I’m building a 7A fuselage. I began drilling the F7101 Gear Attach webs to the side skins and F713 auxiliary longeron. I couldn’t maintain a 1/4” edge distance along this line of holes. It’s short by about 1/32. I stopped when I realized the holes were not within edge distance. I don’t see any other option here. There is no adjustment since the holes mounting the F7101 to the center bulk head and the skin holes are predrilled. Everything else seems to line up perfect. I’m frankly at a loss here. Has anyone else had this issue?
Van's Air Force
The definitive Van's Aircraft support community! Buying, building or flying an RV? Join our exclusive family of mentors and enthusiasts!
Gear Attach Web Issue
- Thread starter dwollen89
- Start date
I don't recall if I had edge distance issues here or not, but I personally wouldn't be too worried about being 1/32" short on this particular part. Nesting a sheet into a longeron can make edge distance tougher because of the radiused corner. You can bevel the edge of the sheet to slide it into the angle a hair further. Check with Van's if it worries you, but I'd be pretty shocked if they told you it's a problem, given the fact the web is doubling up on the skin as well as ultimately has a pile of bolts going through it.
Good Explanation of Edge Distance Requirements
Good Explanation of Edge Distance Requirements
I agree with Brandon's assessment.
Just a heads up since you may scratch your head over it like I did: if you haven't gotten there yet, one place on that forward fuselage that sticks out in my mind where edge distance can be tougher is the steel engine mount bracket where it attaches to the upper longeron and the forward fuse gusset. Just pay attention when you're deciding on your rivet line on the forward fuse gusset. I started out using the measurements from the plans, but in the end had to order a new gusset so I could move a few of the aft rivets inboard a little bit to ensure I'd hit the engine mount bracket better (the aft ends spread out a bit). Even with that, some of my aft rivets aren't a perfect 2x edge distance, which Van's gave the okay to given that we're talking steel vs aluminum.
