AeroWorks 75cc YAK-54 ARF-QB User manual

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75cc YAK-54 ARF-QB
(Quick Build)
ASSEMBLY MANUAL
AEROWORKS
401 Laredo St. Unit “D” - Aurora, CO. 80011
www.aero-works.net

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Aeroworks Contact Information …………………………………………………………........... 3
Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………………. 4
Kit Contents……………………………………………………………………………………… 5
Items Needed To Complete ……………………………………………………………………… 7
Tightening and Re-shrinking the Covering / Check all Seams and overlaps for good seal… 8
Wing Assembly………………………………………………………………….………………… 9
Stab and Elevator Assembly…………………………………………………………………… 15
Rudder and Tail wheel Assembly ………………………………………………………………. 19
Main Landing Gear / Wheel pants Assembly ……..…………………………………………… 34
Engine, Throttle, Mufflers, Pipe, Canister, Tank, and Cowl Installation……………………. 40
Radio Installation ………………………………………………………………………………. 85
Preflight Preparation …………………………………………………………………………… 90

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401 Laredo Unit D
Aurora, CO 80011
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Website: www.aero-works.net
E-mail: [email protected]
Thank you for choosing the Aeroworks 75cc YAK-54 ARF-QB. We put great effort into
making this plane the best model you will ever build and fly. We provide you with the
highest quality kit and performance possible. We wish you great success in the assem-
bly and flying of your new Aeroworks 75cc YAK-54 ARF-QB.
WARNING
An R/C aircraft is not a toy! If misused, it can cause serious bodily harm and property
damage. Fly only in open areas, and AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) approved
flying sites. Follow all instructions included with your plane, radio, and engine.
Aeroworks Manufacturing guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both material
and workmanship at the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover any component
parts damaged by use or modification. In no case shall Aeroworks liability exceed the
original cost of the purchased kit. Further, Aeroworks reserves the right to change or
modify this warranty without notice.
In that Aeroworks has no control over the final assembly or materials used for final as-
sembly, No liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any damage resulting from the
use by the user of the final user-assembled product. By the act of using the user-
assembled product, the user accepts all resulting liability.
We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top quality, thoroughly tested kit and
instructions, but ultimately the quality and fly ability of your finished model depends on
how you build it; therefore, we cannot in any way guarantee the performance of your
completed model, and no representations are expresses or implied as to the performance
or safety of your completed model.

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INTRODUCTION
Your new 75cc YAK-54 ARF-QB is a highly aerobatic airplane. It is capable of both preci-
sion and 3-D maneuvers. The aircraft builds easily, quickly, and precisely due to its state of
the art CAD design, LASER cut technology, and high quality included hardware. We hope
you enjoy building and flying your YAK-54 ARF-QB.
Great care has been taken in both the design and manufacturing of the 75cc YAK-54 ARF-
QB to allow for the strongest and lightest construction possible. Only the highest quality ma-
terials from the covering, paint, wood and hardware have been used in the construction of
this model.
The 75cc YAK-54 ARF-QB has been individually hand built, covered and painted by trained
and experienced craftsmen with over 25 years of manufacturing experience. Using CAD de-
sign, laser cut technology and jig-built assures accuracy in all stages of production.
The 75cc YAK-54 ARF-QB is designed for gas engines in the 75cc to 80cc category. 3W-
75 rear and side carburetor and ZDZ-80 Super engines are shown in the assembly instruc-
tions. The aircraft was tested with the ZDZ-80 Super and has outstanding performance. The
final choice of engine is left up to the builder. A computer radio is recommended to allow
the pilot to take advantage of the full capabilities of this aerobatic aircraft.
IMPORTANT Please read through this manual carefully, before starting the assembly of
your new 75cc YAK-54 ARF-QB. Inventory and inspect all parts and hardware for any im-
perfections or damage. Please notify AEROWORKS immediately if there are missing or
damaged parts. INTENDED USE
This plane should not be regarded as a toy. This is an aerobatic plane and is recommended
for pilots who are beyond the trainer-stage and are comfortable with flying an aerobatic sport
plane.
READ! WARRANTY READ!
It is important to notify Aeroworks of any damage or problems with the model within 30
days of receiving your airplane to be covered under warranty. If you wish to return this air-
craft for any reason a 15% restock fee will be charged to the customer. In addition the cus-
tomer is responsible for all return shipping cost and all prior shipping cost will not be re-
funded. Parts will be exchanged or replaced once the original item is returned at the owner’s
expense. If you have any problems, please contact Aeroworks.
Aeroworks cannot insure the skill of the modeler and can not influence the builder during the
construction or use of this aircraft, and therefore, will not be accountable for any property
damage, bodily injury or death caused by this aircraft.
Aeroworks cannot insure the skill of the modeler and can not influence the builder during the
construction or use of this aircraft, and therefore, the purchaser/operator accepts all respon-
sibility of any and all structural or mechanical failures.

