Why the flat on the tank access plate?

[wjb]

Hi Folks,

The access plates on the 7/8 tanks have a flat spot, oriented forward per drawing 16A.

My question: Why the flat? I'm trying to figure what it interferes with, if anything? Is it just for clocking purposes?

I have flop tubes and the capacitive fuel level senders, so I'm installing the blank plate. Does the orientation matter in this case?

Just curious!

 

[LettersFromFlyoverCountry]

I don't recall it interfering with anything but what does the "B" detail reveal on that DWG? I'm not out at the hangar so I can't consult that page.

 

[Sid Lambert]

1) To give relief for the raised section on the rib.

2) Give you a way to index the cover.

 

[wjb]

I don't recall it interfering with anything but what does the "B" detail reveal on that DWG? I'm not out at the hangar so I can't consult that page.

"B" is simply the detail for the nutplate assembly .. nothing to do with clearances.

 

[LettersFromFlyoverCountry]

Yes, now, I recall, Sid's right... there's a raised ridge there and the flat space allows it to clear. I used it to line up the plate accordingly. Also made a nice spot to get a flat screwdriver under there to pry it off when complying with that service bulletin about 8 or 9 years ago.

 

[JoeBlank]

So it clears the stiffening bead on the tank end rib. The T-708 plate is a common part used on most of the models (RV-3,4,6,7,8,9,etc) whose tank end ribs vary in dimension due to different airfoil shapes. It may only actually interfere on a some of the models...