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Troubleshooting
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
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
1. Adjust stick trim lever (see page15) or adjust
tail flap position (see page 20–21)
2. Center the wing before each flight
Aircraft is difficult
to control
1. Tail flaps aren't adjusted properly
2. Wing or tail is damaged
1. Adjust tail flaps (see pages 20–21)
2. Repair or replace tail
Aircraft keeps pitching
up steeply
1. Tail incidence needs adjustment
2. Wing incidence needs adjustment
3. Wind is too gusty or strong
1. Adjust tail screw (see page 22)
2. Add wing shim (see page 23)
3. 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 22)
PROBLEM
POSSIBLE CAUSE
SOLUTION
Success Tips
1. Beginners should not fly in winds over
7 mph! By doing so, you could cause
severe damage to plane or injure
someone if you lose control.
2. It is important to choose a flying field
carefully—grass and soft ground with
600-foot diameter is optimal to fly
and will lengthen the life of your Firebird
Commander
®
2.
3. Holding the right stick full over for too
long may cause the Firebird Commander
2 to spiral dive and it could crash. At the
very first sign of the Firebird Commander
2 beginning to spiral down, immediately
release the stick and give the opposite
control to level the wings.
4. Purchase an extra battery pack and a
variable rate DC peak charger to extend
your flying time at the flying field. You can
charge one battery in your car while you
fly with another.
5. If you’re gliding with the motor off, which
will extend your flight time by using less
battery power, allow the Firebird
Commander 2 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 Commander 2 upwind,
especially on windy days, to prevent it
from “flying away.” The wind is normally
stronger at higher altitudes 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 or do combat
maneuvers beyond your flying abilities.
To learn more about flying RC model
airplanes, locate your nearest AMA club,
learn the AMA safety code and frequency
guidelines, and much more, we highly
recommend that you contact:
The Academy of Model Aeronautics
5161 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, Indiana 47302
Toll-Free (800) 435-9262
www.modelaircraft.org
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