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-   -   PH Aviation flap actuator (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=171661)

Megs4sale 05-19-2019 08:01 PM

PH Aviation flap actuator
 
Any feedback on installing, flight experience, noise vs. stock? Thx

PilotjohnS 05-19-2019 08:58 PM

Great item
 
I just installed one about a month ago in my new build 9. It is the last post on my blog. Not flying yet, but went in really easily. Ran it up and down with 9 v battery. Works nice.

Pat Hatch 05-20-2019 07:11 AM

Thanks, John, for the report on the PH Aviation actuator in your blog!

Just to clarify, there are two different flap actuators, one for the single-digit RVs and one for the -10 and -14. We have several of the latter installed and flying in RV-10s, and a few in RV-14s that possibly haven't flown yet.

I believe the OP is inquiring about the RV-10/14 actuator in an RV-14. Hopefully, one of the RV-14 builders will respond to your post. I am attaching the installation instructions developed by one of those builders for us.

https://www.phaviation.com/wp-conten...ions-RV-14.pdf

Megs4sale 05-20-2019 07:05 PM

Ordered one today. Will report back on the install soon.

Navy76 05-24-2019 12:03 AM

I fabricated the bracket some time ago and just installed the PH Aviation actuator in my -14A yesterday. No problems noted. Instructions were accurate and easy to follow. I ended up needing fewer spacer washers than called out in the instructions for the top bolt but ,other than that, it was by the book.

When fabricating the bracket, there were some instructions that I didn’t fully understand when I read them prior to doing the work. I found that as I worked through the steps the instructions became clear and overall, it was a breeze.

I’m just finishing up the fuselage so it will be a while before I can try it out.

Here are some photos... (the fuselage is in a rotisserie and on its side)




iamtheari 05-24-2019 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Navy76 (Post 1348534)
I fabricated the bracket some time ago and just installed the PH Aviation actuator in my -14A yesterday. No problems noted. Instructions were accurate and easy to follow. I ended up needing fewer spacer washers than called out in the instructions for the top bolt but ,other than that, it was by the book.

When fabricating the bracket, there were some instructions that I didn?t fully understand when I read them prior to doing the work. I found that as I worked through the steps the instructions became clear and overall, it was a breeze.

I?m just finishing up the fuselage so it will be a while before I can try it out.

I can?t seem to paste photos in line so here?s a link. https://share.icloud.com/photos/0hcm...tH3qUNw7OvbKHw

Would you be willing to let me know which instructions were unclear in any way? I wrote them and I would be happy to make improvements based on your feedback. I'm glad they were helpful.

Navy76 05-24-2019 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamtheari (Post 1348576)
Would you be willing to let me know which instructions were unclear in any way? I wrote them and I would be happy to make improvements based on your feedback. I'm glad they were helpful.

Hi Ari,
Thanks for writing the instructions. I meant no criticism, they were great. When I first read through Step 2, I didn?t understand how the holes could be to the fore and aft at the same time. When I actually did the work it became obvious.

One area I?m not sure I got right was the shims. I ended up not installing any shims and the actuator boss fits neatly between the brackets with no slop. I wasn?t sure if the intent of the shims was to allow room for washers between the boss and bracket or what. I ended up with a nice fit so elected to omit the shims and there are no washers between the boss and bracket but, in retrospect, I?m not sure if that was the right decision. I don?t see that as an area of binding or wear so I think I?m ok either way and I can always mill down the boss a few thousandths on each side and then install washers to take up the slack if it later becomes an issue.

Anyway, you did a masterful job on the instructions and I?m pretty sure any confusion is all on me.

iamtheari 05-24-2019 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Navy76 (Post 1348597)
Hi Ari,
Thanks for writing the instructions. I meant no criticism, they were great. When I first read through Step 2, I didn?t understand how the holes could be to the fore and aft at the same time. When I actually did the work it became obvious.

One area I?m not sure I got right was the shims. I ended up not installing any shims and the actuator boss fits neatly between the brackets with no slop. I wasn?t sure if the intent of the shims was to allow room for washers between the boss and bracket or what. I ended up with a nice fit so elected to omit the shims and there are no washers between the boss and bracket but, in retrospect, I?m not sure if that was the right decision. I don?t see that as an area of binding or wear so I think I?m ok either way and I can always mill down the boss a few thousandths on each side and then install washers to take up the slack if it later becomes an issue.

Anyway, you did a masterful job on the instructions and I?m pretty sure any confusion is all on me.

I write for a living. Constructive criticism is always welcome. Would this language have been clearer?

"The prototyper recommends marking the two (2) aft rivets 3/16? to the aft of the centerline mark and the two (2) forward rivets 1/4? to the fore of the centerline mark."

I used shims because I wanted anything that rotates to have a circular face to ride against. As you guessed, the shims allowed washers to be used in the role of a bushing between the actuator boss and the brackets. It probably makes almost no difference at all given the minimal rotation that the boss goes through in a full stroke of the actuator. You and I will both be inspecting that location annually after our planes take flight, so we will eventually figure out if it makes a difference or not. You also can indeed machine the boss if you see wear there.

Navy76 05-24-2019 10:51 AM

Yes, for me at least, the new wording is more clear.
Knowing what I do now I would add the shims as you did since having the washers in place will definitely reduce the contact area and, therefore, friction and will limit any wear to a more easily replaceable part. That said, it is what it is and I don't think it is worth the effort to redo it at this point. I'll just make sure to keep it well lubricated and I suspect it will last a very long time. Lesson learned!

One other thing just came to mind... I assume that the original instructions from Van's dealing with drilling a hole and adding a safety wire at the bottom end of the actuator are not required for this actuator. Is my assumption correct?

Thanks again for providing the great instructions. As a first time builder, most times, they are all I have. :)

iamtheari 05-24-2019 11:02 AM

You're welcome. I'm a first-time builder and really enjoyed this taste of what it must be like to build an earlier kit. The RV-14's kit quality truly spoils us!

I made that change to the instructions for the next revision I send to Pat. I'll be watching here in case anyone else comes up with additional questions or issues.


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