Phoenix Model YAK54 YAKOVLEV Instruction Manual Download

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INSTALLING THE MAIN LANDING GEAR

1. Nuts have been installed at the factory.

2. Install main landing gear into the fuselage using

(4) 4mm x 20mm socket head screws and flat
washers provided in the kit.

Screw

150mm

22mm

I/C FLIGHT GUIDELINES

Made in Vietnam

When ready to fly, first extend the

transmitter aerial.

Operate the control sticks on the

transmitter and check that the control

surfaces move freely and in the

CORRECT directions.

ALWAYS land the model INTO the

wind, this ensures that the model lands

at the slowest possible speed.

Switch on the transmitter.

Switch off the transmitter.

Check that the transmitter batteries

have adequate power.

Switch off the receiver.

Switch on the receiver.

ALWAYS take off into the wind.

Check that the wings are correctly

fitted to the fuselage.

If the model does not respond correctly

to the controls, land it as soon as

possible and correct the fault.

Empty the fuel tank after flying, fuel left

in the tank can cause corrosion and

lead to engine problems.

I/C FLIGHT WARNINGS

Always operate in open areas, away

from factories, hospitals, schools,

buildings and houses etc. NEVER fly

your aircraft close to people or built

up areas.

THE PROPELLER IS DANGEROUS

Keep fingers, clothing (ties, shirt

sleeves, scarves) or any other loose

objects that could be caught or drawn

in, away from the propeller. Take care

at ALL times.

Keep all onlookers (especially small

children and animals) well back from

the area of operation. This is a flying

aircraft, which will cause serious

injury in case of impact with a person

or animal.

NEVER fly near power lines, aerials

or other dangerous areas including

airports, motorways etc.

NEVER use damaged or deformed

propellers or spinners.

DO NOT dispose of empty fuel

containers on a fire, this can lead to

an explosion.

NEVER fly in wet conditions or on

windy or stormy days.

ALWAYS adjust the engine from

behind the propeller, and do not allow

any part of your body to be in line

with the propeller.

YAK 54

Instruction Manual

YAK 54

Instruction Manual

YAK 54

Instruction Manual

YAK 54

Instruction Manual

1. Find the hole on the top of the wing by taking

measurements as picture below.

2. Drill through the mark you make with a 2.5mm

drill bit (Note: just through the wing joiner).

3. Secure the wing joiner using a 4mm x 35mm

wood screw.

Switch

YAK 54

Instruction Manual

YAK 54

Instruction Manual

120mm

BALANCING

1. It is critical that your airplane be balanced

correctly. Improper balance will cause your
plane to lose control and crash.

THE CENTER OF GRAVITY IS LOCATED

120mm  BACK  FROM  THE  LEADING  EDGE
OF  THE  WING,  AT  THE  FUSELAGE.  This
location  is  recommended  for  initial  test  flying
and trimming. There is a 5mm margin forward
and  aft.  BALANCE A  PLANE  UPSIDE  DOWN
WITH THE FUEL TANK EMPTY.

2. Mount the wing to the fuselage. Using a couple

of pieces of masking tape, place them on the
top side of the wing 120mm back from the
leading edge, at the fuselage sides.

3. Turn the airplane upside down. Place your

fingers on the masking tape and carefully lift
the plane.

4. If the nose of the plane falls, the plane is nose

heavy.  To  correct  this  first  move  the  battery
pack further back in the fuselage. If this is not
possible  or  does  not  correct  it,  stick  small
amounts of lead weight on the fuselage under
the  horizontal  stabilizer.  If  the  tail  of  the  plane
falls,  the  plane  is  tail  heavy.  To  correct  this,
move the battery and receiver forward or if this
is  not  possible,  stick  weight  into  the  firewall.
When  balanced  correctly,  the  airplane  should
sit  level  or  slightly  nose  down  when  you  lift  it
up with your fingers.

LATERAL BALANCE

After you have balanced a plane on the C.G.

You should laterally balance it. Doing this will
help the airplane track straighter.

5. Turn the airplane upside down. Attach one loop

of heavy string to the engine crankshaft and
one to the tail wheel wire. With the wings level,
carefully lift the airplane by the string. This may
require two people to make it easier.

