QuiQue's Aircraft Semi Scale Yak-54 User manual

Semi Scale Yak-54, ARF 101”
ASSEMBLY MANUAL
Specifications
Wingspan: 101 in
Length Including Spinner: 91 in
Wing Area: 1,960 sq in
Weight (RTF): 24.5-25.5 lb
Recommended Engines:
Gas 80-85cc

Quique’s Aircraft Company
3410 Saint Paris Pike
Springfield, OH 45504
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Website:www.QQAircraft.com
Online-Support:http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/forumid_437/tt.htm
Quique and I want to express our thanks to you for choosing our 101” Yak-54.
We think that you will enjoy one of the best flying model aerobatic airplanes
available. It is patterned after the 37% Yak-54 which took First Place honors at
the 2003 Free Style Championships in Lakeland Florida, First Place at the Don
Lowe Master competition 2003 & 2004, First Place Tucson Shoot Out 2004 Free
Style, First Place XFC 2004, precision and free-style and Third Place at the
Tournament of Championships in Las Vegas in 2002.
Quique and I have tried to prepare the best assembly manual possible along with
best support on our line of Aircraft. We are happy to announce that we have a
support forum on www.Rcuniverse.com that is being led by
Mr. Reza Gholamipour. Imagine, you are building your plane during the weekend
when we are closed and you desperately need to get an answer to your question
to continue building. Well we are happy to tell you that your question has most
likely already been asked and answered on the RC Universe forum “QQ Aircraft
Support.” If not, just post your question on the most appropriate thread and have
the answer in matter of hours.
Good flying to you!
Quique & Wayne

Covering Colors
Ultra-cote covering used on this 101” Yak-54 can be purchased from Horizon
Hobbies Website. The codes are as follows:
Midnight Blue Hanu885
Silver Hanu881
White Hanu870
Dark Yellow Hanu889
Going Over the Covering
Before beginning the assembly of your Yak-54, remove each part from its bag for
inspection. If you find any wrinkles in the covering, use a heat gun or covering
iron to remove them. Use caution while working around areas where the colors
overlap to prevent separating the colors. Make sure you go over the edges with
your iron as well.

Hardware Supplied
Pull/Pull Rudder Wing pins/clips aileron push rods Tail Wheel
Elevator Titanium rods & ball links pins
Fuel Tank
Canopy hardware
Cowl hardware
Optional Dubro Hardware to complete your Assembly:
Wheels and Axles Control Horn System

Additional Required Tools and Adhesives
•Covering/Trim iron
•Xacto knife, #11 blade
•Pacer hinge glue (PT-55)
•5,30-minute epoxy
•Lithium grease
•Acetone/Alcohol swabs
•Pencil and Marker
•Ruler
•Drill
•Drill bit 1/16”,1/8”, ¼”, 3/16”, #33, #25, #54
•Wire cutter
•Course and fine sandpaper
•Thin, medium and thick C/A
•Full threaded servo mounting screws
•Pliers
•Masking tape
•Ultra fine point sharpie
•Double-sided tape
•Rat-tail file
•Thread Locker
•Clear Silicone
•Clear packing tape
•C clamp
Extensions:
•(2) 24” and (2) 3” servo extensions for Ailerons
•(2) 48” servo extension for Elevators
•(1) 24” servo extension for throttle
•(2) 12” servo extension from Aileron matchbox to Receiver

All Other Parts Required to Complete the Aircraft
•DA-85 or similar engine
•(7) JR 8711 or similar Digital servo
•(1) JR 4721 or similar analog servo
•(4) 1.5” and (2) 1.25” single side Aluminum servo arms and (1) 3” double side aluminum
servo arm for all control surfaces. (1) Plastic servo arm for throttle.
•(2) 2300 mah A123 Duralite battery or similar for Receiver
•(1) 2150 mah Li-Ion Duralite plus battery or similar for ignition
•(1) AR 9100 DSM2 PowerSafe Receiver or similar
•(1) Duralite digital switch with built-in 5.5v regulator for ignition (P/N #80401) or similar
•(1) 4 ½” Tru-Turn P-51 style spinner or similar
•(1) Mejzlik 26x12 2-Bladed Prop or similar

