5952
Instruction Manual
W
elcome
to the World of
Crash damage is not covered
under the warranty.
Be sure to read the warranty
on page 28 and "Warnings and
Safety" on page 25 before you
proceed to Step 1.
Once you’re more experienced, you can enter Expert Mode,
allowing you to have full control at all times for tighter turns
and spirals, as well as other dramatic maneuvers.
Our mission at HobbyZone®is to make sure you have success
and safe fun with the Firebird IIST™and learn a few things
along the way.
™
—a
™
Step 2
5
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.
2. Secure the wing in place by attaching two
rubber bands across the middle and one on
each side as shown. Locate the rubber bands
on the peg hooks as close as possible to the
fuselage sides.
3. Before each flight, make sure the front and
trailing edges of the wing are exactly centered
on the fuselage.
Rubber Bands (x4)
Needed for Step 2
Important: Charge the battery shortly before
flying. While charging, place the battery on a
heat-resistant surface. Do not lay it on carpet
or upholstery while charging. If you charge the
battery 12–48 hours before flying, charge again
for 30 minutes right before you fly. Stop charging
immediately when the battery becomes warm,
indicating it is fully charged.
Note: If the weather is cold, keep the battery
in a warm place until you are ready to fly.
A cold battery will have dramatically reduced
performance and the throttle will shut off early.
Step 4
7
Charging the Aircraft Battery
Note: Never charge a hot battery or a battery
that is already charged. Always discharge before
every charge. See Step 3 for instructions on
discharging.
See "Warnings and Safety" on page 25.
1. The charger supplied with the Firebird IIST
™
has a built-in timer. Plug the battery into the
charger, and then plug the charger into the
wall. The LED indicator should glow constantly.
After about 2.5 hours, the LED will turn off,
indicating the battery is charged and ready
to use.
2. To charge another battery, the charger must
first be unplugged from both the wall and the
battery to reset the timer.
Step 5
9
Tail Control Test continued
View from Rear
Moves Up
Moves Up
View from Rear
Step 7
11
Choose a Large, Open Grassy Field
•A large, open grass field is required. The
Firebird IIST™flies approximately 20 mph,
so it covers ground fast. The bigger the field,
the better!
• It is absolutely essential to have a minimum of
300 feet of clear space in all directions from
the pilot. If you ignore this direction, you will
regret it.
Important: Do not fly over or near people,
buildings, power lines, highways, train tracks,
vehicles, trees, water, pavement, gravel, any
hard surface or any object you don’t want to
crash into. Please take this warning seriously to
keep people, property and the Firebird IIST safe.
Crash damage is not covered by the warranty.
600 feet
Fly in this area
(upwind of pilot)
stand here
Step 9
13
Range Test
You will need two people to do the range test:
one to hold the transmitter and one to hold the
airplane.
1. One person holds the transmitter; the
other person walks 100 paces away with
the airplane.
2. Extend the transmitter antenna completely and
turn the transmitter on.
3. Plug in the airplane battery and close the hatch
cover.
4. Pull the throttle stick back to arm the motor.
5. As the first person moves both of the transmitter controls at the same time, the other
person watches to be sure the airplane's motor
and tail controls operate smoothly.
WATCH OUT! The person holding the airplane
should hold it so that the propeller does not come
in contact with any part of their body.
™
—you’ll be glad you
Step 10
15
Hand Launch
1. Your Firebird IIST™will always be hand-launched.
On first flights, have a second person (adult
recommended) launch the Firebird IIST while
the pilot controls with the transmitter. Adult
assistance is always recommended for pilots
12 years of age or younger.
2. Make sure the battery is fully charged.
3. While holding transmitter in one hand, push
throttle stick to full-on (up) with thumb.
4. Take a couple of steps and launch the model
directly into the wind. Keep the wings level.
Use medium force. Do not throw it up or down.
Point it level (parallel) with the ground when
releasing. Think of it as a javelin that you are
throwing 20 feet away.
WATCH OUT! Keep the spinning propeller
away from your hair, head and hands or injury
may occur.
Important: Before launching, determine the
wind direction by watching which way the red
transmitter ribbon is blowing.
Step 11
17
Flying continued
Turning
Hold the right stick in the direction you want the
model to turn.