6. If one side of the wing fall, that side is heavier

than  the  opposite. Add  small  amounts  of  lead
weight  to  the  bottom  side  of  the  lighter  wing
half's  wing  tip.  Follow  this  procedure  until  the
wing stays level when you lift the airplane.

Battery

Zip tie

Receiver

INSTALLING and secure the wing

open and close the canopy

YAK 54

Instruction Manual

3d sERVOS

The large control throws require servos with

great centering. The digital servos are second to
none in this department. Digital servos such as
the Futaba BLS 351 should be used on all
control surfaces of this airplane for optimum
performance.

Aileron Control

15mm

Rudder Control

20mm

Elevator Control

15mm

CONTROL THROWS

1. We highly recommend setting up a plane using

the control throws listed.

2. The control throws should be measured at the

widest point of each control surface.

3. Check to be sure the control surfaces move in the

correct directions.

3-D PERFORMANCE SETTINGS

The YAK 54 ARF will perform 3-D aerobatics

easily  if  you  use  the  largest  engines
recommended within the engine range. If you
setup your airplane to do 3D maneuvers, you
will  need  to  be  throttle  conscious;  that  is,
never  apply  full  throttle  on  straight  and  level
flying or in dives to prevent flutter.

Ailerons : 45mm up 45mm down

Elevator : 35mm up 35mm down

Rudder : 45mm right 45mm left

HIGH RATE (FOR 3D)

YAK 54

Instruction Manual

YAK 54

Instruction Manual

INSTALLING THE WHEEL PANTS

INSTALLING THE RUDDER

Repeat step 1 - step 2 from the installing aileron

for the installing rudder.

YAK 54

Instruction Manual

6. Temporarily position the aileron servo into the

servo  bay.  Drill  a  1.6mm  hole  through  the  four
mounting  holes  of  the  servo,  drilling  through
the plywood mounting plate in the wing. Install
and remove a servo mounting screw into each
of  the  four  holes.  Insert  a  drop  of  thin  CA  into
the  holes  to  harden  the  wood.  After  the  glue
has  cured,  install  the  servo  into  the  servo  bay
using the hardware that came with your servo.
Center  the  servo  and  install  a  servo  arm  as
shown.

7. Repeat step # 1 - # 6 to install the second

aileron servo in the opposite wing half.

YAK 54

Instruction Manual

YAK 54

Instruction Manual

TOOLS AND SUPPLIES NEEDED

• Medium C/A glue
• 30 minute epoxy
• 6 minute epoxy
• Hand or electric drill
• Assorted drill bits
• Modeling knife
• Straight edge ruler

SUGGESTION

To avoid scratching your new airplane, do not unwrap
the pieces until they are needed for assembly. Cover
your  workbench  with  an  old  towel  or  brown  paper,
both  to  protect  the  aircraft  and  to  protect  the  table.
Keep  a  couple  of  jars  or  bowls  handy  to  hold  the
small parts after you open the bag.

NOTE:

1. Please trial fit all the parts. Make sure you have

the correct parts and that they fit and are aligned
properly  before  gluing!  This  will  assure  proper
assembly.  The  YAK  54 ARF  is  hand  made  from
natural  materials,  every  plane  is  unique  and
minor  adjustments  may  have  to  be  made.
However,  you  should  find  the  fit  superior  and
assembly simple.

2. The painted and plastic parts used in this kit are

fuel proof. However, they are not tolerant of many
harsh chemicals including the following: paint
thinner, C/A glue accelerator, C/A glue debonder
and acetone. Do not let these chemicals come in
contact with the colors on the covering and the
plastic parts.

3. The YAK 54 ARF will perform 3-D aerobatics

SAFETY PRECAUTION:

• This is not a toy.
• Be sure that no other flyers are using your radio

frequency.

• Do not smoke near fuel.
• Store fuel in a cool, dry place, away from

children and pets.

• Wear safety glasses.
• The glow plug clip must be securely attached to

the glow plug.

• Do not flip the propeller with your fingers.
• Keep loose clothing and wires away from the propeller.