Servo Selection
The servos used for the control surfaces of this Yak-54 are as follows:
Ailerons (4), JR 8711
Elevator (2), JR 8711
Rudder (1), JR 8711
Throttle, any standard analog servo
Make sure you use same or equivalent torque servos that are digital.
Please do not risk your plane by using low torque or analog servos.
This Yak-54 has large control surfaces and fully capable of any maneuvers that a pilot is able to
perform. Therefore, using weak servos will increase chance of flutter and may result in a crash.
Using the Manual
This manual is divided into sections to help make assembly easier to understand and to provide
breaks between each major section. Remember to take your time and follow the directions.
Warning
I am sure that for the most of you this is not your first venture into the World of flying radio-
controlled aircraft. For those of you that may be entering this exciting sport early on in your
modeling experience and for you with vast experience, I think we all need to be reminded of the
possible dangers that are associated with a high performance aircraft of this type. This is not a
toy. This aircraft must be flown in a safe manner at all times. You should always do a preflight
check including control surfaces hook-ups, radio operation, (please refer to your radio equipment
instruction manual for range checks and other pertinent related information) and all other checks
relating to the safe operation of this aircraft.
Warranty Information
Quique’s Aircraft Company guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both material and
workmanship at the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover any parts damaged by use or
modification. Please inspect all the components and parts immediately upon receiving the aircraft.
You must notify QQ Aircraft Co. within 15 days of the receipt of your shipment and report any
damaged components or parts or this warranty will be considered void. Do not proceed with
assembly until you have contacted QQAC and all possible issues with damaged parts have been
resolved. Customer will then have 3 months to report any problems that he/she may discover
during assembly; this only applies to any manufacturing defects that may be discovered during
assembly. This Warranty extends to the original purchaser only and will be honored with the
original sales receipt. In no case shall QQAC’s liability exceed the original cost of the purchased
kit.
QQAC will keep spare parts in stock for the purchased aircraft up to 18 months after the product
is discontinued.
Please make sure to direct all/any warranty requests to QQAC directly by email with pictures
(preferred method) [email protected] or phoning QQAC at 937-629-0339.

Preparing the Fuselage
Required Tools and Adhesive
•Xacto Knife, #11 Blade
•Sealing Iron
•Fine line Marker
•Medium CA
Preparing Fuselage
In this step, we are going to remove
covering from the Fuselage which will allow
access for different components in coming
steps.
1. Remove Covering from Fuselage
where wing will be inserted. First
drawing a line about ½” inside the balsa
opening, matching the contour of the
airfoil.
2. Using a Xacto knife with a new #11
blade, cut away covering from both
sides of the Fuselage.
3. Using your Sealing Iron, fold the ½”
covering inward onto balsa wing
opening and seal down in small 1-2”
segments until completed. FIG 1
4. Complete this step if you plan to install
Tuned Pipes/Canisters into your model.
Following procedures from previous
step, simply mark and cut covering ½”
inside the exhaust outlet located on the
bottom of Fuselage. Fold covering
inward and seal to the inside edges of
exhaust opening, you may consider
gluing the edge of covering with a very
small amount of CA to prevent covering
from lifting, due to heat. FIG 2
5. In this step we will cut open the 4
Canopy bolt holes located in the
fuselage (2 per side), using a pointed
#11 blade. First you will need to seal
around each hole then open each hole,
removing covering, with a Xactro knife.
After you have removed the covering
from these holes, re-seal the edges
with your Sealing Iron to prevent
covering from lifting later.
6. In FIG 3, you will need to remove
covering from the following areas on
each side of the Fuselage and seal the
edges with Sealing Iron.
•Rudder pull/pull slots
•Stabilizer tube holes
•Stabilizer bolt holes
•Stabilizer anti rotation pin holes
•Servo lead holes
FIG 1
FIG 3
FIG 2
9

