ParkZone PKZ3000 User Manual

Cessna 210 Centurion RTF

Instruction Manual

Cessna and 210 Centurion are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Textron
Innovations Inc. in the USA and/or other countries, used under license.

Radio System: 3-channel proportional, 2.4GHz
Battery: 3.7V 70mAh Li-Po
Wingspan: 15 in (380mm)
Length: 12
Flying Weight: 0.6 oz (18 g)

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⁄16 in (325mm)

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Cessna 210 Centurion RTF
Instruction Manual

Congratulations on your purchase of the ParkZone® Cessna 210
Centurion RTF airplane. Your Cessna 210 Centurion comes pre-as­sembled with everything needed to get you in the air – all in one box!
You only need to charge the flight battery prior to your first flight. In
as little as 30 minutes, you can be ready to fly. This means you can
spend your time refining your flying, and not your building skills. Your
ParkZone Cessna 210 Centurion will allow you to perform many aero­batic maneuvers, all in an area the size of half a basketball court!

We at ParkZone are committed to giving you the most enjoyable
flight experience possible. In order to have a safe and successful
flight, we ask that you do not fly until you have read these instructions
thoroughly.

Your Cessna 210 Centurion features the latest in ultra sub-micro
technology, including a 2.4GHz fully proportional 3–channel radio
system with full control of throttle, rudder and elevator. Your Cessna
210 Centurion also comes complete with the latest in lightweight
electronic speed control technology, two linear servos, a 3.7V 70mAh
Li-Po flight battery and a convenient charger.

Warning

Though your ParkZone Cessna 210 Centurion comes ready to fly, this
aircraft is for experienced RC pilots only and is not a toy. It can cause
serious bodily harm and damage to property!

FCC Statement

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Caution!

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

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Step 1

Transmitter

Your ParkZone Cessna 210 Centurion airplane comes with a fully
proportional (Mode 2) 3-channel radio system that includes digital
trims. In this configuration, the left stick controls throttle, while the
right stick controls elevator and rudder.

1. Insert the included 4 “AA” batteries that are included with the
package into the transmitter.

2. Turn the switch on to ensure the batteries have been installed
correctly. When the batteries are installed correctly, the LED on
the transmitter should glow brightly. When the transmitter makes
a repeated “beep” sound, it is time to replace the transmitter
batteries.

Binding Process

Your ParkZone 2.4GHz radio system uses a unique binding operation
to link your transmitter with your receiver. Please note that your radio
system has been bound for you already. Should you need to replace
a transmitter or your aircraft, you will need to perform the binding
process as detailed below:

1. Make sure your transmitter is powered off and the battery has
been removed from your Cessna 210 Centurion.

2. With the transmitter powered off, push down on the throttle stick
(left stick) and then turn the transmitter power on. The LED on
the transmitter will blink red.

3. You will hear a series of beeps from the transmitter. Plug the
battery into the airplane at this time. The LED on the transmitter
will turn to solid red.

4. A series of 3 beeps will be heard while the radio is attempting
to bind. Move the right stick in any direction at this time to
complete the binding process. You are then ready to fly.

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Step 2

Charging the Aircraft Battery

The included charger uses unique circuitry that ensures an accurate
charge for the 3.7V 70mAh battery pack every time. It also protects
the battery from being over-charged, which can damage the battery
pack. The charger sequence begins with charging at constant current,
then later switches to constant voltage.

To charge your ParkZone 3.7V 70mAh battery:

1. Slide the battery into the charge slot on the display stand.

2. Gently press the battery into the charging jack in the bottom
of the slot. The LED light on the base will turn solid red.

3. The battery will charge in approximately 20 minutes when nearly
depleted.

4. As the battery nears fully charged, the LED will begin to blink.
When fully charged, the LED will blink once every 20 seconds.

5. You can expect to be able to charge the flight battery about
15–20 times before it will become necessary to replace the
4 AA batteries. Replacing with alkaline batteries will extend the
AA battery life.

