Beware. Aluminum has a tendency to gall, so if the fit is at all snug (which it
should be) and the torque tube is not lubricated, the tailplane may not slide
into place over the nickel plated tailplane torque tube as easily as it does
with steel TP5/TP6. Once it jams it will be rather difficult to get free.
Best regards,
Rob Housman
Irvine, California
Europa XS Tri-Gear
S/N A070
Airframe complete
>
>
>Hi George,
>
>I aim to replace my TP5/TP6 with a one-piece aluminum tube from ACS, without
>cutting into the taillplane, but by careful heat application. I have all I
>need to do the job, but haven't had the time to try it out, as I'm busy
>fitting glider wings. If it works I'll write it up if anyone else wants to
>do the same.
>
>Karl
>
>
>>From: "G&TPowell" <georgepowell@hotmail.com>
>>Reply-To: europa-list@matronics.com
>>To: europa-list@matronics.com
>>Subject: Europa-List: Tailplane integrity suggestion
>>Date: Sat, 22 Sep 2007 21:54:42 +0300
>>
>><georgepowell@hotmail.com>
>>
>>I received several responses to my post a few days ago concerning the
>>binding problem I am having with my torque tube (i.e., inability to fit
>>into TP6 bushing). Phil advised that early versions of TP4 and the bushes
>>were ground to match each other, rather that to standard drawing
>>dimensions. I tried the other TP4 I have (the one installed on the plane)
>>and it fit better, actually allowing me to get the starboard tailplane all
>>the way on TP4 on the shop bench and seated into the TP13 bushes.
>>
>>Unfortunately, I cannot get the tailplane on when TP4 is mounted on the
>>fuselage, it is so tight. When I checked the port tailplane (and opened up
>>the surface to reveal the TP6 bushing) it was clear on visual inspection
>>that the TP6 was out of alignment by at least a millimeter. (These
>>tailplanes were purchased from a charity which obtained them from an
>>estate, so I do not know the provenance of the construction).
>>
>>I will definitely have to remove/reseat the TP6 bushing on the port
>>tailplane, and probably the starboard as well.
>>
>>A thought occurred to me: why not have a tube machined that is one piece,
>>the length from TP5 inboard to TP6 outboard and replacing both those
>>bushings, instead of 2 bushes with space between them? Having the 2 bushes
>>a distance apart seems to make it likely the 2 could be installed out of
>>alignment, whereas a single tube/bushing could not possibly be.
>>
>>Any thoughts on this suggestion? If I have to remove or reset both
>>bushings in both tailplanes, it seems efficient to just replace both with a
>>single tube, and guarantee the integrity of the tailplane retention (at
>>least with respect to the possible unbonding of TP6).
>>
>>Also, any suggestions on the proper technique to remove the bonded-in TP6
>>and TP5 bushes without damaging the surrounding material would be
>>appreciated.
>>
>>Thanks,
>>
>>George Powell
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>Visit - www.EuropaOwners.org
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
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