needed.
Too much will result in a stall after the
plane has left the ground.
Hand Launch
On first flights, it is a good idea to have a
second person, ideally an adult, help you
launch your airplane. This will allow the pilot
to focus entirely on the transmitter input.
1. Make sure the battery is fully charged.
2. Make sure that no one who is flying or
preparing to fly is on the same channel,
within approximately ½ mile (805 meters),
that you are on. When you are confident
of this, turn on the transmitter.
3. Install and plug in the flight battery.
4. If you are launching and flying the airplane, place the transmitter in your left
hand and grab hold of your airplane
with your right hand. Use caution, and
advance the throttle all the way up so
that it is full on.
5. Take a few steps and launch the model
DIRECTLY into the wind, while keeping
the airplane and its wings level with the
ground. Use medium force.
WARNING: Keep the spinning propeller
away from your hair, head, and hands or
injury may occur.
16
Step 11
17
Step 12
6. Allow the plane to climb steadily at full
throttle into the wind until you have
achieved an altitude of 150 to 200 feet
(46 to 61 meters). You will not need to use
elevator in order for your plane to climb.
A few clicks down on elevator trim should
allow steady climb.
Your Firebird Freedom™ is equipped with
a third channel for pitch control (elevator).
Pulling back on the stick provides UP elevator that allows for shorter runway takeoffs,
better flares for landing, a better climb rate,
and more effective turns. However, giving
too much UP elevator (pulling back on the
stick) will cause the airplane to enter a stall,
especially at slower speeds.
Just after a stall occurs, the nose of the
airplane will go down, and the airplane will
begin to enter a dive. To recover from a stall,
pull the stick back slowly (UP elevator) once
the nose of the airplane goes down and the
plane has built up airspeed. Pulling back
slowly on the stick will put the nose up, and
cause the plane to exit the stall to straight
and level flight. Be careful, as pulling back
too quickly or too far will once again cause
the airplane to stall.
Using Elevator
Wind direction
for hand launch
Wind direction for
runway takeoff
Flying
Step 13
18
1. After launching your Firebird Freedom™,
it will begin climbing at full throttle. With
the throttle all the way on, your Firebird
Freedom should climb without any elevator input.
2. Make right- and left-hand adjustments to
keep your airplane heading directly into
the wind. Do not attempt a turn until you
have reached a minimum of 50–100 feet
of altitude. That’s about as tall as a 4- to
8-story building. It is hard to determine
altitude when you’re in a wide and open
space outside, so the best rule is to err
on the side of caution and allow yourself
sufficient altitude when flying.
3. Control range is 2500 feet. Don’t let the
airplane get too far away. Keep the aircraft UPWIND from you. Failure to do this
could result in a flyaway! Remember – the
wind is stronger as your plane gets higher
in the air. It’s okay to fly higher, just be
cautious and watch how your plane reacts
to the wind. Most of the time, you can fly
at higher altitudes at half throttle.
This is great for smooth easy flying when
you’re first learning to fly, and conserves
battery power.
4. When you have reached higher altitudes
and want to practice using the elevator,
begin with small and smooth inputs to the
transmitter, as very little input is required to
get the plane to turn, climb, or descend.
5. Avoid long vertical dives, with power on
or off, as it can cause a lot of stress on the
airplane.
Step 13
19
Sharp Turns:
Move the stick in the direction you want
to turn and add a bit of UP elevator at the
same time (pull back on stick). The plane will
make a sharper banking turn.
Rudder Trim:
If the Firebird Freedom™ seems to drift in
one direction when the control stick is in the
neutral (centered) position, gradually move
the rudder trim lever below the control
stick in the OPPOSITE direction of the drift.
Adjust until the plane flies straight with the
control stick at neutral.
Elevator Trim:
If the model always “hunts” up or down,
use the trim lever to the left of the stick to
correct this problem. If it hunts up, slide the
left trim lever up one notch at a time until
it flies level. If it hunts down, slide the left
trim lever down one notch at a time until it
flies level. The model should fly straight with
the stick at neutral. Your Firebird Freedom
should have a steady climb at full throttle
when it is trimmed properly.
Flying (continued)
Throttle Adjustment
Step 14
20
1. When launching, the throttle should be
full on.
