Safety of a friend.

Simon Hitchen · #1 10-13-2009, 03:21 PM

Hi Guys,

I need a little advice. A friend of mine is 90% of the way through an '6' and has filled the ends of all control surfaces with foam and fiberglass. I see no problem with doing the tail surfaces this way as you are able to counterbalance them before installation.

Ive read Bob Axsoms reports (very informative) and I just wondered if anyone else had any experience with filled aileron ends, good or bad. I brought the concern up with my friend, he claims that it is common practice and it shouldn't be a problem. The first flight is not the place to find out....

Any help appreciated. Thanx.

Rosie · #2 10-13-2009, 05:01 PM

No problems, 100% trouble-free after 3050 hours

Rosie

Kahuna · #3 10-13-2009, 08:00 PM

Your friend is correct.
Very common practice.

Geico266 · #4 10-13-2009, 08:05 PM

What is the main purpose of filling the tubes?

apkp777 · #5 10-13-2009, 08:09 PM

Why do they do that? Is it for appearance or aero? Seems like a lot of added weight to provide little benefit? I'd be afraid it would come dislodged and lock up the flight control.

BoilermakerRV · #6 10-13-2009, 08:31 PM

I don't think they are filling the control rods. Just the sides of the control surfaces themselves. Sounds like you might be talking past each other. Just my 2 cents.

RBD · #7 10-13-2009, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apkp777

Why do they do that? Is it for appearance or aero? Seems like a lot of added weight to provide little benefit? I'd be afraid it would come dislodged and lock up the flight control.

Both? I have seen a few planes that have this done and it looks great. Since the tail surfaces are counter-balanced, you aren't adding and weight there. Two pieces of foam per aileron and a little bit of fiberglass adds a negligible amount of weight. Worth doing, IMO.

RV7Ron · #8 10-13-2009, 08:50 PM

Doing it right now on my Emp...

apkp777 · #9 10-13-2009, 09:02 PM

I am not familiar with this mod. Let me make sure I understand what you are doing.

Make a piece of high density foam to fit in the outboard and inboard ribs. Epoxy it in place and "fit and fair" it?

Do this to the elevators, ailerons and flaps? Do you put any glass over any of it? Are you using micro balloons or equivalent? I can imagine it looks good. Probably wouldn't come loose if done right. I'd like to see some pictures if anyone has them. Might be something I want to do. I have an ugly spot on one of my elevators this would make disappear.

RV7Guy · #10 10-13-2009, 09:09 PM

Simon,

I'm doing it on the new project. Working on the tips now and will be filling in the tips. Also, going to do the ends of the ailerons and flaps as well.

I'm going to take pictures and will present as a "Builders Tip." Weight gain is minimal. The foam will be glassed in with two layers of cloth.

Regarding the advantages, it will provide a cleaner airflow over and around the aileron, looks good and makes painting a little easier.

Get that thing done Simon!!!!

When you visiting again? Arriba's is calling.