AJ Aircraft Acuity User manual

62” AJ Acuity
Assembly Instructions

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Congratulations
The all-new AJ Aircraft Acuity was designed to give you all of the precision flight abilities of expensive
composite aircraft, in a more traditional balsa & plywood frame. Designed by our own F3A pattern champion
Andrew Jesky, this 62" model will be a perfect introduction to competition pattern aerobatics. With a tall &
slender fuselage, slim swept wing and T-Canaliser on the canopy, the Acuity will slip perfectly through any
aerobatic maneuver. And the suggested electronics setup will work perfectly with the 5&6s 4000-5000mAh
packs you likely already own.
Up Your Game! Fly AJ Aircraft
AJ Aircraft thanks you for the purchase of this airplane. Top grade materials and precision assembly have been
used to make this a top quality aircraft. Following the directions closely, will assure you many hours of
thrilling flight. Two years of design, development and testing has gone into this airframe. We hope you’re as
happy with it as we are!
WARNING !
AJ Aircraft’s extensive testing ensures a high quality kit that has gone through many stages to provide you with
a safe, reliable, airframe. Poor assembly will lead to an unsafe model and therefore the instructions must be
followed closely. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. The safe operation of
this model is your responsibility and yours alone. If you are a beginner or have never flown a model of this
size and power you should attempt it with the help of an experienced pilot. This product should not be
considered a toy, but rather a sophisticated, working model that functions much like a full-scale airplane.
Because of its performance capabilities, this product, if not assembled and operated correctly, could cause
injury to you or spectators and damage to property.
This aircraft should be flown in accordance to the AMA safety code. It is highly recommended that
you join the Academy of Model Aeronautics in order to be properly insured and to operate your model at
AMA sanctioned flying fields. If you are not willing to accept all liability for the use of this product please
return if to the place of purchase immediately.
AJ Aircraft does not accept responsibility or liability for damages resulting from use of this product.
Before starting, read through the entire set of instructions to familiarize yourself with the
process.
Additional assembly information can be found in assembly videos on the
AJ-Aircraft YouTube Channel
If there’s ever a question, contact AJ Aircraft. 734-244-4015

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Contents
Congratulations....................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Contents..................................................................................................................................................................................2
Features .................................................................................................................................................................................. 2
Optional Configurations..........................................................................................................................................................3
Recommended Items for Completion..................................................................................................................................... 3
Tools Needed ..........................................................................................................................................................................3
Covering .................................................................................................................................................................................. 4
Wings ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Landing Gear ...........................................................................................................................................................................9
Fuselage ................................................................................................................................................................................11
Elevator .................................................................................................................................................................................13
Rudder...................................................................................................................................................................................16
Push-Pull Rudder Control.................................................................................................................................................. 16
Pull-Pull Rudder Control....................................................................................................................................................16
Electric Motor .......................................................................................................................................................................20
Cowl & Canopy......................................................................................................................................................................21
Radio Installation & Setup ....................................................................................................................................................23
Features
Specs:
Wing Span - 62"
Length - 60"
AUW (dry) - 5-6 lb
Electric Power - 1200+ Watt Motor
90amp ESC
5-6s 4-5000mah LiPo
Radio - 5 Channel
3 Mini High Torque Servos
1 Standard Size High Torque Servo
What's in the box:
62” Acuity Airframe
Fiberglass Cowl & Wheel Pants
Carbon reinforced landing gear mount
Pre-hinged and sealed control surfaces
Removable rudder
Carbon main gear
G-10 control horns
Dual ball links for all connections
Carbon wing tube
Foil Wing bags
Light weight foam wheels
Complete hardware package
Genuine Ultracote Covering

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Optional Configurations
You have the option of using a pull-pull rudder servo or a push-pull rudder servo setup. Fasteners, control horns and
servo connecting rods are provided for optional rudder setups.
Recommended Items for Completion
Hacker A50-12s
Falcon 16x10 prop
Castle 90 ESC
Thunder Power 5s 5000mah LiPo
Futaba BLS1053/BLS551 Servos on Elevator/Rudder
Futaba S9670SV Servos on Ailerons
(4) x 6" Servo Extensions for the Ailerons and Rx to Wing
(1) x 12" Servo Extension for the ESC to Receiver
(1) x 36" Servo Extension for the Elevator
(6) Servo Connector Safety Clips
2.75" or 70mm Spinner
Tools Needed
Blue Painter’s Masking Tape
Thin CA Glue
30 Minute Epoxy
Denatured Alcohol
Paper Towels
Removable Thread Locker (Loctite 242, Blue)
Metric & Imperial Allen Wrenches
Hobby Knife & Fresh Blades
Covering Iron (Trim Iron)
Clamps
Small Flat File
Electric Drill w/ Assorted Small Bits (1/16”, 5/64”)
Small Flat Blade Screwdrivers
Small Phillips Screwdriver
Sandpaper (150-220 Grit)
Pliers
Measuring Tape & Ruler

