Hangar 9 VRTF Easy 2 User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
WE GET PEOPLE FLYING
TM
TM
• Assembles in two easy hours
• Only requires one tool to build — and it’s included!
• No glue is required to assemble (no smell, no mess)
• Modular construction allows for easily replaced parts if crash damaged
• Can be disassembled in approximately 15 minutes for easy storage/transportation
• Pre-covered and trimmed in genuine UltraCote™
• All balsa plywood craftsmanship constructed

2
Table of Contents
Introduction 3
Additional Parts Needed 3
Radio System Set-Up 4
Easy 2 Parts Layout 4
Airplane Orientation 4
Stage 1 — Assembling the Wing 5
Stage 2 — Installing the Radio 9
Stage 3 — Installing the Linkages 13
Stage 4 — Installing the Tail 16
Stage 5 — Installing the Landing Gear 19
Stage 6 — Installing the Engine 21
Installing the Propeller 23
Installing the Antenna 23
Balancing the Easy 2 24
Pre-Flight Check 25
Flight Instructions 26
Pre-Flight at the Field 27
AMA Safety Code 28
Glossary 29

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Congratulations on your purchase of Hangar 9’s Easy 2™, the first in Hangar 9’s VRTF™series of airplanes.
VRTF, Virtually Ready-to-Fly, is a concept that Hangar 9 pioneered. Unlike standard ARF (Almost Ready-to-Fly)
airplanes that typically take up to 20 hours to build, the Easy 2 can be assembled in just two easy hours.
Furthermore, the Easy 2 doesn’t require glue, and only one tool is needed for the complete assembly
process—and that tool, a Phillips screwdriver, is even included.
For first-time fliers, the Easy 2 is the perfect trainer with positive self-righting flight characteristics and
exceptional slow flight performance. More experienced flyers will find the Easy 2 to be a quick way to get in the
air fast with a high-quality, all-wood UltraCote™covered airplane that even the most discriminating pilot would
be proud to show off.
The Easy 2 includes both a written instruction manual and a Real-Time™instruction video. If feasible, we highly
recommend using the video instructions and keeping the written instructions handy for reference or for
clarifying any questions you may have regarding any of the assembly steps.
While the Easy 2 can easily be built in two hours using the video instructions, there’s certainly no rush. If you’d
prefer to spend a couple of evenings assembling a stage, or perhaps doing two stages per night, please feel
free to do so. On the average for most, the actual assembly time using the video instructions takes just under
two hours, while assembling using only the written instructions may take slightly longer.
There is a glossary located at the back of this manual should you encounter any unfamiliar terms.
Additional Parts Needed to Assemble the Easy 2:
• .40 –.46 2-cycle engine with muffler
• 4-channel or greater radio system with four standard servos (JR F400 with four 507 servos recommended)
• Aileron extension (Part JRPA112)
Helpful Additional Items (Optional):
• Masking tape
• Pen
Additional Items Needed to Get the Easy 2 in the Air:
• Propeller (10 x 6 if using a .40 size engine)
• Hangar 9 field kit, which includes: glow plugs, fuel pump, 4-way wrench, glow plug igniter with charger,
chicken stick and tote box (Part HANSTART)
• Fuel (Omega or Cool Power 10% – 15% nitro content recommended)
Introduction

Radio System Set-Up
4
It’s a good idea to begin charging the radio system first, so that later, in Stage 3, you’re able to center the
servos. Locate your charger and plug your battery pack and transmitter into your charger. Plug the charger into
an outlet to begin charging.
Easy 2 Parts Layout
Airplane Orientation
The left and right of the airplane refers to the left and right side as if you were stationed in the cockpit.
Antenna Tube
Fuselage (HAN1801) Rubber Bands Wing Joiner Rods (HAN1806) Spinner
Wing
Dowels
Aileron
Linkages
Nose Wheel
Assembly
Pushrods
Nose Wheel
Control Horn
Phillips
Screwdriver
Main Gear
(HAN1804)
Wing Kit
(HAN1802)
Shock Loc™
Radio Tray
(HAN1807)
Tail Assembly
(HAN1803)

