Tower Hobbies Vista User Manual

WARRANTY

Tower Hobbies

®

guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both material and workmanship at the date of purchase. This warranty

does not cover any component parts damaged by use or modification. In no case shall Tower Hobbies' liability exceed the original
cost of the purchased kit. Further, Tower Hobbies reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice.

In that Tower Hobbies 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 the use by the user of the final user-assembled product. By the act of using the user-assembled
product, the user accepts all resulting liability.

If the buyer is not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this product, the buyer is advised to return this
kit immediately in new and unused condition to the place of purchase.

To make a warranty claim send the defective part or item to Hobby Services at the address below:

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Dr., Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

USA

Include a letter stating your name, return shipping address, as much contact information as possible (daytime telephone number, fax
number, e-mail address), a detailed description of the problem and a photocopy of the purchase receipt. Upon receipt of the package
the problem will be evaluated as quickly as possible.

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT
INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.

© Copyright 2005 V1.0 TOWZ1110 for TOWA4010

Tower Hobbies

P.O. Box 9078

Champaign, IL 61826

[phone]

www.towerhobbies.com

Wingspan: 78.5 in [2000mm]

Wing Area: 678 sq in [43.7dm

2

]

Weight: 28 – 32 oz [795 – 905g]

Wing Loading: 5.9 – 6.7 oz/sq ft [18 – 21g/dm

2

]

Length: 41 in [1035mm]

Radio: Two-channel, two standard servos

™

®

®

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION...................................................................2

AMA ......................................................................................2

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.....................................................2

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED........................................3

Hardware & Accessories ................................................3

Adhesives & Building Supplies .......................................3

Optional Supplies & Tools ...............................................3

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS..................................3

Replacement Parts List...................................................3

METRIC CONVERSIONS.....................................................3

KIT INSPECTION..................................................................4

KIT CONTENTS ....................................................................4

ASSEMBLY...........................................................................5

Join the Wings ................................................................5

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE..............................................6

Join the Stabilizer............................................................6

Join the Fin .....................................................................7

Hook Up the Controls .....................................................8

Install the Receiver & Battery .......................................10

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY .....................................10

Final Assembly..............................................................10

Check the Control Directions ........................................11

Set the Control Throws .................................................11

Balance the Model (C.G.) .............................................11

PREFLIGHT........................................................................12

Identify Your Model........................................................12

Charge the Batteries.....................................................12

Range Check ................................................................12

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts) .......................................13

CHECK LIST .......................................................................13

FLYING................................................................................13

Mount the Wing.............................................................13

Trim Flights....................................................................14

First Flights ...................................................................14

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the Tower Hobbies Vista

™

sailplane. Easy-to-fly sailplanes such as this serve many
purposes–they are an excellent way for beginners to get
into R/C, they are great for experienced pilots who want to
take a break from their powered models, and they are even
suitable for thermal competition. Check the weather report
now because in just a few hours your Tower Vista sailplane
will be ready to launch and seek thermals with the best.

AMA

We urge you to join the AMA (Academy of Model

Aeronautics) and a local R/C club. The AMA is the
governing body of model aviation and membership is
required to fly at AMA clubs. Though joining the AMA
provides many benefits, one of the primary reasons to join
is liability protection. Coverage is not limited to flying at
contests or on the club field. It even applies to flying at
public demonstrations and air shows. Failure to comply with
the Safety Code (excerpts printed in the back of the
manual) may endanger insurance coverage. Additionally,
training programs and instructors are available at AMA club
sites to help you get started the right way. There are over
2,500 AMA chartered clubs across the country. Contact the
AMA at the address or toll-free phone number that follows.

IMPORTANT!!! Two of the most important things you can

do to preserve the radio controlled aircraft hobby are to
avoid flying near full-scale aircraft and avoid flying near or
over groups of people.

PRO TECT YOUR MODEL,Y OURSELF &

OTHERS.....FOLLO W THESE IMPORT ANT

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Your Tower Hobbies Vista sailplane should not be
considered a toy, but rather a sophisticated, working model
that functions very much like a full-size airplane. Because of
its performance capabilities, the Tower Vista sailplane, if not
assembled and operated correctly, could possibly cause
injury to yourself or spectators and damage to property.