PREPARATIONS

Remove  the  tape  and  separate  the  ailerons
from  the  wing  and  the  elevators  from  the  stab.
Use  a  covering  iron  with  a  covering  sock  on
high  heat  to  tighten  the  covering  if  necessary.
Apply  pressure  over  sheeted  areas  to
thoroughly bond the covering to the wood.

• Do not start the engine if people are near. Do not

stand in line with the side of the propeller.

• Make engine adjustments from behind the propeller

only. Do not reach around the spinning propeller.

YAK 54

Instruction Manual

5. Tie the string from inside the wing to the end of

the servo wire. Pull the servo wire through the
wing with the string. Tape the servo wire to the
wing to prevent it from falling back into the wing.

YAK 54

Instruction Manual

. Repeat these step as installing the aileron

linkage

s (Page 4 and page 5).

. Repeat these step as installing the aileron

linkage

s (Page 4 and page 5).

INSTALLING THE THROTTLE SERVO

1. Install the rubber grommets and brass collets

into the elevator, rudder and throttle servos.
Test fit the servos into the servo tray. Trim the
tray if necessary to fit your servos

2. Mount the servos to the tray using the mounting

screws provided with your radio system.

INSTALLING THE ELEVATOR SERVO

1. Remove the covering from both size of the

fuselage.

2. Install two servo to the fuselage as shown.

→

Engine side

5. Test fit the stopper assembly into the tank. It

may be necessary to remove some of the
flashing around the tank opening using a
modeling knife. If flashing is present, make sure
none of it falls into the tank.

6. When satisfied with the alignment of the stopper

assembly tighten the 3mm x 20mm machine
screw until the rubber stopper expands and
seals the tank opening. Do not over tighten the
assembly as this could cause the tank to split.

7. Using a modeling knife, cut 3 lengths of fuel line

150mm long. Connect 2 lines to the 2 vent tubes
and 1 line to the fuel pickup tube in the stopper.

8. Feed three lines through the fuel tank

compartment and through the pre-drilled hole in
the  firewall.  Pull  the  lines  out  from  behind  the
engine,  while  guiding  the  fuel  tank  into  place.
Push  the  fuel  tank  as  far  forward  as  possible,
the front of the tank should just about touch the
back  of  the  firewall.  Blow  through  one  of  the
lines  to  ensure  the  fuel  lines  have  not  become
kinked  inside  the  fuel  tank  compartment.  Air
should flow through easily.

Do not secure the tank into place permanently

until after balancing the airplane. You may need
to remove the tank to mount the battery in the
fuel tank compartment.

9. To secure the fuel tank in place, apply a bead of

silicon sealer to the forward area of the tank,
where it exits the fuselage behind the engine
mounting box and to the rear of the tank at the
forward bulkhead.

10. Use 6mm x 8mm hardwood to secure the fuel

tank in place by CA glue.

Remove the
covering

INSTALLING THE ELEVATOR LINKAGES

The elevator linkages are assembled as shown below

Collar

Masking tape

CA glue

To vent tube

To carburator

To muffler

CA glue

Carburator

Engine head

Muffler

FINAL ASSEMBLY

INSTALLING THE SPINNER

. Install the spinner back-plate, propeller and

spinner cone. The spinner cone is held in place
using two 3mm x 20mm wood screws.

. The propeller should not touch any part of the

spinner cone. If it dose, use a sharp modeling
knife and carefully trim away the spinner cone
where the propeller comes in contact with it.

INSTALLING THE SWITCH

1. The switch should be mounted on the fuselage

side,  opposite  the  muffler,  close  enough  to  the
receiver  so  the  lead  will  reach.  Use  the  face
plate  of  the  switch  cut  out  and  locate  the
mounting holes.

2. Cut out the switch hole using a modeling knife.

Use a 2mm drill bit and drill out the two
mounting holes through the fuselage side.

3. Secure the switch in place using the two

machine screws provided with the radio
system.

INSTALLING THE RECEIVER AND BATTERY

1. Plug the servo leads and the switch lead into

the  receiver.  You  may  want  to  plug  an  aileron
extension into the receiver to make plugging in
the  aileron  servo  lead  easier  when  you  are
installing  the  wing.  Plug  the  battery  pack  lead
into the switch.

2. Wrap the receiver and battery pack in the

protective foam to protect them from vibration.
Use a rubber band or masking tape to hold the
foam in place.

