Thursday, October 19, 2006

Aileron Leading Edge

The aileron leading edge is much more difficult to install than the wing leading edge.  Reason?  The aileron leading edge must be bent around a smaller radius.  It take quite a bit of force across the 4 foot wide sheet of aluminum to get it to bent that tight.  One solution: get a couple of helpers and use 4 to 6 hands at once to bend it around.

But if you're like me (working by myself most of the time!) you'll need to use this little trick.  First, tack the leading edge to the spar along the bottom of the aileron.  Use those little 3/8" aircraft nails in the spar and a few #4 screws into the ribs.  Then bend the leading edge part way around and tie it in place with a 2' length of 1/4" nylon rope.  Move a little further down and do the same thing again.  (Photo 1)   Continue bending and tieing until the entire leading edge is partially bent.  (Photo 2)   Add a row of screws to hold it in place, then bend it a little more and tie it again...add more screws.  Bend, tie, screw...bend, tie, screw...until it's done! 

Go to Aileron Assembly page

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