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Covering
The covering on your Laser may have developed loose areas through temperature and humidity changes between
manufacturing and shipping. This may also occur during the summer heat. The covering may require retightening a few
times during your first summer of flying.
Take a few minutes to go over all of the seams making sure all edges are secure. Then proceed to shrinking any area
that may need tightening. (Use an iron on all seams. Use a heat gun on open areas and sheeted areas. An iron can be
used in open and sheeted areas but hold the iron slightly above the surface. You don’t want press the covering into the
wood. Using an iron sock will reduce scratches.
Genuine Ultracote covering.
(White HANU870, True Red HANU866, Midnight Blue HANU885, Silver HANU881)
Wings
Carefully locate the aileron
servo pocket. Shining a light
through opposite side of the
wing will help highlight the
pocket location. Use a new
hobby knife blade to cut
though the covering. Cut
from the corners of the
pocket towards the center of
the pocket so the covering
can be folded in.
Gently snap off the servo wire installation string (if it’s
attached) and temporarily secure it out of the way. Do
not pull it out of the wing!
Use an iron to seal around the servo pocket. Fold the cut
covering under the wing sheeting and attach it to the
inside edge of the pocket.
At 200-220°F (93-104°C) the adhesive on UltraCote® becomes active
allowing the covering to be attached to the model. While 220° will fully
bond the covering to the model it is well below the temperature that
causes UltraCote® to shrink.
At 300°F (149°C) the initial shrinking of UltraCote® begins.
At 350°F (176°C) UltraCote® reaches its maximum shrinking point.
Raising the temperature above this point will not cause further shrinkage.
Use as little heat as needed. Using too much heat may cause reshrinking
issues later.
Pro Tip - If the iron you're using does not display the actual temperature,
here is a tip that will ensure your iron is properly set.Water boils at
212°F. Allow your iron to warm up at a medium setting. When the iron
reaches its stabilized temperature, carefully pour a few drops of water on
the iron's surface. Adjust the temperature until the water just begins to
boil off. This method is surprisingly accurate and is generally within 10°
(of the exact application temperature of 220).

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Carefully locate the aileron control horn slots. Use a
covering iron to bond the covering in the area the control
horn will sit. Trim the covering away to expose the slots.
Be sure not to cut through to the top side covering.
The hinges should already be glued into the ailerons.
Give each of them a little pull to ensure they are securely
attached. It’s better to find a loose hinge now rather
than during a flight.
The wings are already slotted for the hinges. Use a
covering iron to secure the covering along the edge of the
wings and ailerons. Look at the wing hinge slots closely.
Make sure the covering will not interfere when gluing the
hinges. Cut away any covering that covers the hinge slot.
Slip each of the aileron hinges into the wing. Align the
end of the aileron to the wing tip.
Push the aileron tight against the wing closing the gap
between the two of them. Move the aileron to its
maximum desired deflection. (About 15°) Notice how
the hinges may pull out slightly. Experiment with the
hinge position finding the best fit before gluing.
Apply a piece of tape next to each hinge. This will help
you locate the hinges when you begin gluing them.

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Check the aileron position at the hinges and wing tip
again before gluing.
Start with the hinge near the wing tip. Flex the aileron
slightly and apply a few drops of thin CA glue to one side.
Flex the aileron to its maximum desired position. Then
glue the opposite side.
Close the gap between the aileron and wing to the
desired position at the fuselage end of the wing half. Flex
the aileron slightly and apply a few drops of thin CA glue
to both sides of the hinge. Again move the aileron back
and forth to check its position. Once the end hinges are
securely positioned you can apply a few drops of thin CA
to both sides of the remaining hinges.
Use the control horns from the “Wings” part bag.
Use sand paper to roughen the lower portion of the
control horns on both sides. This will help the epoxy
bond to the control horn parts.
Test fit the control horn in the slot. Trim or file the slot as
needed to achieve a snug fit.
The control horn should go in all the way in until the
shoulder contacts the aileron. The linkage hole in the
control horn should be aligned with the hinge centerline.
With the control horn in position apply masking tape
around it. This will help keep excess epoxy off the
covering.