3. Position the battery pack and receiver in place

and using the two zip ties for mounting them as
the picture below.

4. Using a 2mm drill bit, drill a hole through the

side of the fuselage, near the receiver, for the
antenna to exit.

Secure
the cowl

75mm

22mm

• 2 bender plier
• Wire cutters
• Masking tape
• Thread lock
• Paper towels
• Rubbing alcohol

The elevator linkages are assembled as shown below

. Repeat these step for the second servo elevator.

MOUNTING THE COWL

1. Remove the muffler and needle valve assembly

from the engine. Slide the fiberglass cowl over
the engine.

2. Measure and mark the locations to be cut out

for engine head clearance, needle valve,
muffler. Remove the cowl and make these cut
outs using a rotary tool with a cutting disc and a
rotary sanding drum attachment.

3. Slide the cowl back into place. Align the front of

the cowl with the crankshaft of the engine. The
front  of  the  cowl  should  be  positioned  so  the
crankshaft  is  in  the  middle  of  the  precut
opening.  Hold  the  cowl  firmly  in  place  using
several pieces of masking tape.

4. While holding the cowl firmly in position, drill

four 1,6mm pilot holes through both the cowl
and the side edges of the firewall.

Using a 3mm drill bit, enlarge the four holes in

the cowling.

Enlarging the holes through the cowl will prevent

the fiberglass from splitting when the mounting
screws are installed.

6. Slide the cowl back over the engine and secure

it in place using four 3mm x 12mm wood screws.

7. Install the muffler. Connect the fuel and

pressure lines to the carburator, muffler and
fuel filler valve. Tighten the screws completely.

INSTALLING THE THROTTLE

1. Install one adjustable metal connector through the

third hole out from the center of one servo arm,
enlarge the hole in the servo arm using a 2mm drill
bit to accommodate the servo connector. Remove
the excess material from the arm.

After installing the adjustable metal connector

apply a small drop of thin C/A to the bottom nut.
This will prevent the connector from loosening
during flight.

2. Plug the throttle servo into the receiver and turn

on  the  radio  system.  Check  to  ensure  that  the
throttle  servo  output  shaft  is  moving  in  the
correct  direction.  When  the  throttle  stick  is
moved  forward  from  idle  to  full  throttle,  the
throttle barrel should also open and close using
this  motion.  If  not,  reverse  the  direction  of  the
servo, using the transmitter.

3. Slide the adjustable metal connector/ servo arm

assembly over the plain end of the pushrod
wire. Position the throttle stick and the throttle
trim at their lowest positions.

4. Manually push the carburator barrel fully closed.

Angle the arm back about 45 degree from
center and attach the servo arm onto the servo.
With the carburator barrel fully closed, tighten
the set screw in the adjustable metal connector.

5. Remove the excess throttle pushrod wire using

wire cutters and install the servo arm retaining
screw.

INSTALL THE AILERONS SERVOS & PUSHRODS

1. Install the servo in the wing require the use of

one  305mm  servo  extension  for  each  aileron
servo.  One  Y-harness  connector  is  required
and  is  used  to  allow  the  aileron  servo  to  plug
into  one  slot  in  your  receiver. You  may  have  a
computer  radio  that  allows  you  to  plug  the
servos  into  separate  slots  and  then  mix  them
together  through  the  radio  transmitter.  If  you
choose  to  mix  them  with  the  radio  rather  than
the  Y-harness,  refer  to  the  instructions  with
your particular brand of radio.

2. Attach the servo extension to the aileron servo.

Secure the connectors together using a large
piece of heat shrink tubing, tape or other
method for securing the connectors together.

3. Turn the wing panel right side up. Using a

modeling knife, remove the covering from over
the precut servo box.

4. Using the string as a guide and pass the string from

the servo opening to the hole in the root of the wing.

Note:

A weigh tied to a string can be used first,

then tied to the servo lead to pull it through.

16 mm flat washer

INSTALLING THE THROTTLE PUSHROD HOUSING

1. Place the engine into the engine mount and

align it properly with the front of the cowling.
The distance from the firewall to the front of the
engine thrust washer should [120mm]

If your engine is equipped with a remote needle

valve, we suggest installing it into the engine at
this time.

