flap return springs

[warlev]

I need to give a shout out about a ingenious new invention by one of our forum members. Dane sent me a pair of his flap return springs to try and I am certain that everyone will want a set. They work well, and it's one of those solutions that causes you to slap your head and wonder why it wasn't thought of sooner. It took me about 20 minutes to install, and I am astounded how simple and easy it was to install. Any new builders out there will want a set; it eliminates all the problems with the flap mechanism installed in the wing. Check it out. Warren

[Trilander Ted]

I would like to try to install a pair on my flaps in addition to the stock system that works fine on my plane. I'm guessing that they will not over power the the flap handle as well as keep the flaps from "blowing down" during mild wind events on the ground. I to, think this is classic K.I.S.S. thinking and understand the excitement. Hope someone tries the double spring flap system soon.

[danerazz]

I am putting together 15 initial kits. They will include everything needed to install them including:

2 new bolts and locknuts, 4 3/16"ID 5/16"OD 1/2" long bushings, 8 AN970 washers, and of course 2 springs

I am still finalizing the price, and it may change after the first batch, but I have calculated the materials, plus my cost for shipping (both the materials to me and the kits to you), plus about 30 minutes per pair of springs (not including oven time for heat treating) at $22 per set. That is without marking up the materials. I admit, this is a larger number than I thought it would be, but that is just what it all added up to.

So, the first 15 sets I am selling for $22 a set, which will cover both flaps. After those sets are sold I may adjust the price or leave it the same depending on what all of the costs work out to be.

I would like to get feedback from those that buy these sets before I sell a whole bunch of people springs and then find I need to redesign because they sag or something, so I will probably pause production for a bit after this first batch.

I am working on rudder return springs, and rudder and flap gust locks as well.

For the rudder springs, my rudder torque tube has about 1/2" between the vertical tubes that the outboard pedals are attached to and the end bracket that is bolted to the fuselage floor. Does everybody have this space, or are some of them tighter? I want to make a spring that fits in this space, but if this is not the same on every kit I will have to come up with something else.

[danerazz]

I would like to try to install a pair on my flaps in addition to the stock system that works fine on my plane. I'm guessing that they will not over power the the flap handle as well as keep the flaps from "blowing down" during mild wind events on the ground. I to, think this is classic K.I.S.S. thinking and understand the excitement. Hope someone tries the double spring flap system soon.

Ted,

I don't think there will be any issues with overpowering the flap handle, but I have added a coil to the springs which gives them a little more travel before they deform (permanently). This seems to have solved the sagging flap issue if they are over-extended (at least so far). The springs I sent warlev have one fewer coil, but I still don't think they will be a problem.

[jak]

I would very much like to be in the first 15 just let me know how to send you the money Jak

[danerazz]

Jak, I had you in mind as you had said you were interested.

Check your pm for details.

[Trilander Ted]

Please count me in, I too need to know where to send the money. I don't know about E-Mail and and personal information. OK, when your ready. TED

[JHR]

Please add me to the list and let me know how to pay.

I would get it shipped to Just Aircraft so it could be put in the next container to New Zealand.

John Ross
Highlander #312

[barry767]

Also...

Barry
San Diego, CA
Highlander
N912JA

Thanks

[danerazz]

Barry, please check your PMs for info.

[danerazz]

If you have sent a check for flap springs, I have mailed 6 sets out today for everyone I have received payment from. I am still working on the rudder spring design (been out of town).

[barry767]

Thanks, Dane. Mine arrived a few days ago. They look beautiful! Barry

[danerazz]

Thanks, and to anyone who has received them I would like some feedback.

[Johnny C!]

How about a wound spring to hold
the windows up? I have round tube
doors with the clevis pin hinges.

Thanks!

John

[danerazz]

I don't have the round top tube on the doors, or the clevis pin, so unless there was somebody nearby to look at design would be difficult, as would installation (the would have to rotate on the clevis pin axis, not sure how that would work out, and small diameter means low force...) but that would be nice. Still waiting for time to look at rudder springs...I'll get to it soon!