5
Stage 1 — Assembling the Wing
• Wing halves (left and right)
• Steel wing rods (2)
• One servo with mounting hardware (4 rubber grommets,
4 eyelets and 4 long servo screws — included with the
radio system)
• Aileron linkages with clevis attached (2) — these are the
shortest two linkages in the kit
• Small self-tapping screws (2)
• Small rubber bands (3)
• Aileron connectors (2) Note: On some Easy 2 kits,
these may already to attached to the aileron torque rods.
Parts Needed
Steel Wing
Rods
Aileron
Linkages
Left Wing
Half
Right Wing
Half Mounting Hardware Servo
Aileron
Connectors
Small
Self-Tapping
Screws
Small
Rubberbands
Note: After completion of the instructional video and
manual, the white clevises were substituted with the
high-quality Dubro #669 Black Clevises.

6
Step 1. From your radio system box, remove one servo and the
servo mounting hardware — four rubber grommets, four brass
eyelets and four servo screws. Prepare the servo by installing
the four rubber grommets and eyelets in one servo as shown in
the photo. The grommets insert onto the servo tabs and then the
eyelets are inserted from the bottom through the grommets.
The grommet installation is fairly simple. However, if you need
any additional help for this installation, please refer to your
radio system instruction manual.
Step 2. Note there is a rectangular shaped cut-out on the
bottom of the right wing panel (the panel with the Easy 2 decal).
Install the servo prepared in Step One into the cut-out in the
wing, as shown, with the servo arm nearest the front (leading
edge) of the wing.
Note: The wire (servo lead) should exit on the side as shown.
To fasten the servo in place, use the four self-tapping servo
screws included with your radio and the screwdriver included in
the Easy 2 kit. Tighten just until they compress the rubber
grommets slightly.
Note: Do not “smash” down the rubber grommets; tighten
just until the grommets compress slightly.
Step 3. Insert the two steel wing rods into the right wing half as
shown in the photo. Push them in as far as they will go.
CONTINUED
Stage 1 — Assembling the Wing

Slide the left and right wing halves together, making sure the
alignment pin near the trailing edge correctly engages in the hole.
Step 4. Two screws will be installed on the bottom of the wing,
one in each wing panel, with the heads slightly raised. Three
rubber bands will then be looped around the screws to hold the
wing halves together.
To install the screws, make sure they thread into the narrow
hardwood strip inside the wing by measuring with the 79/16 "
template provided at right on this page. Approximately 1/2 "
(about a finger’s width) from the center joint of the wing, screw
in the small self-tapping screws (one on each wing half) about
half way.
Note: The screws will start to thread in easily, then become
more difficult to turn as the screw enters the hardwood
wing spar.
Now loop the three small rubber bands several times around the
screws to hold the wing halves together. Note: The package
contains more rubber bands; however only three are used here.
Note: The pattern of the looping of these rubber bands
makes no difference. Some use a figure 8 shape,
others just use an oval shape. What is important is
that the rubber bands are securely attached to hold
the wing halves together.
Step 5. For your convenience, the aileron torque rod
connectors are already installed on the torque rods of the wing.
If the connectors are not installed, screw the aileron connectors
onto the threaded rods (called aileron torque rods), which are
protruding from the wing. Screw the connector until the rod is
flush with the top of the aileron connector.
7
CONTINUED
Stage 1 — Assembling the Wing Screw
location
Trailing
edge of
wing
7-9/16"

Step 6. Install the Z-bend of one of the aileron linkages into the
outermost hole in the aileron servo arm as shown.
Note: It may fit tightly and be necessary to work the Z-bend
back and forth until it inserts freely.
Helpful Hint: To make it easer to insert the Z-bend into the
servo horn,loc-
ate one of the
screws that later
will be used to
secure the
Shock-Loc™
radio tray. Screw
it into the hole in
the servo horn
three turns,
where the pushrod wire Z-bend will be inserted, and
then back it out. This will make installing the Z-bend
much easier.
Now install the other aileron linkage on the opposite side using
the same procedure as above. Once installed, move the linkages
back and forth a few times until they move freely.
When both aileron linkages are attached, center the servo so the
servo arm is parallel to the wing’s leading and trailing edge.
Step 7. We will now be fitting the clevis into the aileron
connectors on the torque rods. At this point, it may be necessary
to adjust the length of the aileron linkage so the ailerons are
aligned with the trailing edge of the wing surface. To adjust the
length of the aileron linkage, simply turn the plastic clevis in or
out until, when connected, the aileron is level with the wing.
Note: If the aileron is lower than the trailing edge, the
linkage needs to be shortened and vice versa.
Congratulations — you have just completed the wing!
8
Stage 1 — Assembling the Wing
CONTINUED