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Apply epoxy to the slot in the aileron. Use a pin to help
push the epoxy in.
Apply epoxy to the control horn and insert it into the slot.
Wipe away excess epoxy using a paper towel and
denatured alcohol.
Check the alignment along the hinge line as you did when
you test fit the control horn. Reposition as needed.
Allow the epoxy to partially cure. Peel away the masking
tape after the epoxy is securely holding the control horn
in place and still soft enough to easily remove the tape.
Set the wing aside and let the epoxy fully cure.
Connect the servo to a receiver and power supply. Turn
on your transmitter. Set trim and sub trim to zero. Install
a servo arm on the servo about perpendicular to the
servo’s side. Use the transmitter’s sub trim to make it
exactly perpendicular to the side of the servo.
Attach a servo extension and a safety clip to the servo.
Attach the servo wire to the installation string and gently
pull the wire through the wing as you insert the servo
into the wing.

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With the servo installed mark the mounting hole
locations. Pre-drill for servo mounting screws using a
1/16” drill. Install the servo with the wood screws that
came with your servos. Remove the screws and servo.
Apply a drop of thin CA glue into each mounting screw
hole. This will harden the wood around the screws and
provide a more secure installation. (Allow the CA glue to
dry before reinstalling the servo.)
Reinstall the servo.
Assemble a ball link to each end of a connecting rod.
Connect a ball link to a servo horn and the aileron control
horn. Use a socket head screw, a flat washer and a nylon
lock nut. (The brass ball in the link is offset. The larger
reveal side should be against the control horn as shown
below.)
Check the length of the assembly to the servo with the
aileron level with the wing. Once the correct length of
the assembly is found connect the servo arm to the servo.
(Always adjust the connecting rod length with the servo
powered up and centered.)

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Landing Gear
Landing gear parts bag contents are shown below.
The landing gear screws are supplied installed in the
fuselage. Remove these screws.
Carefully locate the landing gear slot in the side of the
fuselage just below the leading edge of the wing pocket.
Use a covering iron to attach the covering around the
slot. Make a single cut in the center of the slot the width
of the landing gear.
Slip the landing gear through the slot. Notice that there
are right and left hand parts. The landing gear should be
swept back.
Use 4 flat washers from the parts bag with the screws
removed earlier to attach the landing gear. Add a drop
of removable thread locker to the screws during
assembly.
(A magnet makes installing the screw much easier.)

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File a flat on the wheel axels perpendicular to the axel
wrench flats.
Install a wheel on the axel with a wheel collar. Position
the collar set screw over the flat you filed.
(You may prefer to install the wheels and wheel pants
later as a final assembly step. They may get in the way
when handling the fuselage during assembly.)
Insert the wheel and axel into the wheel pant, then into
landing gear. Align the wheel pant indentation with the
landing gear. Add a nylon lock nut and tighten.
Predrill a 5/64” hole into the wheel pant then add a wood
screw to secure the wheel pants.
Install the tail wheel after the rudder installation.
Install the tailwheel using 3 wood screws. Position the
joint of the tail wheel assembly directly over the rudder
hinge line and mark the position of the screws. Turn the
screws into the fuselage and rudder. Remove the screws,
add a drop of thin CA glue to each hole to strengthen the
wood, and reinstall the screws. (Do not fully tighten the
tiller arm screw. The slot in the tiller arm allows the
screw move accounting for any misalignment between
the assembly & rudder.)

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Fuselage
Inspect the fuselage for any interior joints that may have
loosened as a result of shipping & handling. Apply thin
CA glue as needed. Apply thin CA glue around the joints
of the fuselage core, firewall, fuselage formers, and
rudder servo tray to strengthen.
Carefully locate the horizontal stabilizer pocket. Use an
iron to seal the covering around the edges of the pocket
before trimming. Use a new hobby knife blade to cut
though the covering.
Review the servo configurations as described on page 3
before cutting the covering over the servo pockets.
There are 2 servo pockets below the horizontal stabilizer
slot on both sides of the fuselage (highlighted with tape).
The front pocket will be used for the elevator servo. The
pocket near the tail of the fuselage on the opposite side
will be for a rudder servo if you decide to use the push-
pull configuration.