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Step 3

Motor Test

1. Make sure the throttle stick is down in the “Off” position.

2. Turn on the transmitter.

3. Plug the flight battery into the white lead in the fuselage.

4. Secure the flight battery by gently pressing the battery pack
against the hook and loop material on the underside of the
fuselage.

5. Advance the throttle forward and the propeller should spin at a
high speed. (CAUTION: Make sure that you keep everything

away from the propeller at all times.)

6. When finished with the motor test, continue to Tail Control Test
on the next page.

7. You may notice there is quite a bit of down thrust when looking
at the prop/prop shaft. This is intentional and is not a sign of
damage.

Adult Supervision Required

Warning: Keep everything clear of the propeller and hold the

plane securely. A moving propeller can cause severe injury.

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Step 4

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 certain that the throttle stick is in the “Off” position.

2. Move the right stick from side to side. The rudder should move
per your transmitter input.

3. Move the right stick full forward. When this is done, the elevator
control surface should move down.

4. Pull the right stick back and the elevator control surface should
move upward.

5. If your airplane is not responding correctly to the transmitter
input, do not fly! Some correction is needed. Call the Horizon
Support Team at 1-877-504-0233.

6. When the test is complete, be sure to disconnect the flight
battery first, then turn off the transmitter. This should be done
each time you turn off the airplane.

Note: It is very important to make sure that the control surfaces

(rudder and elevator) are at 0 degrees when the right transmitter
stick is centered.

Step 5

Making Adjustments to the Control Surfaces

1. Any changes necessary to bring both the rudder and elevator
to neutral (zero degrees) when the right transmitter stick is
centered, should be possible using the digital trim buttons.

2. If you find this is not the case, do not fly until this has been
corrected.

3. If corrections are needed, you may have to adjust the length
of the pushrod by gently stretching or pinching the bend in the
control wire as necessary. You can also change the hole of the
control horn the pushrod goes into to achieve more control. We

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suggest you fly it first as it has come from the factory and then
only move “in” one hole at a time.

Step 6

Flying
Choose a Large, Open Flying Site

Always choose a wide-open space for flying your ParkZone Cessna
210 Centurion. It is ideal for you to fly in an indoor location with a
floor area of 40’ x 40’ and and a minimum ceiling height of 20 feet.
We suggest that first flights are done in a larger area, such as in a
basketball court or gymnasium.

If you choose to make your flights outdoors, the conditions MUST
be COMPLETELY CALM. The Cessna 210 Centurion weighs less than
1 ounce and can easily be blown away. If you choose to fly outdoors,
remember to always keep the plane upwind from you to avoid flyaways.

Make certain that you do not fly near trees, buildings, or other areas
that can restrict your view or interfere with your flying.

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Step 7

Range Test

You will need two people to perform the range test: one to hold the
plane and the other to give transmitter input.

Warning: The person holding the plane should hold it in a way

so that the propeller does not come in contact with any part of
their clothing or body.

1. One person holds the transmitter, while the other person walks
50–100 paces away with the airplane.

2. Be sure the throttle is in the “Off” position.

3. Turn the transmitter on.

4. Plug the airplane battery into the fuselage.

5. As soon as the throttle slider is advanced, the propeller should
spin quickly.

6. As the first person moves the transmitter controls at the same
time, the other person watches to be sure the airplane’s motor
and tail controls operate smoothly.

Step 8

Seek Assistance from an Experienced Radio Control Pilot

VERY IMPORTANT

The 3-channel control system is designed for the experienced radio
control pilot and is not intended for the first-time flyer. It is best
to have HobbyZone® Zone 2 experience. First-time pilots of the
ParkZone Cessna 210 Centurion should seek the assistance
of an experienced RC flyer until the additional third channel, pitch
control, has been competently mastered. Crash damage is not
covered under the warranty.

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Step 9

Hand Launching the Cessna 210 Centurion

1. Make certain that the aircraft battery is fully charged.

2. Turn on the transmitter.

3. Plug in the aircraft battery

4. Test the motor and surface controls.

5. While holding the transmitter in one hand, push the throttle stick
to full on (up) with thumb.

6. Launch using light force. Keep the wings level. Do not throw it up
or down. Point it level (parallel) with the ground when releasing.

