New to the Highlander

[HS-JAT]

As far as flaps on take off....My experimentation/testing found that my max performance shortest takeoff rolls are achieved by frictioning the throttle to firewall....taking off with full flaps...(One hand on stick and one on flap) and graduallly (with flap handle button depressed) taking the flaps out as the plane accellerates in ground effect and beyond.

Otherwise normal takeoff is with flaps in first detent.

Personally, I like best how the plane flies an approach, and lands with full flaps. I use 40-45k mph when I fly by myself (185 lbs), and about 50-55 when I fly with two people. 3000' DA @ Sea level.

[MarkZ]

I agree with all of that. I do have a question of those who know this airplane. How is the fabric attatched to the ribs? And, as one who has not looked at the plans, do these airplanes have inspection access to the alieron belcranks?

[danerazz]

The fabric is glued and/or (been done a few ways) riveted or stitched. The undercamber airfoil needs to be considered during shrinking and attaching. I believe most rivet the fabric.

As for aileron belcranks, there really aren't any if you are thinking of it as I believe you are. I THINK you are expecting a pair of cables go out to the wing, turn a belcrank that then uses a puchrod to move the ailerons, like a Cessna. The highlander runs a pair of cables to a pair of pulleys in the wing, then the cables turn 90 degrees on the pulleys and go directly to control horns external to the ailerons. There are plates around the pulleys for fabric to be attached, and you can put inspection rings next to these when you cover them if necessary.

[MarkZ]

Thanks! I also have contact with the cables an the back of the wing. Some say to file it with a rat tail file. Good idea?

[danerazz]

Do you mean on the metal trailing edge? Specifically the top aileron cable?

If so, the manual shows removing enough of a "slot" from top down so the cable clears. I do not believe the trailing edge adds or is intended to add much structural integrity, it is all carried by the spars. Cutting the slot until the cable clears is correct per the instructions.

[MarkZ]

Thank you!

[MarkZ]

Is it customary to install an access door for checking the coolant? Are you guys putting an access panel on both sides of the upper cowling? Our oil access door is unacceptably small and will be enlarged for easier access. I'm feeling for what is SOP for this airplane.

[danerazz]

I would say a SOP is a lot of variation on details like that. I would do what you need to make it easy to live with.

[MarkZ]

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[MarkZ]

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[MarkZ]

Think I can find the ground with this??

[danerazz]

Think I can find the ground with this??

...needs floats

[MarkZ]

I was in Waterville last weekend I'm taking it you are in ME?

[danerazz]

Yup, just south of bangor, are you from the area?

Edit:

Just saw you are in tx, what brings you to Waterville of all places?

[MarkZ]

I'm a "rentapilot" and flew a trip there. I love it, folks are real nice and don't make too much fun of us TX hicks.