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05-01-2012, 05:06 AM
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Marathon,WI
Posts: 51
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Preventing elevator skin cracks
Hi all,I have heard of builders placing a small amount of fuel tank sealant in the elevators to prevent skin cracking. Where should it be placed,between the stiffeners?Thanks
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05-01-2012, 06:13 AM
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Dallas/Ft Worth, TX
Posts: 5,686
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Just a dab applied at the very trailing edge of the stiffeners, bonding the stiffeners to each other.
Its important that the stiffeners do no contact each other or they will create a stress "bulge" in the trailing edge skin. I'm replacing an RV4 elevator skin right now due to stress cracks from improperly trimmed stiffeners.
__________________
Walt Aronow, DFW, TX (52F)
EXP Aircraft Services LLC
Specializing in RV Condition Inspections, Maintenance, Avionics Upgrades
Dynamic Prop Balancing, Pitot-Static Altmeter/Transponder Certification
FAA Certified Repair Station, AP/IA/FCC GROL, EAA Technical Counselor
Authorized Garmin G3X Dealer/Installer
RV7A built 2004, 1700+ hrs, New Titan IO-370, Bendix Mags
Website: ExpAircraft.com, Email: walt@expaircraft.com, Cell: 972-746-5154
Last edited by Walt : 05-01-2012 at 06:16 AM.
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05-01-2012, 06:49 AM
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Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Yardley, PA
Posts: 1,334
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As Walt says...
Where Walt said, however I believe this is more of a problem with the ailerons (and other control surfaces) that are folded at the trailing edge. The trailing edges on all the 9 control surfaces are seamed.
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05-01-2012, 07:14 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Huskerland, USA
Posts: 5,862
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Walt
Just a dab applied at the very trailing edge of the stiffeners, bonding the stiffeners to each other.
Its important that the stiffeners do no contact each other or they will create a stress "bulge" in the trailing edge skin. I'm replacing an RV4 elevator skin right now due to stress cracks from improperly trimmed stiffeners.
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Walt, I know you are a busy guy, but would you post a picture or two?
Thanks man!
__________________
RV-7 : In the hangar
RV-10 : In the hangar
RV-12 : Built and sold
RV-44 : 4 place helicopter on order.
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05-01-2012, 07:30 AM
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Dallas/Ft Worth, TX
Posts: 5,686
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Geico266
Walt, I know you are a busy guy, but would you post a picture or two?
Thanks man!
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I'll try to snap a few before I close up the current repair job, it will be a day or 2 before I get to that point.
__________________
Walt Aronow, DFW, TX (52F)
EXP Aircraft Services LLC
Specializing in RV Condition Inspections, Maintenance, Avionics Upgrades
Dynamic Prop Balancing, Pitot-Static Altmeter/Transponder Certification
FAA Certified Repair Station, AP/IA/FCC GROL, EAA Technical Counselor
Authorized Garmin G3X Dealer/Installer
RV7A built 2004, 1700+ hrs, New Titan IO-370, Bendix Mags
Website: ExpAircraft.com, Email: walt@expaircraft.com, Cell: 972-746-5154
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05-01-2012, 07:44 AM
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: KANE, Hugo, Minnesota
Posts: 765
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I spoke to Vans on this very subject. The answer I received (from Ken Scott) was that the sealant WAS NOT NECESSARY in aircraft with a a "AEX wedge" (such as the RV-9A) at the trailing edge. Only aircraft with solid or folded trailing edges was this necessary. It is also in the builders manual stating this very fact. Don't add unnecessary weight at the trailing edge of control surfaces. If you don't believe me, call Vans.
__________________
Aaron Arvig
RV-9A
Empennage Done
Wings-In Progress
N568AK Reserved
SOLD?but I'll be back
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