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DECATHLONHand-made Almost Ready to Fly R/C Model Aircraft

ASSEMBLY MANUAL

Made in Vietnam.

Kit features

• Ready-made-minimal assembly & finishing required.• Ready-covered covering.• Factory-installed pushrods.• Factory-installed engine mount.• Comprehensive hardware pack including wheels, tank, spats,undercarriage& spinner.• Photo-illustrated step-by-step Assembly Manual.

SPECIFICATIONS:WING SPAN ----------------------------------------172CM -------------------------------- 67.75 in.WING AREA --------------------------------------49.17Sq.dm -----------------------------762Sq.in.WEIGHT ---------------------------------------3.17 - 3.62KG ----------------------- 7- 8lbs.ENGINE SIZE ------------------------ .40 - .46 cu. in----------------------------------- 2-stroke. ------------ .50 - .72 cu. in----------------------------------- 4-stroke.RECOMMENDED R/C --------------------------- 4 CHANNEL MINIMUM WITH 6 SERVOS.FLYING SKILL LEVEL ----------------------------------------ADVANCED / INTERMEDIATE.LENGTH -------------------------------------------127CM -------------------------------------50in.

DECATHLON Instruction Manual

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INTRODUCTION

Thank you for choosing the DECATHLON ARTF by SEAGULL MODELS. The DECATHLON wasdesigned with the intermediate/advanced sport flyer in mind. It is a semi scale airplane which iseasy to fly and quick to assemble. The airframe is conventionally built using balsa, plywood andveneer to make it stronger than the average ARTF , yet the design allows the aeroplane to be keptlight. You will find that most of the work has been done for you already. The pushrods are pre-madeto the correct lengths, the motor mount has been fitted and the hinges are pre-installed and pinnedfor security. Flying the DECATHLON is simply a joy.

This instruction manual is designed to help you build a great flying aeroplane. Please read thismanual thoroughly before starting assembly of your DECATHLON . Use the parts listing below toidentify all parts.

WARNING

Please be aware that this aeroplane is not a toy and if assembled or used incorrectly it iscapable of causing injury to people or property. WHEN YOU FLY THIS AEROPLANE YOUASSUME ALL RISK & RESPONSIBILITY.If you are inexperienced with basic R/C flight we strongly recommend you contact your R/C supplierand join your local R/C Model Flying Club. R/C Model Flying Clubs offer a variety of trainingprocedures designed to help the new pilot on his way to successful R/C flight. They will also be ableto advise on any insurance and safety regulations that may apply.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

✑ .40-.46 2-stroke engine. .50-.72 4-stroke engine.✑ Computer radio with six servos.✑ Glow plug to suit engine.✑ Propeller to suit engine.✑ Protective foam rubber for radio

system.✑ Silicone fuel line.

TOOLS & SUPPLIES NEEDED

✑ Thick cyanoacrylate glue.✑ 30 minute epoxy.✑ 5 minute epoxy.✑ Hand or electric drill.✑ Assorted drill bits.✑ Modelling knife.✑ Straight edge ruler.✑ 2mm ball driver.✑ Phillips head screwdriver.✑ 220 grit sandpaper.✑ 90° square or builder’s triangle.✑ Wire cutters.✑ Masking tape & T-pins.✑ Thread-lock.✑ Paper towels.

PARTS LISTING

FUSELAGE ASSEMBLY✑ (1) Fuselage.

WING ASSEMBLY

✑ (1) Right wing half with pre-installedaileron.

✑ (1) Left wing half with pre-installedaileron.

✑ (1) Plywood wing dihedral brace.✑ (1) Covering strip for centre section

joint.Tail section assembly

✑ (1) Vertical stabilizer with pre-installed rudder.

✑ (1) Horizontal stabilizer with pre-installed elevator halves.

Some more parts.

HARDWARE PACK

COWLING.Landing gear.....

DECATHLON INSTRUCTION MANUAL

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NOTE: To avoid scratching your new aero-plane we suggest that you cover yourworkbench with an old towel. Keep acouple of jars or bowls handy to holdthe small parts after you open thebags.Please trial fit all parts. Make sure youhave the correct parts and that theyfit and are aligned properly beforegluing! This will ensure proper as-sembly as the DECATHLON ismade from natural materials andminor adjustments may have to bemade.The paint and plastic parts used inthis kit are fuel proof. However, theyare not tolerant of many harsh chemi-cals including the following: paintthinner, cyano-acrylate glue accel-erator, cyanoacrylate glue de-bonderand acetone. Do not let these chemi-cals come in contact with the colourson the covering and the plastic parts.


