Author: "szicree" <szicree@...> Time: Mon Jan 17, 2005 4:46 pm PST Link
Hi,
I've got a bit of a problem with the flaps on my RV4 project. Back
when I built the wings I had some issues getting the ailerons and
flaps lined up. I first installed the ailerons, using the tooling
holes for alignment, and all went well. When I tried the same thing
with the flaps, I had to bow the lower wing skin out quite a bit to
get the tooling holes to align, especially at the inboard flap rib.
After getting lots of opinions from fellow builders and talking on
the phone to Van's I decided to go ahead and close her up, bowed
skin and all. Well I'm working away on the finish kit and that
damned wing just keeps bugging me. The more I look at it, the more I
realize that the ailerons are good, but the flaps are screwed up.
The problem is most severe at the root end, and only very slight at
the outboard end of the flap. I'm convinced that the problem stems
from the tooling holes on the flap ribs not lying on the chord line.
I'd like to reinstall the flaps using the wing template as a guide
instead. Ok, long story short, what are my options for correcting
this on a finished wing? It seems that to fix it per the plans would
mean removing most, or all, of the upper skin. This idea makes me
feel a little sick to my stomach. The best alternative I have so far
is to leave everything rivetted together, slice the flap brace down
its entire length (spanwise), and then fabricate a big splice plate.
I wanted to get your opinion on this, as I am obviously no engineer.
It seems like a pretty straightforward solution as long as there are
no concerns about strength. You guys have saved me several times
before and I know you'll come through again. Thanks.
Steve Zicree
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Author: Marc Degirolamo <mdeg@...> Time: Tue Jan 18, 2005 5:35 pm PST Link
I'm having a hard time picturing exactly what you have done......but I think if you start making splice plates you may be settig yourself up for more trouble....??
Is the hinge line on the wing straight ? If so leave the flap brace alone and redo the flap (they are one of the easiest control surfaces to build IMHO).......Build a new one and hang the wrecked one on the wall.....we all have at least one part hanging up there....:-)
Marc DeGirolamo
----- Original Message -----
From: szicree
To: RV-4@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Saturday, January 15, 2005 1:29 AM
Subject: [RV-4] Flap alignment
Hi,
I've got a bit of a problem with the flaps on my RV4 project. Back
when I built the wings I had some issues getting the ailerons and
flaps lined up. I first installed the ailerons, using the tooling
holes for alignment, and all went well. When I tried the same thing
with the flaps, I had to bow the lower wing skin out quite a bit to
get the tooling holes to align, especially at the inboard flap rib.
After getting lots of opinions from fellow builders and talking on
the phone to Van's I decided to go ahead and close her up, bowed
skin and all. Well I'm working away on the finish kit and that
damned wing just keeps bugging me. The more I look at it, the more I
realize that the ailerons are good, but the flaps are screwed up.
The problem is most severe at the root end, and only very slight at
the outboard end of the flap. I'm convinced that the problem stems
from the tooling holes on the flap ribs not lying on the chord line.
I'd like to reinstall the flaps using the wing template as a guide
instead. Ok, long story short, what are my options for correcting
this on a finished wing? It seems that to fix it per the plans would
mean removing most, or all, of the upper skin. This idea makes me
feel a little sick to my stomach. The best alternative I have so far
is to leave everything rivetted together, slice the flap brace down
its entire length (spanwise), and then fabricate a big splice plate.
I wanted to get your opinion on this, as I am obviously no engineer.
It seems like a pretty straightforward solution as long as there are
no concerns about strength. You guys have saved me several times
before and I know you'll come through again. Thanks.
Steve Zicree
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------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Help save the life of a child. Support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's
'Thanks & Giving.'
http://us.click.yahoo.com/6iY7fA/5WnJAA/Y3ZIAA/SyTolB/TM
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<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
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<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
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<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
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