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Step 8. Prepare your servos by installing the rubber grommets
on the three remaining servos, four on each.
Note: Do not install the brass eyelets. The Shock-Loc radio
tray is designed to capture the servos by the rubber
grommets and the eyelets are not needed.
Hint: It’s helpful to mark the servo wires so they can easily be
identified when it’s time to install them in the receiver. A
piece of masking tape near the connector with the
appropriate letter (T=throttle, E=elevator, R=rudder)
written on it will save time later during the radio hook up.
• Fuselage with pushrods and tank pre-installed
• Shock-Loc radio tray with six self-tapping screws
• Three servos with rubber grommets (12). Note: The eyelets
and servo screws included with the radio will not be used
• Receiver (included with the radio system)
• Battery pack (included with the radio system)
• Switch harness (included with the radio system)
• Aileron extension (additional part required)
• Medium rubber bands (2)
• Double-sided servo tape (2 pieces)
• Masking tape (optional)
• Pen (optional)
Stage 2 — Installing the Radio
Parts Needed
Rubber
Bands
Shock-Loc
Radio Tray Receiver Battery
Pack Double-Sided
Servo Tape Switch
Harness
Rubber
Grommets
Aileron
Extension

10
Step 9. Install the servos in the fuselage as shown. First install
the elevator and rudder servos and then the throttle servo,
feeding the servo leads in first toward the front of the airplane,
and then placing in the servo.
Important: Refer to the photo to note which servo goes in
which position.
Important: Note the position of the servo arms.
Step 10. Peel back one side of a piece of double-sided tape and
attach the tape to the bottom of the receiver. Attach the other piece
of the double-sided tape to the battery pack. Now peel off the
opposite sides of the double-sided tape and stick the battery and
receiver centered on opposite sides of the Shock-Loc radio tray in
the position shown. (The receiver goes centered on one side of
the tray while the battery pack goes centered on the other.)
Note: The receiver servo slots need to be positioned such
that they’re on the end of the tray, facing away from
the servo openings.
Now, using the two medium rubber bands, wrap the bands
around the receiver and battery pack to secure them in place.
Each rubber band makes a complete revolution around the two
and attaches to the side notches on the Shock-Loc radio tray.
Elevator
Throttle Rudder
Stage 2 — Installing the Radio
CONTINUED
Bottom
Top

11
Step 11. It’s now time to install the Shock-Loc radio tray into
place. The radio tray will be easier to install if the servo arms are
removed. To do this, simply unscrew the screw holding the servo
arms to the servo and place the arms and screws off to the side.
With the arms removed, slide the pushrods back and place the
Shock-Loc radio tray into position.
Note: It’s important that the pushrods go on top of the
radio tray.
Note: The radio tray fits in place with the receiver on the
top side.
Using the six self-tapping screws, fit the radio tray on top of the
servos as shown in the photo.
Note: The order in which you put in the screws does not
matter.
Loosely secure all six screws first, then go back and tighten in
place. The screws should be tightened just enough to slightly
compress the rubber servo grommets. Note: Do not overtighten
as doing so would eliminate the shock absorption feature of the
grommets.
Step 12. Insert the three servo connectors marked in Step 8 in
the appropriate slots in the receiver (rudder, elevator and
throttle).
Note: The plugs are polarized and therefore only fit in one
way; do not force them.
Note: If you have a JR radio, the wires have three colors —
brown, red and orange — and the orange wire will
face up in this installation.
Plug in the aileron extension in the aileron port of the receiver.
Note: The other end with the female connector will accept the
wing servo lead later.
If you have any questions about these hook-ups, consult the
manual included with your radio system.
CONTINUED
Stage 2 — Installing the Radio