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✑ 4)Deflect the aileron and completelysaturate each hinge with thin CA glue. Theailerons front surface should lightly contact thewing during this procedure. Ideally, when thehinges are glued in place, a 1/64” gap or lesswill be maintained throughout the lengh of theaileron to the wing panel hinge line.

Note:

The control surfaces, including theailerons, elevators, and rudder, areprehinged with hinges installed, but thehinges are not glued in place. It isimperative that you properly adhere thehinges in place per the steps that followusing a high-quality thin CA glue.

✑ 1) Carefully remove the aileron from oneof the wing panels. Note the position of thehinges.

✑ 2) Remove each hinge from the wing paneland aileron and place a T-pin in the center ofeach hinge. Slide each hinge into the aileronuntil the T-pin is snug against the aileron. Thiswill help ensure an equal amount of hinge ison either side of the hinge line when the aileronis mounted to the wing panel.

HINGING THE AILERONS

Note:

The hinge is constructed of a specialmaterial that allows the CA to wick orpenetrate and distribute throughout thehinge, securely bonding it to the woodstructure of the wing panel and aileron.

✑ 3) Slide the aileron on the wing panel untilthere is only a slight gap. The hinge is nowcentered on the wing panel and aileron.Remove the T-pins and snug the aileronagainst the wing panel. A gap of 1/64” or lessshould be maintained between the wing paneland aileron.

✑ 5) Turn the wing panel over and deflect theaileron in the opposite direction from theopposite side. Apply thin CA glue to each hinge,making sure that the CA penetrates into boththe aileron and wing panel.

✑ 6) Using CA remover/debonder and a papertowel, remove any excess CA glue that mayhave accumulated on the wing or in the aileronhinge area.


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✑ 8) After both ailerons are securely hinged,firmly grasp the wing panel and aileron tomake sure the hinges are securely glued andcannot be pulled out. Do this by carefullyapplying medium pressure, trying to separatethe aileron from the wing panel. Use cautionnot to crush the wing structure.

Note: Work the aileron up and down severaltimes to “work in” the hinges and checkfor proper movement.

✑ 7) Repeat this process with the other wingpanel, securely hinging the aileron in place.

✑ 1) Carefully remove the elevator from oneof the horizontal stabilizer panels. Note theposition of the hinges.

✑ 2) Remove each hinge from the horizontalstabilizer panel and elevator and place a T-pinin the center of each hinge. Slide each hingeinto the elevator until the T-pin is snug againstthe elevator. This will help ensure an equalamount of hinge is on either side of the hingeline when the elevator is mounted to thehorizontal stabilizer panel.

HINGING THE ELEVATORS

✑ 3) Slide the elevator on the horizontalstabilizer panel until there is only a slight gap.The hinge is now centered on the horizontalstabilizer panel and elevator. Remove the T-pins and snug the elevator against thehorizontal stabilizer panel. A gap of 1/64” orless should be maintained between thehorizontal stabilizer panel and elevator.

✑ 4)Deflect the elevator and completelysaturate each hinge with thin CA glue. Theelevators front surface should lightly contactthe horizontal stabilizer during this procedure.Ideally, when the hinges are glued in place, a1/64” gap or less will be maintained throughoutthe lengh of the elevator to the horizontalstabilizer panel hinge line.

Note: The hinge is constructed of a specialmaterial that allows the CA to wick orpenetrate and distribute throughout thehinge, securely bonding it to the woodstructure of the horizontal stabilizerpanel and elevator.

✑ 5) Turn the horizontal stabilizer panel overand deflect the elevator in the oppositedirection from the opposite side. Apply thin CAglue to each hinge, making sure that the CApenetrates into both the elevator and horizontalstabilizer panel.


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✑ 6) Using CA remover/debonder and a papertowel, remove any excess CA glue that mayhave accumulated on the horizontal stabilizeror in the elevator hinge area.

✑ 8) After both horizontal stabilizer aresecurely hinged, firmly grasp the horizontalstabilizer panel and elevator to make sure thehinges are securely glued and cannot be pulledout. Do this by carefully applying mediumpressure, trying to separate the elevator fromthe horizontal stabilizer panel. Use caution notto crush the horizontal stabilizer structure.