Preparation and Installation of Hinges
Figure 2
Figure 1
Required Tools and Adhesive
•Xacto Knife, #11 Blade
•Sealing Iron
•Paper Towels
•Pacer Hinge Glue (PT-55)
Prepare Hinge Slots
Hinge Slots are installed in your model.
The Hinges have been placed into the slots
from the factory, they have not been glued
in place yet.
1. Start by removing all hinges from the
model and begin sealing the covering
at each hinge location. You will notice
that each hinge location has a slight
indent, seal covering down at all these
locations. FIG 1
2. Repeat these steps on all hinge slots
before proceeding on.
Number of Hinges:
•Wing- 9 ea.
•Stab- 4 ea.
•Rudder- 4
Install Hinges
The technique shown is very accurate and
is proven to be very strong. Follow along
closely as we install hinges into the
Stabilizer, then you can repeat these steps
as you install the remaining hinges into
your model using Pacer PT-55 Hinge Glue.
1. Hold bottle firmly against the Stabilizer
hinge slot and fill slot with glue. You
can use the tapered tip on your bottle,
this will help insert glue further into the
slot. Figure 2 Fill all four hinge slots in
Stabilizer and Elevator Half with glue.
Using damp paper towel, wipe any
excess glue protruding up from slots.
2. Center and slide hinges into Stabilizer
slots making sure they are seated
properly. ( the hinge pin should align to
the bevel) Next, slide Elevator onto
hinges, you will notice hinges may start
to mis-align from one another as they
settle into place. FIG 3 Use a small
pointed object and align hinges to pivot
point once elevator is in place . FIG 4
Again, hinge pin should align to the
bevel. Use masking tape to hold
elevator in place while glue dries.
3. Using these steps complete all
remaining hinges.
Figure 3
Figure 4

Wing and Stab Anti-Rotation Pin Installation
Required Tools FIG 1
•Epoxy and Thin CA
•Sand Paper
•Acetone or Alcohol
•Micro-balloons
1. Prepare the C/F anti-rotation pins by using coarse
sandpaper and rough up the end of the pin where it will be
inserted in the second rib in the H.Stab. Now clean the pins
with acetone or alcohol to remove any possible grease or dirt.
2. Use 5-10 minute epoxy to attach the pin to the number two
rib that is inside the horz stab. Then use thin C/A to attach the FIG 2
pin to the root rib of the horz stab.
3. Add a little extra fillet of epoxy with micro-balloons on the
inside rib around the anti-rotation pin to insure a strong bond
for the pins. FIG 1
4. If the anti-rotation pins fit too tightly in the fuse sides, it will
be necessary to open the holes in the fuse sides slightly with
a small rat tail file.
Very Important:
After completing the model and flying it, in case you noticed
any play in the stab, please glue the horizontal stab tube in
place in the fuselage with epoxy and micro-balloons.
Wing Rotation Pin Installation FIG 3
1. Prepare the aluminum anti-rotation pins by using coarse
sandpaper and rough up the end of the pin where it will be
inserted in the second rib in the wing. Now clean the pins
with acetone or alcohol to remove any possible grease or dirt.
2. Install the anti-rotation pins using the following dimensions.
The front pin should measure 10.5mm. Note: FIG 2 the picture
showing the measurement with the ruler may not look like
exactly 10.5 however 10.5 mm is the correct distance from
the root rib to the center hole for the keeper clip at the end
of the anti-rotation pin. Also this ruler starts at zero, yours
may not start at zero. The rear pin FIG 3 should measure 8 mm from
from the root rib to the center of the hole. The front and rear pin
should have the hole in a vertical position.
3. Apply 5-minute epoxy in the second wing rib holes.
Lay the wing flat on the table to insert the anti-rotation pins. FIG 4
Now insert the pins to the correct depth. Again, check the hole
in the end of the pins to make sure the front and rear pins are
vertical as this is very important
4. Let the epoxy harden. Stand the wing on its wing tip and
run some thin C/A around the root rib. Wipe away any excess.
Do this several times which will help to seal the pin to the hole
in the root rib.

