Instruction Manual
TM
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 1
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 2
Welcome
to the World of
Congratulations! You have the easiest flying radio control
airplane ever: the Firebird Outlaw
TM
from HobbyZone
®
. Our
mission at HobbyZone is to make sure you have success
with the Firebird Outlaw—to have safe fun and learn a few
things along the way. You’re going to be surprised how
easy it is to fly this radio control airplane. There’s one
catch, though. You gotta’ read and follow the directions!
Ready to get started? So are we. Let’s go! First, watch the
included instructional video cd to make assembly and
flying of the Firebird Outlaw even easier.
Remember, crash damage is not
covered under the warranty.
Be sure to read the warranty on page 25
and “Warnings and Safety” on pages
21–22 before you proceed to Step 1
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 3
Transmitter
•To test, switch on the transmitter—the
LED should glow brightly.
• The LED wil flash when the battery
needs to be replaced.
•Remove battery compartment cover,
replace battery and replace cover.
Needed for Step 1
9V battery
(preinstalled in your transmitter)
Back
On
Step 1
4
Switch
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Wing and Landing Gear Attachment
Mounting the Landing Gear
1.Insert the landing gear into the slot on
the bottom of the fuselage.
Attaching the Wing
1.Center the wing on the fuselage by
aligning the center dot on the wing’s
leading edge with the fuselage seam
and by centering the half circle on the
wing’s trailing edge over the fuselage
center seam.
2.Secure the wing in place with two
rubber bands.
3.Before each flight, make sure the
leading and trailing edges of the wing
are exactly centered on the fuselage.
Needed for Step 2
Rubber Bands (x2)
Landing Gear
Step 2
5
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Motor Test and Battery Discharging
Note: If the flight battery is too low on
power, the throttle stick may not function,
and the steering may or may not function.
If this is the case, proceed to “Charging
the Airplane Battery.”
1.With the control sticks in their center
position, turn the transmitter on. Do
not touch the sticks for two seconds
while the onboard computer calibrates
the controls.
2.Install the flight battery in the fuselage
slot and plug in the connector.
3.The Firebird Outlaw
TM
has a throttle-
arming feature. If you were to plug in
the battery with the transmitter throttle
on, the motors would not run. The
receiver must see the throttle at center
before it will arm the motors. The
throttle-arming feature will be
activated each time the battery is
plugged into the airplane.
ADULT SUPERVISION REQUIRED
WARNING: Keep everything clear
of the propellers. A moving
propeller can cause injury.
4.Push the throttle stick forward to run
the motors at high speed until the throttle
shuts off in order to fully discharge the
battery. If there is not enough charge in
the battery to power the propellers, then
proceed to the next page.
5.When finished with the motor test, be sure
to disconnect the flight battery first, then
turn off the transmitter.
Step 3
6
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Charging the Airplane Battery
Note: Never charge a hot battery or a
battery that is already charged. Always
discharge before every charge. See
Step 2 (page 6) for instructions on
discharging.
Important: For best performance, the
Firebird Outlaw battery should be charged
shortly before flying. If it has been longer
than 24 hours since fully charging, give
the battery a “booster charge” by charging
it for an extra 20 minutes prior to flying.
Do not leave the battery unattended during
the booster charge. Or discharge the
battery and charge it again.
• The charger supplied with the Firebird
Outlaw has a built-in timer. Plug the
battery into the charger, then plug the
charger into the wall. The LED indicator
should glow constantly. After about
2
1
-
2
hours, the LED will turn off. At
this time the battery is charged and
ready to use.
•To charge another battery, the charger
must be unplugged from the wall to
reset the timer (then start over).
Step 4
7
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Steering Control Test
WARNING: Keep everything clear
of the propellers before starting
the control test because the
propellers will spin.
1.Switch on the transmitter—make sure
the LED is lit, indicating the transmitter
has power. Do not touch the sticks for
two seconds while the controls calibrate.
2.Install the flight battery in fuselage and
plug in the connector.
3.Hold the plane securely by the tail
boom, making sure everything is clear
of the propellers.
Note: The Firebird Outlaw™ has propellers
that spin in opposite directions to cancel
problematic torque effects. It is normal for
the propellers to spin in opposite directions.
4
5
RIGHT LEFT RIGHT LEFT
6
4.Move the left stick forward. Both
propellers should spin rapidly.