✑ 7) Repeat this process with the otherhorizontal stabilizer panel, securely hinging theelevator in place.

HINGING THE RUDDER

✑ 1) Carefully remove the rudder from one ofthe vertical stabilizer panel. Note the positionof the hinges.

✑ 2) Remove each hinge from the verticalstabilizer panel and rudder and place a T-pinin the center of each hinge. Slide each hingeinto the rudder until the T-pin is snug againstthe rudder. This will help ensure an equalamount of hinge is on either side of the hingeline when the rudder is mounted to the verticalstabilizer.

✑ 3) Slide the rudder on the vertical stabilizerpanel until there is only a slight gap. The hingeis now centered on the vertical stabilizer paneland rudder. Remove the T-pins and snug therudder against the vertical stabilizer panel. Agap of 1/64” or less should be maintainedbetween the vertical stabilizer panel andrudder.

✑ 4)Deflect the rudder and completelysaturate each hinge with thin CA glue. Therudder front surface should lightly contact thevertical stabilizer during this procedure. Ideally,when the hinges are glued in place, a 1/64”gap or less will be maintained throughout thelengh of the rudder to the vertical stabilizerpanel hinge line.

Note: The hinge is constructed of a specialmaterial that allows the CA to wick orpenetrate and distribute throughout thehinge, securely bonding it to the woodstructure of the vertical stabilizer paneland rudder.

✑ 5) Turn the vertical stabilizer panel overand deflect the rudder in the opposite directionfrom the opposite side. Apply thin CA glue toeach hinge, making sure that the CA penetratesinto the rudder and vertical stabilizer panel.

✑ 6) Using CA remover/debonder and a papertowel, remove any excess CA glue that mayhave accumulated on the vertical stabilizer orin the rudder hinge area.


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Epoxy.

Wing bottom.

Remove covering.

Work the rudder up and down severaltimes to “work in” the hinges and checkfor proper movement.

Note:

2) Remove the brace when satisfied withits fit ineach wing half. Coat both sides of onehalf of the dihedral brace with 30 minute epoxy.Next, pour some epoxy into the dihedral box inone wing panel. Make sure you cover the topand bottom as well as the sides of the dihedralbrace. Use enough epoxy to fill any gaps.

1) Test fit the wing tube into each wing half.The brace should slide in easily up to thecentreline that you drew.If not, use 220 gritsandpaper with a sanding block and sanddown the edges and ends of the brace until itfits properly.

Masking tape.

WING ASSEMBLY.

NOTE: We highly recommend using 30minute epoxy as it is stronger and providesmore working time, allowing the builder toproperly align the parts. Using fast cure epoxywhen joining the wing halves could result in theglue drying before the wing halves are alignedproperly which may result in failure of the wingcentre section during flight.

3) Peel off the backing from the self adhe-sive covering strip. Apply the strip to the centresection of the wing starting from the bottomtrailing edge. Wrap the strip all the way aroundthe wing until it meets the trailing edge again.Trim off any excess strip.

Carefully slide the two wing halves togetherand firmly press them together, allowing theexcess epoxy to run out. There should not beany gap in the wing halves. Use rubbingalcohol and a paper tower to clean up anyexcess epoxy. Apply masking tape at the wing join to holdthe wing halves together securely.

Centre line.


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Use a small weight (Weighted fuel pick-up)and thread to feed the servo connectorthrough the wing as shown.

INSTALLING THE AILERON SERVOS.

1) Remove servo tray from the eachpanel of wing. Install servo and servo arm. Seepictures below.

Attach the string to one end of servo lead andcarefully thread it though the wing. Once youhave thread the lead throught the wing, removethe string and repeat for the other servo lead.Use masking tape to secure the leads to thewing and prevent them from falling back intothe wing.

✑ 2) Install the rubber grommets and brasscollets onto the aileron servo. Test fit the servointo the aileron servo mount.

Masking tape.

Small weight.

Thread.

Thread.

Small weight.Thread.

Servo (2pcs).

2pcs of 12” extension servos.

Because the size of servos differ, youmay need to adjust the size of the

precut opening in the mount. The notchin the sides of the mount allow the servolead to pass through.


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✑ 3) Install the aileron servo tray into theservo mount.Repeat the procedure for the other winghalf.

