# Yakovlev Yak 18T — yak18t_fltrep18

> **NOT FOR FLIGHT** — source fidelity: unreviewed | operational review: none | completeness: full

> **content_gap**: Section "Cruise" item count differs between passes (5 vs 3); verify nothing was dropped.
> **content_gap**: Section "Landing" item count differs between passes (2 vs 3); verify nothing was dropped.
> **content_gap**: Section "Starting" item count differs between passes (10 vs 7); verify nothing was dropped.
> **content_gap**: Section "Take-off" item count differs between passes (2 vs 3); verify nothing was dropped.

## Yak 18T Flight Report — General Description

**General**
> **NOTE:** A four-seat tourer-cum-aerobatic trainer, the 18T was designed by Yuri Yankyevich and first flew in 1967.
> **NOTE:** More than a thousand have been produced and delivered, mainly to Eastern Bloc countries. The manufacturing licence was subsequently bought by TechnoAvia in Moscow.
> **NOTE:** Nine-cylinder supercharged Vedeneyev 360hp M-14P radial engine.
> **NOTE:** At 27 1/2 feet long and 36 1/2 feet span, the Yak is nearly four feet longer and a foot wider than a Piper Warrior.
**Construction**
> **NOTE:** Riveted alloy panels form the main structure. The rudder, double-braced tailplane and elevator are fabric covered.
> **NOTE:** The split elevator has an adjustable trim-tab on each side, while the rudder carries only a fixed tab.
> **NOTE:** The wing centre-section carries an oil radiator in the starboard wing-root and a large metal single-position plain flap-cum airbrake across its span, plus the inward-retracting main gear legs.
> **NOTE:** The battery is mounted on a hinged tray in the port wing-root, released by three Camlock fasteners, and may be dropped down for service.
> **NOTE:** External power connector behind a small access door near the port wing-root.
**Wings and Fuel**
> **NOTE:** The wing dihedral starts at the break point just outboard of the main undercarriage. The outer wing panels are fabric-covered and can be removed.
> **NOTE:** The port wing carries a long barber's-pole-striped pitot tube, the stall warning vane, and a large-diameter landing light. The Frieze ailerons are also fabric-covered, while tie-down rings are provided near each wingtip.
> **NOTE:** Each wing contains a 95 litre (21 imperial gallon) fuel tank, of which four litres are unusable.
**Undercarriage**
> **NOTE:** On each of the three gear legs is a small, forward-facing white light for the benefit of the flight dispatcher to confirm undercarriage down at night.
> **NOTE:** Three small mechanical plungers protrude — one from the top surface of each wing and one just in front of the windscreen — to act as a belt-and-braces method of checking the undercarriage position.
> **NOTE:** Main wheels are 5.00 x 500. Long anti-static wicks trail from each main wheel assembly.
**Cockpit and Equipment**
> **NOTE:** Each door is individually jettisonable via a prominent red handle below the panel. The aircraft can be flown with both doors removed.
> **NOTE:** The front seats are fore-and-aft adjustable. Four-point harness is fitted; no central fifth g-strap nor second aerobatic security strap is provided.
> **NOTE:** The hinged rudder pedals have leather stirrups but no brake pedals. The pedal assemblies are adjustable.
> **NOTE:** Rear passengers have a wide bench seat behind which sits a large yellow-painted auxiliary fuel tank holding 95 litres, which drains automatically into the wing-tanks.
> **NOTE:** The cockpit trim and rear seat materials are reminiscent of an early 1960s aeroplane.
> **NOTE:** The rear side windows boast sliding curtains, also fitted above the two front seats. Two smoked plastic sun visors hinge down from the top of the screens.
> **NOTE:** A pull-cord arrangement unrolls a miniature window-blind in front of the pilot's screen to facilitate IMC training.
> **NOTE:** A two-speed, self-parking windscreen wiper is fitted, but no washers.
> **NOTE:** The panel is dominated centre-stage by a huge electrically-driven and non-toppling artificial horizon.
> **NOTE:** A gyro-magnetic compass is adjustable for north or south hemispheres and individual latitudes.
**Fuel System**
> **NOTE:** A single fuel gauge with a selector switch shows total litres in both tanks on the outer scale, and the contents of the selected tank on the inner scale.
> **NOTE:** The fuel is controlled by a prominent red T-handle on the panel left of the quadrant. Push for On, pull for Off.
**Electrical System**
> **NOTE:** A combined single ammeter/voltmeter is fitted; press its switch for amps, release for volts.
**Controls**
> **NOTE:** Each yoke sports two PTT buttons; the left-hand one opens the air-ground transmission circuit, the right-hand one activates the cockpit intercom.
> **NOTE:** The pneumatically-operated brakes work through a pull-handle on the back of each yoke. The P2 position has an override button to allow the instructor to release the brakes.
> **NOTE:** The park brake is a small button under the yoke; pull the lever and press the button.
> **NOTE:** No nose-wheel steering: to turn on the ground, press the appropriate rudder pedal and squeeze the brake lever.
> **NOTE:** The pitch trimmer is a small handle on the left-hand cockpit wall, low-geared taking five turns from full aft to full nose-down trim. A light indicates neutral trim.
**Annunciation and Warning Lights**
> **NOTE:** Annunciation lights show Fuel low and Gen. fail. Two red lights flash Slow and Stall as the aircraft approaches stalling speed.
**Undercarriage and Flap Controls**
> **NOTE:** The undercarriage lever is set low down on the left-hand end of the panel, pressed firmly before operation, with a slide-across safety bar.
> **NOTE:** The two-position (Up and Down) flap lever is on the central quadrant with the cowl gills control, carb heat, oil cooler selector and throttle friction lever.
> **NOTE:** The prop lever actuates a microswitch which, at anything less than full throttle in fully fine setting, illuminates the landing gear warning light.

