This is referring to the aluminum strips that close the gap between the bottom of the horizontal stabilizer and the sides of the fuselage. The plans call for these to be installed with #6 screws (drill & tap the longerons), and a rubber channel at the intersection between the top of the gap cover and bottom of the HS.
There are a few things about this arrangement that I don't like so much... but never mind that. The question is this: I don't see any good reason why this strip needs to be removable. Am I missing something? Removing these strips doesn't provide practical access to anything, since the gap is so narrow. Better access to the same space is available through the removable top empennage fairing (the fiberglass piece on top of the HS). So what's the point of having the bottom gap covers removable?
Instead of the callouts on the plans, what I'm thinking of doing is this: Rivet the gap covers directly to the fuselage sides instead of using the #6 screws. Leave only a very narrow gap, say about 1/32", between the top of the gap cover and the HS, just wide enough to ensure that there can be no metal-to-metal contact there under vibration. Then fillet the intersection with a bead of proseal instead of the rubber strip. Seems to me simpler, more robust, lighter, and probably aerodynamically cleaner.
Can anyone think of a compelling reason not to do this?
Thanks,
There are a few things about this arrangement that I don't like so much... but never mind that. The question is this: I don't see any good reason why this strip needs to be removable. Am I missing something? Removing these strips doesn't provide practical access to anything, since the gap is so narrow. Better access to the same space is available through the removable top empennage fairing (the fiberglass piece on top of the HS). So what's the point of having the bottom gap covers removable?
Instead of the callouts on the plans, what I'm thinking of doing is this: Rivet the gap covers directly to the fuselage sides instead of using the #6 screws. Leave only a very narrow gap, say about 1/32", between the top of the gap cover and the HS, just wide enough to ensure that there can be no metal-to-metal contact there under vibration. Then fillet the intersection with a bead of proseal instead of the rubber strip. Seems to me simpler, more robust, lighter, and probably aerodynamically cleaner.
Can anyone think of a compelling reason not to do this?
Thanks,
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