RBD
Well Known Member
A little background: I didn't build this plane (or any others) and I'm not real familiar with airplane construction. I have attended the RV SportAir workshop, and should be able to drill a few holes and squeeze a decent rivet - I'm not completely helpless. ![Big grin :D :D](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
Problem: There are two screws in each of my cowl inlets that help hold the top and bottom halves of the cowling together. I think the edge distance must be too close and/or the aluminum backing plate is too thin, as the screws are elongating the holes in the top half of the cowl (the nutplates are attached to the bottom half.) In this picture, you can see the worst hole, which has nearly worn through.
And here is a picture of the other inlet, looking at the fiberglass side. You can see that the fiberglass is beginning to bow out from the constant stress and vibration.
And to complete the mental picture, here is a shot of where the screws meet the nutplate holes on the lower cowl.
Solution: This is where you guys chime in.
So what is the best fix for this? Do I need to drill out all of the rivets attaching the aluminum backing plate to the fiberglass and fab a new backing plate? If I need to replace it, would using a harder metal (like stainless) be acceptable? Or should I just go with thicker aluminum?
Buying these things already built sure gets one in the air quicker, but leaves a massive knowledge/skills gap when it comes to maintaining them.
Thanks in advance!
Problem: There are two screws in each of my cowl inlets that help hold the top and bottom halves of the cowling together. I think the edge distance must be too close and/or the aluminum backing plate is too thin, as the screws are elongating the holes in the top half of the cowl (the nutplates are attached to the bottom half.) In this picture, you can see the worst hole, which has nearly worn through.
And here is a picture of the other inlet, looking at the fiberglass side. You can see that the fiberglass is beginning to bow out from the constant stress and vibration.
And to complete the mental picture, here is a shot of where the screws meet the nutplate holes on the lower cowl.
Solution: This is where you guys chime in.
So what is the best fix for this? Do I need to drill out all of the rivets attaching the aluminum backing plate to the fiberglass and fab a new backing plate? If I need to replace it, would using a harder metal (like stainless) be acceptable? Or should I just go with thicker aluminum?
Buying these things already built sure gets one in the air quicker, but leaves a massive knowledge/skills gap when it comes to maintaining them.
Thanks in advance!