12
Step 13. A hole is pre-cut in the left side of the fuselage for the
switch. Unscrew the switch plate from the switch and place it
over this opening in the fuselage side.
Note: In general, most modelers like the “on” position toward
the front, though either direction is fine.
When aligned correctly, poke two holes in the soft balsa
fuselage sides through the switch plate using the switch screws.
From inside the airplane, put the switch into position and then
screw the switch in place.
Step 14. There are three wires on the switch harness — one
female and two male. Plug the male battery pack lead into the
female connector on the switch harness. Turn the switch “off”
and take one of the two male connectors from the switch (either
one, we’ll check it below) and plug it into the battery slot in the
receiver.
Take the transmitter off the charger and turn it on. Turn on your
receiver switch. If you chose the correct male lead, when you
move the sticks on the transmitter, you’ll be able to hear the
servos move. If they do not sound, simply disconnect the male
lead that goes to the receiver from the switch and plug in the
other male lead into the transmitter. Tuck the remaining male
lead (used to charge the airplane’s battery pack) under the radio
tray for now.
Note: If you have any questions about hook-up, consult
your radio system manual.
CONTINUED
Stage 2 — Installing the Radio

13
Step 15. It is now time to center the trims. Take your
transmitter and move the trim levers to the center position. Then
move the throttle stick to the middle position. Turn on your
transmitter and your receiver. Now turn off the receiver and then
turn off the transmitter. The servos are now centered.
Note: Since the servo arms are removed from the servos,
you will not see any movement with this centering,
rather you will simply hear a momentary sound as the
servos are centered.
• Fuselage from Stage 2 with pushrods installed
• Two long pushrods (long: throttle; short: steerable
nose wheel)
• Servo arms removed in Stage 2
• Throttle linkage with clevis
• Steering linkage with clevis
• Transmitter
Parts Needed
Stage 3 — Installing the Linkages
Center Trims
Center
Throttle
Stick

14
Step 16. We will now hook up the pushrods. First we’ll install
the elevator linkage. Take one servo arm and locate the pushrod
that exits the back of the tail. This pushrod goes to the back
right servo (elevator). Insert the Z-bend in the innermost hole
in the top of the servo arm.
Note: When inserting z-bends into a servo arm, it’s
important that the z-bend be installed from the top of
the servo arm. The bottom of the servo arm can be
identified by the splines located on the bottom that fit
over the servo output shaft.
Note: The pushrod can be taken all the way out of the
fuselage, which may make it easier to install the
servo arm.
Screw the servo arm back onto the elevator servo (back, right-
hand side), making sure the arm is perpendicular to the fuselage
(see photo).
Step 17. The pushrod that exits the top of the fuselage is the
rudder pushrod. It attaches to the left (rudder) servo. Take
another servo arm and insert the Z-bend from the rudder
pushrod in the innermost hole. Also note the rudder servo will
have two control rods attached to it — the rudder and the
steering control rod.
CONTINUED
Stage 3 — Installing the Linkages
Throttle Elevator
Rudder
Front
Front

15
Step 18. Locate the throttle control rod and the steering control
rod. Note that the throttle control rod is the longer of the two.
Unscrew the plastic clevis from both rods.
From outside the fuselage on the bottom, install the shorter of
the two rods, threaded rod end first, through the slot cutout on
the bottom (see photo #2). Screw the clevis on the threaded rod
so it doesn’t fall out of the fuselage. Now attach the clevis in the
outermost hole on the rudder servo’s servo arm as shown.
Note the steering pushrod should pass underneath the rubber
bands that attach the receiver to the Shock-Loc radio tray as
shown in the photo.
From inside the fuselage, insert the throttle control rod threaded
end first through the pre-drilled hole in the bulkhead just to the
right of the fuel tank and then through the firewall. Install a
clevis (8–10 turns) to prevent the throttle control rod from
falling back through the holes.
Hint: Bending an angle approximately 3 " from the end of the
pushrod to be inserted may make insertion easier. After
insertion, simply unbend the bend, straightening the rod.
Install the z-bend in the outermost hole in a servo arm. Mount
the throttle servo arm so it’s perpendicular to the fuselage and
fasten with the servo screw.
Congratulations! You are over half-way done and you’ve
just completed the most difficult portion of assembling
your Easy 2. Now is a good time to take a break; however,
if you’re anxious to continue, continue on to Stage 4.
CONTINUED
Stage 3 — Installing the Linkages
Front
Steering
Control Rod
Front