2. When satisfied with the alignment of the engine,

use a pencil and mark the mounting hole
location onto the firewall, where the throttle
pushrod will exit.

3. Now, remove the engine. Using a 5mm drill bit,

drill holes through the firewall and the forward
bulkhead at the marks made.

4. Slide the pushrod housing through the hole in

the firewall, through the hole in the forward
bulkhead, and into the servo compartment.

5. Apply a couple of drops of thin C/A to the pushrod

housing where it exits the firewall and where it
passes through the forward bulkhead. This will
secure the housing in place.

6. Using a modeling knife, cut off the nylon

pushrod housing in front of the servo tray.

After installing the wheel pant, apply a small

drop of thin C/A to the bottom nut.

214mm

INSTALLING THE AILERONS

1. Test fit the ailerons to the wing with the hinges.

If the hinges don’t remain centered, stick a pin
through the middle of the hinge to hold it in
position.

TEMPORARY PIN

TO KEEP HINGE

CENTERED

CA glue

2. Apply six drops of thin CA to the top and bottom

of each hinge. Do not use CA accelerator. After
the CA has fully hardened, test the hinges by
pulling on the aileron.

INSTALLING THE HORIZONTAL STABILIZER

1. Using a modeling knife, cut away the covering

from the fuselage for the stabilizer and remove it.

2. Remove the covering from the stabilizer.

When cutting through the covering to remove it,
cut with only enough pressure to only cut
through the covering it's self. Cutting into the
balsa structure may weaken it. This could lead
to possible failure during flight.

Plastic screw

3. Attach the wing to the fuselage as picture.

4. Test the position of the elevator and adjust it as

shown.

6. After the epoxy has fully cured, remove the

masking  tape  or  T-pins  used  to  hold  the
stabilizer in place and carefully inspect the glue
joints.  Use  more  epoxy  to  fill  in  any  gaps  that
were  not  filled  previously  and  clean  up  the
excess using a paper towel and rubbing alcohol.

7. Repeat step 1 - step 2 from the installing aileron

for the installing elevator.

5. When you are sure that everything is aligned

correctly,  mix  up  a  generous  amount  of  30
minute epoxy. Apply a thin layer to the  bottom
and  to  the  top  of  the  stabilizer  mounting  area
and to the stabilizer mounting platform sides in
the  fuselage.  Insert  the  stabilizer  in  place  and
re-align.

Double

check

all

your

measurements one more time before the epoxy
cures. Remove any excess epoxy using a
paper towel and rubbing alcohol and hold the
stabilizer in place with T-pins or masking tape.

5. Repeat step 1 - step 4 for the second aileron

linkage.

2. Make the same way for the plastic linkball to the

other side of the pushrod wire.

3. Plug the aileron servo into the receiver and

center the servo. Install the servo arm onto the
servo. The servo arm should be perpendicular
to the servo and point toward the middle of the
wing.

4. Center the aileron and hold it in place using a

couple of pieces of masking tape. Adjust the
linkage until the aileron and the servo arm are
both centered and then tighten the nut against
the clevis. Install the plastic linkball to the servo
arm. Remember use thread locking compound
to secure.

1. Locate the pushrod wire. Slide a silicon clevis

retainer onto a clevis. Screw a M3 nut and a
threaded metal clevis onto the threaded end of
the wire. Tighten the nut against the clevis and
then install the clevis on the aileron control
horn.

2. Secure the control horn into the aileron.

3. Repeat step # 1 - # 2 to install the control horn

on the second aileron.

INSTALLING THE AILERON LINKAGES

The aileron linkages are assembled as shown

below.

INSTALLING THE CONTROL HORNS

1. The aileron has a block wood plate for mounting

the control horn. One aileron control horn in
positioned on each aileron.

M3 nut

Plastic link ball

Adjust
the linkages

Link ball

M3 nut

95mm

22mm

Remove the covering

Plastic washer

Plastic control

3mm Screw

Screw

Flat washer

M3 nut

Aluminum link ball

Servo arm

Plastic link ball

6. Center the rudder servo using the radio and

install the servo arm. Attach the metal clevis to
the rudder servo arm.

