Andrew,
The flap setting template does seem to result in the correct setup position
for the flap hinges. The cutaway in the middle of the template does not
contact the wing, so the contact areas are the areas on the leading and
trailing edges and the flap. In fact, unless your cutting out is perfect,
only the low points (ie closest to the wing surface) will contact. The
critical points are the leading edge, the lowest points in front of and
behind the cutout area, the region over the flap, and the notch at the aft
end to retain the flap trailing edge. If the lowest points in these regions
are accurate it should be fine, and the odd high point is not important.
The template does tend to break off with bondo, but if you do some very
light sanding of the wing surface with fine paper to give it a key and bond
it at 6-8 points it should be OK. Then just turn the wing over, rest the
flap on the template and the closeout, and place the spacers between the
flap leading edge and the front of the flap closeout. The template supports
the root and trailing edge of the flap, and it should sit there on the
closeout without needing additional support. If everything is
correct the end of the flap should line up with the aileron in its neutral
position. Flip the flap connectors over onto the wing, clamp them to the
W18 plates and swing the flap through its arc to make sure all is well.
Slight rubbing on the trailing edge of the closeout doesn't matter at this
stage - will be corrected when bonding on the top wing skin. As the flap
arcs back into the extended position the space between it and the closeout
increases, so there is quite a gap at full extension.
Hope that helps. It worked well for me.
Regards,
Keith Hickling,
Kit 613 Mono XS,
New Zealand.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Andrew Sarangan" <asarangan@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 05, 2007 5:35 AM
Subject: Europa-List: Flap attachment procedure
>
> Folks
>
> I am a bit confused about the procedure for attaching the flaps to the
> wings. I hope someone can clarify it for me.
>
> First, I am not clear on what exact purpose is served by the flap
> setting template, and which surfaces or points are considered critical.
> The manual says to make a template and glue it to the wing with bondo.
> I made such a template from particle board, but I was unsuccessful in
> bonding it with bondo. The board is heavy enough and the contact area
> small enough that I can't think how some blobs of bondo is going to
> keep it in place while I flip the wing over.
>
>
> Regarding the alignment, it would seem to me the hinge pivot point
> should be positioned such that it is at the center of the flap's
> leading edge arc (and the corresponding arc of the wing's closeout) to
> ensure smooth flap motion without rubbing the wing's closeout area. If
> I am thinking this through correctly, this step could be accomplished
> without the use of a template by positioning the flap such that its
> bottom surface is aligned to the wing's bottom surface, and then
> ensuring a constant gap between the wing and flap from root to tip. I
> was thinking of inserting some wooden blocks in the closeout area to
> accurately set this gap between the flap and the closeout. Am I missing
> something?
>
>
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