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inktomi

Well Known Member
Sponsor
Hi -

I made a big mistake and riveted the hinges on my flaps in place before aligning my flaps with my ailerons. It turns out, though, they're pretty close - the flap would need to come out about 1/16" to make it perfect with the aileron in a neutral position.

I think this is purely cosmetic, and I feel like it meets the 5-foot rule for cosmetic things. Is this trailing edge alignment actually cosmetic or is there a safety issue or control issue as well? Would you remove and replace the hinge if this were your build?

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inktomi said:
Hi -

I made a big mistake and riveted the hinges on my flaps in place before aligning my flaps with my ailerons. It turns out, though, they're pretty close - the flap would need to come out about 1/16" to make it perfect with the aileron in a neutral position.

I think this is purely cosmetic, and I feel like it meets the 5-foot rule for cosmetic things. Is this trailing edge alignment actually cosmetic or is there a safety issue or control issue as well? Would you remove and replace the hinge if this were your build?

View attachment 67711View attachment 67712
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No. No one will notice but you. Build on!
 
Thank you for the replies! I wanted to make sure that this was purely cosmetic and not some weirdo aerodynamic issue of some sort. I don't think this gap is egregious. You only notice it with a straight edge.
 
That said, I might as well ask while I have your attention - any pro tips on getting the washers into place inside the aileron hinges? I did it for one of them, and then bought the Avery pins for the rest. It's a real PITA getting those washers into place inside the hinges! Is there a trick to make it easier? I ended up cutting a notch out of cardboard, but that doesn't work for the very thin 10L washers that get stacked up on the outer hinges.
 
inktomi said:
That said, I might as well ask while I have your attention - any pro tips on getting the washers into place inside the aileron hinges? I did it for one of them, and then bought the Avery pins for the rest. It's a real PITA getting those washers into place inside the hinges! Is there a trick to make it easier? I ended up cutting a notch out of cardboard, but that doesn't work for the very thin 10L washers that get stacked up on the outer hinges.
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