## Starting

> **NOTE:** The big radial requires to be thoroughly warm before flight.
> **NOTE:** For really cold climates the engine oil can be diluted by a button next to the starter, feeding neat petrol into the sump, up to twelve per cent dilution.
- [ ] Primer — **SEVERAL PUMPS**
- [ ] Primer selection — **LINE OR CYLINDER**
- [ ] Starter button outer ring — **UNLOCK — TURN UNTIL TWO RED DOTS ALIGNED**
- [ ] Master switch and almost all the double row of switches — **ON**
- [ ] Starter — **PRESS**
- [ ] After two or three blades have passed the vertical, magneto switch — **TURN ANTICLOCKWISE TO 1+2**
- [ ] Throttle (to get all nine cylinders on line) — **JUDICIOUSLY PUMP**
- [ ] Engine idle — **AROUND 30 PER CENT**

## Taxying

> **NOTE:** Taxying requires a degree of initial concentration, at least until the braking system is mastered for turning.
> **NOTE:** No nose-wheel steering: to initiate a turn requires differential braking by pressing the appropriate rudder pedal, then squeezing the brake lever.

## Pre-flight Run-up

> **NOTE:** The pre-flight run-up only differs slightly from that of a Lycoming or Continental.

## Take-off

- [ ] Initial pitch-up overcome by — **FIRM PUSH FORWARD IMMEDIATELY AFTER LIFT-OFF**
- [ ] Lift-off speed — **130 kph**

## Climb

- [ ] Best climb speed — **170 kph**
- [ ] Rudder — **CONSIDERABLE BOOT REQUIRED AGAINST TORQUE AND P-FACTOR**

## Cruise

- [ ] Cruise setting — **59 PER CENT CRANKSHAFT SPEED**
- [ ] Manifold pressure — **6 ON DIAL (600mm OF MERCURY)**
> **NOTE:** Fly at almost equal settings on the two gauges, e.g. 80/80, 60/6. Throttle and prop levers are well-matched and can be treated almost as one.
> **NOTE:** At 6,000 feet the 59 per cent setting produces 150hp and fuel consumption of eleven gallons an hour at 205kph (110 knots).
> **NOTE:** The M14 radial has a rather irritating harmonic in cruise; both prop and throttle levers vibrate sufficiently to blur their handles.