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Use an iron to seal the covering around the edges of the
pocket before cutting. Cut the covering then fold it into
the pocket and attach it with an iron. If you choose to
use a push-pull rudder servo cut open the back pocket on
the opposite side.
Slide the horizontal stabilizer through the fuselage
pushing it all the way forward. Center it side to side using
a ruler or tape measure.
Install and center the main wing tube. Look at the plane
from the back forward to make sure that the horizontal
stabilizer is parallel with the wing tube. Notice that the
horizontal stabilizer is tapered which may obscure the
actual alignment. If the stabilizer is not aligned use shims
or sand inside the pocket until it’s parallel.
Position the stabilizer perpendicular to the fuselage and
parallel to the main wing tube. Measure the distance
between the canopy latch and the corners of the
horizontal stabilizer. Adjust the stabilizer until the
measurements on both sides are equal. Continue
checking the stabilizer to ensure it is still centered side to
side as described above. Extra time spent here will go a
long way to improve the flight characteristics of your
airplane.
Once the horizontal stabilizer is positioned glue it in place
with thin CA glue. Wick glue in on left and right sides, top
and bottom. The use of an applicator tip is suggested to
control the flow of thin CA glue and get it exactly where
you want it.

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Use a covering iron to attach the covering around the
opening in the bottom of the fuselage. Use a new hobby
knife blade to cut the covering from the opening.
Elevator
The elevator hinges should already be glued in. Give each
of them a little pull to ensure they are securely attached.
The jointer plate between the elevator halves is also
already glued into one half of the elevator.
Install a control horn in the elevator using the same
procedure used when assembling the ailerons. (If you cut
open the servo pocket in the left of the fuselage make
sure you are working with the left elevator half.)
Use a covering iron to bond the covering in the area
the control horn will sit.
Trim the covering away to expose the slot.
Sand the lower portion of the control horn.
Test fit the control horn. The shoulder contacts the
elevator and the linkage hole should be aligned with
the hinge centerline.
Mask around slot.
Glue with 30 minute epoxy.
Remove masing tape.
Roughen up the jointer plate for the elevator halves with
sand paper so the epoxy will adhere better.
Test fit the elevator joiner plate to the opposite elevator
half. Ensure the elevator halves are not twisted. Adjust
the slot in the elevator as needed.
Glue in the elevator halves using a similar procedure as
the aileron assembly.
The horizontal stabilizer is already slotted for the
hinges. Use a covering iron to secure the covering
along the edge of the stabilizer and the elevator.
Look at the stabilizer hinge slots closely. Make sure
the covering will not interfere when gluing the
hinges. Cut away any covering that covers the hinge
slots.

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Test fit the elevator to the horizontal stabilizer.
Align the end of the elevator to the end of the
stabilizer.
Push the elevator tight against the stabilizer closing
the gap. Move the elevator to its maximum desired
deflection. (About 15°) Notice how the hinges may
pull out slightly. Experiment with the hinge position
finding the best fit before gluing.
Apply a piece of tape next to each hinge to identify its
location.
Remove the right elevator and glue the left elevator
in position first.
Check the elevator position at the hinges and wing
tip.
Flex the elevator slightly and apply a few drops of
thin CA glue to the first hinge.
Flex the elevator and recheck its position.
Add a few drops of CA glue to the third hinge and flex
the elevator and check its position.
Add a few drops of CA glue to the center hinge and
then add CA glue to all 3 hinges on the opposite both
sides.
Mask areas around the jointer plate to prevent excess
epoxy getting where you don’t want it.
Prepare some 30 minute epxoy and apply it to the jointer
plate slot in the right elevator half.
Slip the elevator half into position and align the end of
the elevator to the end of the stabilizer.
Begin applying CA glue as you did with the left elevator
half.
Wipe away excess epoxy and remove masking tape.
Clamp the elevator halves in position as shown with 2
sticks and 2 clamps. Set aside to allow epoxy to cure.

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Install the elevator servo using the same procedure used
when assembling the ailerons.
Connect the servo to a receiver and power supply. Turn
on your transmitter. Set trim and sub trim to zero. Install
a servo arm on the servo about perpendicular to the
servo’s side. Use the transmitter’s sub trim to make it
exactly perpendicular to the side of the servo.
Attach a servo extension onto the elevator servo lead and
use a safety clip to secure the connection.
Install the servo into the fuselage and pre-drill for servo
mounting screws using a 1/16” drill. Install the servo with
the wood screws that came with your servos. Remove
the screws and servo. Apply a drop of thin CA glue into
each mounting screw hole. This will harden the wood
around the screws and provide a more secure
installation. (Allow the CA glue to dry before reinstalling
the servo.)
Assemble a ball link to each end of a connecting rod.
Connect a ball link to a servo horn and the elevator
control horn. Use a socket head screw, a flat washer and
a nylon lock nut. Check the length of the assembly to the
servo arm with the elevator level with the stabilizer.
Once the correct length of the assembly is found connect
it to the servo arm using the provided machine screws
washer and lock nut.
(Turn on the transmitter, receiver and servo while making
adjusting to the connecting rod. This will keep the servo
in its correct position.)