FIG 5
5. After the C/A has hardened, make a fillet of 15 minute
epoxy and micro balloons and apply on the inside of the
root rib. I used a small length of 3/16” wooden dowel to apply
the epoxy-micro balloon mix. FIG 4 and 5
6. You will find some ¼” I.D. O-rings and washers with the
wing anti-rotation package of parts. Use thin C/A and glue the
O-ring to the washer. After you have installed the wings to
the fuse you will use this O-ring and washer to slide over the
anti-rotation pin before you put the keeper clip in the hole in
the anti-rotation pin. FIG 6
FIG 6

Aileron Horn Installation
Required Tools and Adhesive
•Xacto knife, #11 Blade
•5-10 minute epoxy
•Alcohol Swab/Alcohol and paper towel
•Sealing Iron
•Ruler
•Blue Loctite
•Pliers
The Optional Du-bro package that we offer
will have everything you need to complete
the following steps, otherwise please use
your alternative.
Aileron Horn Installation FIG 1
1. Locate the aileron servo bays and control horn FIG 2
holes that are covered by ultracote. Remove the covering
from servo bays and control horn holes using an xacto knife.
Seal edges of servo bays using sealing iron FIG 1
2. Attach the Du-Bro Heavy Duty Control Horn
System, Cat. No. 866. The hole is pre-drilled
in each aileron to accept the 8-32 X 2”
socket head cap screw.
Use a Dremel cut off wheel and remove the
socket head of the 8-32 socket head screw just
below the screw head so you preserve as much length of
the screw as possible.
3. Clean the screw with alcohol, FIG 2
Use epoxy and screw the machine
screw into the hole provided in the aileron, leave screw extend
FIG 3
1.0 to 1.125” Inch for the Inboard Horn FIG 2
1.25 to 1.50” Inches for the Outboard Horn FIG 3
4. Repeat above steps to complete remaining aileron.
FIG 3

Wing Servo Installation
1. Now install the aileron servos so FIG 4
that output shaft is towards the leading edge
of the wing.
2. Plug a 24" servo extension onto the
outboard servo. Either tie the servo leads
together, using a commercially available
connector, or use unwaxed dental floss to
secure the extensions to prevent them from
coming loose during flight.
3. To run the servo extensions, use a long
rod and make a little hook at one end of it.
Pass it through the wing panel and connect
your servo lead to the hook with masking tape
and pull it through.
4. Use 3” extension for inboard servo and
install the servo.
5. Install 1.5” aluminum servo arms.
6. Measuring from hinge line vertically to
pivot point on the Dubro Control Horn connector
should be at 1.7” inches for the proper amount
of aileron throw. Hook the servo arm to the
control horn using the provided 4/40 titanium rods.
Use provided ball links to complete the installation.
Note that you don’t need more throw than
45 degrees for Ailerons. Don’t alter the set
up to get more than 45 degree deflection.
7. FIG 4 shows the complete servo arm
and push rod set-up.

Elevator Horn Installation
Required Tools and Adhesive FIG 1
•Xacto knife, #11 Blade
•5-10 minute epoxy
•Alcohol Swab/Alcohol and paper towel
•Sealing Iron
•Ruler
•Blue Loctite
•Pliers
The Optional Du-bro package that we offer
will have everything you need to complete
the following steps, otherwise please use
your alternative.
Elevator Horn Installation
1. Locate the elevator servo bay and control horn FIG 2
hole that is covered by ultracote. Remove the covering
from servo bay and control horn hole using an xacto knife.
Seal edges using sealing iron FIG 1
2. Attach the Du-Bro Heavy Duty Control Horn
System, Cat. No. 866. The hole is pre-drilled
in each elevator to accept the 8-32 X 2”
socket head cap screw.
Use a Dremel cut off wheel and remove the
socket head of the 8-32 socket head screw just
below the screw head so you preserve as much length of FIG 3
the screw as possible.
3. Clean the screw with alcohol, then epoxy in
place through the bottom of the elevator in the
hard point provided. Insert full depth in the hole with
the head end of the cut off 8-32 screw entering all the
way to the covering film on the top of the elevator.
Be sure that you do not put too much epoxy in the hole and
on the screw.
If necessary, you may want to put a small pin hole in the
top covering just above the hole to allow
the excess epoxy to escape. Clean excess
epoxy with an alcohol swab.
4. After insertion the 8-32 screw should protrude to a length
of 1 inch measured from the bottom of the elevator. FIG 2
5. After epoxy has cured, thread aluminum control horn
support into place using blue loctite. Do not over tighten,
snug tight is fine. FIG 3
6. Repeat above steps to complete remaining elevator.

