I respectfully disagree. The wheels aren’t rolling when they are in the air. The only time alignment matters is when the wheels are rolling.you cannot check true alignment unless the aircraft is jacked off the ground and leveled.
The previous comment was probably in the context of checking to compare to the alignment specs specified y Vans. So in that regard he was correct, because that check would s done with no weight on the gear.I respectfully disagree. The wheels aren’t rolling when they are in the air. The only time alignment matters is when the wheels are rolling.
The existing alignment in normal operation is a key data point.
Existing alignment can be checked using the current F1 Rocket specs: Zero toe-in in the 3 point attitude at a median weight. About halfway between solo/half fuel and gross weight.These are the conditions that exist 99% of the time that the wheels are rolling.
Measure with the gear on sitting on two greased plates.
This check of the alignment will tell the OP exactly where the wheels are pointed during operation and give an idea of where the adjustment needs to go.
Yes, my post was in regard to seeing if the legs were bent from the "per plans" alignment as installed. I recall checking all that when I built mine jacked and leveled, as well as setting wheelpant location. I don't recall any tweaking of the match drilled legs as an option in the plans. I understand the weight on wheels dimensions will be different. I would think if went to Langair as I suggested, that would be the data he would check.The previous comment was probably in the context of checking to compare to the alignment specs specified y Vans. So in that regard he was correct, because that check would s done with no weight on the gear.
As I recall (looking way back into the Way Back Machine....) I had the option of having Van's drill the legs to match the engine/gear mount before being shipped from the Mother Ship. So: mine came pre-drilled and were perfectly aligned out of the (rather big) box. I checked the toe in/out while building but found no need for tweaking. There is no shimming possible to make small adjustments.From the Wayback Machine ...
I am so old school, that I have never built an RV that had "match" drilled gear legs. So ... YOU set the alignment conditions (per plans), and then build to same. But sometimes the alignment/drilling part was not as accurate as needed to insure good handling/operating performance. No "tweaking" after, except sending the (drilled) leg back to Langair (or DIY in house), for "realignment" of the axles wrt toe in/out. Match drilled GL's should be good to go as delivered, unless, over time (and ops) they have been overstressed somehow creating new (read incorrect) alignment.
HFS - A DB (Dinosaur Builder)