Advice! RV-4 wing root fairing replacement
 

Hi everyone!

My -4 is in for annual and a major avionics refit. During the tear-down, I've grown tired of the "low drag" fairings my machine came with (I bought, not build). They are heavy, easy to damage and are basically a pain.

They are similar to the James Aircraft wing root fairings but not as nice:

I'm considering going back to the basic RV-4 wing root. Does anyone else have sage advice? Maybe someone has gone through this already? Thanks everyone.

Pictures needed
 

The "per plans/kit " fairings are what I installed, and work well, although the fiberglass parts need a little re-work to keep from pillowing between screws. The problem you may encounter, is the attach screw holes/nutplates you already have will likely be far from re-usable, so they will need filled or re-located. A preferred option I would consider doing it over, is to use the flat fairing/rubber seal that is simple and effective.

They were the best fitting pieces of the old-style polyester/glass in my finish kit :D

Since I'm not the builder - I had heard that the per-plans fairings were basically "make it happen" parts. Your comment about the riv-nuts is right-on. I suspect they will be totally unusable.

Where can I find information on the flat fairing rubber seal? Is it a Van's part?

Flat fairing
 

For my -4, I made a flat fairing with a rubber gasket I selected from the Aircraft Spruce catalog.

It was fairly easy to make and has lasted well (13 years so far). I have been told, though I have no specific knowledge on this, that a good fillet fairing reduces the stall speed relative to the flat fairing. Perhaps, someone who has tried both can weigh in.

Good luck,

Thanks Dean,

Would you happen to have a picture, or can you take one and post it? I've seen other RVs with the fairing you describe and would like to compare.

I suspect my custom fairings are draggy. Plus they are a pain in the *ss.


Thanks!

We have the U-channel edge trim you need at a great price. This stuff will last forever... 10+ years so far on my Rocket.

It's naturally a bit tacky and stay put quite well if the fit is good between the fairing edge and fuselage. Or a little black silicone. if needed, will keep it in place.

http://www.flyboyaccessories.com/Fli...rim-p/2306.htm

BTW, some of the fastest RV's out there have used simple flat wrap fairings. They are easy to make and easy to install. And you don't have a big, floppy piece of fiberglass to contend with... or sand.

Here is what I did.
 

Hi,

Next time I'm at the hanger, I will take a picture or two and post. The fairings, though, look remarkably like Derek's as shown in his earlier post.

Good luck,