2. Once you have achieved the altitude
where you want to fly you can reduce
throttle to about 50% for cruising. This
will also allow for longer flights.
3. If you want to reduce altitude, reduce
throttle to less than 50%.
4. To increase altitude again, increase throttle to more than 50%.
Note: If you’re flying with the motor off, or at
a low speed, allow the Firebird Freedom™ a
bit more area for turns.
Step 15
21
Landing
When you notice that your Firebird Freedom
™
no longer climbs well under full power, normally after about 10–12 minutes, the battery
is getting low and it is time to land. Line the
airplane up directly into the wind toward the
desired landing spot. At about 10–15 feet of
altitude, reduce the throttle gradually until it
is completely shut off. Your Firebird Freedom
will glide in for a landing.
Auto Cutoff: When the battery gets low
enough, this feature will automatically shut
off the motor and save enough battery
power to maintain control of the tail so you
can land correctly and safely. If the motor
cuts off, prepare to land immediately. If you
are gliding down and have some time to
rest the battery, you may re-arm the motor
by moving the throttle slider back to off and
then advancing it again. This will only allow
the motor to run briefly, and may allow you
to better adjust your landing. DO NOT rearm more than once.
WARNING: Do not attempt to catch the
airplane or injury may result. Turn the motor
off prior to touchdown in order to prevent
damage to the wing and/or propeller.
EXPERT TIP: As you get more experienced
at flying, try adding a bit of UP elevator
(pull back on stick) just before touchdown to
“flare” the plane. With some practice, your
landings will be smooth and on target.
Reduce power at 10 feet
SUCCESS TIP: Your Firebird Freedom’s
transmitter has a throttle slider that gives
power to the motor. It has proportional
control, meaning you can advance the
motor as much or little as needed in
flight. In order to have the most success,
it is important to operate the throttle
slider smoothly, as you should the steering and elevator stick.
Step 16
22
If you notice that your airplane wants to turn
to either the left or right when the control
stick is centered, some adjustments are
needed as the control surfaces may not be
at neutral. In most cases, a few clicks in the
needed direction (right or left) on the trim
lever will correct the problem. If you need
even more adjustment do the following:
1. With the transmitter on, and flight battery
plugged in, place both trim levers on the
transmitter at the neutral position (center).
2. Loosen the spool on the control surface.
3. Move the control surface back to neutral,
or even with the rest of the tail, and re-tighten the spool.
Step 16
23
Making Adjustments: Plane Turns to the Left or Right
If you are certain the control surfaces are at
neutral and the plane still “wanders” to the
left:
1. Adjust the tail (see below) so that the left
tail control surface is 1/16” above the rest
of the tail.
2. Test fly.
3. If it is still flying on its own to the left,
repeat the above procedure until it flies
straight.
If the plane still “wanders” to the right:
1. Adjust the tail so that the right tail control
surface is 1/16” above the rest of the tail.
2. Test fly.
3. If it is still flying on its own to the right,
repeat the above procedure until it flies
straight.
IMPORTANT: If there is a bend (even a small one) in the tail or wing or a tear near the flap
areas, it will be impossible to have correct flight control. Replace the damaged part immediately!
Making Adjustments: Plane Turns to the Left or Right
Control surfaces neutral after correction
Spool
Step 17
24
Adjusting the Climb Rate
If your Firebird Freedom™ does not climb
fast enough when at full throttle and with a
full charged battery pack, you can adjust the
climb rate by:
1. Tightening the front screw one full turn
and loosening the back screw one full
turn.
2. Test flying.
3. Repeat the above procedure until your
plane climbs adequately under full power.
Screw In Screw Out Screw InScrew Out
If your Firebird Freedom climbs too fast at
full throttle by climbing at a steep angle,
stalling and keeps repeating climbing sharply and stalling, do the following:
1. Loosen the front tail screw one full turn
and tighten the back tail screw one full
turn.
2. Test fly.
3. Repeat the above procedure, if necessary,
until your Firebird Freedom climbs at a
steady rate.
Aerobatic Flight
25
Your Firebird Freedom™ comes out of
the box with the controls set for beginning pilots, with the pushrod attached in
the outer holes of the control surfaces. By
adjusting the pushrods so they are attached
in the holes on the tail that are closer to the
control surfaces, you will give your Firebird
Freedom more control response for more
aerobatic maneuvers, such as loops and tail
slides.