Trimming
If the model always turns one direction, use the
trim control lever below the control stick to correct (see below). The model should fly straight
with the control stick at neutral. See page 20 if
additional adjustment is needed.
Important: If you hold the right stick over too
long, it may be possible to enter a spiral. If you
start to spiral, release the throttle stick and briefly
apply opposite steering with the right stick, then
let go of the controls until the plane recovers.
Step 13
19
Landing
When you notice that the Firebird IIST™no longer
climbs well under full power (normally after
approximately 12–16 minutes), the battery is
getting low, and it’s time to land. Line the model
up, heading directly into the wind toward the
desired landing spot. At 10 feet of altitude, gradually
reduce the throttle stick to turn off the motor.
The Firebird IIST will glide in for a landing. It is
recommended to land on grass (if possible)
in order to prevent you from damaging the
Firebird IIST.
Auto Cut-Off Feature: When the motor battery
gets low enough, this feature will automatically
shut off the motor and save enough battery
power so you can steer to a safe landing. If the
motor cuts off, prepare to land immediately.
WARNING: Do not attempt to catch the airplane
or injury may result. Also, be sure to turn motor
off before you touch down or damage can occur
to your wing and propeller. Remember to always
land directly into the wind.
Expert Tip: As you get more experienced at flying, try adding a small "blip" of power just before
touchdown. With some practice, you'll be able to
land it right on target.
Reduce power at 10 feet
Full Throttle
™
a bit
Step 15
21
Making Adjustments to the Climb Rate
A. If the Firebird IIST™(with a fully charged
battery) does not climb fast enough with full
throttle, you can adjust the climb rate by:
1. Tightening the front tail screw in one full turn
and loosening the rear tail screw one full turn.
2. Test fly.
3. Repeat the above procedure if necessary
until the Firebird IIST climbs adequately
under full power.
B. If the Firebird IIST climbs too fast with 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 rear screw one full turn.
2. Test fly.
3. Repeat the above procedure if necessary
until your Firebird IIST climbs at a steady rate.
Screw In Screw Out Screw InScrew Out
Step 16
23
Expert Mode continued
Testing the Mode (Optional)
You may check to see what mode you are in after
power up, but before pulling the throttle back to
arm the motor.
1. Push and hold the throttle stick forward. (The
motor should not run since it is not armed.)
2. While holding the throttle stick forward, push
the right stick all the way to the right and hold
it there.
• If the left control surface deflects up, holds for
about half a second, then reduces to about half
way up, you are in Smart-Trak™Standard Mode.
• If the left control surface deflects up and stays
up the same amount continuously, you are in
Expert Mode.
2524
Warnings and Safety
1. Read and follow this manual and included
video completely, observing all instructions and
safety directions. Otherwise, serious injury and
damage can occur. Think safety first.
2. Keep the propeller away from body parts, even
when it isn’t spinning as it could be turned on
by accident. Beware of hair becoming entangled
in the propeller, especially while launching the
Firebird IIST™on a windy day, or injury may
occur.
3. Do not fly when it’s too windy (as described
in STEP 8) or you may lose control and crash,
causing injury or damage. Never fly the
Firebird IIST near people, vehicles, train tracks,
buildings, power lines, water, hard surfaces or
trees. Never allow anyone to attempt to catch
the Firebird IIST while it’s in flight or serious
injury can result.
4. Adult supervision is recommended for ages
12 and under.
5. Battery Charging: Only use a battery charger
intended for use with the Firebird IIST battery.
Never leave the charger unattended while charging. This will help prevent overcharging. While
charging, place the battery on a heat-resistant
surface. Do not lay it on carpet or upholstery
while charging. Charging a battery that is not
fully discharged will cause the battery to overheat unless it is carefully monitored and removed
from the charge when it becomes warm.
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 fire, serious
injury and damage.
7. Hold the plane securely and keep all body parts
away from the propeller when the flight battery
is plugged in. When you finish flying the
Firebird IIST, always unplug the battery before
you turn off the transmitter.
8. Never fly on the same frequency as another RC
vehicle in your area. The frequency of the
Firebird IIST is shown on stickers on the back
of the transmitter.
2726
SOLUTION
Success Tips
1. A "must" for beginners: Don't fly in winds over
5 mph!
