HobbyZone® products are distributed exclusively by Horizon Hobby, Inc. 4105 Fieldstone Road Champaign, IL 61822 ©2005 Horizon Hobby, Inc.
Congratulations! You have the world’s first radio control airplane that can take you from a complete beginner, all the way to Air Combat— the Firebird Commander® 2 from HobbyZone®. The Commander 2 is equipped with revolutionary software: Anti-Crash Technology™ (ACT). This exclusive technology helps to protect your aircraft from the crashes that are often caused by new pilots over-controlling the plane. Your Commander 2 has optical sensors that can see the horizon, and know how your plane should fly.
Needed for Step 1 “AA” Heavy-Duty Batteries (x8 included) 1. Remove the transmitter back cover by pushing down with thumbs, as indicated by the arrows. 2. Install the batteries. Use fresh 1.5V “AA” batteries only. 3. Be sure to observe proper polarity when installing the batteries, and then replace the cover. 4. To test, switch on the transmitter. The LED should glow brightly. 5. Replace the batteries when you hear the low battery alarm (beeping sound). 4 Motor Test and Battery Discharging 1.
Wing and Landing Gear Attachment Note: Never charge a hot battery or a battery that is already charged. Always discharge the battery before every charge. See Step 2 for instructions on discharging. Mounting the Landing Gear Insert the landing gear into the slot on the bottom of the fuselage and push it in until it snaps into place. You can purchase the variable rate DC peak charger (HBZ1026) and safely peak charge your battery pack in as little as 40 minutes.
1. Switch on the transmitter. Check the LED. Do not touch the sticks for 2 seconds while the transmitter automatically calibrates the controls. 2. Install the battery in the fuselage slot and plug in the connector. 3. Move the right stick side to side. The flaps should move as shown on the following page. If each flap is not level with the rest of the tail surface when the right stick and trim lever are centered, adjust the control lines so they are level (see page 20).
Choose a Calm Day A large, open grass field is required for safe, successful flight. Your Firebird Commander® 2 can fly at speeds in excess of 20 mph, so it covers ground fast. The bigger the field, the better! You want to fly! If you wait until the conditions are right, you will have successful flight. On your first flights, do not fly if the wind is more than 5 mph! It is absolutely essential to have a minimum of 600 feet of clear space in all directions from the pilot.
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 while the other person walks 100 paces away with the airplane. 2. Extend the transmitter antenna completely and turn on the transmitter. 3. Plug in the airplane battery and close the hatch cover. 4. Pull the throttle stick back to arm the motor. 5.
Flying Not recommended for inexperienced pilots. Important: Be careful when holding the right stick full over right or left for extended amounts of time. In some cases, this can cause the model to spiral dive, and if it does not have sufficient altitude, it could crash. If you see the Commander® 2 beginning to enter a spiral, release the right stick. 1. Make sure your landing gear is properly installed and is securely in the slot on the fuselage before you attempt takeoff. 2.
Anti-Crash Technology (ACT) Your Firebird Commander® 2 comes equipped with exclusive Anti-Crash Technology.™ This software helps to prevent crashes due to over-control of pilots. The sensors included in the fuselage “see” the horizon. One sensor is above the canopy and faces forward. The other is at the bottom of the fuselage and faces backward.
Landing 1. Climb to an altitude of 150–200 feet with full throttle. 2. To achieve a level “cruising” altitude, reduce power by moving the throttle stick down to approximately 50% of full on. 3. To reduce altitude, reduce throttle. 4. To increase altitude, increase throttle. When you notice that the Firebird Commander® 2 no longer climbs well under full power (normally after approximately 12 to 16 minutes), the battery is getting low, and it’s time to land.
Making Adjustments: Plane Turns to the Left or Right Before making your first flight, if tail control flaps are not level with rest of tail surface, adjust them so they are level by doing the following: 1. Turn the transmitter on, plug in aircraft battery and center the right control stick and trim lever. 2. Use your fingers or a small flat screwdriver to turn the slotted spool on the control horn. Depending on the direction you turn, this will lengthen or shorten the control line. 3.
If the airplane, 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 by one full turn and loosening the rear tail screw by one full turn. 2. Test fly. 3. Repeat the above procedure if necessary until the Firebird Commander® 2 climbs adequately under full power.
If a Crash Occurs Warnings and Safety Checklist If you happen to crash and part of the foam wing or tail breaks, it can be repaired using packing tape to cover missing pieces. 1. Follow the instructions in this manual and included video completely, observing all directions. Otherwise, serious injury and/ or 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.
Troubleshooting SOLUTION PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE Unit does not operate 1. Transmitter "AA"batteries are depleted or installed incorrectly as indicated by a dim or unlit LED on transmitter or the low battery alarm 2. No electrical connection 3. Aircraft battery is not charged 4. Crash has damaged the radio inside the fuselage 1. Check polarity installation or replace with fresh “AA” batteries 1. Tail flaps need adjustment 2. Wing is not centered over the fuselage 1.
Warranty and Follow-Up Procedures Horizon Hobby, Inc. guarantees your Firebird Commander® 2 to be free from defects in material and workmanship at the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover any component parts, or damage by use or modification. In no case shall Horizon Hobby’s liability exceed the original purchase cost. Further, Horizon Hobby reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice.
Replacement and Optional Parts (continued) Replacement and Optional Parts Commander® 2 flying! Spare parts are available from your dealer or Keep that Firebird 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.hobbyzonesports.com.
Future RC Flight Once you’ve mastered flying your Firebird Commander® 2, we recommend that you try a 3-channel plane from HobbyZone® for the most successful transition to using a 3channel airplane. The Aerobird Challenger™ is a great next step, but you could also try the Aerobird Xtreme.™ Both of these aircraft are X-Port equipped, so you’ll still be able to have fun with the X-Port™ accessories you use with your Firebird Commander 2.
