AeroWorks .90-1.20 YAK 54 ARF-QB User manual

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.90-1.20 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 / Shipping Damage………………………………………… 3
Introduction / Warranty…………………………………………………………………………. 4
Kit Contents……………………………………………………………………………………… 5
Items Needed To Complete ……………………………………………………………………... 8
Tightening and Re-shrinking The Covering ………………………………………………….. 9
Checking Seams and Color Overlaps for Good Seal / Sealing Hinge Gaps ………..……….. 10
Wing Assembly………………………………………………………………….……………….. 11
Stab and Elevator Assembly……………………………………………………………………. 16
Rudder, Rudder Servo and Tail wheel Assembly …………………………………………… 20
Main Landing Gear and Wheel Pant Assembly …………………………………...…………. 32
Engine, Muffler and Throttle linkage installation………………….………..………………... 37
Fuel Tank Assembly and Installation ………………………………………………………….. 52
Cowl Installation.…. …………………………………………………………………………….. 56
Radio Installation.…. ………………………………………………………………………...….. 61
Preflight Preparation …………………………………………………………………………….. 65
Decal installation ………………………………………………………………………………… 67
Center of Gravity / Control Throws ……………………………………………………………. 71
Preflight Check List ……………………………………………………………………………... 74

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401 Laredo street Unit D
Aurora, CO. 80011
Phone: [phone] - Fax: [phone]
Website: www.aero-works.net - E-mail: [email protected]
Thank you for choosing the Aeroworks .90-1.20 YAK 54 ARF-QB. We put great effort into making
this plane the best model you will ever build and fly. We have provided you with the highest quality kit
and performance possible. We wish you great success in the assembly and flying of your new
Aeroworks .90-1.20 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 in-
structions included with your plane, radio, and engine.
Aeroworks manufacturing guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both material and workman-
ship 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. Fur-
ther, 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 assembly, No li-
ability 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.
!SHIPPING DAMAGE!
Aeroworks has taken extreme steps to prevent your model from possible shipping damage.
However, shipping damage may still occur. If your model is received with any damage as
the result of shipping, it is important that you retain both the inner white and outer brown
boxes and notify Aeroworks IMMEDIATELY for further steps to process your claim.
Failure too comply may result in the inability to process your damage claim.
We, as the kit manufacturer, have provided you with a top quality, thoroughly tested
kit and detailed 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 expressed or
implied as to the performance or safety of your completed model.

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INTRODUCTION
Your new .90-1.20 YAK 54 ARF-QB is a highly aerobatic airplane. It is capable of both
precision and 3-D maneuvers. The aircraft builds easily, quickly, and precisely due to the
revolutionary QB (Quick Build) Design, LASER cut technology, and high quality included
hardware. We hope you enjoy building and flying your .90-1.20 YAK 54 ARF-QB.
Great care has been taken in both the design and manufacturing of the .90-1.20 YAK 54
ARF-QB to allow for the strongest and lightest construction possible. Only the highest
quality materials from the covering, paint, wood and hardware have been used in the con-
struction of this model.
The .90-1.20 YAK 54 ARF-QB has been individually hand built, covered and painted by
trained and experienced craftsmen with over 27 years of manufacturing experience. Using
CAD design, laser cut technology and jig-built assures accuracy in all stages of production.
The .90-1.20 YAK 54 ARF-QB is designed for engines in the .90 to 1.20 category. The
Saito 1.25 4stk and OS 1.20AX 2stk. engines are shown in the assembly instructions. The
aircraft was tested with both engines 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 assembly manual carefully, before starting the as-
sembly of your new .90-1.20 YAK 54 ARF-QB. Inventory and inspect all parts and hard-
ware for any imperfections 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 or questions, please contact Aeroworks.
Aeroworks cannot insure the skill of the modeler and cannot 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 cannot influence the builder during the
construction or use of this aircraft, and therefore,
The purchaser/operator accepts all responsibility of any and all structural or
mechanical failures.

