RV-8, Alum Gear, Wheelpant Intersection Fairing Gap ??

[Laird]

For the builders of an aluminum gear RV-8 (Sky Designs, or Grove) how much gap did you leave between the wheelpant intersection fairing and the alum gear?

On my 6, I left a .040 gap for the gear leg fairing to move around freely in the pant intersection fairing during landing.

Since the alum gear is fixed, and the wheelpant is firmly attached, how much gap did you leave for movement when landing or taxiing?

And how has it held up in the field?

Thanks,

Laird

 

[rv8ch]

I didn't leave much at all - probably less than you show in the picture. 600+ landings and no issues on that part of the wheel pant. And I can assure you, some of those landings were not pretty.

 

[rv6n6r]

Mine is a -6 so YMMV but I think the same would apply - I left no intentional gap and overall it seems that the system has enough flexibility that it isn't needed. I do have anti-chafe tape on the gear leg at the intersections and recommend it.

 

[Little Wing]

That gap will serve you well!

 

[Low Pass]

I’ve been pondering use of aluminum gear struts on my -8 lately, and wondering if you wouldn’t want some abrasion barrier between the aluminum and fiberglass, in addition to the space? Fiberglass usually wins that debate in my experience.

 

[DanH]

I’ve been pondering use of aluminum gear struts on my -8 lately, and wondering if you wouldn’t want some abrasion barrier between the aluminum and fiberglass, in addition to the space? Fiberglass usually wins that debate in my experience.

I put one layer of UHMW tape around the leg years ago. Can't prove a negative, but it's still there and the leg is fine.