Hi Graeme,
I don't like to be the bearer of bad news but that mod was not (and
never will be) approved in the UK. The centre tunnel is a critical
structural component and by removing such a huge area of the box
section, most of the strength will have been removed with it. If it is
your intention to build the airframe to flying condition, I would
suggest involving your inspector (one with proven composite skills) to
advise on reconstructing the tunnel.
The Europa has no longeron like structures forward of the seat moulding
and it is only the tunnel that prevents the fuselage snapping off in the
event of a high "G" arrival. Typically, the fracture initiates at the
sharp corner at the lower edge of the windscreen, propagates down the
fuselage sides and across the floor. I have attached a picture of such a
failure to help concentrate the mind (I have more!).
Nigel
On 07/07/2016 21:51, Graeme Hart wrote:
> Hi Alan
>
> It is a trigear and came as a trigear from the factory.
>
> It looks to me like the plan was to put a removable panel on the top.
>
> I have attached a better picture.
>
> On 7/07/2016 11:14 pm, "Alan Burrill" <alanb@dpy01.co.uk
> <mailto:alanb@dpy01.co.uk>> wrote:
>
> <mailto:alanb@dpy01.co.uk>>
>
> Tri-Gear or Monowheel?
>
> Alan
>
> GOBJT
> > On 7 Jul 2016, at 11:35, Graeme Hart <graeme.hart@onecoolkat.com
> <mailto:graeme.hart@onecoolkat.com>> wrote:
> >
> > Hi All
> >
> > I have a kit that started out around 1999 and has been worked on
> by a number of builder since them.
> >
> > Does anyone recognise the mod that has been done to the
> cockpit. A lot of the top of the centre console has been cut out
> and reinforced around the edges.
> >
> > I'm hoping that this is a recognised mod and someone can point
> me at documentation on what was intended.
> >
> > A picture of part of the cutout section is below (sorry I don't
> have one of the entire cutout)
> >
> > I'd appreciate any leads on how this mod is intended to work.
> Also, with this large hole in the top do you still need the fuel
> valve access panel?
> >
> >
> > Thanks
> > Graeme
> > <20160705_174300.jpg>
>
>
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