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KIT CONTENTS
75cc YAK-54 ARF-QB
Basic Aircraft Parts:
Fuselage with vertical fin – covered,
firewall fuel-proofed:
(4) 8-32 blind nuts installed for main landing gear
(2) 4-40 blind nuts installed for hatch cover of the
landing gear
(4) 4-40 blind nuts installed for the mounting of the
stab.
(6) 4-40 blind nuts installed for the mounting of
cowling.
Hatch cover for the landing gear installed by (2) 4-
40x14mm hex style bolts and (2) flat washers.
Canopy base—painted with (4) 4-40 blind nuts in-
stalled
(1) Tinted Canopy—glued on the canopy base and
painted, installed on the fuselage by (4) 4-40x16mm
hex style bolts
(4) #6 bonded washers for the mounting of the can-
opy
(1) Antenna Tube installed
(1) Pilot holes pre-drilled for tail wheel assembly
Left Wing with Aileron – covered:
(2) 8-32 blind nuts installed for the wing mounting.
(2) locater pins installed
(6) pin point hinges glued
(2)Aileron servo strings installed
(2) Pilot holes pre drilled for control horns mounting
Right Wing with Aileron – covered:
(2) 8-32 blind nuts installed for the wing mounting.
(2) locater pins glued
(6) pin point hinges glued
(2) Aileron servo strings installed
(2) Pilot holes pre drilled for control horns mounting
Horizontal Stabilizer with elevator assembly
with (8) pin point hinges (glued)---covered
(2) Pilot holes pre drilled for control horns mounting

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Rudder with (5) pin point hinges (not glued) – covered
(2) Pilot holes pre drilled for control horns mounting
SUB ASSEMBLIES:
#1:
(1) Fiberglass Cowling—painted with (6) screws holes
(6) 4-40x16mm hex style bolts for mounting cowling
(6) #6 bonded washers for mounting cowling
#2:
(1) 5mm 7075 Aluminum Main Landing Gear -- painted
(2) 5mm AL Axle
(2) M8 lock nuts
(4) 5mm I.D. Wheel Collars with set-screws
(2) 83mm Dia. Main Wheels (Lite Type)
(4) 4-40x14mm hex style bolts for mounting
wheel pants
(4) 3mm flat washer for mounting wheel pants
(4) 3mm split ring lock washer for mounting
wheel pants
(4) 8-32x20mm hex head bolts for mounting main
landing gear
(4) flat washers for mounting main landing gear
(4) split ring lock washers for mounting main landing
gear.
#3:
(2) Wheel Pants—1 Left and 1 Right---Painted
(4) 4-40 blind nuts installed on the wheel pants,
2 per side.
#4:
(1) AL Tail Wheel Assembly -- Medium
#5:
(1) 32mm O.D. x 831mm Aluminum wing tube
— Anodized black
(1) 12.5mm O.D. x 520mm Aluminum (Front) Stab
— Anodized black.
(1) 12.5mm O.D. x 1143mm Aluminum (Rear) Stab
— Anodized black.
(4) 8-32x25mm Hex head bots for wing mounting
(4) #8 bonded washers for wing mounting
(4) 4-40x16mm Hex head bolts for stab mounting
(4) #6 bonded washers for stab mounting
#6:
(2) 4-40 2-1/2” two end threaded pushrod with nuts
and clevises for elevator
(4) 4-40 3” two end threaded pushrod with nuts
and clevises for ailerons.
(2) 4-40x250mm Threaded (one end) pushrod
(2) 4-40 Metal clevises
(16) 4-40 ball linkages with Lock nuts / 4-40 Bolts
(8) Brass spacer
#7:
(2) 1x1150mm plastic coated pull-pull steel cable.
(4) 4-40 Metal R/C links with metal clevises and nuts
(4) 3.5x5mm brass pull-pull swaging tubes
(8) AL double control horns
(48) T2.6x16mm Phillips head mounting screws
#8:
(1)1000cc Gas Fuel Tank assembly (Fuel)
(1) 750cc Gas Fuel Tank assembly (Smoke)
(1) 3ft. large gas fuel line
#9:(2) Throttle servo plate
(2) Engine mounting template (3W 70/75, 3W80I,
ZDZ 80/80 Super and Universal Template)
(1) 130x70x6mm foam for the Fuel tank.
(2) 300x80x6mm sponge for the receiver and battery
(1) 100x30x6mm silicon plate for the muffler
mounting
(8) Large Nylon Ties for the fuel tank mounting
(8) Small Nylon ties for the fuel line
(1) 5mm i.d. x260mm silicon tube
(1) 610x20mm Velcro
(1) Pipe mount (fuel-proofed)
(2) Pipe mounting hardware with M3 blind nuts
(2) 4-40x16mm Hex head bolts
(2) 3mm flat washers
(2) 3mm split ring lock washers.
(1) Plate for close off tunnel—painted and
fuel-proofed
(1) light plywood plate for ignition mounting.
#10:
(24) 6mm aluminum engine stand offs.
#11:
(1) 600x300mm True Red Covering
(1) 300x300mm White Covering
(1) 300x300mm Midnight Blue Covering
(1) 300x300mm Dark Yellow Covering
(1) 200x100mm Clear Ultracote for sealing the gaps of
the hinge line.
#12:
(1) Custom throw meter

