Kitfox floorboards ?

[Kitfox Pilot]

Has anyone braced up the thin plywood used for the floor in these kits?
I was thinking of gluing a couple hardwood braces under the edges under the center console. Just seems soft in that area to me but maybe I'm just thinking about nothing.

[desertdave]

I think you are just adding weight. It's not like you can stand on them.

[jrevens]

Harlan,

I believe I added some plywood strips in strategic areas. The edges under the flanges of the center console are stiffened by being attached to those flanges with screws. If I remember correctly, I added some "tee nuts" to the underside of the wood panels to be able to strengthen & stiffen that area with the addition of an extra screw in between the existing ones. That adds an additional attachment point between the side panels & the floor board. You can see the extra screw on the picture below. I think I did the same on the sloping panels also. I hope that makes sense.


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[Kitfox Pilot]

[QUOTE=jrevens;92304]Harlan,

I believe I added some plywood strips in strategic areas. The edges under the flanges of the center console are stiffened by being attached to those flanges with screws. If I remember correctly, I added some "tee nuts" to the underside of the wood panels to be able to strengthen & stiffen that area with the addition of an extra screw in between the existing ones. That adds an additional attachment point between the side panels & the floor board. You can see the extra screw on the picture below. I think I did the same on the sloping panels also. I hope that makes sense.


Thanks John, that was my thought on wanting to attach the center console side pieces to the wood but was afraid the amount of movement in the plywood at that point would damage the console sides pulling down on them. I do a lot of readjusting my self while flying, can't sit still long, so there will be movement in the plywood.

[Kitfox Pilot]

I believe that is the first fast/slow pitch trim switch that I have seen.


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[jrevens]

My thoughts also. It just seemed a little flimsy there to suit me. I also wanted to help insure that the panels would remain tight to each other without developing a gap if the wood warped a little. Some people have mounted the floorboards on top of the flange, but I thought that it was better to put them below for a little easier removal when needed. Also, my side panels are a little bit thicker (0.025") than the ones supplied in the kit. When you have built an all-metal airplane from scratch, you can have a pretty good supply of extra aircraft aluminum on hand. I actually made a whole new top piece also. :rolleyes:

[jrevens]

I believe that is the first fast/slow pitch trim switch that I have seen.

I think others have done that too. It's not used very much by me, but it's nice when cruising and you want to make a very small adjustment in trim, otherwise it's usually left on "Fast".