5.Move the right stick to the right. The left
propeller should spin and the right
propeller should not.
6.Move the right stick to the left. The right
propeller should spin and the left
propeller should not.
Step 5
8
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Choose a Large Open Grassy Field
• The Firebird Outlaw™ flies approximately
18 mph, so it covers ground fast. A
large, open grass area with soft ground
is required, and 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. Flying the
Firebird Outlaw in a more restricted
space will most likely end in crashes
and damage.
IMPORTANT: To keep people, property
and the Firebird Outlaw safe, do not fly
over or near people, buildings, power
lines, highways, train tracks, vehicles,
trees, water, pavement or other hard
surfaces and objects. Crash damage is
not covered by the warranty.
Step 6
9
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Choose a Calm Day
SUCCESS TIP: Flying in too much wind
is by far the #1 reason for crashes and/or
lost planes. Follow these guidelines to
protect the Firebird Outlaw—you’ll be
glad you did.
• On your first flights with the Firebird
Outlaw™, do not fly if the wind is
more than 5 mph!
•To check wind conditions:
1.Tie the included red flag to the end of
your transmitter antenna.
2.Hold the transmitter flat so the antenna
is parallel to the ground and note how
much the flag moves in the wind.
3.If the flag hangs down, you’re good
to fly.
4.If the angle between the antenna and
the flag is less than 25°, it’s too windy
for your first flights with the
Firebird Outlaw.
You want to fly! If you wait until the day
is right, you will have a successful flight.
1
2, 3
4
Step 7
10
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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 80 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.Advance the throttle, throttle back and
then advance the throttle once more.
5.As the first person moves both the
transmitter controls at the same time,
the other person watches to be sure the
airplane’s motors operate smoothly.
• If model does not range test correctly,
do not fly. Call Horizon 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
propellers do not come in contact
with any part of their body.
Step 8
11
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Making Initial Adjustments-Leveling the Tail Trim Tabs
• Before taking your first flight, check to
see if tail trim tabs are level with rest
of the tail surface. If not, adjust the
trim tabs by gently flexing them until
they are level.
Step 9
12
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Hand Launch or Runway Takeoff
WARNING: Keep the spinning
propeller away from your hair, head
and hands or injury may occur.
IMPORTANT: Before launching, you’ll
need to determine the wind direction by
watching which way the red transmitter
ribbon is blowing. Always launch
straight into the wind.
Hand Launch (Best over a grass surface)
1.On first flights, have a second person
(adult recommended) launch the
Firebird Outlaw™ while the pilot
controls from the transmitter. Adult
assistance is always recommended with
pilots 12 years of age or younger.
2.Make sure the battery is fully charged.
3.Test the motors with full throttle to
make sure the battery is connected and
the motors are armed.
4.While holding the transmitter in one
hand, push the throttle stick to full on
(up) with thumb.
5.Take a couple of steps and launch model
directly into wind. Keep wings level. Use
a light to medium force. Do not throw it
up or down. Point it level with the ground
when releasing. Keep holding full throttle
and making steering corrections until
safe altitude is acheived.
Step 10
13
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Hand Launch or Runway Takeoff
Runway Takeoff (If a smooth, hard
surface pointed into the wind is available)
1.Stand behind the Firebird Outlaw™ and
point it directly into the wind on
smooth asphalt or concrete.
2.Apply full power and adjust the right
control stick as necessary to keep the
Firebird Outlaw headed directly into
the wind.
3.If the battery is fully charged, the
Firebird Outlaw should lift off the
ground in approximately 35 feet.
Keep holding full throttle and making
steering corrections until a safe
altitude is achieved.
Step 10
continued
14
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Flying
1.After launching, the Firebird Outlaw™
will begin climbing at full throttle. Keep
throttle full on.
2.Make right and left adjustments of the
control stick to keep it flying straight
into the wind. Don’t attempt a turn
until the Firebird Outlaw reaches
50 feet of altitude.
3.Control range is 1500 feet. Don’t let the
plane fly too far away. Keep upwind,
especially if wind is over 8 mph, or the
wind may carry it out of sight and/or
control range.
Turning
1.Move the stick in the direction you want
the model to turn. Practice making
turns to the left and to the right. The
amount you move the stick determines
the tightness of the turn. You do not
have to move the stick all the way over!
Step 11
15
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Throttle Adjustment
Note: The Firebird Outlaw has good
maneuvering capabilities, regardless
of the throttle position.
1.Push the throttle stick all the way
forward to make the Firebird
Outlaw™ climb.
2.Once you’ve climbed to the desired
level, slowly ease back on the throttle
stick until the plane stops climbing
and flies level.
3.To descend, reduce or ease back on
the throttle.
No Throttle
50% Throttle
Full Throttle
Step 12
16
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Landing
1.When you notice the Firebird Outlaw™
no longer climbs well under full power
(normally after approximately 8 to
10 minutes), your battery is getting
low, and it’s time to land.
2.Line the Firebird Outlaw up, heading
directly into the wind toward the
desired landing spot. You can descend
with the throttle mostly off, and apply a
bit of power and steering to adjust you
touchdown point. At about 2–3 feet
high, let go of the control sticks to stop
power to the propellers, the Firebird
Outlaw will glide in for a landing.
Smart Auto Cut-Off Feature
• When motor battery gets low enough,
this feature will automatically shut off
the motor throttle function and save
enough battery to power the radio and
steering function so you can land safely.
If the throttle cuts off, prepare to land
immediately. For a safe landing, steer
into the wind before touchdown.
WARNING: Do not attempt to catch
the airplane or injury may result.
Be sure to turn motor off before
you touch down or damage can
occur to your wing and propeller.
Always land directly into the wind.
Release Control Sticks
Step 14
17
At 2–3 feet, release control sticks
2–3 ft
2-3 Feet
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Making Adjustments-When the Firebird Outlaw
Keeps Turning to the Left or the Right
If the Firebird Outlaw™ keeps turning to
the right with the steering control stick
at neutral:
1. Flex the outer left tail trim tab down
about 1/16" and flex the right tail trim
tab up about 1/16".
2. Test fly.
3. If it still flies to the right, repeat the
above procedure, adding 1/32" each
time until it flies straight.
If the Firebird Outlaw keeps turning to
the left with the steering control stick
at neutral:
1. Flex the outer right tail trim tab down
about 1/16" and flex the left tail trim tab
up about 1/16".
2. Test fly.
3. If it still flies to the right, repeat the
above procedure, adding 1/32" each
time 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 area, it may be impossible
to have correct flight control. Replace
the damaged part immediately! See
page 26 replacement parts list.
A
B
Step 14
18
A.
B.
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Making Adjustments to the Climb Rate
• If the Firebird Outlaw™ climbs too fast
with full throttle by climbing at a steep
angle, stalling, and keeps repeating the
sharp climb and stalling, do the following:
1.Flex both outer* tail trim tabs down
about 1/16” from their current position.
2.Test fly.
3.Repeat the above procedure 1/32" at a
time until the Firebird Outlaw achieves
the desired climb rate.
• If the Firebird Outlaw dives with full
throttle and will not keep flying, do
the following:
1.Flex both
outer* tail trim tabs up
about 1/16” from their current position.
2.Test fly.
3.Repeat the above procedure 1/32" at a
time until the Firebird Outlaw achieves
the desired climb rate.
Step 15
19
Problem
1/16”
1/16”
1/16”
1/16”
Solution
Solution
Problem
•
NOTE: If adjusting the outer trim tabs isn’t enough to solve the problem, then adjust the inner tabs also.
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 19
If a Crash Occurs
1.If you happen to crash and part of the
foam wing or tail surface breaks, it can
be repaired using packing tape to cover
missing pieces.
2.If damage is severe or if wing or tail is
bent, replace damaged parts immediately.
See page 26 for a complete replacement
parts list.
3.Check the tail trim tabs to make sure
they have not flexed out of alignment.
20
•
NOTE: If you ever need to replace your
Outlaw
™
propellers, please remember there
is a left and a right propeller. The one that
goes on the pilots left has a small (L) molded
into its hub. The right propeller has a small (R)
molded in its hub.
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 20
1.Read and follow this manual and the
included video completely, observing
all instructions and safety directions.
Otherwise, serious injury and damage
can occur. Think safety first.
2.Keep propellers 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
propellers, especially when launching
the Firebird Outlaw™ on a windy day or
injury may occur.
3.Do not fly when it’s too windy or you
may lose control and crash, causing
injury or damage. Never fly the Firebird
Outlaw near people, vehicles, highways,
train tracks, buildings, power lines,
water, hard surfaces or trees. Never
allow anyone to attempt to catch the
Firebird Outlaw 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
Outlaw battery. Never leave the charger
unattended while charging. This will help
prevent over charging. While charging,
place the battery on a heat-resistant
surface. Do not lay it on carpet or
furniture while charging. When battery
becomes noticeably warm, charging is
complete. Stop charging immediately. If
you are not certain how much charge is
in your battery, always fully discharge it
first before giving a full charge.
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.
Warnings and Safety Precautions
21
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Warnings and Safety Precautions continued
7.When operating the Firebird Outlaw™,
always turn on the transmitter before
you plug the flight battery into the
Firebird Outlaw. When you finish flying
the Firebird Outlaw, always unplug the
flight battery before you turn off
the transmitter.
8.Never fly on the same frequency as
another RC vehicle/plane in your area.
The frequency of the Firebird Outlaw
is shown on stickers on the back of
the transmitter and on the side of
the fuselage.
To learn more about flying radio control
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
www.modelaircraft.org
22
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 22
Troubleshooting
PROBLEM
POSSIBLE CAUSE
SOLUTION
Unit does not operate
Aircraft keeps pitching
up steeply
Aircraft keeps turning
in one direction
Aircraft is difficult
to control
Aircraft won’t climb
1. Transmitter 9V battery is depleted or
installed incorrectly, this is indicated
by either a dim, unlit or flashing LED
on transmitter
2. No electrical connection
3. Firebird Outlaw™ flight battery
not charged
4. Crash has damaged the radio inside
the Firebird Outlaw
1. Tail trim tabs need adjustment
2. Wind is too gusty or strong
1. Battery isn’t fully charged
2. Tail needs adjustment
1. Tail trim tabs aren’t adjusted properly
2. Wing or tail is damaged
1. Tail trim tabs need adjustment
2. Wing is not centered over the fuselage
1. Check installation or replace with a fresh
9V battery
2. Push connectors together until they “click”
3. Charge the battery fully
4. Replace the fuselage
1. Adjust tail trim tabs down (see page 19)
2. Postpone flying until wind is more calm
1. Charge battery shortly before flying
2. Adjust trim tabs up (see page 19)
1. Adjust tail trim tabs (see page 18)
2. Repair or replace
1. Adjust tail trim tabs down (see page 18)
2. Center the wing before each flight
23
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 23
1.Don’t fly in winds over 5 mph! Your first
flights especially should be on a very
calm day.
2.Do choose your flying field carefully—grass
and soft ground with 600-foot diameter is
optimal to fly and will lengthen the life of
your Firebird Outlaw™.
3.Remember, holding the right stick over fully
for too long could potentially cause the
Firebird Outlaw™ to spiral dive and descend
rapidly. Should this ever occur, at the very
first sign, immediately release the steering
stick and give the opposite turn control to
the spiral. Because of its design, a properly
maintained and adjusted Firebird Outlaw
should not spiral dive.
4.Position yourself at your flying field to keep
the sun at your back and out of your eyes.
Wear sunglasses on bright days.
5.Keep the Firebird Outlaw upwind, especially
on windy days, to prevent it from “flying
away.” The wind is normally stronger at
higher altitude, than it is on the ground.
Flying into the wind at reduced power while
descending slightly can help you make
progress against higher winds at altitude.
6.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.
7.Purchase an extra battery pack (HBZ4545)
for added fun at the flying field.
8.Purchase the HobbyZone DC Peak charger
(HBZ1026) for faster (40-minute) charges
from an automobile at your flying site.
Success Tips
24
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 24
Warranty and Follow-Up Procedures
Due to the nature and operation of this product,
the warranty does not extend beyond the initial
preflight testing. Carefully check the parts and
operation befor
e your first flight. Damage
incurred during flying, landing, crashing, or
modification is not covered under the warranty.
Please do not return product to the store.
Contact HobbyZone
®
at Horizon Hobby at
1-877-504-0233 or www.hobbyzonesports.com
Warranty
Horizon Hobby, Inc. guarantees this product to
be free of defects in material and workmanship.
If you discover defects during the very first
preflight testing (Steps 1-5), do not return
product to store, please call our Product
Support staff toll-free at 1-877-504-0233 for
technical support. If you are directed by them
to return the product to our Service Center, you
will be provided with a Return Authorization
number. If, in our opinion, after inspecting the
product, we determine it to be defective, we will
repair or replace it at our discretion.