Elevator Servo Installation
We recommend using one JR 8711 servo for each
Elevator half along with the 1.25” Aluminum servo arms and Du-bro
Control Horn Hardware.
1. Install servo using four screws supplied, exit servo lead from root end of FIG 4
Stabilizer.
2. Using blue loctite, install one 1.25” aluminum servo arm to servo.
(Be sure servo is centered before installing servo arm)
3. Thread Du-Bro Control Arm onto 8/32 horn.
4. Use the 2” supplied control rod and on the servo end of the control rod,
use a 4/40 Ball Link. The plastic Du-bro control linkage does not have any
threads taped for the 4/40 control rod so you may put the left hand threaded
end of the control rod there. Then the 4/40 ball link that you use can be the
standard right hand threaded version.
5. Use loctite and install ball link to servo arm using 4/40 bolt and lock nut
supplied.
6. Insert pivot pin into control arm and secure with locking pin. FIG 4
7. Repeat step 1-5 to complete remaining elevator.

Rudder Horn, Servo and Pull/Pull Installation
Required Tools FIG 1
•Xacto knife, #11 Blade
•Sealing Iron
•Ruler
•Needle Nose Pliers
•Epoxy
•Sand Paper
The Optional Du-bro package that we offer
will have everything you need to complete
the following steps, otherwise please use
your alternative.
Rudder Horn Installation
1. Locate holes in rudder, remove covering from each side FIG 2
using an X-acto knife.
2. Seal edges using sealing iron.
3. Insert threaded rod into hole followed by base washers.
4. Thread aluminum nuts onto each side of rod.
5. Measure each side of the horn to make sure it is centered
in the rudder then tighten.
6. Attach Du-bro clevis to control arm then thread control arm
onto each side of rudder horn. FIG 1
Rudder Servo and Pull/Pull Cable Installation
1. Insert 4/40 threaded rod about 1/8” into Du-bro clevis.
FIG 2
2. We recommend using one JR 8711 servo to control the
Rudder. FIG 3
3. Install rudder servo into tray using four screws supplied.
(be sure servo has been centered)
4. Locate carbon fiber servo arm for rudder, this arm will
be attached to a round arm that came with your servo. You
will need to sand each of these parts then glue them
together using epoxy. Before epoxy sets, drill and install
two 4/40 bolts. FIG 3
5. Insert 4/40 threaded rods into two ball links about 1/8”.
Install ball links to carbon fiber control arm. Be sure to use
blue loctite on these bolts. FIG 3
6. Locate both Pull/Pull cables and heat shrink tubing. Place
Tubing over one cable and shrink using a heat gun, this will
prevent cables from rubbing together and creating RF noise.
7. Slide one crimp onto cable then measure back from one
end of cable about 1.5” and bend cable using needle nose
pliers. Now measure back about ½” from end of cable and
bend again.
8. Slide Crimp into place over three cables and crimp flat
using a crimping tool or pliers. FIG 4
9. Pull/Pull cables will cross over one another in an “X” pattern.
FIG 4
Be sure to pull wires snug before crimping. Tighten wires by
adjusting threaded rods into ball links using pliers. Carbon
fiber control arm should remain centered while rudder is
centered.