CAUTION: This should not be done until
you have gained more experience at flying
and have flown for some time successfully
with the ACT™ software turned off.
Step 18
26
If a Crash Occurs
If you happen to crash and part of the foam
wing or tail breaks, it can be repaired using
packing tape to cover missing pieces.
If damage is severe or if the wing or tail is
bent, replace damaged parts immediately.
See page 32 for a complete replacement
parts list.
27
Warnings and Safety Checklist
1. Read and follow this manual and included
video CD completely, observing all
instructions and safety directions. If you
do not do this, serious injury and damage
can occur. Think safety first.
2. Keep propeller away from all body parts
at all times! Beware of loose clothing or
hair becoming entangled in the propeller.
3. Never fly when it is too windy or you may
lose control of the airplane. Never fly near
people, vehicles, train tracks, buildings,
power lines, water, hard surfaces, or trees,
and never attempt to catch the Firebird
Freedom.
™
4. Adult supervision is recommended for
ages 12 and under.
5. Only use a battery charger intended for
use with the Firebird Freedom battery. We
recommend using the charger that comes
with your airplane. Never leave the charger unattended while charging! During
charging, place the battery and charger
on a heat-resistant surface. Do not place
them on carpet or upholstery.
6. Never cut into the battery charger or airplane wires, or serious injury can occur.
Causing the battery to short out (crossing negative and positive bare wires) can
cause a fire, serious injury and damage.
7. Hold the plane securely, and keep all
body parts away from the propeller at all
times.
8. After you have finished flying, or at any
time you have the radio system on,
ALWAYS unplug the battery prior to turning the transmitter off. ALWAYS turn on
the transmitter prior to plugging flight
battery in.
9. Never fly on the same frequency as another RC vehicle in your area. Doing so will
cause you, or the other person, to lose
control of the plane.
Replace wing immediately
28
Troubleshooting
Unit does not operate 1. Transmitter "AA"batteries are depleted
or installed incorrectly as indicated by a
dim or unlit LED on the transmitter or the
low battery alarm
2. No electrical connection
3. Aircraft battery is not charged
4. Crash has damaged the radio inside
the fuselage
1. Check polarity installation or replace with
fresh “AA” batteries
2. Push connectors together until they click
3. Fully charge the battery
4. Replace the fuselage
Aircraft keeps turning in
one direction
1. Tail flaps need adjustment 1. Adjust stick trim lever (see page 19) or adjust
tail flap position (see pages 22-23)
Aircraft is difficult
to control
1. Tail flaps aren't adjusted properly
2. Wing or tail is damaged
1. Adjust tail flaps (see pages 22-23)
2. Repair or replace tail
Aircraft keeps pitching
up steeply
1. Tail incidence needs adjustment
2. Wind is too gusty or strong
1. Adjust tail screw (see page 24)
2. Postpone flying until wind is more calm
Aircraft won't climb 1. Battery isn't fully charged
2. Tail needs adjustment
1. Charge battery shortly before flying
2. Adjust tail screws (see page 24)
PROBLEM
POSSIBLE CAUSE
SOLUTION
Success Tips
1. Do not fly in winds over 7 mph, especially
during first flights. Flying in too much
wind is by far the number one reason for
crashes and flyaways.
2. Choose the flying area carefully. A grassy
field or soft ground that is about 600 feet
in diameter is optimum. It’s also best to fly
in an area with very few or no trees.
3. ALWAYS fly the airplane UPWIND! Never
allow your Firebird Freedom™ to fly too
far down wind, as it will get farther and
farther away from you. If you find that
the plane has gotten down wind, reduce
throttle and point the nose directly into
the wind to bring it back closer to you.
4. Wear sunglasses on sunny days.
5. Avoid flying directly overhead.
6. Always make sure the flight battery is fully
charged immediately prior to flying.
7. Do not attempt maneuvers beyond your
abilities, especially with the ACT™ programming off.
