Wings Forum

KevinC · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2007 8:43 am Post subject: flap return spring - I'm stumped

Ok, for the first time on the wings I've hit a problem. Last night I worked on the flap return spring install. As usual, the manual is poor. My problem: with the same amount of cutout of the leading edge of the flap (actually a little more) the spring binds on the fiberglass at maximum flap deployment. The cut out slot for the spring is already cut to 1.25" from the bottom rear edge of the flap leading edge fiberglass. So - do I keep cutting until it doesn't touch the spring when the flap is fully deployed? The geometry seems messed up.

thanks

k

DaveU · Joined: 16 Aug 2006 Posts: 170

Kevin,

I agree. When the flaps are fully deployed, the spring does hit the bottom of the cutout. I don't think this hurts anything. It just touches due to the angle on the spring.

I had to shorten the spring, nearly an inch shorter, and bend a new hook on it. This is the only way it would hold the flaps up when sitting on the ground. THe drooping flaps will strike the fuselage when folding the wing if not really careful.

DAve

KevinC

Thanks, Dave for the explanation. It is all installed & riveted.

So - the other night after work I was imagining that everything was covered & painted. Time for re-assembly. How in the hell do you get the spring back on the tab inside that little tiny hole in the flap leading edge? I tried every tool in my shop to hold on to it - while up against the wing, in position. I assume the spring stays with the wing? Yikes!

Way out ahead of myself, but ?

k

scubarider · Joined: 24 Dec 2006 Posts: 287 Location: Cleveland, GA

Might sound bass assackwards but....I am building the whole plane from the inside out. Then when everything is fully covered and ready for paint will spend the time to tape tape tape....and paint the plane "whole". This will save the time of assembly disassembly etc. Any problems with this plan?
Dennis

DaveU · Joined: 16 Aug 2006 Posts: 170

I was able to use a pair of long curved nose needle nose pliers. I hooked the spring in the flap before attaching the flap to the wing. I then was able to use the same pliers and hook the spring onto the tab on the wing. I did have to modify the spring by shortening it and rebending a hook. I had to modify the hook a little to get it on the tab in the flap. I cut nearly an inch off the spring to give it enough tension to hold the flap up on the ground.

I did poke a screwdriver through the fabric trying to get the spring off to shorten it. Ouch, good thing I have some white duct tape to cover the hole.

Dave