Cessna Style Flap Switch Mod

[scsmith]

I have the Aircraft Extras system in my airplane and I really like it. The shape of the switch is up to you.

[rocketbob]

Not only the size...Cessna flaps are fowler flaps and on the RV3-4-6-7-8 they're simple flaps. Not nearly as effective.

[Robert Anglin]

The only thing we have found that needs to be changed from the O.E.M. flap system that came with RV-3,4,6,7,8, is we would like to add one of those paddle switch covers to the original toggle switch and paint it white. I think they install with an Allen set screw. If you did that you would think you were in a Cessna or other factory bird. Just a thought, Yours, R.E.A. III # 80888

[Toobuilder]

Originally Posted by mfleming

I've searched but have not come up with any information on installing a Cessna style flap switch with detents in a Van's aircraft.

I'm currently flying a C-172 with a spring loaded switch like the one for my -7. I absolutely hate it
Could I get used to it? I'm sure I could but since I'm building my own plane I'd like to see if using a Cessna style switch with would be feasible and reasonable.

A flap switch like this:

The switch pictured is really a lot more complicated than it seems at first blush. It seems the action you want is to select a position with the switch, and then the flaps go to that position. This "set and forget" scheme requires a flap feedback loop so that the flaps can report back to the switch when they get where they want to go. This feedback system in the C-177 I used to fly and maintain was cable operated. There was a cable running from the flap actuator, through the doorframe, and back to the switch. This cable drove a little sled in the switch which microswitches were mounted to provide the "in position" or "not in position" logic in addition to the little white indicator pin on the left side of the switch. It was convenient to fly, but a mechanical nigtmare to rig or maintain.

Bottom line is that there are microprocessor controlled options that would be much easier to implement than the Cessna system.

Personally, I like the Cirrus style "Up -Takeoff - Landing" rotary switch, but it also needs a feedback loop of some kind.

[EXflyer]

Think that I liked the old style on Cessna aircraft, you know the lever between the seats always worked little or nothing to maintain didn't care if the battery was dead or not. Just saying, oh well back in the dark ages.

[mfleming]

Originally Posted by EXflyer

Think that I liked the old style on Cessna aircraft, you know the lever between the seats always worked little or nothing to maintain didn't care if the battery was dead or not. Just saying, oh well back in the dark ages.

I'm taking everyone advice and will use a conventional flap switch on my -7.

If there was a way to have manual flaps without reinventing the wheel I'd go that way.
In all my flying there were very few aircraft that had electric flaps....and none that I flew regularly. I'm definitely old school in this regard...

Now when it comes to the modern panels...I'm all in