INSTALLING THE AILERON LINKAGE

✑ 1) Using a ruler & pen to draw a straightline as below picture.

✑ 2) Locate nylon control horns, nylon con-trol horn backplates and 2 control horns boltscome with 2 nuts.

2MM x 20MM.

Thread.

Servo electric wire.

Plastic tape.

Servo arm.

Servo arm.

Line.


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✑ 3) Position the aileron horn on the bottomside of aileron. The clevis attachment holesshould be positioned over the hinge line asshown below.

✑ 4) Using a 1.5mm drill bit and the controlhorns as a guide, drill the mounting holesthrough the aileron halves.

✑ 6) Thread one clevis control horn ontoeach aileron torque rod. Thread the clevis onuntil they are flush with the ends of the torquerods.

Control Horn.

Mounting Screws. Mounting Plate.

✑ 5) Mount the control horns by inserting thebolts through the control horn bases andaileron halves, then into the mountingbackplates. Thread 2 nuts onto the bolt.

Do not overtighten the nut may crush thewood.

Clevis.

Aileron Torque rod.

Mark point.

Control horn.


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Attach the silicone fuel, feed and pressure pipeto the tank. The lower pipe is the ‘feed’ and theupper is the ‘pressure’ . The silicone fuel pipeis the next of feed pipe.

Slide the tank into the fuselage from inside sothat the neck is at the top of the fuselage andit locates through the engine bulkhead. Gentlysecure it to the top horizontal former with thecable tie .

INSTALLING THE STOPPER ASSEMBLY

✑ 1) Using a modeling knife, carefully cutoff the rear portion of one of the 3 nylon tubesleaving 1/2” protruding from the rear of thestopper. This will be the fuel pick up tube.

✑ 2) Using a modeling knife, cut one lengthof silicon fuel line. Connect one end of the lineto the weighted fuel pickup and the other endto the nylon pickup tube.

✑ 3) Carefully bend the second nylon tubeup at a 45º angle. This tube is the vent tube.To set the angle of the vent tube use a lighteror heat gun to heat the tube (do not melt thetube).

PARTS REQUIRED

FUEL TANK

✑ {1} Molded Nylon Fuel Tank✑ {1} Preassembled Stopper Assembly✑ {1} Metal Weighted Pick-Up✑ {1} Silicon tube

✑ 5) With the stopper assembly in place,the weighted pickup should rest away fromthe rear of the tank and move freely inside thetank. The top of the vent tube should rest justbelow the top of the tank. It should not touchthe top of the tank.✑ 6) When satisfied with the alignment ofthe stopper assembly tighten the 3mm x 20mmmachine screw until the rubber stopper ex-pands and seals the tank opening. Do notovertighten the assembly as this could causethe tank to split.

When the stopper assembly is installed in thetank, the top of the vent tube should rest justbelow the top surface of the tank. It shouldnot touch the top of the tank.

✑ 4) Test fit the stopper assembly into thetank. It may be necessary to remove some ofthe flashing around the tank opening using amodeling knife. If flashing is present, makesure none falls into the tank.

You should mark which tube is the ventand which is the fuel pickup when you

attach fuel tubing to the tubes in the stopper.Once the tank is installed inside the fuselage,it may be difficult to determine each of them.

Vent tube.

Fuel Pickup Tube.

Fuel fill Tube.


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MOUNTING THE ENGINE

✑ 1)Trial fit your engine on the motor mount.The engine should be positioned so there isample clearance in the cowling for spinnerbackplate mounted to the prop drive shaft.✑ 2)Marking 4 points on the plastic motormount.✑ 3)Screw 4 pilot holes with 5 mm diameter.✑ 4) Your engine on the motor mount bymounting with 4 bolts, 8 washers, and 4 nutsprovided.A drop C/A glue on the bolt threads will helpprevent loosening in flight.

✑ 5) Attach the Z-Bend in the pushrod wire tothe throttle arm on the carburetor. You will needto remove the throttle arm from the car-buretor to be able to attach the Z-bend. Whencomplete, reattach the throttle arm to the car-buretor.

WHEEL AND WHEEL PANTS

PARTS REQUIRED

Engine mount.4MMx30MM.

Blow through one of the lines to ensurethe fuel lines have not become kinked

inside the fuel tank compartment. Air shouldflow through easily.

Pushrod wire.

112MM.

Exhaut hole needed to drill 20 - 30 mmdiameter.