Step 10

Runway Takeoff

1. Prior to attempting a runway takeoff, you should have had
several successful flights of hand launching the Cessna 210
Centurion.

2. Make certain the aircraft battery is fully charged.

3. Turn on transmitter.

4. Plug in aircraft battery.

5. Stand behind the Cessna 210 Centurion. Make certain you are
on a smooth surface such as concrete or wood.

6. Apply full throttle and adjust the right stick so that you keep your
Cessna 210 Centurion on its intended path.

7. If the battery is fully charged, you should be able to lift off
the ground in a few feet. As you notice the back of the plane
beginning to lift a bit off the ground, apply some “up” elevator
by pulling back on the right stick. Do not give too much “up”
elevator, or you can cause the airplane to enter into a stall.

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Step 11

Flying

1. After launching, your Cessna 210 Centurion will climb at full
throttle. Keep the throttle full on until you have reached a safe
altitude. At this same time, make sure that you are continuing
to keep the airplane directed into the wind.

2. Make right and left adjustments as necessary to keep the plane
headed on its intended path. After you have reached 4–6 feet
of altitude, you can begin to make directional changes that you
desire.

3. Remember – the Cessna 210 Centurion is a small, lightweight
aircraft. Do not allow the plane to get too far away from you.
When the plane is farther away from you it is harder
to see and could cause you to lose orientation.

4. Avoid holding the stick full right or left for more than two
seconds, as this will cause the plane to enter a spiral and could
threaten your Cessna 210 Centurion.

5. Do not try to climb too fast by pulling all the way back on the
stick (up elevator), or your plane may enter into a stall. Instead,
climb by giving small amounts of elevator.

6. Damage/bends to the wings or tail can greatly affect flight
control. Repair or replace the damaged parts immediately.

Sharp Turns

In order to make a sharper turn, move the stick in the desired
direction and add some up elevator (pull back on stick). The plane
will make a sharper banking turn.

Note: With the throttle set at low or off (gliding), the plane will not

turn as fast as when you are flying at or near full throttle.

Rudder Trim

If the model wants to constantly turn one direction, use the digital trim
buttons to correct (see drawing). Your Cessna 210 Centurion should
fly straight with the control stick at neutral.

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Elevator Trim

If your Cessna 210 Centurion wants to go up or down, use the digital
trim buttons located at the left of the right control stick to correct
(see drawing). The model should fly straight with the control stick at
neutral and should have a steady, shallow climb at full throttle.

Step 12

Throttle Adjustment

1. Climb to an altitude of 10–12 feet with full throttle.

2. To achieve and maintain a level “cruising” altitude, reduce the
power by moving the throttle stick down to approximately 50%
of full-on. The throttle stick is proportional, so you can add or
reduce throttle in small increments as needed to maintain the
altitude that you desire.

3. To reduce altitude, reduce throttle.

4. To increase altitude, increase throttle.

Step 13

Using Elevator

Your Cessna 210 Centurion is equipped with a third channel for
elevator (pitch control). Pulling back on the stick provides up elevator.
This allows for shorter takeoffs, better flares for landing, better climb
rates, and more effective turns. However, pulling too far back on the
elevator to climb too quickly will cause the airplane to enter a stall
(make the nose of the plane come down).

To avoid crashing from a stall, always maintain enough altitude to
recover.

Just after a stall has occurred, the nose of the airplane will fall and
the plane will look like it is diving. To pull out of a stall, simply pull
back slowly on the stick (partial up elevator) once your Cessna 210
Centurion has built up airspeed. Remember, pulling back too quickly
or for too long will once again cause the airplane to enter a stall.
Effectively avoiding and recovering from stalls requires experience.

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Always seek the help of an experienced radio control pilot if you are
not familiar with pitch control. Failure to do so, could result in a crash
and significant damage to your airplane.

Step 14

Landing Your Cessna Centurion

When you begin to notice that your Cessna 210 Centurion no longer
climbs well under full power (normally after approximately 10–15
minutes), the battery is getting low and it is time to land. Bring in your
Cessna toward the desired landing spot. Gradually reduce throttle (as
well as giving a small amount of down elevator if you choose) to reach
an altitude of approximately 4 feet. At this point, reduce even more
throttle and your Cessna 210 Centurion should glide in softly for a
landing.

Note: Your Cessna should be landed on a smooth surface (such

as concrete or wood) so that the landing gear can work effectively.

Expert Tip: As you get better and more experienced at flying,

try adding a bit of “up” elevator just prior to landing to “flare” the
plane. With some practice, your landings should become smooth
and on target.

Warning: Do not attempt to catch the airplane or injury may

occur. Remember, there is a spinning propeller on the front of the
plane that can cause injury! Also, remember to cut power to the
motor right before you land to prevent damage to the propeller.

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Warranty Period:

Exclusive Warranty- Horizon Hobby, Inc., (Horizon) warranties that the
Products purchased (the “Product”) will be free from defects in materials
and workmanship at the date of purchase by the Purchaser.

Limited Warranty

(a) This warranty is limited to the original Purchaser (“Purchaser”) and
is not transferable. REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER
THIS WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE PURCHASER. This
warranty covers only those Products purchased from an authorized Horizon
dealer. Third party transactions are not covered by this warranty. Proof of
purchase is required for warranty claims. Further, Horizon reserves the right
to change or modify this warranty without notice and disclaims all other
warranties, express or implied.

(b) Limitations- HORIZON MAKES NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ABOUT NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY
OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF THE PRODUCT. THE
PURCHASER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THEY ALONE HAVE DETERMINED
THAT THE PRODUCT WILL SUITABLY MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE
PURCHASER’S INTENDED USE.

(c) Purchaser Remedy- Horizon’s sole obligation hereunder shall be that
Horizon will, at its option, (i) repair or (ii) replace, any Product determined
by Horizon to be defective. In the event of a defect, these are the
Purchaser’s exclusive remedies. Horizon 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. This warranty does not
cover cosmetic damage or damage due to acts of God, accident, misuse,
abuse, negligence, commercial use, or modification of or to any part of the
Product. This warranty does not cover damage due to improper installation,
operation, maintenance, or attempted repair by anyone other than Horizon.
Return of any goods by Purchaser must be approved in writing by Horizon
before shipment.

Damage Limits:

HORIZON SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSS OF PROFITS OR PRODUCTION OR
COMMERCIAL LOSS IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THE PRODUCT,
WHETHER SUCH CLAIM IS BASED IN CONTRACT, WARRANTY, NEGLIGENCE,
OR STRICT LIABILITY. Further, in no event shall the liability of Horizon exceed
the individual price of the Product on which liability is asserted. As Horizon
has no control over use, setup, final assembly, modification or misuse, no
liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any resulting damage or injury.
By the act of use, setup or assembly, the user accepts all resulting liability.

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If you as the Purchaser or user are not prepared to accept the liability
associated with the use of this Product, you are advised to return this
Product immediately in new and unused condition to the place of purchase.

Law: These Terms are governed by Illinois law (without regard to conflict of
law principals).

Safety Precautions:

This is a sophisticated hobby Product and not a toy. It must be operated
with caution and common sense and requires some basic mechanical ability.
Failure to operate this Product in a safe and responsible manner could result
in injury or damage to the Product or other property. This Product is not
intended for use by children without direct adult supervision. The Product
manual contains instructions for safety, operation and maintenance. It is
essential to read and follow all the instructions and warnings in the manual,
prior to assembly, setup or use, in order to operate correctly and avoid
damage or injury.

Questions, Assistance, and Repairs:

Your local hobby store and/or place of purchase cannot provide warranty
support or repair. Once assembly, setup or use of the Product has been
started, you must contact Horizon directly. This will enable Horizon to better
answer your questions and service you in the event that you may need
any assistance. For questions or assistance, please direct your email to
[e-mail], or call 877.504.0233 toll free to speak
to a service technician.

