Fitting Flap Leading Edge

[JVolkober]

I am fitting the leading edge flap skin to the spar and nose ribs. Per the instructions, I am starting at the bottom, clecoing the bottom to the spar and then to the ribs before attempting to cleco the top to the spar. I am finding it very difficult to align the prepunched holes to allow me to cleco the top of the nose skin to the spar. It appears to take a great deal of force to get a tight enough fit to get the holes to line up. Any suggestions on how to approach this other than with brute force?

 

[Steve]

Check that the flap nose rib tabs and flanges are square to the ribs. Remove all high spots from the tabs.

Steve

 

[keen9a]

I'll 2nd what Steve said, and add that a bit of Boelube on the tabs helps the nose skin slide into place better. It does still require quite a bit of force to push the skins in place.

 

[Lorin Dueck]

.. and also get someone else to help you.
I found a 2nd set of hands to push / hold the leading edge skin in place was essential.

Be patient - it will eventually fit!

Lorin D
9A wings
N194LD (reserved)

 

[csrvniner]

Flap leading edge skin

Here is what I did, I installed clecos in the bottom holes per the instructions and then I used 4 ratcheting cargo tie down straps spaced evenly along the leading edge skin. I used 75 lbs of lead shot over a 2X4 to hold everything down, put the straps over the top of the flap and 2X4 and under the flap table, tightened each one a little at a time and the top holes lined up very nicely. I did have to touch up the opening in the skin for one of the hinge brackets with a small file to prevent interference.

No straining, no grunting.

Jim White

90789 - N789JT (Res); wings.