7. Slide a crimp onto the cable, then pass the cable

through the threaded cable end. Pass the cable
back into the crimp and use crimping pliers to
secure the crimp to the cable.

8. Thread the metal connector to the metal clevis.

9. Attach the clevis to the rudder servo. There

should be light tension on each of the wires
when installed properly.

Note:

Remember use thread locking compound

to secure.

Control horn

4. Slide a crimp onto the cable, then pass the

cable  through  the  threaded  cable  end.  Pass
the cable back into the crimp and use crimping
pliers  to  secure  the  crimp  to  the  cable.  Guide
the  cable  into  the  fuselage  to  the  position  for
the rudder servo.

2. The rudder has a block wood plate for mounting

the control horn. Two control horn in positioned
on both side rudder (left and right).

3. Install the control horn to the rudder.

5. Thread the metal connector to the link ball.

Control horn

Screw

Control horn

Remove the covering

Cable end

Crimp

Aluminum ball

Cable

Metal connector

Plastic ball link

INSTALLING THE RUDDER SERVO

Install the rudder servo to the fuselage as shown.

INSTALLING THE RUDDER LINKAGES

The rudder is controlled by two metal cables.

Install the rudder linkages and cables as below.

1. Use a hobby knife to remove the covering from

the openings for the rudder control cables.

INSTALLING THE STOPPER ASSEMBLY

1. The stopper has been pre-assembled at the factory.

2. Using a modeling knife, cut one length of silicon

fuel  line  (the  length  of  silicon  fuel  line  is
calculated  by  how  the  weighted  clunk  should
rest  about  8mm  away  from  the  rear  of  the  tank
and  move  freely  inside  the  tank).  Connect  one
end  of  the  line  to  the  weighted  clunk  and  the
other  end  to  the  nylon  pick  up  tube  in  the
stopper.

3. Carefully bend the second nylon tube up at a

45 degree angle (using a cigarette lighter). This
tube will be the vent tube to the muffler.

4. Carefully bend the third nylon tube down at a

45 degree angle (using a cigarette lighter). This
tube will be vent tube to the fueling valve.

When the stopper assembly is installed in the
tank, the top of the vent tube should rest just
below the top surface of the tank. It should not
touch the top of the tank.

Ailerons : 15mm up 15mm down

Elevator : 15mm up 15mm down

Rudder : 20mm right 20mm left

LOW RATE

Collar

8mm

4mm collar

8mm screw

4mm axle

Nut

Collar

I n s t r u c t i o n M a n u a l

Wingspan :

1672

mm (65.83 inches)

Length

1620

mm (63.8 inches)

Weight

: 4500gr - 5000gr

Engine

: 120 two stroke

Radio : 6 channel/ 5 high torque servo
and

standard servo

MAIN GEAR ASSEMBLY

(2) Main gear aluminum

(2) 75mm diameter wheel

(2) Set of axle

(4) 4mm x 20mm machine screw

(4) 4mm flat washer

(4) 8mm flat washer

(2) Fiberglass wheel pant

TAIL WHEEL ASSEMBLY

(1) Tail wheel bracket w/ wire

(1) Plate Aluminum

(2) 3mm x 12mm wood screw

(2) 3mm x 20mm machine screw

(2) Spring

(2) 3mm flat washer

ELEVATOR CONTROL SYSTEM

(2) Set control horn

(2) 3mm x 45mm screw

(2) Nylon horn

(2) M3 clevis

(2) Nylon ball link

(2) Aluminum ball

(2) 3mm x 12mm screw

(2) 3mm nut

(2) 3mm x 165mm metal pushrod

(2) 6mm flat washer

KIT CONTENTS: We have organized the parts as they come out of the box for better identification
during assembly. We recommend that you regroup the parts in the same manner. This will ensure you
have all of parts required before you begin assembly.

KIT CONTENTS

THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM

(1) 1,3mm x 600mm wire

(1) 3,5mm x 350mm nylon

pushrod housing

(1) Metal connector

(1) 4mm x 4mm machine screw

FUEL TANK

(1) Nylon fuel Tank

(1) Metal clunk

(1) Pre - assembled stopper w / 3 tube

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS