Quick Build Wing Tolerances

For general discussion of the Just Aircraft family of aircraft.
Includes: Highlander, Escapade, Summit and SuperSTOL.
Post Reply
EchoWhiskey
Seasoned Member
Posts: 63
Joined: Tue Sep 18, 2018 9:15 pm

Quick Build Wing Tolerances

Post by EchoWhiskey »

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.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Ed Whitaker
Humble Novice

What do you get when things don't go as planned? Experience.
User avatar
BDA
Veteran Member
Posts: 707
Joined: Mon Aug 22, 2016 11:25 am
Location: Kenai Alaska

Re: Quick Build Wing Tolerances

Post by BDA »

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?
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
AV8R Paul
Veteran Member
Posts: 578
Joined: Sun Mar 22, 2015 7:49 pm
Location: Garland, Texas

Re: Quick Build Wing Tolerances

Post by AV8R Paul »

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.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
AV8R Paul
Certified Light Sport Repairman LSRM-A
User avatar
BDA
Veteran Member
Posts: 707
Joined: Mon Aug 22, 2016 11:25 am
Location: Kenai Alaska

Re: Quick Build Wing Tolerances

Post by BDA »

Paul
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
AV8R Paul
Veteran Member
Posts: 578
Joined: Sun Mar 22, 2015 7:49 pm
Location: Garland, Texas

Re: Quick Build Wing Tolerances

Post by AV8R Paul »

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
EchoWhiskey
Seasoned Member
Posts: 63
Joined: Tue Sep 18, 2018 9:15 pm

Re: Quick Build Wing Tolerances

Post by EchoWhiskey »

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.
Ed Whitaker
Humble Novice

What do you get when things don't go as planned? Experience.
User avatar
BucF16
Veteran Member
Posts: 463
Joined: Sun Mar 23, 2014 11:47 am
Location: Alexandria, Ohio

Re: Quick Build Wing Tolerances

Post by BucF16 »

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
Bruce Johnson Highlander # 393
"Because I fly, I envy no man on Earth"
Builder web site:
http://www.bruceshighlander.blogspot.com
User avatar
SheepdogRD
Proprietor
Posts: 930
Joined: Tue Nov 30, 2010 5:41 pm
Location: West of Atlanta, GA

Re: Quick Build Wing Tolerances

Post by SheepdogRD »

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.
User avatar
danerazz
Veteran Member
Posts: 1240
Joined: Tue Aug 18, 2009 9:33 pm
Location: Bangor

Re: Quick Build Wing Tolerances

Post by danerazz »

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.
Jee-zus, I wish I knew that 5 years ago... :shock:
Dane

Paralysis by analysis
#242
User avatar
BucF16
Veteran Member
Posts: 463
Joined: Sun Mar 23, 2014 11:47 am
Location: Alexandria, Ohio

Re: Quick Build Wing Tolerances

Post by BucF16 »

Well, another of my screw-ups discovered that trick! :shock:
Bruce Johnson Highlander # 393
"Because I fly, I envy no man on Earth"
Builder web site:
http://www.bruceshighlander.blogspot.com
EchoWhiskey
Seasoned Member
Posts: 63
Joined: Tue Sep 18, 2018 9:15 pm

Re: Quick Build Wing Tolerances

Post by EchoWhiskey »

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?
Ed Whitaker
Humble Novice

What do you get when things don't go as planned? Experience.
Post Reply

Return to “Just Aircraft”