T

Triumph1974

Well Known Member
Hi Everyone,

Question on preparing to install wheel pants and fairings on an RV7A.... Vans instructions say to have the plane off the grount when aligning fairings and wheel pants - but I have heard second hand that these days many builders are mounting fairings and pants with an alignment based on the the plane on the ground.

Can anyone comment with first hand experience as to pro's and cons of aligning things on the ground vs having the plane off the ground? Supposively things "look better" if they are done with the plane sitting on the ground (and it will not cause airflow /alignment issues).

Thanks,
Paul
 
Wheels off the ground!

The airplane flies with the wheels off the ground. That's where alignment counts.
Aerodynamic drag doesn't matter on the ground.

Do you want the airplane to look better on the ground, or fly faster?
 
Follow Vans instructions

Follow Vans instructions and get it spot on, you will be amazed how much of an effect the fairings in particular will have on speed and how straight the plane flies.
 
You have to jack the plane up so the landing gear is in a "no weight" position. Get it level and follow the directions.
 
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