27
26
Unit does not operate
1. Transmitter "AA" batteries are depleted
or installed incorrectly by a dim or unit
LED on transmitter or the low battery
alarm
2. No electrical connection
3. Firebird IIST battery not charged
4. Crash has damaged the radio inside the
Firebird IIST
™
1. Check polarity Installation or replace with
fresh "AA" batteries
2. Push connectors together until they "click"
3. Charge battery fully
4. Replace the fuselage
Aircraft keeps turning in
one direction
1. Tail flaps need adjustment
2. Wing is not centered over the fuselage
3. Decals may be lifting up on wing
1. Adjust stick trim lever (see page 17) or
adjust tail flap position (see page 20)
2. Center the wing before each flight
3. Tape or press down decals
Aircraft is difficult to
control
1. Tail flaps aren't adjusted properly
2. Wing or tail is damaged
1. Adjust tail flaps (see page 20)
2. Repair or replace
Aircraft keeps pitching
up steeply
1. Tail incidence needs adjustment
2. Wind is too gusty or strong
1. Adjust tail screws (see page 21)
2. Postpone flying until wind is more calm
Aircraft won't climb
1. Battery isn't fully charged
2. Tail needs adjustment
1. Charge battery shortly before flying
2. Adjust tail screws (see page 21)
Troubleshooting
PROBLEM
POSSIBLE CAUSE
SOLUTION
Success Tips
1. A "must" for beginners: Don't fly in winds over
5 mph!
2. Important: Choose a flying field carefully—
grass and soft ground with 600-foot diameter
is optimal to fly and will lengthen the life of the
Firebird IIST
™
.
3. Watch out! Holding the right stick full-over for
too long may cause the Firebird IIST to spiral
dive and crash, especially at low altitudes. At
the very first sign of the Firebird IIST beginning
to spiral down, immediately release the stick
and give the opposite control to level the
wings.
4. Purchase an extra battery pack for added fun at
the flying field.
5. If you're gliding with the motor off, allow the
Firebird IIST a little more area for turns.
6. Position yourself at your flying field to keep
the sun at your back and out of your eyes.
Wear sunglasses on bright days.
7. Keep the Firebird IIST upwind, especially on
windy days, to prevent it from “flying away.”
The wind is normally stronger at higher alti-
tudes than it is on the ground.
8. 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.
9. Don't attempt to fly beyond your flying abilities.
To learn more about flying RC 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
Toll-Free (800) 435-9262
www.modelaircraft.org
Motor shuts off after short
flight in cold weather
1. Battery is cold (or stored in a cold
location)
1. Always keep charged batteries at room
temperature until ready for flying
5952_HBZ Firebird IIST Manual 8/8/03 4:27 PM Page 26
