MANUAL FLAPS FOR 6 7 AND 9

[RV6_flyer]

Originally Posted by Sam Buchanan

I understand what you are saying. Unfortunately, manual flaps are somewhat of a hassle to use in an RV. I had manual flaps in my RV-6 for a couple of years, but after converting to electric flaps five years ago, I definitely have no desire to go back to manual.

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But...to each his own. I just can't think of any good reason to convert my plane back to manual (would mean ditching the cupholders between the seats ). Besides, if the flap motor fails, there is no reason why a landing should be compromised.

I have always had MANUAL flaps in my RV-6. (Flying 1,986 hours since Sept 1997.) Forget about putting down full flaps (44 degrees) at any speed above 70 KIAS. It takes TWO hands. I can get full flaps at 70 KIAS or less. I have had a female in the left seat and she could not get more than 3/4 flaps (30 degrees) at ANY air speed. Yes the female was smaller than George's sister . (see photo in another post by George)

As Sam says, "to each his own".

[gasman]

First notch is easy at flap speed. Second notch on base at 85 MPH or less, no problem with one hand. When you convert the electric flap weldment, you actually get better leverage that the original manual flap bar. You can change your elec. flaps to manual, and change them back to elec. in just a few hours after you make the parts.
The satisfaction of pulling a notch of flaps during my landing pattern is always something I look forward to. How exciting is it to hold down a switch and watch a flap position indiactor. And if the 2 seconds of "CHEEK LIFT" is too much for my passenger, then they can just get out and walk. PLUS now I can reach behind the passenger seat for?????

This is not a Which one is better thread. It is just a WHAT DO YOU WANT!
and having the option.

[Dave Cole]

I am interested in your manual flap design.

[rv9builder]

Originally Posted by gasman

First notch is easy at flap speed. Second notch on base at 85 MPH or less, no problem with one hand.

I'd prefer manual flaps for my 9A, but I'm concerned they won't extend as easily as you say because the flaps are so large on a 9/9A. If the force required to operate the flaps is similar to a Cherokee, I think manual flaps would be a great option.

[gasman]

Originally Posted by rv9builder

I'd prefer manual flaps for my 9A, but I'm concerned they won't extend as easily as you say because the flaps are so large on a 9/9A. If the force required to operate the flaps is similar to a Cherokee, I think manual flaps would be a great option.

Mark,
You might be correct about that. What is the area of the flap? And is the flap motor between the seats like the 6 & 7? The manual conversion uses most all of Van's parts that were used on the 6. But by using the weldment that came with your flap kit, you will get better leverage than the first manual flaps. You can switch between manual or elec. flaps in just an hour after you have the parts built. It takes only three bolts, and change the links to longer ones, and your done. AFTER YOU BUILD THE PARTS!!!

Ken K. at Van's would be able to answer that question for you. By the way, a few years back at GOLDEN WEST FLY-IN, Ken had the flap motor from the 7 that he arrived in (no flap landing) all opened up. The brushes were worn, and did not extend, so the motor just quit. It was fixed on the spot and we used a small socket to hold the brushes in place during the installation of the case. It's nice to have the option.

Warren

[Mel]

Not sure about the relative area of the flaps, but if the area is the same, the -9 should be less load as the "arm of the chord" is shorter.

[rv9builder]

Originally Posted by gasman

Mark,
You might be correct about that. What is the area of the flap? And is the flap motor between the seats like the 6 & 7?

Warren

Warren,

The 9/9A has the flap motor between the seats and uses the same motor and flap actuator weldment as the 6 & 7.

[zilik]

Can't you just order the old manual flap parts from Van's? I would think the old RV-6 parts could be stuffed in a 7 but since I have never built a 7 I'm just guessing.

[Low Pass]

I'm all about doing what you want, but I've never seen electric flaps inadvertently retracted abruptly ending up causing the plane to sink into the runway. Seen it done several times in planes with manual flaps. Just a point to consider.

2 cents

[gasman]

Originally Posted by zilik

Can't you just order the old manual flap parts from Van's? I would think the old RV-6 parts could be stuffed in a 7 but since I have never built a 7 I'm just guessing.

Yes, all of the parts you will need will come from Vans. It is all about how to alter them to work better, and also to use with your existing elec flap weldment. It has a better leverage advantage than the orig part.

Warren