Chris thanks for your input, just out of curiosity (and to make my life
easier)
how did u remove the binding bush on your second set to re-bond it. I was
considering
a half inch drill or bolt into the seat back then heating it to soften the
redux, is this
how you removed it. I thought the redux doesnt soften till about 400
degrees, which i have concerns
about damaging the surrounding area with that much heat
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of Christoph
Both
Sent: Sunday, 3 August 2008 12:09 AM
Subject: RE: Europa-List: Wing incidence
Hi,
There have been comments regarding binding wing pin bushes:
Much of this is caused by a serious flaw in the Europa Builder's Manual:
when initially setting the wing spars (or XS wings) to the cockpit module
the manual allows you to let them assume any position they like. In other
words, the wings might hang around at 5 or more degrees wing incidence. This
uncontrolled condition causes the wing mounting pin to increasingly deviate
---From the wing bush bore incidence in the back of the cockpit module. So, if
you just glue in the seat back bush without taking care of approximating as
closely as possible the 2.5 degree later wing incidence the following will
happen for sure:
Upon finally setting the wing incidence the pins will now be a few degrees
off level with the drilled hole level of the seat back bush, thus binding
like crazy.
Initially I could not believe how stupid I was using a REAMER to ream
through the two wing mount bushes plus the seat back bush. YEAH, I could now
easily remove the wing pins but the entire set up was now compromised beyond
any airworthiness considerations. All this was caused because no hint was
given to incorporate as closely as possible and already at the early
building stages, the 2.5 degree wing incidence so the seat back bush would
not bind.
I fully came to terms with this much later while upgrading to 1/2 diameter
bushes. While replacing all bushes in the wings I made sure the seat back
bush had the right angle. This almost solved the problem. However, I did
have some persistent serious binding on one side. In the end I had to
reposition one of the new wing bushes in situ, that is, floxing it in while
the wings were mounted. Don't ask me how I managed this with the wing
fillets already on and both wings mounted. I had to create a special
sequence of steps and some innovative tools to get this resolved...
The wings are now fully up to mounting standards and go effortlessly in and
out of the fuselage with the wing mount pins sliding in and out smoothly.
What a joy!. Oh, by the way, you need to make a well positioned wing
mounting bracket (see picts) to achieve this as well. I can now mount my
classic wings alone, without extra tools and special assemblies. I used
pieces cut from 1/4 inch UHMW plastic sheet which is incredibly tough but
somehow flexible and slippery when the wing spars glide on it, without any
chance of scratching or abrasion. Incredible stuff and much better than the
phenolic sheets!
I hope EUROPA updates the builder's manual to save us many frustrating
hours. It's a great kit, though, I must say.
Christoph Both
#223
Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada
Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com
6:59 PM
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