2. You must assemble the model according to the
instructions. Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so

may result in an unsafe or unflyable model. In a few cases
the instructions may differ slightly from the photos. In those
instances the written instructions should be considered
as correct.

3. You must take time to build straight, true and strong.

4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in first­class condition.

5. You must correctly install all R/C and other components
so that the model operates correctly on the ground and in
the air.

6. You must check the operation of the model before every

flight to insure that all equipment is operating and that the
model has remained structurally sound. Be sure to check
clevises or other connectors often and replace them if they
show any signs of wear or fatigue.

7. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not flown this
type of model before, we recommend that you get the
assistance of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for your
first flights. If you’re not a member of a club, your local
hobby shop has information about clubs in your area whose
membership includes experienced pilots.

8. While this kit has been flight tested to exceed normal use,
if the plane will be used for extremely high-stress flying the
modeler is responsible for taking steps to reinforce the
high-stress points.

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN 47302

Tele: [phone]

Fax [phone]

Or via the Internet at:

http://www.modelaircraft.org

2

We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top quality,
thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but ultimately the
quality and flyability of your finished model depends on
how you build it; therefore, we cannot in any way
guarantee the performance of your completed model, and
no representations are expressed or implied as to the
performance or safety of your completed model.

Remember:Take your time and follow the instructions to
end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Tower Hobbies Vista sailplane are

available using the order numbers in the Replacement Parts

List Replacement Parts may be ordered from Tower Hobbies at
www.towerhobbies.com or by calling [phone].

Parts may also be ordered from Hobby services by calling
[phone], or via facsimile at [phone]. but full
retail prices and shipping and handling charges will apply.
Illinois and Nevada residents will also be charged sales tax.
If ordering via fax, include a Visa®or MasterCard®number
and expiration date for payment.

Hardware & Accessories

This is the list of hardware and accessories required to
finish the Vista sailplane. Order numbers are provided in
parentheses.

❍ 2-channel radio with two standard servos
❍ 1/4" [6mm] R/C foam rubber (HCAQ1000)
❍ Spare #64 rubber bands (TOWQ1220)
❍ Great Planes

®

Self Adhesive Lead Weights (GPMQ4485)

❍ Launching system: Standard Hi-Start (up to 500' launches

at sites with 800' or more launch area) (DYFP8301)

-or-

❍ Up-Start 2m (up to 200' launches at sites with 300' or

more launch area) (DYFP8305)

Adhesives & Building Supplies

In addition to a few common household tools, this is the
"short list" of the most important items required to assemble
the Tower Vista sailplane.

❍ Tower Hobbies Build-It

™

30-minute epoxy (TOWR3811)

❍ #1 Hobby knife (TOWR1010)
❍ #11 blades (5-pack, TOWR1015)
❍ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm] , 3/32" [2.4mm], 1/8" [3.2mm]
❍ Drill

Optional Supplies & Tools

Here is a list of optional items mentioned in the manual that
will help you assemble the Tower Vista sailplane.

❍ Model airplane covering iron with covering sock
❍ Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❍ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❍ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❍ Builder’s Triangle Set (HCAR0480)
❍ Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❍ CG Machine

™

(GPMR2400)

Mail parts orders and payments by personal check to:

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

Be certain to specify the order number exactly as listed in

the Replacement Parts List. Payment by credit card or

personal check only; no C.O.D.

If additional assistance is required for any reason, contact Product

Support by e-mail at [e-mail],

or by telephone at [phone].