To learn more about flying RC model
airplanes, locate your nearest AMA club,
learn the AMA safety code and frequency
guidelines, and much more, we highly
recommend that you contact:
The Academy of Model Aeronautics
5161 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, Indiana 47302
Toll-Free (800) 435-9262
www.modelaircraft.org
29
30
Horizon Hobby, Inc. guarantees that your HobbyZone®
Firebird Freedom™ will be free from defects in material
and workmanship at the date of purchase. This warranty
does not cover any component parts, or damage by
use or modification. In no case shall Horizon Hobby’s
liability exceed the original purchase cost of this item.
Further, Horizon Hobby reserves the right to change or
modify this warranty without notice.
This warranty covers only those products purchased
from an authorized Horizon Hobby dealer. Third party
transactions are not covered by this warranty. Proof of
purchase is required for all warranty claims. Due to the
nature and operation of your Firebird Freedom, the
warranty does not extend beyond the initial pre-use
testing. Carefully check the parts and operation of your
airplane and its components BEFORE your first use. If
you discover defects during pre-use testing, please call
our Product Support Team toll-free at 877-504-0233 for
technical support.
Warranty and Follow-Up Procedures
In that Horizon Hobby 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 use by the user of the final userassembled product. By the act of using the product the
user assembles, the user accepts all resulting liability.
Please note that once assembly has been started, the
user must contact Horizon Hobby, Inc. directly regarding any warranty questions. Please do not contact a
local hobby shop regarding warranty issues. This will
enable Horizon to better answer questions and provide
service in the event warranty assistance is needed.
Horizon Hobby, Inc. reserves the right to inspect any
and all equipment involved in a warranty claim. Repair
or replacement decisions are at the sole discretion of
Horizon Hobby, Inc. Collateral damage is not covered
under this warranty. If you, as the buyer or owner, are
not prepared to accept the liability associated with
the use of this product, you are advised to return it
immediately in new and unused condition to the place
of purchase.
If you have any questions concerning your
HobbyZone product, please contact our Product
Support staff toll-free at 1-877-504-0233.
31
If your Firebird Freedom™ requires inspection, please
follow these steps in order to return it to us:
1. Call our Product Support team for return
authorization.
2. Use the “Service and Repair Checklist” from
www.horizonhobby.com under the support tab or
write a detailed letter that includes:
• Your name, address, home phone number, and
daytime phone number;
• A list of the products being shipped for inspection
or repair;
• A detailed account of the type of problems you
are incurring; and
• The payment method you wish to use for any pur-
chases or charges, including credit card type,
number, expiration date and your name as it
appears on the card.
3. Submit proof of purchase, including purchase date
and retailer information.
4. Make sure that the batteries are unplugged and
removed. Please use packing material to separate
them from product.
5. Pack all components and accessories in the original
box, and then pack it in a sturdy box with packing
materials for safe shipping.
6. For inspection and/or repair, please ship your
product to:
Horizon Service Center
Attn: HobbyZone Department
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, IL 61822
We suggest you ship your product back to us via a
carrier that provides package tracking and/or signature
required. Horizon Hobby, Inc. is only responsible for
product once it arrives and is accepted at our facility. Most carriers require optional insurance to cover
damage or loss in transit, so please consider this when
shipping merchandise.
Keep your Firebird Freedom™ in the air! Spare parts are available from your dealer or
from Horizon Hobby direct (www.horizonhobby.com). Please check with your dealer first—
by supporting your dealer, they’ll be there when you need them. To locate your local dealer,
go to www.hobbyzonesports.com.