Vent tube.

Fuel fillTube.Fuel

Pickup Tube.


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✑ 1) Assemble and mounting the wheel pantsas shown in the following pictures.✑ 2) Follow diagram below for wheel pantinstallation:

✑ 4) A drop of C/A glue on the wheel collarscrews will help keep them from coming loseduring operation.Repeat the process for the other wheel.

Landing gear.

✑ 3) You have to trim each axle using a tollcutting and cut-off wheel.

Wheel Collar.

Axle.

Wheel.Nut.

Wheel Pant.

Landing Gear.

Nut.

(2) Washer.

10 mm.

(2) Wheel Collar.

Axle.

Wheel.Nut.

Nut.

(2) Washer.

53mm

Caution when cutting the axles and wearprotective goggles.


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COWLING

✑ 1) Slide the fiberglass cowl over the en-gine and line up the back edge of the cowl withthe marks you made on the fuselage.

✑ 2) While keeping the back edge of thecowl flush with the marks, align the front ofthe cowl with the crankshaft of the engine. Thefront of the cowl should be positioned so thecrankshaft is in nearly the middle of the cowlopening. Hold the cowl firmly in place usingpieces of masking tape.

Because of the diameter of the cowl, itmay be necessary to use a needle valve

extension for the high speed needle valve.Make this out of sufficient length 1.5mm wireand install it into the end of the needle valve.Secure the wire in place by tightening the setscrew in the side of the needle valve.

3mm X 12mm.

✑ 3) Using the hardware provided, mount themain landing gear to the fuselage.

✑ 1) The blind nuts are already mounted in-side the fuselage.

✑ 2) The holes in the landing gear should beto accept the mounting bolts.

INSTALLING THE MAIN LANDING GEAR

1.5mm wire (needle valve)

Needle valve.


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ALIGNING THE HORIZONTAL STABILIZER

✑ 1) Using a ruler and a pen, locate thecenterline of the horizontal stabilizer, at thetrailing edge, and place a mark. Use a tri-angle and extend this mark, from back to front,across the top of the stabilizer. Also extendthis mark down the back of the trailing edgeof the stabilizer.

Center line.

✑ 4) Install the muffler and muffler extensiononto the engine and make the cutout in thecowl for muffler clearance. Connect the fueland pressure lines to the carburetor, mufflerand fuel filler valve.

✑ 3) Slide the cowl back over the engineand secure it in place using four woodscrews.See picture below.

✑ 5) It is recommended to install a Mufflerextension. ( this item is not include ).

INSTALLING THE SPINNER

✑ 1) Install the spinner backplate, propellerand spinner cone. The spinner cone is held inplace using two 3mm x 12mm wood screws.

The propeller should not touch any partof the spinner cone. If it does, use a

sharp modeling knife and carefully trim awaythe spinner cone where the propeller comesin contact with it.

Exhaut hole needed to drill 20 - 30 mmdiameter.

Muffler extension.

✑ 2) Slide the stabilizer into place in the pre-cut slot in the rear of the fuselage. The stabi-lizer should be pushed firmly against the frontof the slot.


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VERTICAL STABILIZERINSTALLATION

✑ 7) After the epoxy has fully cured, re-move the masking tape or T-pins used to holdthe stabilizer in place. Carefully inspect theglue joints. Use more epoxy to fill in any gapsthat may exist that were not filled previouslyand clean up the excess using a paper toweland rubbing alcohol.

✑ 6) When you are sure that everything isaligned correctly, mix up a generous amountof Flash 30 Minute Epoxy. Apply a thin layerto the top and bottom of the stabilizer mount-ing area and to the stabilizer mounting plat-form sides in the fuselage. Slide the stabi-lizer in place and realign. Double check all ofyour measurements once more before the ep-oxy cures. Hold the stabilizer in place with T-pins or masking tape and remove any excessepoxy using a paper towel and rubbing alco-hol.

✑ 3) With the stabilizer held firmly in place,use a pen and draw lines onto the stabilizerwhere it and the fuselage sides meet. Do thison both the right and left sides and top andbottom of the stabilizer.✑ 4) Remove the stabilizer. Using the linesyou just drew as a guide, carefully remove thecovering from between them using a model-ing knife.

Pen.

When cutting through the covering to re-move it, cut with only enough pressure

to only cut through the covering itself. Cuttinginto the balsa structure may weaken it.

move the covering that overlaps the stabilizermounting platform sides in the fuselage. Re-move the covering from both the top and thebottom of the platform sides.