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Rudder
The rudder control can be configured as a push-pull
system or as a pull-pull cable system. See the
configuration options listed on page 3.
Push-Pull Rudder Control
The rudder is built with control horn slots for the push-
pull control system and the pull-pull control system. The
blue masking tape indicates the control horn locations.
The push-pull control horn slots are located near the
bottom of the rudder.
The pictures below shows a mockup of the rudder push-
pull system. The installation process of the servo and
control horn is the same as the ailerons and the elevator.
The pull-pull cables can be removed and the covering will
need to be patched with covering.
Pull-Pull Rudder Control
The rudder is built with control horn slots for the push-
pull control system and the pull-pull control system. The
blue masking tape indicates the control horn locations.
The pull-pull control horn slots are located higher up on
the rudder.
Cut the rudder covering to expose the control horn slots
on both sides of the rudder.
Use sand paper to roughen up the center of the control
horn so the epoxy will adhere better.

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Tests fit the control horn to the slot. Use a file to modify
the slot as needed. Center it side to side and align the
holes with the hinge line. The control horn should be
symmetrical about the hinge line.
Apply masking tape around the control horn slot on both
sides of the rudder.
Use 30 minute epoxy to glue the control horns in place.
Check the alignment, peal the masking tape away, and
clean up with alcohol.
Check the alignment again and set aside for the epoxy to
cure. (When setting aside to dry position the rudder and
control horn so gravity does not reposition the control
horn for you.)
The hinges should already be glued into the rudder. Give
each of them a little pull to ensure they are securely
attached.
The vertical stabilizer is already slotted for the hinges.
Use a covering iron to secure the covering along the edge
of the rudder and stabilizer. Look at the vertical stabilizer
hinge slots closely. Make sure the covering will not
interfere when gluing the hinges. Cut away any covering
that covers the hinge slot.
Slip each rudder hinges into a slot. Align the end of the
rudder with the top of the vertical stabilizer.
Push the rudder tight against the stabilizer closing the
gap between the two of them. Move the rudder to its
maximum desired deflection. (About 15°) Notice how
the hinges may pull out slightly. Experiment with the
hinge position finding the best fit before gluing.
Apply a piece of tape next to each hinge. This will help
you locate the hinges when you begin gluing them.
Start with the top hinge. Flex the rudder slightly and
apply a few drops of thin CA glue to one side.
Flex the rudder to its maximum desired position. Then
glue the opposite side.

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Close the gap to the desired position. Flex the rudder
slightly and apply a few drops of thin CA glue the bottom
hinge. Again move the rudder back and forth to check its
position. Once the end hinges are securely positioned
you can apply a few drops of thin CA glue to both sides of
the center hinge.
Connect the servo to a receiver and power supply. Turn
on your transmitter. Set trim and sub trim to zero. Install
a servo arm on the servo about perpendicular to the
servo’s side. Use the transmitter’s sub trim to make it
exactly perpendicular to the side of the servo.
Install the rudder servo into the fuselage and pre-drill for
servo mounting screws using a 1/16” drill. Install the
servo with the wood screws that came with your servos.
Remove the screws and servo. Apply a drop of thin CA
glue into each mounting screw hole. This will harden the
wood around the screws and provide a more secure
installation. (Allow the CA glue to dry before reinstalling
the servo.)
Tread the brass cable eyes about half way into the ball
links.
Start the cable assembly at the servo end inside the
fuselage. Thread on 2 crush sleeves and the brass cable
eye.
Loop around the cable eye and go back through a crush
sleeve.
Loop around the crush sleeve and back through the
sleeve again. Slide the second sleeve over the tail.
Adjust the loops and crimp the sleeves with the non-
serrated surface of standard plyers.

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Page 19
Pull the slack out of the cables and make sure the cables
cross once inside the fuselage. Connect the ball links to
the rudder control horn at 1.77” (45mm) between holes.
(A 45mm hole spacing matches the rudder control horn.)
Center the rudder in position aligned to the vertical
stabilizer. Clamp a couple of balsa sticks across the
rudder hinge to keep it centered. Repeat the cable eye
installation process on the rudder end of the cables with
the servo powered up and centered. Pull the cable snug.
You don’t need to make the cable guitar string tight.
Remove the clamps and adjust the cable lengths to center
the rudder by turning the cable eyes into the ball links.