32
Replacement and Optional Parts
PART# DESCRIPTION MSRP PART# DESCRIPTION MSRP
HBZ7000 Freedom 3-Channel RTF $169.99
HBZ2016 Landing Gear $3.99
HBZ7010 Decal Sheet $2.99
HBZ7015 Instruction Manual $0.99
HBZ7016 Instruction Video $7.99
HBZ7017 Canopy Cover with Hardware $3.99
HBZ7018 Black Nose Piece $1.69
HBZ7020 W ing with Spar $14.99
HBZ7021 Wing Spar $2.99
HBZ7031 Tail with Accessories $9.99
HBZ7035 Tail Horn and Keeper (2) $0.89
HBZ7039 Tail V-Brace $1.49
HBZ7040 Tail Screws (2) $0.99
HBZ7041 Pushrods & Locking Screws (2) $1.69
HBZ7061 Fuselage: CH1, 26.995 $59.99
HBZ7062 Fuselage: CH2, 27.045 $59.99
HBZ7063 Fuselage: CH3, 27.095 $59.99
HBZ7064 Fuselage: CH4, 27.145 $59.99
HBZ7065 Fuselage: CH5, 27.195 $59.99
HBZ7066 Fuselage: CH6, 27.255 $59.99
HBZ7071 Transmitter: CH1, 26.995 $32.99
HBZ7072 Transmitter: CH2, 27.045 $32.99
HBZ7073 Transmitter: CH3, 27.095 $32.99
HBZ7074 Transmitter: CH4, 27.145 $32.99
HBZ7075 Transmitter: CH5, 27.195 $32.99
HBZ7076 Transmitter: CH6, 27.255 $32.99
HBZ7085 Bare Fuselage (without Receiver) $19.99
HBZ1013 8.4V 1000mAh Ni-MH Battery $27.99
HBZ1026 DC Peak Charger (1.2 Amp) $19.99
HBZ1058 Transmitter Antenna $4.99
HBZ2017 Tail Wheel $1.50
HBZ2004 Propeller $2.99
HBZ6057 Transmitter Battery Cover $2.50
33
X-port Accessories
Your Firebird Freedom™ comes equipped with
the ability to add to the excitement of flying.
HobbyZone’s exclusive X-Port™ technology allows
for such things as air-to-air combat, dropping
bombs, and even night flight. These items (sold
separately) instantly add fun and excitement to
X-Port-equipped aircraft.
Rule the air with the Sonic Combat Module
(HBZ4020). You can take on other X-Port™
equipped aircraft by attaching this to your aircraft
and shooting down your buddy’s aircraft. When you
“hit” his/her aircraft, a high-pitched sound can be
heard that signals you have hit his/her aircraft, leaving
the motor disabled for about 8 seconds. He/she will
still maintain the ability to steer for a safe landing or
position himself/herself for a counterattack.
Parachute drops and streamer bombs are included
with the Aerial Drop Module™ (HBZ6023). See
who can come the closest to a selected target
site, or simply have fun watching the parachutists
fall slowly back to the earth with the easy-to-use
release mechanism of the electro magnetic latch
that is released via the transmitter.
Fly at night with the Night Flight Module™
(HBZ3510). Recommended for experienced
pilots, this module uses super-bright LED’s to
illuminate the wing and tail of the selected X-Port
equipped aircraft. There are 4 different light modes
from which you can choose.
Replacement and Optional Parts (continued)
Step 2
Step 2
34
Optional Parts and Accessories
There are optional parts and accessories that you
can buy to make your flying experience more fun.
In addition to X-Port™ items, you can also purchase
additional battery packs to keep your downtime to
a minimum.
Your Firebird Freedom™ comes equipped with an
8.4V 1000mAh Ni-MH Battery Pack (HBZ1013).
It is helpful to have an extra one or two of these on
hand while you’re flying so that one can be charging while you’re using the other ones.
Replacement and Optional Parts (continued)
35
Once you’ve mastered flying your Firebird
Freedom,™ we recommend that you try
another 3-channel plane from HobbyZone®
for the most successful transition to using
larger and faster 3-channel airplanes. The
Aerobird Challenger® is a great next step,
but you could also try the Aerobird Xtreme.™
Both of these aircraft are X-Port™ equipped,
so you’ll still be able to have fun with the
X-Port accessories you use with your Firebird
Freedom. Be warned, however, that the
Aerobird Xtreme is much larger and heavier,
and will therefore fly much faster than the
Aerobird Challenger. If you choose to go
from flying the Firebird Freedom to flying the Aerobird Xtreme, we recommend
that you have a very experienced RC pilot
with you for your first flights until you get
comfortable flying a larger, faster airplane.
Reacting to difficult situations with the
Firebird Freedom is much different than
with the Aerobird Challenger and Aerobird
Xtreme since they do not have ACT™ and
those two airplanes are bigger and faster.
We hope you enjoy flying your new Firebird
Freedom, and thank you for supporting
HobbyZone. Please let us know how we
can help you in the future. We hope your
flights with this plane are just the beginning
of a long and positive RC experience. Best
wishes in the hobby.
Sincerely,
The HobbyZone Team
Future RC Flight
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