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KIT CONTENTS
.90-1.20 YAK 54 ARF-QB
Basic Aircraft Parts:
Fuselage - vertical fin installed - pre drilled for the
hinges– covered - firewall fuel-proofed - muffler tunnel
pre painted - pre drilled for mounting of the tail wheel
assembly.
(4) 8-32 blind nuts installed in firewall for mounting
of the engine mounts
(4) 8-32 blind nuts installed for main landing gear
(4) 4-40 blind nuts installed for the mounting of the
stab
(4) 4-40 blind nuts installed for the mounting of the
cowling
(1) Gear cover for the landing gear –covered,
installed by (2) T2.6x12mm PWA screws
(1) Canopy base-painted, installed on the fuselage by
(4) 4-40 blind nuts and (4) 4-40x10mm hex style
bolts
(1) Tinted Canopy—glued on the canopy base and
painted
(4) #6 bonded washers for the mounting of the
canopy base
(4) 3mm split lock washers for the mounting of the
canopy base
(1) 3.5(o.d.) x 750mm Antenna guide tube installed
(2) 3.5(o.d.) x 70mm rudder pull-pull exit tubes
installed
Left Wing with Aileron – covered - hinges installed and
glued - Pre-drilled for the mounting of the control horn
(1) 8-32 blind nut installed for the wing mounting.
(2) Aluminum anti-rotation dowels - installed pre-
drilled hole for cotter pin installation
(6) pin point hinges (glued) Read to fly
(1) Aileron servo pull string installed
Right Wing with Aileron – covered - hinges installed
and glued - Pre-drilled for the mounting of the control
horn (1) 8-32 blind nut installed for the wing mounting.
(2) Aluminum anti-rotation dowels - installed pre-
drilled hole for cotter pin installation
(6) pin point hinges installed (glued) Read to fly
(1) Aileron servo pull string installed
Horizontal Stabilizer with elevator assembly—covered
(8) 4 per elevator, pin point hinges (glued) -
Ready to fly
Elevators Pre-drilled for the mounting of the
control horns

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Rudder with (5) pin point hinges (not glued) – covered
Rudder Pre-drilled for the mounting of the
hinges, control horns and tail wheel steering arm.
SUB ASSEMBLIES:
#1:
(1) Fiberglass Cowling- painted - pre mounted
(4) 4-40 x 10mm hex style bolts for mounting cowl
(4) #6 bonded washers for mounting cowling
(4) 3mm split lock washers for mounting cowling
#2:
(1) 3mm 7075Aluminum Main Landing Gear -- painted
(2) 4mm x 33mm Axle Bolts
(2) M4 lock nuts
(2) 4mm flat washers
(4) 4mm i.d. Wheel Collars with set-screws
(2) 63mm Dia. Main Wheels (Lite-Type)
(4) 4-40 x 10mm 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) 8-32 x 16mm hex head bolts for mounting main
landing gear
(4) 4mm flat washers for mounting main landing gear
(4) 4mm split ring lock washers for mounting main
landing gear.
#3:
(2) Wheel Pants- Painted- pre mounted- 1 Left and 1
Right--
(4) 4-40 blind nuts installed in the wheel pants, 2 per
side.
#4:
(1) Tail Wheel Assembly - (small)
(1) Aluminum steering arm and mounting screws
(2) Steering springs
#5:
(1) 20mm O.D. x 654mm Carbon wing tube
(1) 8mm O.D. x 92mm Carbon stab tube - Front
(1) 8mm O.D. x 290mm Carbon stab tube - Rear
(2) 8-32 x 25mm Hex head bolts for wing mounting
(2) #8 bonded washer for wing mounting
(2) 4mm split ring lock washers for wing mounting
(4) 4-40x10mm Hex style head bolts for stab mounting
(4) #6 bonded washer for stab mounting
(4) 3mm split ring lock washers for stab mounting
(4) 1.8mm cotter pins - Second method -wing mounting
for security
#6:
(2) 4-40 x 3” Two end threaded pushrod with nuts and
clevises for ailerons
(2) 4-40 x 5 1/2” Two end threaded pushrod with nuts
and clevises for elevators
(1) 2mm x 300mm One end threaded pushrod with lock
nut - throttle
(1) 3.5mm x 400mm plastic guide tube - throttle
(1) nylon clevis - throttle
(1) plastic quick link - throttle
(2) plywood support brace - throttle
(1) servo mounting tray - throttle
(4) 4-40 Ball Links – 2 for ailerons; 2 for elevators
(4) Brass spacers – for ball links
#7:
(2) 0.8 x 850mm plastic coated pull-pull steel cable.
(4) M2 Metal R/C links with metal clevises and nuts
(4) 3 x 4mm brass pull-pull swaging tubes
(3) AW control horn - Left
(3) AW control horn - Right
(24) T2.6 x 12mm Phillips head mounting screws
#8:
(1) 450cc (15.2 ounce) - Fuel Tank assembly
(1) 2ft. fuel line - glow
#9:
(1) Plywood - Fuel tank retainer
(1) 130 x 70 x 6mm foam - Fuel tank
(2) 300 x 80 x 6mm foam - Receiver and Battery
(2) 5mm Nylon ties - Receiver and Battery
(1) 356 x 12.5mm Velcro (one wrap) Strap - fuel tank
(1) Pre-made Cowl template - cutting hot air exit
holes - 3 pcs. set
(2) 200 x 280mm card stock - template material for
cutting cowling
#10: Ultracote™ - Small patches and repairs
(1) 300x300mm Midnight Blue #HANU885
(1) 300x300mm True Red #HANU866
(1) 300x300mm Dark Yellow #HANU889
(1) 300x300mm White #HANU870
(1) 600x300mm Transparent covering -Sealing hinge
gaps
#11
(1) 3” Spinner assembly - white
#12
(2) Adjustable engine mounts - 1 Left - 1 Right
(8) 8-32 x 30mm Hex head bolts - mounting of
engine mounts and engine
(4) 8-32 Lock nuts - engine mounting
(4) 4mm flat washer - engine mounting
(4) 4mm split washer - engine mounting

