40% Aerotech Yak-54?

[macanaw]

Well, I have the opportunity of getting a 42% Yak-54 Aerotech kit for almost free. I'm not sure how I feel about them though. Does anyone have one of these that might be willing to share some info. As this is a kit I would love some info from anyone who has built one. I have heard really mixed info about the quality of the kits.

David

[jmiracle]

Sent you a PM....
....If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all!

[JeremyHolt]

My dad built the 40% Yak Aerotech. Fuse went together fast and straight. The rest of the plane builds typical carden type construction with foam balsa sheeting. Most of those planes I have seen come out about 41 pounds because it is a very large airplane. Span is 126 inches. The lines of the plane I think look great. My dad has not finished his yet.. waiting on paint and engine but I have flown another guys and it was a very large pussycat. It floated at very slow speeds and the snaps stopped when I came off the sticks. If you built the plane light with a good powerplant, I think you would be very pleased.

[xtra330]

well, I can honestly say that the kit quality is right there with a carden, I have owned both. I currently have the 42% Extra and I am now doing a prototype build on the new 38% YAK55, which is on the FG. I think many people feel like you, you hear so many opinions, but find out for yourself.

I am very pleased with the quality of the wood and the fit of the laser cut parts, the glass work I feel could be lighter, the canopys are crystal clear and thick.

The flight performance is awsome, I dont think you will be disappointed with the kit. There are plenty of build threads, just do a search on RCU and here. Or conatct John and sak for soem links to the build threads.

hope this helped.

Joe

[macanaw]

Thanks for the feedback guys, I really appreciate it. I'm going to take a close look at the kit and if it's not missing anything, and the wood looks ok I think I'll do it.

The biggest complaints I have heard have been poor glass work, missing parts and having to call several times to get them sent out.

Once I inspect the kit I'll let you know what I find.

David

[warren cross]

macanaw, I am in the final stages of my 40% yak,its built and covered. I am hoping to be in the 39-40pd range. I have 3W 157 for power,JR 8611a all around,1ea elv,and 2ea ailerons,3ea on rudder,with swb self adj tray. I am hoping to maiden it next weekend. I will post pix and flying stuff then. Good luck with your plane build. Remember that John at Aerotech is just a phone call away,thare is no better customer relations better than he. I too will be glad to help you. Will pm u with phone#

[JeremyHolt]

Hey Warren were you ever able to get a hold of my Dad, he said hes been watching his email.

[sweetpea]

I hope I get some stick time on that Yak!

[SleepyC]

I think with pretty much any of the major Kit manufacturers, the kits are what you make of them... and if there is anything missing, the replacement part is a call away.

I have limited dealings with John, but he was prompt and courteous.

I say go for it!

[macanaw]

Thanks Warren, I may take you up on that.
If I do it, the yak will have a DA 150 with SalaMods / JMB Canisters / JR 8611A / and a Fromeco setup.

SleepyC, do yo have an Aerotech. If so, which one? ARC or Kit?
Just out of curriosity

David

[xtreem3d]

david here are a couple pics of mine..it flies like a big baby. kit was just fine, glass work was good on mine also...no offense to warren or any one else finishing one up but IMO they won't be under 43 lbs at least. mine is 44 1/2 - 45 1/2 lb w/ out smoke and w/ every surface hollowed out, 2400 batts instead of 4800's...... but flies light because it's so big. i have a da150 on stock mufflers, it'll do everything but in no way has what i would call great power. your "free' kit is definitely worth the build a free 118" yak would be awesome,
good luck !!!!

[macanaw]

WOW, thats some bad ass detail on your plane. Looks FANTASTIC.

BTW
This is the 126 inch Yak

[macanaw]

Well I think I have a challenge then.

If I do the kit I will pull out all the stops. I'll do a build thread and go CRAZY with mods to make it light. I will be going for no more that 39 Lbs.

My current plane is 36 lbs with smoke

(See image left)

[SleepyC]

I had a Aerotech yak for about 2 weeks... but lost it in a stupid bet...
I was framed... bamboozeled... horn swaggled... do a search... My own buddy robbed me... THANKS BOULDER!

BUT.. I dealt with John a few times, and he was always cool, and prompt.

[sweetpea]

macanaw---

Tell you what......if you want, take the kit, and send it to me, I'll pay the shipping. Then I can have my 3rd Aerotech Kit at the house! (35% Edge, 42% Extra 300)