Inspection or Repairs

If this Product needs to be inspected or repaired, please call for a Return
Merchandise Authorization (RMA). Pack the Product securely using a
shipping carton. Please note that original boxes may be included, but
are not designed to withstand the rigors of shipping without additional
protection. Ship via a carrier that provides tracking and insurance for lost
or damaged parcels, as Horizon is not responsible for merchandise
until it arrives and is accepted at our facility. A Service Repair Request
is available at www.horizonhobby.com on the “Support” tab. If you do not
have internet access, please include a letter with your complete name,
street address, email address and phone number where you can be reached
during business days, your RMA number, a list of the included items,
method of payment for any non-warranty expenses and a brief summary of
the problem. Your original sales receipt must also be included for warranty
consideration. Be sure your name, address, and RMA number are clearly
written on the outside of the shipping carton.

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Warranty Inspection and Repairs

To receive warranty service, you must include your original sales receipt
verifying the proof-of-purchase date. Provided warranty conditions have been
met, your Product will be repaired or replaced free of charge. Repair or
replacement decisions are at the sole discretion of Horizon Hobby.

Non-Warranty Repairs

Should your repair not be covered by warranty the repair will be
completed and payment will be required without notification or
estimate of the expense unless the expense exceeds 50% of the
retail purchase cost. By submitting the item for repair you are agreeing

to payment of the repair without notification. Repair estimates are available
upon request. You must include this request with your repair. Non-warranty
repair estimates will be billed a minimum of ½ hour of labor. In addition you
will be billed for return freight. Please advise us of your preferred method
of payment. Horizon accepts money orders and cashiers checks, as well as
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover cards. If you choose to
pay by credit card, please include your credit card number and expiration
date. Any repair left unpaid or unclaimed after 90 days will be considered
abandoned and will be disposed of accordingly. Please note: non-

warranty repair is only available on electronics and model engines.

Electronics and engines requiring inspection or repair should be shipped to
the following address:

Horizon Service Center

4105 Fieldstone Road

Champaign, Illinois 61822

All other Products requiring warranty inspection or repair should be shipped
to the following address:

Horizon Product Support

4105 Fieldstone Road

Champaign, Illinois 61822

Please call 877-504-0233 with any questions or concerns regarding
this product or warranty.

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Replacement Parts

Make sure that you keep your Cessna 210 Centurion flying.
Replacement parts are available at your local hobby shop or from
Horizon Hobby (www.horizonhobby.com). Please try your local hobby
shop first. By supporting them, they will be there when you need
them!

Item #: Description: Retail

PKZ3001 3.7V 70mAh Li-Po Battery: Cessna 210 $8.99
PKZ3002 Propeller w/Spinner: Cessna 210 $2.99
PKZ3003 Decal Sheet: Cessna 210 Red/Blue $3.49
PKZ3008 Decal Sheet: Cessna 210 Red/Yellow $3.49
PKZ3009 Decal Sheet: Cessna 210 Green/Silver $3.49
PKZ3006 Nose Gear Set: Cessna 210 $3.49
PKZ3007 Main Gear Set: Cessna 210 $4.99
PKZ3015 Instruction Manual: Cessna 210 $0.99
PKZ3016 Main Motor: Cessna 210 $8.99
PKZ3020 Main Wing: Cessna 210 $8.99
PKZ3024 Tail Wing w/Accessories: Cessna 210 $6.99
PKZ3028 Gear Box w/Motor: Cessna 210 $13.99
PKZ3040 Charger & Stand: Cessna 210 $24.99
PKZ3041 Transmitter: Cessna 210 $59.99
PKZ3051 Receiver: Cessna 210 $59.99
PKZ3061 Fuselage w/Elec, Motor, Rx: Cessna 210 $74.99

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PKZ3015

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ParkZone® products are distributed exclusively by

Horizon Hobby, Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, IL 61822

© 2007 Horizon Hobby, Inc.

www.parkzone.com

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