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Hardware:
ITEMS NEEDED TO COMPLETE
• 75cc to 80cc gas engine with ignition, Pitts style
muffler or header, with canister or pipe, and
mounting bolts, nuts, and washers.
• 4” Tru-Turn (P-51 style) spinner and propeller
• 4 x aileron servos (min 160 in./oz. Digital, Metal
gear)
• 1 or 2 x rudder servos (min 180 in./oz each or
300 in. / oz. total torque, Digital, Metal gear)
• 2 x elevator servos (min 180 in./oz. Digital,
Metal gear)
• 1 x throttle servo (fast / reliable)
• 1 x choke servo (fast / reliable) (Optional)
• Servo extensions -(22 gauge min) 3 x Y harness,
2 x 6,” 2 x 12,” 2 x 18”, 2 x 36”
• 1 Receiver (PCM)
• 1 x Receiver battery (min 6.0 volt / 1700ma)
• 1 x ignition battery (min 4.8 volt / 1700ma)
• 2 switches with charge jacks (22 Gauge min)
Tools:
• Allen wrenches US and Metric.
• Dermel cutting disc and sanding drum tool
• Electric drill and selection of bits
• Flat head screwdriver
• Hobby heat gun
• Hobby iron
• Masking tape
• Modeling knife
• Needle nose pliers or crimping tool
• Paper towels
• Pen, pencil or felt tipped marker
• Phillips screwdriver
• Ruler and tape measure
• Scissors
• T pins
• Waxed paper
• Wire Cutters
Adhesives:
• 15-30 Minute epoxy
• Blue Lock-tite
• Epoxy mixing cups, sticks, brushes
• CA kicker (optional)
• Thick and thin CA
• Rubbing alcohol
• Wipes

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1. Open your kit slowly and take care not to dam-
age any parts of the kit. Remove all parts from
their plastic protective covers for inspection.
Before doing any assembly or installation of any
decals it is very important to re-shrink or re-
tighten the already applied covering. Due to the
shipping process, heat and humidity changes
from different climates, the covering may be-
come lose and wrinkle in the sun. If you take the
time to re-tighten the covering, you will be re-
warded with a long lasting beautifully covered
model.
TIGHTENINGAND RE-SHRINKING THE COVERING
!Check all Seams and Color overlaps for good seal!
2. Using your covering iron with a soft sock, gently
apply pressure and rub in the covering. If any
bubbles occur, your iron may be to hot. Reduce
heat and work slowly.
IMPORTANT
Go over any and all seams and color overlaps
with your iron to assure good adhesion of the
covering to the wood. This is especially im-
portant at the Leading edges of the wings and
stabs.
3. If bubbles persist, use a small pin to punch holes
in the bubble to relieve trapped air and reheat.
4. Use your heat gun with extreme caution. Take
care not to apply too much heat to one area for
long periods of time. This may cause the trim
colors to over shrink and pull away leaving un-
sightly gaps on the color lines. The trim stripes
are especially vulnerable to over heating and
over shrinking.
5. You model is covered with Ultracote covering.
In case of repairs, the colors are:
Midnight Blue #885
Dark Yellow #889
True Red #866
White #870
Tightening and re-shrinking the covering is now
complete.