## Aerobatics and Handling

> **NOTE:** Ailerons and elevator are light and responsive, though the rudder is heavier. Full aileron requires only about forty degrees deflection either way.
> **NOTE:** The test aircraft had no inverted oil system, so no negative manoeuvres were permitted. An inverted oil system is an option.
> **NOTE:** G limits are +6.4/-3.2g.

## Stall and Spin

- [ ] Stall speed (depending on all-up weight and power settings) — **100 kph (54 kt) TO 123 kph (65 kt)**
> **NOTE:** The stall is signalled by a horn, flashing lights and a pre-stall buffet. Roll authority remains present throughout.
> **NOTE:** The Yak is cleared for spinning; a three-turn spin and recovery consumes about 2,300 feet loss of height.

## Circuit and Approach

- [ ] Gear and flap extension — **BELOW 200 kph**
- [ ] Approach speed — **150 kph**
- [ ] Trim (with two occupants) — **FULL AFT**
- [ ] Threshold speed — **140 kph**
- [ ] Touch-down speed — **AROUND 115 kph**
> **NOTE:** In the last stages of final approach and flare, the airfield disappears under the nose; look peripherally to judge height and keep directionally straight.
> **NOTE:** There is little float; touchdown occurs about six inches before one expects it. Unless the yoke is right back at contact, the nose-wheel drops with a thump.

## Touch-and-go / Balked Landing

- [ ] Aft trim — **UNWIND RAPIDLY TO NEUTRAL**
- [ ] Prop and throttle — **PUSH FIRMLY FORWARD**
- [ ] Flaps — **UP**
- [ ] Undercarriage — **RETRACT**
- [ ] Shoulder harness (before going round) — **UNLOCK**
> **NOTE:** Pitch-up is accentuated if flaps are still down or trim hasn't reached neutral by lift-off.

## Landing

- [ ] Brakes — **MUST NOT BE USED OVER 110 kph**
> **NOTE:** Deceleration after landing is noticeable, even without brakes.

## Dimensions

- [ ] Length — **27 ft 6 in**
- [ ] Height — **11 ft 2 in**
- [ ] Wing span — **36 ft 7 in**
- [ ] Wing area — **202.36 sq ft**

## Weights and Loadings

- [ ] Max AUW (utility) — **3,637 lb**
- [ ] Max AUW (aerobatic) — **3,307 lb**
- [ ] Empty weight — **2,683 lb**
- [ ] Useful load (utility) — **954 lb**
- [ ] Useful load (aerobatic) — **624 lb**
- [ ] Fuel capacity (as tested) — **62.7 imp gall**
- [ ] Wing loading (utility) — **17.97 lb/sq ft**
- [ ] Wing loading (aerobatic) — **16.34 lb/sq ft**
- [ ] Power loading (utility) — **10.10 lb/hp**
- [ ] Power loading (aerobatic) — **9.18 lb/hp**

## Performance

- [ ] Cruise at 59% crank speed — **110 kt**
- [ ] Max speed in level flight — **156 kt**
- [ ] Vne — **161 kt**
- [ ] Stall (clean) — **64 kt**
- [ ] Stall (with flaps and gear) — **55 kt**
- [ ] Take-off roll (firm grass) — **370 m**
- [ ] Landing roll (firm grass) — **390 m**
- [ ] Take-off (firm grass, to 50 ft) — **690 m**
- [ ] Landing (firm grass, from 50 ft) — **790 m**
- [ ] Range (as tested, with reserves) — **485 nm**
- [ ] Rate of climb at s/l — **1,082 ft/min**
- [ ] Service ceiling — **18,000 ft**

## Engine and Propeller

- [ ] Engine — **Vedeneyev M-14P supercharged single-row air-cooled nine-cylinder radial, 360 hp at 99 per cent crankshaft speed (2,900 rpm)**
- [ ] Propeller — **B530TA-A35 constant speed, two-bladed, wood, 94.5 inches diameter**

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NOT FOR FLIGHT — source fidelity: unreviewed | operational review: none | completeness: full  
Source: Yakovlev/Yak 18T/yak18t_fltrep18.txt  
Rights: licensed  
Checklist hash: d554d9058dfbb6bdeae47891b2b6a24eae64f1377c6dfdcabd02cf5819a80e84  
Verify against the aircraft's own approved documentation before use.