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#13:
(1) Custom -Vinyl Decal Set
#14
(1) Assembly manual on CD - with picture folders

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Hardware:
ITEMS NEEDED TO COMPLETE
• .90 to 1.20 glow two stroke or four stroke engine
with muffler
• Propeller of your choice
• 2 x aileron servos (min. 140 in./oz. Digital,
Metal Gear)
• 1 x rudder servo (min. 180 in./oz each, Digital,
Metal Gear)
• 2 x elevator servos (min. 140 in./oz. Digital,
Metal Gear)
• 1 x throttle servo (fast / reliable)
• Servo arms - 2 x 1” Ailerons, 2 x 1” Elevators,
1 x 2” (duel arm) Rudder
• Servo extensions Heavy Duty - (22 gauge min)
4 x 6”(Aileron, Receiver), 1 x 12”(Throttle),
2 x 18” (Elevators)
• 1 Receiver (PCM recommended)
• 1 Receiver battery (min 6.0 volt / 1700ma)
• 1 switch with charge jack (22 Gauge min)
• 2 Fuel “T”, 1 Fuel filter
Tools:
• Allen wrenches US and Metric.
• Dremel cutting disc and sanding drum tool
• Electric drill and selection of bits
• Flat head screwdriver
• Hobby heat gun
• Hobby iron with protective sock
• 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 Loctite
• Epoxy mixing cups, sticks, brushes
• CA kicker (optional)
• Thick and Thin CA
• Rubbing alcohol
• Wipes
!WARRING!
Some rubbing alcohols
may attack painted parts.

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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 become lose and wrinkle in the sun. If
you take the time to re-tighten the covering,
you will be rewarded with a long lasting beau-
tifully covered model.
TIGHTENINGAND RE-SHRINKING THE COVERING
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™cover-
ing. In case of repairs, the colors are:
Midnight Blue #HANU885
Dark Yellow #HANU889
True Red #HANU866
White #HANU870
Tightening and re-shrinking the covering is now
complete. However, this is a never ending
process and should be checked after each
flying session.

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1. Go over all seams and color overlaps with your
sealing iron.
Note: Even if your models covering has no wrin-
kles out of the box it is still very important to
go over all seams and overlaps to make certain
they are sealed securely. This is especially
important at the leading edges of the wings and
stabs. We recommend checking the covering
after each flying session.
CHECKING SEAMS AND COLOR OVERLAPS FOR GOOD SEAL
SEALING HINGE GAPS
2. Use covering iron to ensure all edges, seams,
and color overlaps are securely sealed.
3. Sealing hinge gaps. This is an optional step
but is recommended.
Cut strips of the supplied clear covering to fit
the hinge gaps. Use covering iron to seal the
clear covering snugly into the bottom of the
hinge lines as shown for air tight hinge seals.
Note: The clear covering does have a transparent
protective backing. This must be removed
prior to applying
IMPORTANT:
It is the responsibility of the purchaser /
operator to check the covering seams and
overlaps for security and a good seal.
Aeroworks is not responsible for failure of
covering seams or overlaps during flight.
Note: If covering continues to lift apply a small
amount of thin CA underneath the covering.
Then using a clean rag apply pressure to secure.
One of the most important tools in your
flight box is a roll of clear tape. This can be
used at the field for fast and easy repairs of
the covering. Then once you have finished
flying the covering can be permanently
repaired.