✑ 5) Using a modeling knife, carefully re- ✑ 1) Using a modeling knife, remove thecovering from over the precut hinge slot cutinto the lower rear portion of the fuselage. Thisslot accepts the lower rudder hinge.

Hinge.

Remove covering.

Hinge slot.


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✑ 5) Slide the vertical stabilizer back inplace. Using a triangle, check to ensure thatthe vertical stabilizer is aligned 90º to the hori-zontal stabilizer.

✑ 6) When you are sure that everything isaligned correctly, mix up a generous amountof Flash 30 Minute Epoxy. Apply a thin layer tothe mounting slot in the top of the fuselage andto the sides and bottom of the vertical stabi-lizer mounting area. Apply epoxy to the bot-tom and top edges of the filler block and tothe lower hinge also. Set the stabilizer in placeand realign. Double check all of your measure-ments once more before the epoxy cures. Holdthe stabilizer in place with T-pins or maskingtape and remove any excess epoxy using apaper towel and rubbing alcohol. Allow the ep-oxy to fully cure before proceeding.

When cutting through the covering to re-move it, cut with only enough pressure

to only cut through the covering itself. Cuttinginto the balsa structure may weaken it.

90º

VerticalStabilizer.Horizontal

Stabilizer.

✑ 2) Slide the vertical stabilizer into the slotin the top of the fuselage. The rear edge ofthe stabilizer should be flush with the rearedge of the fuselage and the lower rudderhinge should engage the precut hinge slot inthe lower fuselage. The bottom edge of thestabilizer should also be firmly pushed againstthe top of the horizontal stabilizer.

✑ 3) While holding the vertical stabilizerfirmly in place, use a pen and draw a line oneach side of the vertical stabilizer where itmeets the top of the fuselage.

✑ 4) Remove the stabilizer. Using a mod-eling knife, remove the covering from belowthe lines you drew. Also remove the coveringfrom the bottom edge of the stabilizer and thebottom and top edges of the filler block. Leavethe covering in place on the sides of the fillerblock.

Remove covering.

Hinge.C/A glue.

Pen.


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✑ 3) Using a 1.5mm drill bit and the controlhorns as a guide, drill the mounting holesthrough the elevator halves.

ELEVATOR - RUDDER PUSHROD INSTALLATION

CONTROL HORN INSTALLTION

✑ 1) Locate the two nylon control horns, twonylon control horn backplates and fourmachine screws.

✑ 2) Position the elevator horn on the bothside of elevator. The clevis attachment holesshould be positioned over the hinge line.

2MM x 20MM.

Control Horn.

Mounting Screws. Mounting Plate.

Elevator control horn.

Rudder control horn.

Elevator pushrod.

Rudder pushrod.✑ 4) Mount the control horns by inserting thebolts through the control horn bases and eleva-tor halves, then into the mounting backplates.Do Not overtighten the nuts may crush thewood.

✑ 5) Position the rudder control horn on theleft side of the airplane. Mount the control hornparallel with the horizontal stabilizer, not in-line with the rudder hinge line.

✑ 6) Install the rudder control horn using thesame method as with the elevator controlhorns.

Elevator control horn right side.

Elevator control horn left side.

Rudder control horn.


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✑ 2) Using a 3/32” drill bit, drill a holethrough the side of the fuselage, opposite themuffler, even with the switch.✑ 3) Make a push-pull lever out of scrapwire. Attach the wire to the switch lever androute the wire out the side of the fuselage,through the hole you drilled.

Some switches come with a hole drilledthrough the switch tab for this very pur-

pose. If your switch does not, remove theswitch and drill a 3/32” hole through the middleof the switch tab.

✑ 4 ) Install the rubber grommets and brasscollets onto the elevator, rudder and throttleservos. Test fit the servos into the preinstalledservo tray. Because the size of servos dif-fer, you may need to adjust the size of theprecut openings in the tray.✑ 5) Position the servos into the servo traywith the output shafts orientated as shownbelow. Drill 1/16” pilot holes through the trayfor each of the mounting screws.

INSTALLING THE FUSELAGE SERVOSPARTS REQUIRED

{3} Standard size servos{1} Receiver switch harness

INSTALLING THE SWITCH

✑ 1) Install the switch into the precut holein the servo tray, in the fuselage, from the bot-tom. Use the two screws provided with theswitch to secure it in place. Drill two 3/32”holes through the tray for the screws to passthrough.