Replacement Parts List

Order Number Description How to Purchase

Missing pieces Contact Product Support
Instruction manual Contact Product Support

Full-size plans Not available
TOWA4011 Wing Kit Contact Hobby Supplier
TOWA4012 Fuselage Kit Contact Hobby Supplier
TOWA4013 Tail Set Contact Hobby Supplier

METRIC CONVERSIONS

1" = 25.4mm (conversion factor)

1/64" = .4 mm
1/32" = .8 mm
1/16" = 1.6 mm
3/32" = 2.4 mm

1/8" = 3.2 mm
5/32" = 4.0 mm
3/16" = 4.8 mm

1/4" = 6.4 mm

3/8" = 9.5 mm

1/2" = 12.7 mm

5/8" = 15.9 mm

3/4" = 19.0 mm

1" = 25.4 mm
2" = 50.8 mm
3" = 76.2 mm

6" = 152.4 mm
12" = 304.8 mm
18" = 457.2 mm
21" = 533.4 mm
24" = 609.6 mm
30" = 762.0 mm
36" = 914.4 mm

3

4

KIT INSPECTION

Before starting to build, take an inventory of this kit to make sure it is complete, and inspect the parts to make sure they
are of acceptable quality. If any parts are missing or are not of acceptable quality, or if you need assistance with assembly,

contact Product Support. When reporting defective or missing parts, use the part names exactly as they are written in

the Kit Contents list on this page.

Tower Hobbies Product Support

3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

Telephone: [phone], ext. 5

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

Kit Contents

1. Left Wing Panel

2. Right Wing Panel

3. Wing Joiner

4. Servo Rails (2)

5. Wing Dowels (2)

6. Rubber Bands (6)

7. Horizontal Stabilizer (Stab) w/Elevator

8. R&L Vertical Stabilizer Braces

9. Vertical Stabilizer (Fin) w/Rudder

10. Fuselage

11. Pushrods (2)

Kit Contents (not photographed)

Nylon Control Horns w/Mounting Plates (2)
Nylon Clevises (2)
Nylon 90° Pushrod Connectors (2)
Nylon Tail Skid
Tow Hook
Washer
2 x 10mm Screws (4)

Silicone Clevis Retainers (2)
3mm Nut
1/8" x 3/8" x 8" [3 x 10 x 200mm] Balsa Stick

1

2

5

9

8

11

7

10

3

4

6

ASSEMBLY

Join the Wings

❍

1. Without using any glue, test fit both wing halves

together with the wing joiner. Make sure the halves fit

together well and there is no gap. If there is a problem with
the fit, look for obstructions such as glue bumps or wood
slivers inside the wings where the joiners fit. Make any
adjustments necessary to get a good fit.

❍

2. Place a sheet of wax paper on your workbench and
gather all the items required for joining the wings: 30-minute
epoxy, a mixing cup, an epoxy mixing stick, an epoxy brush,
paper towels and denatured alcohol for epoxy clean up.

Hint: To cut down on waste, cut the paper towels into

several small squares as shown in the photo.

Caution: Do not use 5-minute epoxy for joining the wing

halves. It will not provide enough working time.

❍

3. Separate the wings and take out the joiner. Mix up
approximately 1/2 oz. [15cc] of 30-minute epoxy. Use an
epoxy brush to coat both ends of the wing and one half of
the joiner all the way around. Pour a generous amount of
epoxy into one of the wings where the joiner goes, and then

slowly insert the epoxy-coated half of the joiner. Wipe away
excess epoxy as it is forced out of the wing. Note: There

must be no “empty space” inside the wing where the joiner
fits–the cavity must be filled with epoxy. If no epoxy “oozes”
out when you installed the joiner, remove the joiner and add
more epoxy. Then reinstall the joiner. Proceed rapidly to the
next step.

❍

4. Coat the protruding end of the joiner all the way around

with epoxy and pour epoxy into the other wing. Join the wing

to the other joiner/wing assembly, slowly pressing the two

halves together. Allow excess epoxy to drip out as you go.
When the wings come together, wipe away excess epoxy
that is squeezed out. Then use several strips of masking
tape on both the top and bottom of the wing to tightly hold
the two halves together. If epoxy continues to work out of the
wing under the tape, remove one strip at a time and wipe off
the epoxy. Then replace the tape with another strip. Do not
disturb the wing until the epoxy has hardened.

❍

5. After the epoxy has fully hardened, slowly and carefully pull
away the masking tape. If any of the covering loosened, iron it
back down with a covering iron on medium heat. Use a covering
sock over the iron to protect the Tower Vista’s finish.

Read steps 3 and 4 all the way through before
proceeding. It is important to use the proper technique for
joining the wing halves to ensure a strong wing.

5