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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
Covering is supplied for sealing the hinge gaps if
desired. However, due to the precisely aligned
and minimal hinge gap this step is optional.
Gather one aileron servo, one 6” servo exten-
sion, and servo mounting screws as shown be-
low to begin the servo installation.
Note: Recommended Servo Requirements:
(min. 140 in./oz. Digital, Metal Geared)
WINGASSEMBLY
2. Attach the servo extension to the aileron servo as
shown below.
3. Secure the extension to the servo lead with
safety wire, string, tape, or other method. En-
sure the connectors will not come apart from
vibration or light tension.
4. Layout the servo and extension on the wing to
test fit the installation and ensure servo lead is
the correct length.

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5. Remove the balsa stick with the pull string
from the servo well. Fasten the pull string
from the servo hole to the male connector of
the servo extension.
6. Draw the servo extension through the wing
and pull through the wing root rib as shown.
7. Install the servo in servo well with the output
shaft toward the leading edge of the wing.
Mark locations of servo mounting holes. Use
a 1/16 bit to drill servo mounting holes.
8. Install servo with servo mounting screws.

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9. Align the control horn over the factory drilled
holes.
Note: Ensure arm of control horn faces towards
root end of aileron. (Refer to picture).
10. Use thick CA on each screw prior to installing
to lock screws in place
Note: CA glues have a fast drying time.
Remember to work quickly.
11. Secure using four wood screws as shown.
Aileron Control Linkage Installation
1. Gather the aileron control linkage parts as shown
below. There is one 4-40 pushrod with RC link
and nuts, 4-40 ball link assembly, 4-40 bolt,
brass spacer, and lock nut.

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2. Assemble the pushrod assembly as shown.
3. Install the servo arm to the ball link as shown.
Note: We recommend using a 1” or 1 1/4” servo
arm for best results.
4. Correct installation of ball link and brass spacer
to servo arm shown below.
5. Install the servo arm toward the wing root as
shown.
Improperly installed servo linkages can cause
servos to strip and ailerons to flutter. Aileron
flutter can and will destroy your model instantly!

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6. Adjust the linkage so the servo arm is perpen-
dicular to the servo when the aileron is in the
neutral position as shown.
Note: The control horn has been positioned at a
slight offset to provide the best performance
and control at full deflection.
7. Attach the RC link to the center hole on the con-
trol horn as shown.
Repeat the above steps for the other wing.

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Elevator Control Horn 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 cover-
ing has been provided for sealing of the hinge
gaps if desired.
Gather the stab and elevator, control horn, and
four mounting screws.
STAB AND ELEVATOR ASSEMBLY
2. Align the control horn over the factory drilled
holes.
Note: Ensure arm of control horn faces towards
Tip End of elevator. (Refer to picture).
3. Use thick CA on each screw prior to
installing to lock screws in place
Note: CA glues have a fast drying time.
Remember to work quickly.
4. Secure control horn using four wood screws as
shown.

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Elevator Servo Installation
1. Gather elevator servo , mounting screws, servo
arm and 18” extension as shown.
Note: We recommended using a 1” or 1 1/4”
servo arm for best results.
Note: Recommended Servo Requirements:
(min. 140 in./oz. Digital, Metal Geared)
2. Plug the elevator servo leads into the extension
as shown.
3. 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.
5. Elevator control horn installed on bottom of
elevator.

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5. Mark locations of servo mounting holes. Use
a 1/16 bit to drill servo mounting holes.
6. Install servo (output shaft to rear) with servo
mounting screws.
4. Lay out the elevator servo (output shaft to
rear) and extension on the fuse to check for
proper length.
7. Gather the elevator control linkage parts as
shown below. There is one 4-40 pushrod with
RC link and nuts, one 4-40 ball link assembly,
with brass spacer , 4-40 bolt, and lock nut for
each elevator.

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9. Install the servo arm to the ball link as shown.
10. Correct installation of ball link and brass
spacer to servo arm shown below.
8. Assemble the pushrod assembly as shown.
11. Attach the pushrod to the elevator control horn
and the servo arm as shown. Adjust the linkage
so the servo arm is perpendicular to the servo
when the elevator is in the neutral position as
shown.
Repeat previous steps for other stab and
elevator assembly.
Improperly installed servo linkages can cause
servos to strip and elevators to flutter. Elevator
flutter can and will destroy your model instantly!

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Rudder Installation
1. Gather the rudder, hinges, epoxy, Vaseline,
stir sticks, mixing cup and alcohol as shown.
Use 15-30 minute epoxy to ensure adequate
working and cleanup time.
RUDDER , RUDDER SERVOAND 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. Epoxy the hinges into the fin first and
allow epoxy to fully cure.
Note: Ensure you have free and full travel of each
hinge.