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Aileron Servo Installation
1. The ailerons have been pre-hinged and glued
to the wing panels and are ready for flight. No
other steps are necessary for hinging. Clear
Ultra Cote is supplied for sealing the hinge
gaps if desired. However, due to the precisely
aligned and minimal hinge gap this step is op-
tional. Gather one wing panel, two aileron ser-
vos, 1 Y harness, and 1 18” servo extension as
shown below for servo installation.
WINGASSEMBLY
2. Layout the servos, extensions and Y harness on
the wing to test fit the installation and ensure
servo leads are the correct size.
Recommended servo:
160 in. oz. / Metal geared / Digital
3. Attach the 18” extension to the outboard servo
lead and secure with safety wire, string, tape,
or other method. Ensure the connectors will
not come apart from vibration or light tension.
4. Fasten the pull string from the outboard servo
hole to the male connector of the servo exten-
sion. Secure with tape so that the string pulls
from the front end of the connector to assist
in drawing the servo wire through the
wing without hanging up inside the wing.

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5. Draw the 18” servo extension through the
wing and pull through the wing root rib.
6. Attach one female end of the Y harness to the
inboard servo lead.
7. Secure the servo connectors with safety wire,
string, tape, or other method. Ensure the con-
nectors will not come apart from vibration or
light tension.
8. Fasten the pull string from the inboard servo
hole to the male connector of the Y harness.
Secure with tape so that the string pulls from
the front end of the connector to assist in
drawing the servo wire through the wing
without hanging up inside the wing.

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9. Pull the 18” extension from the outboard servo
and the Y harness from the inboard servo out
of the root rib as shown.
10. Plug the remaining female end of the Y har-
ness into the male end of the 18” extension
and secure as before. Secure the servo con-
nectors with safety wire, string, tape, or other
method. Ensure the connectors will not come
apart from vibration or light tension.
11. Tuck the excess servo wires inside the wing
root as shown.
12. Install servo in servo well with the output arm
toward the leading edge of the wing and mark
locations of servo mounting holes.

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13. Remove servo and use a 1/16 bit to drill servo
mounting holes.
14. Install servo with servo mounting screws.
15. Repeat mounting steps for other servo so that
both aileron servos are mounted in bottom of
wing as shown.
Aileron Control Linkage Installation
1. To locate the control horn, use a ruler against the
outboard side of the servo case to project a line
to the leading edge of the aileron and mark as
shown.
Note: The control horn mounting holes may have
been factory drilled for you. If so, go to the
next step.

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2. From that mark measure 1/2” toward the wing
tip and mark the leading edge of the aileron as
shown. This mark will be the center of the ai-
leron control horn.
Note: The control horn mounting holes may have
been factory drilled for you. If so, go to the
next step.
3. Gather the aileron control linkage parts as
shown below. There are 2 pushrods, 4 ball
link assemblies, 2 left and 2 right side control
horns, and 12 wood screws for each wing
panel.
4. Assemble two pushrod and control horn
assemblies as shown. The ball link goes
between the left and right sides of the control
horn sides and is secured with a nylon lock nut.
IMPORTANT: The ball link for the inboard
control horn goes in the bottom hole of the
horn. The ball link for the outboard horn goes
in the middle hole of the horn. This gives the
correct offset to eliminate binding and twisting
of the aileron.
5. Tape the inboard trailing edge of the aileron to
the trailing edge of the wing in the neutral posi-
tion. Plug the servo into the receiver and turn on.
Ensure the servo is centered and the servo arm is
parallel to the aileron hinge line. Attach front
ball link to servo arm. Adjust the length of the
pushrod so that the leading edge of the control
horns are aligned with the bottom leading edge
of the aileron. Center the control horn over the
mark as shown.
Note: If the control horn holes are factory drilled,
align the control horns over pre-drilled holes.

