3D AEROWORKS Pilatus PC-21 Guide

ASSEMBLY MANUAL
AND USER GUIDE
Pilatus PC-21
By 3D AEROWORKS

OVERVIEW:
This replica of the Pilatus PC-21 is designed for quick and easy construction and printed
using light-weight PLA (LW-PLA). For best results the canopy should be printed with clear
PLA, and the motor mount and propeller assembly in regular PLA or PETG. A semi scale
propeller and hub is included in the plans designed to suit the 2804 2300kv outrunner (7x5)
in 2 blade configuration. Utilising full 4 channel controls; aileron, elevator, rudder and throttle,
this model performs extremely well given its small size and lightweight. Links to components
used can be found on the last page of the user guide.
This model has taken many hours of hard work and testing in order to provide a nice flying
aircraft. Please do not share it. Please show your appreciation by directing interested parties
to the link below.
https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/various/pilatus-pc-21-600mm
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
WINGSPAN: 600mm
PRINT WEIGHT: 205g
FLYING WEIGHT: 340g
ELECTRICS
MOTOR: 2804 2300KV
ESC: 10amp (min) 20amp (recommended)
SERVOS: 3.7g MICRO
BATTERY: 950MAH 2S (or similar)
INCLUDED
STL FILES OF ALL COMPONENTS
FACTORY FILES FOR SIMPLIFY 3D FOR PRINTERS: 200X200X200

REQUIRED TOOLS:
KNIFE
LIGHTER
SANDPAPER (MEDIUM GRIT)
PLIERS
CA GLUE
SCREW DRIVERS
FILE OR RASP
REQUIRED COMPONENTS:
X1 2804 2300KV MOTOR (or similar)
X1 12AMP or 20AMP ESC
X1 950MAH 2S LIPO OR SIMILAR
X4 3.7G MICRO SERVO
BAMBOO SKEWERS 3MM
HEAT SHRINK TUBE 3mm
X2 10mm X 10mm X 2mm MAGNET (ROUND)
X10 MICRO HINGES (OPTIONAL)
VELCRO
X2 x 200mm CARBON STRIP 3mm x 0.6mm (OPTIONAL)
M2 x10mm SCREWS
1mm PIANO WIRE
M2 PUSH ROD (200mm MINIMUM LENGTH)
** This model comes with the option for fixed style landing gear. The wings and fuselage
sections have alternate parts which accommodate 2mm struts for the main gear and 1mm
wire for the tailwheel. It is advised that the geared option only be used for tarmac or concrete
surfaces. Grass runways should be avoided when using the fixed gear.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
1
After all parts have been printed, some may require to be cleaned as LW-PLA is prone to
stringing. Do this by gently sanding back the rough sections with a file, sandpaper or blade
until the surface is smooth.
2
All faces which are to be glued to other parts need to be given a light sanding (scuff the
surface) to assist with glue adhesion.

3
Cut 15mm sections of skewer and place into alignment holes in the fuselage sections.
NOTE - It may be required to open up the holes a small amount if the fit is too tight. Do this
by using a 3mm drill bit. Gently spin it in reverse as you insert it into the hole. This will ensure
the bit does not tear the print.
Test fit the sections of the fuse before gluing to ensure a clean fit.
4
Glue all sections of the fuse together except fuse 1. This will be glued on last in order to
allow for cg balancing.
5
Once glued, with a sharp knife, remove the false floor of the battery hatch. (see pic/
highlighted faces) NOTE: The removed sections of LW-PLA that is the false floor will be
used as hinge pieces later. Do not throw away.

6
From part “fuse 3” remove the inner section of the lead tunnel with a knife or heated metal
rod to allow the servo lead for the aileron to pass through. (refer image)
7
Test fit the hinges in the hinge slots for each control surface and its parent part, this will make
gluing the control surface easier when the time comes. NOTE- Do not force the hinge if it is
too tight. Loosen the slot by gently inserting a stanley knife.
Using the LW-PLA as a hinge:
From the off-cuts from the fuselage false floor, cut small sections of 15mm x 7mm with the
7mm side being against the grain of the layers. Test fit the pieces into the hinge slots of the
control surface and stabiliser or wing.

8
Place a drop of CA in the hinge slot of the control surface and insert the hinge. Be sure that
the hinge is perpendicular to the control surface. Then bend the hinges to 90deg back and
forward a few times to make sure they are appropriately loose. (the outer aileron and
elevator hinge may need to be trimmed). See below
9
Fit the horizontal stabilisers to the fuselage using small sections of 3mm bbq skewers to align
the stabilises and glue with CA.

10
Bend a section of 1mm steel wire to connect the elevators together.
Test fit the wire and the elevators connection to the horizontal stabilisers before gluing the
wire to the elevators, or the elevators to the tail plane. There should be un-obstructed travel.
11
Glue the rudder, elevators and ailerons in place. Make sure each control surface has full and
free movement.
12
Glue the wingtips and tail cone in place (if required).