3. While holding the clasp firmly in place,use a pen and outline the clasp onto the rud-der.

4. Remove the clasp, and using a mod-eling knife, remove the covering from insidethe lines you drew. Use 220 grit sandpaperand carefully roughen the inside surface of thenylon clasp.

5. Slide the clasp back into position andcarefully glue it into place using Kwik Bond ThinC/A. Hold the clasp in place until the glue com-pletely cures. Secure by 1 machine screw.

2. Using a ruler and a pen place a markonto the bottom of the rudder. The back edgeof the clasp should line up with this mark.Youmay find it necessary to bend the tail wheelwire down slightly so it lines up with the claspwithout binding.

Control Lap.

Machine Screw2 MM x 20 MM.

1. Align the tail wheel wire so that the wireis parallel with the bottom of the rudder. Thecontrol clasp has a predrilled hole through thetop of it. Slide this hole onto the tail wheel wirewhile sliding the clasp over the bottom of therudder.

MOUNTING THE CONTROL CLASP

3/ 32” Hole.


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✑ 9) Install servos arm to servos. Notice theposition of the servo arms on the servos. Seepicture as below.

✑ 6) Install adjustable servo connector inthe servo arm.

✑ 7) Connect the elevator, rudder and throt-tle servos to your radio’s receiver and turn onthe system. Set the trim tabs on the transmit-ter to neutral and center the servo arms. Theelevator, rudder and throttle servo arms shouldbe perpendicular to the servos.✑ 8) One at a time, hold the pushrods in po-sition over the respective servos to check forproper servo direction. If any servo turns in thewrong direction, switch your radio’s reversingswitches as necessary to achieve the correctdirection.

Adjustable Servo connector.

Servo arm.

C/A glue attached.

✑ 1) Plug the five servo leads and the switchlead into the receiver. Plug the battery packlead into the switch also.

✑ 2) Wrap the receiver and battery pack inthe protective foam rubber to protect themfrom vibration.

INSTALLING THE RECEIVER AND BATTERY

✑ 3) Position the battery pack in the fueltank compartment and the receiver just be-hind the fuel tank . Use extra foam pieces tohold them in position.

AntennaRubberBand

ModifiedServo Arm

Cut

FUSELAGE & WING INSTALLATION

Bolt the wing to fuselage.

When balancing the airplane you mayneed to move the battery or receiver for-

ward or after to achieve proper balance.

✑ 4) Using a 1/16” drill bit, drill a hole throughthe side of the fuselage, near the receiver, forthe antenna to exit. Route the antenna out ofthe fuselage and secure it to the vertical stabi-lizer using a rubber band and a modified servoarm. See picture as below.

Throttle.

Elevator.Rudder. Elevator.


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WING STRUT INSTALLATION

Parts requirement. See picture below:

4 pcs. 2 pcs.

Installing alumium plate follow picture below:

Alumium plate.

Alumium plate.


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✑ 3) When the elevator, rudder and aileroncontrol surfaces are centered, use a ruler andcheck the amount of the control throw in eachsurface. The control throws should bemeasured at the widest point of each sur-face!

✑ 4) By moving the position of the adjust-able control horn out from the control surface,you will decrease the amount of throw of thatcontrol surface. Moving the adjustable con-trol horn toward the control surface will in-crease the amount of throw.

✑ 1) It is critical that your airplane be bal-anced correctly. Improper balance will causeyour plane to lose control and crash. The cen-ter of gravity is located 8 - 9cm back from theleading edge of the wing, measured at thewing tip.

✑ 2) If the nose of the plane falls, the planeis nose heavy. To correct this first move thebattery pack further back in the fuselage. Ifthis is not possible or does not correct it, sticksmall amounts of lead weight on the fuselagesides under the horizontal stabilizer. If the tailof the plane falls, the plane is tail heavy. Tocorrect this, move the battery and receiver for-ward or if this is not possible, stick weight ontothe firewall or use a brass heavy hub spinnerhub. When balanced correctly, the airplaneshould sit level or slightly nose down when youlift it up with your fingers.

BALANCING

CONTROL THROWS

✑ 1) We highly recommend setting up theDECATHLON using the control throws listedat right. We have listed control throws for bothinitial test/sport flying and aerobatic flying.