2. Important: Choose a flying field carefully—
grass and soft ground with 600-foot diameter
is optimal to fly and will lengthen the life of the
Firebird IIST™.
3. Watch out! Holding the right stick full-over for
too long may cause the Firebird IIST to spiral
dive and crash, especially at low altitudes. At
the very first sign of the Firebird IIST beginning
to spiral down, immediately release the stick
and give the opposite control to level the
wings.
4. Purchase an extra battery pack for added fun at
the flying field.
5. If you're gliding with the motor off, allow the
Firebird IIST a little more area for turns.
6. Position yourself at your flying field to keep
the sun at your back and out of your eyes.
Wear sunglasses on bright days.
7. Keep the Firebird IIST upwind, especially on
windy days, to prevent it from “flying away.”
The wind is normally stronger at higher altitudes than it is on the ground.
8. Keep your plane in front of you so you don't
have to turn in circles as you fly. Try to avoid
flying directly overhead.
9. Don't attempt to fly beyond your flying abilities.
To learn more about flying RC model airplanes,
location of the nearest AMA club, AMA safety
code, frequency guidelines and much more, we
highly recommend that you contact:
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5161 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, Indiana 47302
Toll-Free (800) 435-9262
www.modelaircraft.org
29
™
, please follow these
Replacement and Optional Parts
Keep that Firebird IIST™flying! 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.hobbyzone.com
Item # Description Retail
Replacement Parts
HBZ5522 Yellow Standard Wing (FB IIST) $9.99
HBZ5525 Tail w/Accessories (FB IIST) $6.99
HBZ1510 Rubberbands (5) (FB II, FB IIST) $0.99
HBZ1512 Canopy Cover
w/Latch and Screw (FB IIST) $1.99
HBZ5520 Decal Sheet (FB IIST) $2.99
HBZ5516 Instruction VCD (FB IIST) $7.99
HBZ5523 Trailing Edge Caps (2) (FB IIST) $1.29
HBZ5531 Fuselage CH. 1, 26.995 (FB IIST) $39.99
HBZ5532 Fuselage CH. 2, 27.045 (FB IIST) $39.99
HBZ5533 Fuselage CH. 3, 27.095 (FB IIST) $39.99
HBZ5534 Fuselage CH. 4, 27.145 (FB IIST) $39.99
HBZ5535 Fuselage CH. 5, 27.195 (FB IIST) $39.99
HBZ5536 Fuselage CH. 6, 27.255 (FB IIST) $39.99
HBZ5539 2 1/2 Hour Wall Charger
w/Timer (FB IIST) $9.99
HBZ3351 Transmitter:
CH. 1, 26.995 (ZZR, FBC, FB IIST) $24.99
HBZ3352 Transmitter:
CH. 2, 27.045 (ZZR, FBC, FB IIST) $24.99
Item # Description Retail
HBZ3353 Transmitter: CH. 3, 27.095 (FB IIST) $24.99
HBZ3354 Transmitter: CH. 4, 27.145 (FB IIST) $24.99
HBZ3355 Transmitter: CH. 5, 27.195 (FB IIST) $24.99
HBZ3356 Transmitter: CH. 6, 27.255 (FB IIST) $24.99
HBZ1007 Propeller (FB II, FB IIST) $2.99
HBZ1010 4.8V 600mAh NiMH Battery (FB II, FB IIST) $14.99
HBZ1047 1.5" Tail Boom
Repair Section (FB II, FB IIST) $0.50
HBZ1049 Wing
Hold Down Rods with Caps (2)(FB II, FB IIST) $0.99
HBZ1058 Transmitter Antenna (FB IIST) $4.99
HBZ1059 Red Antenna Ribbon (FB IIST) $0.79
HBZ1060 Transmitter Battery Cover (Lg. 2ch)(FB IIST)$2.49
Optional Parts
HBZ1011 6.0V 600mAh NiMH Battery (FB II, FB IIST) $17.99
HBZ1026 DC Peak Charger (All Birds, ZZR) $19.99
3130
HBZ1026 DC Peak Charger
Charge your battery from your car in about 40 minutes
with our DC Peak Charger, including adapter to charge
most HobbyZone
®
Aircraft and ZigZag™boat batteries.
HBZ1011 6V 600mAh Battery
Add some more climb power and speed with this
5-cell hop-up.
HobbyZone Accessories
Loading...