Quick Build Wing Tolerances
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Quick Build Wing Tolerances
Im hoping to get some direction. Like many, I got the quick build wings for my Highlander.
After a close look I am seeing a lot of variation. Some ribs are leaning, some are not square by as much as 5/8.
Attached are photos of 1. This is rib 3 on the left side.
I would like to know if others have seen this and if so, what was done?
I hate to have to fix factory work.
Any input greatly appreciated.
After a close look I am seeing a lot of variation. Some ribs are leaning, some are not square by as much as 5/8.
Attached are photos of 1. This is rib 3 on the left side.
I would like to know if others have seen this and if so, what was done?
I hate to have to fix factory work.
Any input greatly appreciated.
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Ed Whitaker
Humble Novice
What do you get when things don't go as planned? Experience.
Humble Novice
What do you get when things don't go as planned? Experience.
- BDA
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- Location: Kenai Alaska
Re: Quick Build Wing Tolerances
I am not building a highlander
But
My superstol quick build wings had several errors including missing spar rivets.
Everyone makes mistakes - inspect accordingly.
I had to make my decisions on these questions:
- is it safe?
If yes
- will it cover up?
If yes
- will it bother me later?
But
My superstol quick build wings had several errors including missing spar rivets.
Everyone makes mistakes - inspect accordingly.
I had to make my decisions on these questions:
- is it safe?
If yes
- will it cover up?
If yes
- will it bother me later?
SuperStol XL Alaskan With Titan 340
N331AK. Shawn Taplin
Wing extensions,Symetrical Airfoil tail ribs (NACA 21)
Mods in progress: Heavier struts, Double slotted flaps
Goal: 15mph no wind
N331AK. Shawn Taplin
Wing extensions,Symetrical Airfoil tail ribs (NACA 21)
Mods in progress: Heavier struts, Double slotted flaps
Goal: 15mph no wind
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Re: Quick Build Wing Tolerances
Is it is only 1 or 2 Ribs? The cost of Shipping the Wing back would be prohibative, aka quite expensive.
I personally don’t believe you could even see the variation once covered. I would tun a long straight edge over the Bottom of the ribs to see if the rib cap is at a significant angle to the straight edge. I wouldn’t worry about the top, unless your 7 foot tall, you will never see the top of the wing. If you want to see what it looks like visually, go to the hardware store and buy some black plastic sheet, then stretch it very taught over the wing, and tape down. You will get a good visual of what it will look like painted.
Since I built a custom Flying tail, I have done rib that was off by probably 3/4 (from the leading edge to the trailing edge) on the Vertical Stabilizer. I had bonded it in to the vertical stabilizer, and let it cure overnight. When I came back the next morning it had shifted. Id’ challenge anyone to Identify which rib it was. Attached are a couple of photos to show you what I am talking about.
If you think you will be able to see it I would remove and rebound the ribs that are the issue.
I personally don’t believe you could even see the variation once covered. I would tun a long straight edge over the Bottom of the ribs to see if the rib cap is at a significant angle to the straight edge. I wouldn’t worry about the top, unless your 7 foot tall, you will never see the top of the wing. If you want to see what it looks like visually, go to the hardware store and buy some black plastic sheet, then stretch it very taught over the wing, and tape down. You will get a good visual of what it will look like painted.
Since I built a custom Flying tail, I have done rib that was off by probably 3/4 (from the leading edge to the trailing edge) on the Vertical Stabilizer. I had bonded it in to the vertical stabilizer, and let it cure overnight. When I came back the next morning it had shifted. Id’ challenge anyone to Identify which rib it was. Attached are a couple of photos to show you what I am talking about.
If you think you will be able to see it I would remove and rebound the ribs that are the issue.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
AV8R Paul
Certified Light Sport Repairman LSRM-A
Certified Light Sport Repairman LSRM-A
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Re: Quick Build Wing Tolerances
Paul
Since you had a rib on the vert out - did you notice in the yaw?
Since you had a rib on the vert out - did you notice in the yaw?
