RV-7 Flap Installation

[RudysRV7]

I need some help. I can't even wrap my head around the process of installing the flap. I am trying to figure out how to ensure the trailing edges of the flaps and ailerons match and clamp it all down, so I can drill the holes in the hinge. I would appreciate it, if someone would walk me through the process; so I can try and visualize it first. Thanks

I have also noted, that I may need a wider hinge.... I will know once I get everything in place.

Thanks for your assistance

R

[cjensen]

Rather than re-typing out what I did, start here...

http://www.chadandbrittne.com/November% ... 206-06.htm

Fire away with questions...

[Thermos]

Hi Rudy,

Just take it one step at a time...

First thing I did was to get the ailerons attached and jigged into the correct position, per the instructions, using that odd-shaped bellcrank tool that came with the wing kit. I had to do a little adjusting of the bellcrank-to-aileron pushrod ends to get the ailerons in the correct position, but it wasn't difficult.

With the flaps completed, I marked a lengthwise line on the other half of each flap hinge - the half that gets riveted to the wings - at the minimum edge distance for the rivets that hold the hinge onto the wing. I think that distance is on the plans somewhere. I reinstalled those hinge halves on the flaps, and then temporarily installed the flaps on the wings using small clamps to hold the hinge in place against the lower wing skin and flap brace - one clamp on each end of the flap.

I clamped the flap and aileron trailing egdes together so they were aligned - used a couple of pieces of metal or plywood and a clamp, IIRC. Then I started measuring, adjusting and remeasuring flap spacing from the aileron and alignment of the flap and aileron trailing edges. Some folks use a digital level on the trailing edges to make sure they're aligned; I did that and also used a long straight edge as well. Once the aileron-to-flap spacing was good and the trailing edges were aligned, I checked the edge distance on each flap hinge at the rivet line. I had to order a length of wider flap hinge because I was coming up just a little short on edge distance.

It's a lot easier than it sounds...just take it slowly, keep checking your measurements and you'll be fine.

HTH

Dave

[RudysRV7]

It worked. Gosh, that was easier than I was expecting.

Thanks guys!

Now onto a few more rivets on the bottom skins of the right wing; and then attach aileron and flap. BINGO!


R

[hydroguy2]

It worked. Gosh, that was easier than I was expecting.
..........

I think that message can be applied to many parts of the build. I sweated cutting the canopy, turns out no big deal. Cowling fit I was puzzled over, until I jumped in with both feet.