Hello all! When doing the intersection fairings should the plane be on its wheels or still suspended above the ground? Couldn't find clear instructions on it and build sites I frequent have me wondering which way is best. Thanks!
Agreed; unloaded. I found the cherry picker/engine hoist with a chain around the engine mount right behind the Lord mounts, levitated 1/16" off the ground, works well. Don't lift from the engine hoist point; good for 250 lbs, not 1100+.
I suggest you put a strip of UHMW tape down the upper and lower sides of the gear leg. At 130 hrs I took my fairings off and they were shaped like a banana. AND, the glass was wearing into the powder coating on the gear legs. They should slide with movement so slippery is good.
Another way to look at it - the plane will sit on the ground 95% of the time with the fairings loaded. If you fit them unloaded, and snug - eventually the the loaded (snug) condition will cause the mounting flanges to distort. so go for a good general fit with room for movement. Aerodynamically a slight gap will be insignificant, unless you are planning to race the pylons at Reno.