If you are directed by our Product Support
staff to return the Firebird Outlaw, please
follow these instructions:
• Unplug the battery from the airplane.
• Pack the complete Firebird Outlaw™ (all
components) in the original box and put it into
a sturdy shipping carton for protection. Include
your complete name and address information
inside the carton, as well as clearly writing it
on the outer label/return address area.
• Include detailed information explaining the
nature of the problem(s) encountered.
• Please date your correspondence and be sure
your complete name, address, and daytime
phone number appear on this enclosure.
• Please include original dated sales receipt.
• Mail to the address below:
Horizon Service Center
Attn: HobbyZone Dept.
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, IL 61822
25
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 25
Keep the Firebird Outlaw™ in the air! Spare parts are available from your local hobby dealer. To find the
nearest dealer or obtain parts from Horizon Hobby, go to www.hobbyzonesports.com. Please check
with your dealer first—by supporting your local hobby dealer, they’ll be there when you need them.
Replacement parts
Item # Description Retail
HBZ4510 Decal Sheet: Firebird Outlaw $2.99
HBZ4515 Instruction Manual: Firebird Outlaw $0.99
HBZ4516 Instructional Video Disk: Firebird Outlaw $2.99
HBZ4522 Standard Wing: Red Firebird Outlaw $8.99
HBZ4523 Standard Wing: Green Firebird Outlaw $8.99
HBZ4526 Red Rubber Bands (3): Firebird Outlaw $0.99
HBZ4527 Green Rubber Bands (3): Firebird Outlaw $0.99
HBZ4531 Tail w/Accessories: Red Firebird Outlaw $5.99
HBZ4532 Tail w/Accessories: Green Firebird Outlaw $5.99
HBZ4533 Tail V-Brace (black): Firebird Outlaw $1.59
HBZ4538 Canopy cover w/hook and screw $1.99
HBZ4540 Propeller Set (left and right) $2.49
HBZ4541 Landing Gear Set $2.99
HBZ4545 6V 300mAh Ni-MH Flight Battery $12.99
HBZ4549 Transmitter Battery Cover $1.99
Item # Description Retail
HBZ4551 Firebird Outlaw Fuselage Black: CH 1, 26.995 $27.99
HBZ4552 Firebird Outlaw Fuselage Black: CH 2, 27.045 $27.99
HBZ4553 Firebird Outlaw Fuselage Black: CH 3, 27.095 $27.99
HBZ4554 Firebird Outlaw Fuselage Black: CH 4, 27.145 $27.99
HBZ4555 Firebird Outlaw Fuselage Black: CH 5, 27.195 $27.99
HBZ4556 Firebird Outlaw Fuselage Black: CH 6, 27.255 $27.99
HBZ4561 Firebird Outlaw Transmitter: CH 1, 26.995 $15.99
HBZ4562 Firebird Outlaw Transmitter: CH 2, 27.045 $15.99
HBZ4563 Firebird Outlaw Transmitter: CH 3, 27.095 $15.99
HBZ4564 Firebird Outlaw Transmitter: CH 4, 27.145 $15.99
HBZ4565 Firebird Outlaw Transmitter: CH 5, 27.195 $15.99
HBZ4566 Firebird Outlaw Transmitter: CH 6, 27.255 $15.99
HBZ4547 2-1/2 Hour Wall Charger $9.99
HBZ1026 DC Peak Charger (optional) $19.99
26
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 26
27
More Fun with the Firebird Outlaw
™
After a little practice flying the Firebird Outlaw, you’ll be ready to take on the added challenge of “Firebird Outlaw
Games” shown below. Whether you participate in a competition you organize for family members and friends or
an official “Firebird Outlaw Frenzy” organized by your local hobby shop or flying club, you’ll find these easy-to-
setup events a great way to increase your flying skills, while also having a blast. Try them today!
1. Limbo
2. Pylon
3. Spot Landing
4. Duration
Be sure to visit www.hobbyzonesports.com for more fun and updates!
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 27
©
2003 Horizon Hobby, Inc.
HobbyZone products are distributed exclusively by Horizon Hobby, Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Road, Champaign, IL 61822 www.horizonhobby.com
6
05482 14215 8
HBZ4515
www.hobbyzonesports.com
5483
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 28
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