Fitting Flaps Question

MikeyDale · #1 11-13-2014, 01:04 PM

Please help me with a question fitting my flaps on my RV7. I have aligned my ailerons by the tooling holes on the outside rib as per Vans instructions. Wing tips align very well. My wings have been drilled to provide 1 degree positive incidence. My flaps and ailerons (quick build) are not warped. Both lower flap skins contact the bottom of the fuselage about 3/16" before the flaps line up with the ailerons as in the pic below. I certainly don't want to load my flap motor in the retracted position like this plus it looks like ****! I have searched the plans and manual but cant find anything about trimming the lower skin close to the fuselage. Did anyone else have this problem? If so, how did you deal with it?

LifeofReiley · #2 11-13-2014, 01:21 PM

Yes... you will do some trimming/fitting. http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...trimming+flaps

Bugsy · #3 11-13-2014, 01:39 PM

Make the flap fit the aileron like your doing. Bend the metal flashing as required. I made the aileron match the flap and it flew squirrelly. When I re rigged it to make the flaps fit the aileron it flew like a dream.

noelf · #4 11-13-2014, 03:10 PM

Yes, I had the same problem on my -6A. A search on the FORUMS a showed others with the same problem. I implemented a fix that joggled the offending flap overhang to just kiss the airframe bottom skin. Left flap was fine, right flap needed the joggle.

GaryK · #5 11-13-2014, 03:32 PM

Mike,
I did the same as Noel. Both sides of mine needed a joggle, takes a little time but well worth it for a nice fit.

Gary

PIN 37 · #6 11-13-2014, 03:40 PM

Me too,

same thing, I joggled the flaps, when I came across this panic some years ago I was sent a picture and words of encouragement from an RV6er.
I went to find the said picture to post here but could not find it. But the big thing is, its not a disaster.

PS Been trying to search threads I have started, how do I do that?

LifeofReiley · #7 11-13-2014, 03:43 PM

And if you lightly edge roll the bottom skin after fitting and/or joggling the skin it really puts the finishing touch to the final look/fit.

MikeyDale · #8 11-13-2014, 04:19 PM

Should I trim it so it over laps an inch or so then joggle it?

JonJay · #9 11-13-2014, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeyDale

Should I trim it so it over laps an inch or so then joggle it?

You could, but I don't think that is necessary. The joggle will take up some. I don't know why, and have never seen a good explanation; some fit perfectly and others don't.

GaryK · #10 11-13-2014, 05:58 PM

Mike,
Mine overlap about an inch, maybe a pitch less.

Gary