SuperStol XL Alaskan With Titan 340
N331AK. Shawn Taplin
Wing extensions,Symetrical Airfoil tail ribs (NACA 21)
Mods in progress: Heavier struts, Double slotted flaps
Goal: 15mph no wind
N331AK. Shawn Taplin
Wing extensions,Symetrical Airfoil tail ribs (NACA 21)
Mods in progress: Heavier struts, Double slotted flaps
Goal: 15mph no wind
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- Veteran Member
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- Joined: Sun Mar 22, 2015 7:49 pm
- Location: Garland, Texas
Re: Quick Build Wing Tolerances
BDA, The plan flies great no adverse yaw. In in fact, in low winds, when flying straight and level, I can take my feet off of the Rudders and place them flat on the floor. It is not visible in the least. I would highly recommend the plastic Idea, it will give you a good feeling about the airfoil shape.
AV8R Paul
Certified Light Sport Repairman LSRM-A
Certified Light Sport Repairman LSRM-A
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Re: Quick Build Wing Tolerances
I dont think shipping the wing is an option. I guess the big question is do i remove the epoxy and straighten it? Or not.
Anyhow, i keep hearing the same thing. Dont worry about it, no one will ever know. Im just not sure if thats the standard i want to go with when it comes to the wings.
Anyhow, i keep hearing the same thing. Dont worry about it, no one will ever know. Im just not sure if thats the standard i want to go with when it comes to the wings.
Ed Whitaker
Humble Novice
What do you get when things don't go as planned? Experience.
Humble Novice
What do you get when things don't go as planned? Experience.
- BucF16
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- Location: Alexandria, Ohio
Re: Quick Build Wing Tolerances
Know one will ever see it. I have built 3 aircraft before this Highlander. There are so many screw-ups on each that I was only the wiser.
But, If you want to move the Rib; just spray brake cleaning fluid on the Hysol and WaLa The rib is now a floater. Grind the Hysol away and adjust and replay.
Cheers,
Bruce
But, If you want to move the Rib; just spray brake cleaning fluid on the Hysol and WaLa The rib is now a floater. Grind the Hysol away and adjust and replay.
Cheers,
Bruce
Bruce Johnson Highlander # 393
"Because I fly, I envy no man on Earth"
Builder web site:
http://www.bruceshighlander.blogspot.com
"Because I fly, I envy no man on Earth"
Builder web site:
http://www.bruceshighlander.blogspot.com
- SheepdogRD
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Re: Quick Build Wing Tolerances
Cosmetics probably won't be an issue. How much stronger will the wing be if you remove the epoxy, realign, and reapply the epoxy? Is the slight difference it might make worth the effort?
Richard Holtz
Highlander N570L -- Ms. Tonka -- in gestation
If just enough is really good, then too much ought to be perfect.
Highlander N570L -- Ms. Tonka -- in gestation
If just enough is really good, then too much ought to be perfect.
- danerazz
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Re: Quick Build Wing Tolerances
Jee-zus, I wish I knew that 5 years ago...BucF16 wrote: But, If you want to move the Rib; just spray brake cleaning fluid on the Hysol and WaLa The rib is now a floater. Grind the Hysol away and adjust and replay.
Dane
Paralysis by analysis
#242
Paralysis by analysis
#242
- BucF16
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Re: Quick Build Wing Tolerances
Well, another of my screw-ups discovered that trick!
Bruce Johnson Highlander # 393
"Because I fly, I envy no man on Earth"
Builder web site:
http://www.bruceshighlander.blogspot.com
"Because I fly, I envy no man on Earth"
Builder web site:
http://www.bruceshighlander.blogspot.com
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Re: Quick Build Wing Tolerances
Apparently and surprisingly, this isn't uncommon with quick-build wings. So C'est la vie. I understand that I will likely be the only one who can see it, and that's fine.
However, as one of the ribs is outboard of the tank where the aluminum sheet lands, I might have a fitment issue. I guess I could sand the cap-strip to get a flush fit?
However, as one of the ribs is outboard of the tank where the aluminum sheet lands, I might have a fitment issue. I guess I could sand the cap-strip to get a flush fit?
Ed Whitaker
Humble Novice
What do you get when things don't go as planned? Experience.
Humble Novice
What do you get when things don't go as planned? Experience.