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6. Mark the position of the control horn mounting
holes.
Note: The control horn mounting holes may have
been factory drilled for you. If so, go to the
next step.
7. Use a 1/16” bit to drill the control horn mount-
ing holes.
Note: The control horn mounting holes may have
been factory drilled for you. If so, go to the
next step.
8. Align the left and right sides of the control horns
to the mounting holes and mount using six wood
screws as shown.
Note: Use thin CA to lock screws in place
9. Repeat above steps for other servo control
linkage. Ensure both servos do not fight each
other at center or either end point at full de-
flection. A 1” servo arm is recommended for
best results. A 1 1/4” servo arm is required
for full deflection of the aileron 55º bevel.
10. Repeat all the above steps for the other wing.

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Elevator Servo Installation
1. The elevators have been pre-hinged and glued
to the stabs and are ready for flight. No other
steps are necessary for hinging. Clear Ultra-
cote has been provided for sealing of the hinge
gaps if desired. Gather the stabs and elevators,
two elevators servos, and two 36” servo exten-
sions as shown below.
STAB AND ELEVATOR ASSEMBLY
2. Gather the elevator control linkage parts as
shown below. There are 2 pushrods, 4 ball
link assemblies, 2 left and 2 right side control
horns, and 12 wood screws for stab and eleva-
tor.
3. Feed the servo wire through the pre-cut eleva-
tor servo well and out the root rib of the stab
as shown.
4. Install servo in servo well with the output arm
toward the leading edge of the stab and mark
locations of servo mounting holes.

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5. Use a 1/16 bit to drill servo mounting holes.
6. Install servo with servo mounting screws.
Elevator Control Linkage Installation
1. Assemble two pushrod and control horn as-
semblies as shown. The ball link goes be-
tween the left and right sides of the control
horn sides and is secured with a nylon lock
nut.
2. To locate the control horn, use a ruler against the
outboard side of the servo case to project the line
to the leading edge of the elevator and mark as
shown.
Note: The control horn mounting holes may have
been factory drilled for you. If so, go to the
next step.

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3. From this mark measure 1/2” toward the stab tip
and mark the leading edge of the elevator as
shown. This mark will be the center of the ele-
vator control horn.
Note: The control horn mounting holes may have
been factory drilled for you. If so, go to the next
step.
4. Tape leading edge of the elevator balance tab
to the leading edge of the stab in the neutral
position. Plug the servo into the receiver and
turn on. Ensure the servo is centered and the
servo arm is parallel to the elevator hinge line.
Attach front ball link to servo arm. Adjust the
length of the pushrod so that the leading edge
of the control horns are aligned with the bot-
tom leading edge of the elevator. Center the
control horn over the mark and mark the
mounting hole locations as shown. (Note: If
the control horn holes are factory drilled, align
the control horns over pre-drilled holes.)
5. Use a 1/16” bit to drill the control horn mount-
ing holes.
Note: The control horn mounting holes may have
been factory drilled for you. If so, go to the next
step.
6. Align the left and right sides of the control horns
to the mounting holes and mount using six wood
screws as shown.
Note: Use thin CA to lock screws in place

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7. A 1 1/2” servo arm is recommended to achieve
full deflection of the elevator bevel. Ensure
the servo does not bind at center or either end
point at full deflection.
8. Plug the servo wire into the female end of the
36” extension and secure the servo connectors
with safety wire, string, tape, or other method.
Ensure the connectors will not come apart
from vibration or light tension.
9. Repeat the above steps for the other stab and
elevator.

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Rudder Installation
1. Gather the rudder, six hinges, epoxy, and ma-
terials as shown. Use 15-30 minute epoxy to
ensure adequate working and cleanup time.
RUDDER AND TAILWHEELASSEMBLY
2. Prep all hinges for installation by applying
Vaseline petroleum jelly or light oil to the
hinge joint. This ensures no epoxy gets into
the hinge during assembly.
3. Mix epoxy in mixing cup and use a tapered
stick to apply the epoxy inside the pre-drilled
holes in the trailing edge of the fin. Apply
epoxy to one side of each hinge and insert the
hinge completely into the hole.
4. Ensure the hinge axis is vertical and parallel to
the trailing edge of the fin before epoxy cures.
Wipe away excess epoxy with alcohol wetted
wipes.

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5. Epoxy the hinges into the fin first and allow
epoxy to fully cure.
6. Mix epoxy in mixing cup and use a tapered
stick to apply the epoxy inside the pre-drilled
holes in the leading edge of the rudder. Apply
epoxy on to each hinge. Carefully slide the
rudder onto each hinge and against the trailing
edge of the fin. Wipe away excess epoxy with
alcohol wetted wipes. Ensure there is no gap
between fin and rudder. Allow epoxy to fully
cure.