Landing Gear Installation
Required Tools FIG 1
•Drill, 3/16”(4.5mm), 5/16”, 1/8” drill bit
•Axles Dubro Cat No.249
•4” Threaded light wheel Cat No. 400TL
•Dremel with small sanding drum
Landing Gear Installation
1. Landing gear comes drilled and ready to install but you
still need to drill the holes for axles and wheel pants. If you
have any problem inserting the bolts through the landing gear
to the plate, please re-drill through the existing holes to make FIG 2
sure that there is no debris in the holes. FIG 1
2. Wrap 2 rounds of masking tape (not shown) to the leg of
the landing gear that you are going to drill. Mark the center
of the hole and drill using the 5/16 bit. FIG 2
3. After both axle holes have been drilled, install axles.
4. Position wheel into wheel pant and mark axle location,
Drill using a 5/16 bit and then enlarge hole to fit over axle.
FIG 3
5. Place wheel pant onto axle and adjust angle of wheel pant. FIG 3
Drill two 1/8” holes through gear and pant. Install two blind
nuts in pants. Install wheel collars and wheel onto axle. Center
Wheel in pant and tighten collars.
6. Using blue loctite, install two bolts into each pant. FIG 4
Repeat these steps to install remaining wheel pant.
FIG 4

Install Tail Wheel Gear
1. Gear comes assembled. Remove all set
screws and add blue loctite to each set screws
and re-assemble. Mount tail wheel gear to
fuselage using the three bolts provided in your kit.
2. Drill bottom of rudder to accept ball link. Sand
ball link shank then glue into rudder. Fit wire
through ball link hole about one inch. Now attach
other end of wire to collar, apply blue loctite
to set screw then tighten.
FIG 5

Engine Installation
Required Tools FIG 1
•4- ¼”x1” bolts
•4- ¼” blind nuts
•1/16, 5/16 drill bits and Drill
•Dremel and sanding drum
DA-85 Engine Installation
1. Using 5/16 drill bit, drill four engine mount holes located
on firewall. You can pre drill holes using a 1/16” bit, this will
guide the larger 5/16 more accurately. FIG 1
2. Using a 5/16 bit, make a line of holes just inside the carb
outline, then Dremel rough edges away. FIG 2 FIG 2
3. We have chosen to use a small ball link clevis on the
throttle lever and a Kavan type clevis for the choke lever.
Install your choice of links on throttle lever now. The choke
Lever must be flipped over so that a push rod can be attached.
Choke push rod will exit from the bottom of cowling.
FIG 3
4. Locate four aluminum engine spacers. Insert spacers
between engine and firewall, attach engine to firewall using
four ¼” x 1” bolts and blind nuts (purchase from your local
Lowe’s or Home Depot store) Use blue Loctite on all four bolts.
FIG 4
5. Mount throttle servo into mounting plate, located behind
engine. Place arm onto servo and actuate servo and throttle
arm to 50% travel. Use 4/40 rod and clevises to make throttle
push rod of your choice. FIG 5
6. Use 2/56 push rod to operate choke lever through the FIG 3
Throttle Lever
with Ball Link
Choke Lever
with Clevis
bottom of cowling. You will need to drill an 1/8” hole through
engine box floor to route 2/56 push rod up to carb choke lever.
Leave 2/56 rod long and we will cut it to length later when we
mount the cowling. Notice the black dot inside red circle, this
is a general location to drill for choke rod. FIG 5
FIG 5
.
FIG 4

Tuned Pipe and Header Installation
Required Tools FIG 1
•Du-Bro brass Nipple #241
•Wire cutters
•Red Silicone
•Pliers
•Dremel with cut off wheel
Tuned Pipe and Header Installation
1. If you do not plan to use smoke tube, you will
need to remove some of this tubing before pipe can fit
into fuselage. Using wire cutters, cut tubing off and crimp
closed. Drill and tap pipe and install brass nipple 180 degrees
from tubing. FIG 1
2. Using a dremel and cut off wheel, remove 1” from
header. FIG 2
3. Insert tuned pipe into fuselage and rotate in place. FIG 3 FIG 2
4. Locate header, ream rear hole at a slight angle so
you can insert the bolt into flange. Use red hi-temp silicone
and apply a thin layer to flange, bolt header to engine. FIG 4
5. Join header to tuned pipe using telfon tube and clamps.
Slide clamps onto header, heat teflon tube using a heat gun
then install onto pipes hot, Be sure to wear gloves. FIG 5
FIG 3
FIG 4
FIG 5