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Fly without Gear Stiffeners?

andoman

Well Known Member
I’m probably overthinking this, but thanks in advances for your consideration.

I’m a couple of months away from first flight in the Rocket: HRII with F1 mount and legs.
First flights on my 2 previous builds were without gear leg fairings or stiffeners so as not to introduce aerodynamic biases during initial rigging tweaks.
Question: is it wise to fly with the super flexible Rocket gear un-stiffened?
I Know taxi tests will tell a lot, but I’d appreciate the group’s wisdom.

Thanks,

Dan
 
Just a Data Point

Rocket flying 20 years + w/o GL stiffeners. Does is shimmy - yeah. Can I live with it - yeah.

HFS
 
My hr2 was built in 1996 and now has 1220tt. Never had stiffeners and operates from a not so perfect grass runway. Only shimmys under hard braking. Very manageable. Original mount and gear legs.
 
Thanks!

I really appreciate the feedback! Sounds like it wont be an issue, especially since I have the F1 gear.
 
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