Wing tip alignment

[aerovin]

Originally Posted by Dbro172

There are two tools; the aileron alignment tool and the bellcrank jig. The ailerons are NOT set by running a straight edge off the top wing skins. (At least on the -9)

It is possible to set and rig the ailerons and the wing tips without ever installing the flaps, or the wings on the plane.

For the RV-8, this is the guidance the instructions provide: center the ailerons using the aileron alignment tool (to neutral) and then set the wing tips with the ailerons neutral. We shall see if this works for me, but isn't the point to have the ailerons neutral with the wing tips installed? I would presume the wing tips and the flaps are set against the neutral ailerons.

[gereed75]

That is a lot of adjustment needed, but try the "slit tip re-bond" method first. It might work. You have nothing to lose. If it does not work, then re-align the tips.

By the time that you fly, and adjust for heavy wings, and aileron height, etc etc it is possible that you will be making other adjustments anyway.

I really don't think that a slight twist in the tip cap will ever be noticed in flight characteristics or drag.

[MarkW]

I am with Bruce. I think you would get too much twist by splitting the ends.
I would replace just the top or bottom hinge half at the wing. It won't take much to get it back in alignment. Probably a 1/8" movement of the hinge. Drilling twenty rivets would be easier than repairing the fiberglass.
My other concern is the gap at the top of the aileron. From the picture it looks like you have a larger than normal gap between the aileron and top wing skin. I found another picture online and cropped it to get a similar angle to yours and it looks like a smaller gap.


Could you also have something else going on.

[Dbro172]

Originally Posted by aerovin

For the RV-8, this is the guidance the instructions provide: center the ailerons using the aileron alignment tool (to neutral) and then set the wing tips with the ailerons neutral. We shall see if this works for me, but isn't the point to have the ailerons neutral with the wing tips installed? I would presume the wing tips and the flaps are set against the neutral ailerons.

Correct! Set the ailerons neutral with the alignment tool. (Mark or secure this location somehow so you can remove the alignment tool and set the wing tips.). Align the wing tips to the aileron neutral position. Flaps can't be set until the wings are installed to the fuse and the rear spar is drilled. Then the flaps are adjusted to match alignment of the ailerons as well, but at this point there is also some alignment of the flaps to the bottom of the fuse that can be referenced and adjusted too.

I boogered up one wingtip, it is about 1/4" low per se. Like someone else mentioned though, I think I'm going to fly it first and go from there

[RV9A Bill]

I have a 1/4 inch low right wingtip. Flies straight.
Bill

[bruceh]

Originally Posted by Hornet2008

How is phase one going Bruce? I often visit your great website, there is a wealth of information there.

Phase 1 is on hold for me. I shipped my COM unit back to Dynon for diagnostics, and also have the SV backup battery and EMS unit out for servicing.

You should be able to get the hinge off the fiberglass with some dremel bit persuasion. Buy a new hinge section and reattach. Heck of a lot cheaper than buying new tips.

[JSOliveira]

Before you cut any fiberglass on the wing tips. Make sure that your aileron is aligned using the tool. Essentially it draws a strait line between the tooling holes on the ribs extended out to the center of the aileron trailing edge. Then with the bellcrank rest position fixture in place, adjust the aileron pushrod so it is centered on that strait edge position. The fiberglass tip should align to that position. Flap rest position is aligned to aileron.

Mine worked out without any deviation at all using this method. Tips were spot on. Your aileron looks like it is up slightly to me. Recheck it's alignment before doing anything drastic.

[DaleB]

If you're not wild about the wooden alignment tool, I ran a couple of short AN3 bolts through the tooling holes and used a long aluminum straightedge to gauge the aileron alignment. I didn't happen to have a long strip of wood around (easily fixed) and my table saw is in the storage unit so I have room for the airplane (not so easily fixed). The straightedge method worked just fine for me.

Description and pics here. I didn't get a picture after the last tweak of the pushrod, so it doesn't look like the aileron was dead on center - but it was when I finished.

[bret]

On my 7, I aligned the aileron with the TOOLING holes in the outer rib and long straight edge, and then locked the bell crank with the alighnment tool, then adjusted the rod from bell crank to aileron, Then you can remove your straight edge from the outer rib and install the tip, as long as you make certan the bell crank does not move with the bell crank tool installed.

[jselvatici]

Hello All,
Bringing this post back. Reading it I saw that the fix would be reworking the wingtips. I would like to get opinions on my case as well.
I used the Aileron Alignment Tool and after set the aileron t neutral, I positioned the wing tip and this is what I got:

For RH Installation



For LH Installation



Tool Setup


Appreciate any review, thank you.