Does this pose any structural safety issues?

wrgway · #1 09-27-2018, 10:33 AM

I need to test fly my RV-7 to determine if there is a problem
in my AP with a new ADS-B. I?d like to leave the baggage compartment
rear panels off to facilitate a few tests. Anyone see a structural issue
this?

rvbuilder2002 · #2 09-27-2018, 10:39 AM

They are consider structural elements of the fuselage.

Will the airplane come apart just because it lifts off the ground with the covers removed? Not necessarily, but it will be flying with the strength of the fuselage compromised to some (unknown) level.

Mel · #3 09-27-2018, 10:39 AM

The baggage bulkhead IS structural. Do not fly without it.
I know it doesn't look very structural but it is. It adds torsional ridgidity to the fuselage.

snopercod · #4 09-27-2018, 10:43 AM

If you need to see what's going on in the back, just put a video camera (and light?) back there.

N941WR · #5 09-27-2018, 05:24 PM

I know one guy who did fly his -6 without that bulkhead cover in place. He told me that he had no doubt he was going to get it back on the ground again but his question where exactly that was going to be.

He told me he could feel the entire aft fuselage twisting in flight (it was a bumpy day).