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  #1  
Old 04-17-2009, 07:48 AM
flickroll's Avatar
flickroll flickroll is offline
 
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Default Empennage Fairing Attachment

Last summer at Oshkosh I looked at a large number of RV's and noticed that the ones that had the best looking empennage fairings used very few screws to attach them to the airplane. Typically 3 screws on the forward part that screws to the turtledeck, and just one each on either side of the VS at the aft end, for a total of 5. Some guys used 7, with an additional screw of each side of the HS, at the aft end. Particularly with dark paint when using a lot of screws, that seems to cause the fairing to warp a little as a result of the sun heating it up. So my plan is to use as few screws as possible. For those that have used the 'few screws method', what has been your long term experience? Any issues to be aware of? The fairing that I have is a newer Van's fairing (just bought it) that appears to be epoxy, in other words, no gel coat. I also have a Fairings Etc fairing, but there seems to be little difference in the fit between that one and the Van's fairing, and my fuselage is already drilled and nut plated for a Van's fairing, so I'll probably use the Van's fairing and sell the FE fairing. Thanks
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  #2  
Old 04-17-2009, 08:33 AM
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Mel Mel is offline
 
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Jim, Way back when the earth was still cooling, the tail fairings that Van sent were terrible. We had to cut and rebuild to get it even close. Mine has been on for 16 years with 5 screws total (none in the stabilizers). It still fits and looks good today.
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  #3  
Old 04-17-2009, 09:40 AM
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Rick6a Rick6a is offline
 
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Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by flickroll View Post
......the ones that had the best looking empennage fairings used very few screws to attach.......
Your observation is quite correct. A sure sign of an ill-fitting empennage fairing is when the builder elects to install one right out of the box and then has to use screws every few inches to work out the gaps.

Reworking the empennnage fairing to achieve a true custom fit is no big deal. Really. This particular task has been given a bad rap and simply need not be the case. Taking the proper steps in a logical order, you will spend more time in airframe prep work and waiting for epoxy to set than physically working on the fairing itself. In the end, the payoff will be fewer fasteners. An aircraft restorer I once knew was fond of telling his customers "Beauty costs. How pretty do you want it?" Since you are the builder AND the customer, it is up to you to decide how much a time investment (2-6 hours?) you are willing to put forth towards making YOUR empennage fairing fit a little or even a lot better.

This is a recent photo of the empennage fairing fitted to my -6A. It has been in operational service since 2005. Granted, though no fasteners were needed along the upper edge, it does contain more fasteners than some works of art crafted by builders more skilled than I. Still, you be the judge if it fits well enough or not.

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  #4  
Old 04-17-2009, 10:56 AM
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Ironflight Ironflight is offline
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I am quite certain that I have more fasteners in my fairing than I need - but of course, I didn't really know that until I started flying my RV to fly-ins where I saw other guy's work. If the VAF forums can help others avoid extra screws - that's great!

If the fairing fits nicely (not hard, as Rick pointed out), it's easy to get by with few screws. Heck, my wingtip light covers only have two screws each, and they stay on just fine!

Paul
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  #5  
Old 04-19-2009, 06:42 AM
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flickroll flickroll is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick6a View Post
Reworking the empennnage fairing to achieve a true custom fit is no big deal. Really. This particular task has been given a bad rap and simply need not be the case. Taking the proper steps in a logical order, you will spend more time in airframe prep work and waiting for epoxy to set than physically working on the fairing itself.
Rick -

Yesterday I started fitting my new Van's fairing on my -8. The left side fits nicely as is and all the remains on that side is to apply a slurry of epoxy/micro to seal the gap between the fairing and the VS/HS. The right side is a different story. It will take a LOT of micro to seal that side and that will not look right. Can one apply some heat to the fairing to soften it and help shape it? I am not very experienced with glass work, so my question is what did you do to make your fit so nicely? It really looks great. One other question, is there a screw on the VS at the aft end? I suspect there is but cannot tell from the picture. Thanks
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  #6  
Old 04-19-2009, 06:51 AM
grover grover is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: savannah
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Default 6?

think I used 6 total, not certain. 70 hours- - not really long term assessment, but it hasn't departed the plane yet. fairings, etc. great fit.
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  #7  
Old 04-19-2009, 07:20 AM
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pierre smith pierre smith is offline
 
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Default I guess I'm the odd man...

.....out, because I have screws and nutplates every 5 inches, like most fast airplanes do. I don't know why some folks are so put off by having to have screws anyway. I'd bet with no screws on the fin the fairings bulge outward from lift near 200 MPH.



Regards,
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  #8  
Old 04-19-2009, 07:28 AM
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flickroll flickroll is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pierre smith View Post
.....I don't know why some folks are so put off by having to have screws anyway.....
Just a personal preference Pierre. That's what makes our airplanes so special....a lot of personality in each. Your fairing looks fantastic.
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Jim Shannon
RV-8 N52VV
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AFS 4500 EFIS & 3400 EFIS/EM
G430W - SL30 - G327 - G696 - G240
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  #9  
Old 04-19-2009, 07:45 AM
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L.Adamson L.Adamson is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pierre smith View Post
.....out, because I have screws and nutplates every 5 inches, like most fast airplanes do. I don't know why some folks are so put off by having to have screws anyway. I'd bet with no screws on the fin the fairings bulge outward from lift near 200 MPH.
Metal airplanes are SUPPOSE to have screws. Only plastic airplanes don't!

Besides we need more screws on the wing tips anyway, so what's a few more in the back?

L.Adamson --- RV6A
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  #10  
Old 04-19-2009, 08:13 AM
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Bob Martin Bob Martin is offline
 
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Default Go fast on the ground

Quote:
Originally Posted by flickroll View Post
Just a personal preference Pierre. That's what makes our airplanes so special....a lot of personality in each. Your fairing looks fantastic.
Some people want their planes to look like they are going fast on the ground!
I have seen some very speedy looking planes at Oshkosh!!!

and Pierre......nice looking fairing there.......I love RED too. What screws??
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