16
Step 19. Attach the vertical tail to the horizontal tail. The
threaded rods protruding from the vertical tail pass through the
front two holes in the horizontal tail.
Note: The colored trim on the horizontal tail should face up.
Screw on the two wing nuts provided to secure the vertical tail to
the horizontal tail. Tighten just until they’re snug.
Important Safety Note: The wing nuts must be tightened
to a 45 degree angle to the horizontal tail (either
direction), which prevents them from loosening when
installed in the fuselage.
• Fuselage with radio gear installed from Stage 3
• Horizontal tail section
• Vertical tail section
• 4-40 x 3/8 " Machine screws (2)
• Washers (2)
• Wing Nuts (2)
• Thread locker (tube)
Parts Needed
Stage 4 — Installing the Tail
45°
Vertical
Tail
Thread
Locker
WashersWing
Nuts
Horizontal
Tail 4-40 x 3/8´´ Machine Screws

17
Step 20. Trial fit the tail assembly into the tail of the fuselage
as shown by sliding forward the tongue of the vertical fin into
the fuselage. Be sure the rudder pushrod goes on top of the
horizontal tail.
Step 21. Remove the tail assembly. There are two screw holes
on the rear plate. Put a washer on the screw and install the front
screw in the plate, through the hole on the bottom of the fuselage
to the top. Apply a drop of thread locker to the screw. Fit the tail
back into place, making sure the pushrod goes on top of the
horizontal tail, and screw the tail in place. Snug the screw firmly.
Now take the second screw, put a washer on it, apply a drop of
thread locker and insert it from the bottom, through the fuselage
and into the tail assembly. Secure tightly.
Make sure the tail is secure by tugging on the tail.
CONTINUED
Stage 4 — Installing the Tail

18
Step 22. Now we’ll adjust the pushrod. Center the elevator and
rudder servo as we did in Step 14 (repeat Step 14, page 12, just
in case the servos got “bumped” during any prior installations).
Now shorten or lengthen the pushrod by screwing the clevis
until the elevator and rudder are even with the tail area ahead of
them when the clevis is attached. The clevis goes in the second
to the outermost holes on the control horn of the elevator and
rudder. Make sure the rudder and elevator are parallel (inline)
with the surface in front of them.
CONTINUED
Stage 4 — Installing the Tail
Note that the rudder and elevator will be inline with the tail
surfaces when the length of the pushrod is adjusted correctly

19
• Fuselage
• Main landing gear with wheel pre-installed
• Nose wheel landing assembly with wheel pre-installed
• Steering arm with screw
• Spring
• Collar with screw (1)
• 4mm screws (2)
• Dowel rods (2)
• Thread locker
Stage 5 — Installing the Landing Gear
Parts Needed
Step 23. Rest the fuselage upside down with the tail hanging off
the edge of the work table. Place the main landing gear over the
pre-drilled holes in the bottom of the fuselage.
Note: The landing gear is designed to sweep back when viewed
from the side.
Put a drop of thread locker on each of the two 4mm screws,
insert them through the landing gear and fuselage and tightly
screw the landing gear into position. Be sure to tighten snugly.
Nose
Wheel
Assembly Nose Wheel
Control Horn 4mm Screws Thread
Locker Dowel Rods
Main
Landing
Gear

20
Step 24. Place the steering arm on the Z-bend (using the
innermost hole) with the screw pointing toward the front. Now
pass the wire nose wheel assembly through the steering arm,
then through the spring, then through the black molded nose
wheel bearing on the front of the fuselage, then through the
collar, then through the engine mount. See the photo for correct
placement. Tighten the screw in the collar, leaving the spring
fully extended.
Step 25. Turn the plane over and again center the rudder servo
(see Step 14). Adjust the steering pushrod so the nose wheel
steering arm is parallel with the front of the firewall. To adjust,
lengthen or shorten the nose wheel pushrod by screwing in or
out on the nose wheel pushrod clevis.
Step 26. With the rudder servo’s control arm centered, adjust
the nose wheel so that it’s straight with the fuselage. Sight down
the fuselage to make sure it’s straight. Tighten the steering arm
screw securely.
Step 27. To hold the wing in position, we will install two dowel
rods in the fuselage. Slide the dowel rods through the holes in
the top of the fuselage (one in front and back). Continue pressing
into place until an even amount comes out of either side.
Note: This will be a tight fit.
CONTINUED
Stage 5 — Installing the Landing Gear