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Micro Citabria RTF
Instruction Manual
Radio System: 3-channel proportional, 2.4GHz
Battery: 3.7V 70mAh Li-Po
Wingspan: 16.5 in (420mm)
Length: 13.25 in (335mm)
Flying Weight: 0.75 oz (21 g)
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Micro Citabria RTF
Instruction Manual
Congratulations on your purchase of the ParkZone® Micro Citabria
RTF airplane. Your Micro Citabria 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 Micro
Citabria 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 Micro Citabria 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 Micro Citabria 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 Micro Citabria 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.
Step 1
Transmitter
Your ParkZone Micro Citabra 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 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 Micro Citabria.
2. With the transmitter powered off, push
down on the throttle stick (left stick)
and then turn the transmitter power
on. Release the throttle stick.
3. You will hear a series of beeps
from the transmitter. Plug the
battery into the airplane at this time.
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
Step 3
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. Install four of the included AA batteries in the charger base,
noting proper polarity.
2. Slide the battery into the charge slot on the display stand.
3. Gently press the battery into the charging jack in the bottom
of the slot. The LED light on the base will turn solid red.
4. The battery will charge in approximately 20 minutes when nearly
depleted.
5. As the battery nears fully charged, the LED will begin to blink.
When fully charged, the LED will blink once every 20 seconds.
6. 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.
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. This
must be done carefully to avoid accidentally reversing the
polarity and causing damage to the ESC and battery.
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
Flight 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
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.
Flight 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 down 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.
Note: It is very important to make sure that the control surfaces
(rudder and elevator) are at 0 degrees, or neutral, 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
suggest you fly it first as it has come from the factory and then
only move “in” one hole at a time.
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.
Step 6
Flying
Choose a Large, Open Flying Site
Always choose a wide-open space for flying your ParkZone Micro
Citabria. 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 Micro Citabria 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.
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Make certain that you do not fly near trees, buildings, or other areas
that can restrict your view or interfere with your flying.
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.
Step 9
Hand Launching the Micro Citabria
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 throttle (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
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 flier. It is best
to have HobbyZone® Zone 2 experience. First-time pilots of the
ParkZone Micro Citabria should seek the assistance of an experienced
RC flier until the additional third channel, pitch control, has been competently mastered. Crash damage is not covered under the warranty.
Runway Takeoff
1. Prior to attempting a runway takeoff, you should have had
several successful flights of hand launching the Micro Citabria.
2. Make certain the aircraft battery is fully charged.
3. Turn on transmitter.
4. Plug in aircraft battery.
5. Stand behind the Micro Citabria. Make certain you are on a
smooth surface such as concrete or wood.
6. Apply full throttle and adjust the left or right stick so that you
keep your Micro Citabria 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 Micro Citabria 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 Micro Citabria 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 Micro Citabria.
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.
Elevator Trim
If your Micro Citabria wants to go up or down, use the digital trim buttons located at the left of the right control stick to correct. 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 Micro Citabria 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).
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. Your Micro Citabria should fly straight with the
control stick at neutral.
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 Micro Citabria
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. Always seek
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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.
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.
Step 14
Landing Your Micro Citabria
When you begin to notice that your Micro Citabria 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 Micro Citabria should glide in softly for a landing.
Note: Your Micro Citabria 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.
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).
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.
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
productsupport@horizonhobby.com, 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.
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 Micro Citabria 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, Citabria $8.99
PKZ3102 Propeller w/Spinner: Citabria $2.99
PKZ3103 Decal Sheet: Citabria (Red) $3.49
PKZ3108 Decal Sheet: Citabria (Blue) $3.49
PKZ3109 Decal Sheet: Citabria (Yellow) $3.49
PKZ3106 Nose Gear Set: Citabria $3.49
PKZ3107 Main Gear Set: Citabria $4.99
PKZ3115 Instruction Manual: Citabria $0.99
PKZ3116 Main Motor: Citabria $8.99
PKZ3120 Main Wing: Citabria $8.99
PKZ3124 Tail Wing w/Accessories: Citabria $6.99
PKZ3128 Gear Box w/Motor: Citabria $13.99
PKZ3140 Charger & Stand: Citabria $24.99
PKZ3041 Transmitter: Cessna 210, Citabria $59.99
PKZ3151 Receiver: Citabria $59.99
PKZ3161 Fuselage w/Elec, Motor, Rx: Citabria $74.99
PKZ3167 Bare Fuselage: Citabria $8.99
NOTES
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NOTES NOTES
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0 5 4 8 2 3 1 2 7 6
6
PKZ3115
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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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