INITIAL FLYING/SPORT FLYING

Ailerons low rate - 3/8” up - 3/8” downAilerons high rate - 7/8” up - 7/8” down

Elevators low rate - 3/16” up -3/16” downElevators high rate - 3/8” up - 3/8” down

Rudder low rate - 3/4” left and rightRudder high rate - 1 1/4” left and right

Do not use the aerobatic settings forinitial test flying or sport flying.

✑ 2) Turn on the radio system, and with thetrim tabs on the transmitter in neutral, centerthe control surfaces by making adjustmentsto the clevises or adjustable servo connectors.The servo arms should be centered also.

FLIGHT PREPARATION

✑ A) Check the operation and direction ofthe elevator, rudder, ailerons and throttle.

✑ B) Plug in your radio system per themanufacturer's instructions and turn every-thing on.

✑ C) Check the elevator first. Pull back onthe elevator stick. The elevator halves shouldmove up. If it they do not, flip the servo re-versing switch on your transmitter to changethe direction.

✑ D) Check the rudder. Looking from be-hind the airplane, move the rudder stick to theright. The rudder should move to the right. If itdoes not, flip the servo reversing switch onyour transmitter to change the direction.

8 - 9cmCG


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D) Check the throttle. Moving the throttlestick forward should open the carburetor bar-rel. If it does not, flip the servo reversing switchon your transmitter to change the direction.

E) From behind the airplane, look at theaileron on the right wing half. Move the aileronstick to the right. The right aileron should moveup and the other aileron should move down. Ifit does not, flip the servo reversing switch onyour transmitter to change the direction.

A) The Rudder should move 3/4” left and3/4” right from center. If it moves too far, turnthe adjustable control horn out away from therudder. Do the opposite if there is not enoughthrow.

move too much, turn the adjustable controlhorns out away from the wing. Do the oppo-site if there is not enough throw. It is impor-tant that both ailerons move the same amount,both up and down.

D) Once the control throws and move-ments are set, tubing must be added to theclevises to ensure they do not release in theair. Cut a piece of fuel line into five 1/4” longpieces. Unsnap the clevises and slip onepiece over each clevis. Snap the clevises backin place and slide the tubing up over them.

PREFLIGHT CHECK

1) Completely charge your transmitterand receiver batteries before your first day offlying.

2) Check every bolt and every glue jointin the DECATHLON to ensure that everythingis tight and well bonded.

We wish you many safe and enjoyableflights with your DECATHLON.

8) Properly balance the propeller. An outof balance propeller will cause excessive vi-bration which could lead to engine and/or air-frame failure.

3) Double check the balance of the air-plane. Do this with the fuel tank empty.

4) Check the control surfaces. All shouldmove in the correct direction and not bind inany way.

5) If your radio transmitter is equippedwith dual rate switches double check that theyare on the low rate setting for your first fewflights.

6) Check to ensure the control surfacesare moving the proper amount for both lowand high rate settings.

7) Check the receiver antenna. It shouldbe fully extended and not coiled up inside thefuselage.

FLIGHT PREPARATION

1) Check the operation and direction ofthe elevator, rudder, ailerons and throttle.

A) Plug in your radio system per themanufacturer's instructions and turn every-thing on.

B) Check the elevator first. Pull back onthe elevator stick. The elevator halves shouldmove up. If it they do not, flip the servo re-versing switch on your transmitter to changethe direction.

C) Check the rudder. Looking from be-hind the airplane, move the rudder stick to theright. The rudder should move to the right. If itdoes not, flip the servo reversing switch onyour transmitter to change the direction.

✑ E) Check the throttle. Moving the throttlestick forward should open the carburetor bar-rel. If it does not, flip the servo reversing switchon your transmitter to change the direction.

✑ F) From behind the airplane, look at theaileron on the right wing half. Move the aileronstick to the right. The right aileron should moveup and the other aileron should move down. Ifit does not, flip the servo reversing switch onyour transmitter to change the direction.

C)The ailerons should move 3/16” up and3/16” down from center. If the ailerons

B) Both elevator halves should move 5/16” up and 5/16” down from center. If theymove too far, turn the adjustable control hornsout away from the elevator halves. Do the op-posite if there is not enough throw. Both el-evator halves should also travel the sameamount throughout their total movement.

2) Check Control Surface Throw.

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