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Thread: Inspection Ring Inner Cut Out

  1. #1
    Birdseyeview's Avatar
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    Default Inspection Ring Inner Cut Out

    I've attached my first inspection ring on the underside of the left wing near the pitot tube connections. I'm wondering how close to cut out the inner diameter of the fabric next to the embedded plastic ring. Is there some small distance we should normally allow so that some of the fabric below the plastic ring still contacts the patch fabric above the ring? Or do we just trust the glue joint on the embedded plastic ring and cut the fabric back right next to the plastic ring's inner diameter? Because I'm cautious when trying something new for the first time I've cut only a portion of the inner fabric away until I get a consensus from those with more experience. Thanks ahead of time for any of you sharing your experience.

    IMG_7137.jpg
    Larry Olson
    Kitfox Series 6 - 1st Flight Oct 2021
    Tri-gear, smooth cowl
    912 ULS

  2. #2
    Senior Member 109JB's Avatar
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    Default Re: Inspection Ring Inner Cut Out

    You can cut right up to the inner diameter of the ring. You pretty much have to in order to get the cover on.
    John Brannen
    Morris, IL
    Sonerai IIL (Single Seat)
    Kitfox 3/4 1050 - Rotax 582 (Back Flying and sold)
    Kitfox IV 1050 - Rotax 582 (sold)
    Kitfox IV 1200 Speedster - Rotax 912 UL (project)
    Piper Twin Comanche (Sold)
    Glasair 1 FT (Waiting to start)

  3. #3
    Senior Member jiott's Avatar
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    Default Re: Inspection Ring Inner Cut Out

    I agree, cut right up to the plastic ring.
    Jim Ott
    Portland, OR
    Kitfox SS7 flying
    Rotax 912ULS

  4. #4
    Senior Member Dave S's Avatar
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    Default Re: Inspection Ring Inner Cut Out

    Larry,

    A person can experiment with how much needs to go by trial fitting a cover into the hole. Interestingly enough, that ends up being right up to the ring in order to get the cover in - at least with the rings most of us use.
    Dave S
    Kitfox 7 Trigear (Flying since 2009)
    912ULS Warp Drive

    St Paul, MN

  5. #5
    Senior Member jrevens's Avatar
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    Default Re: Inspection Ring Inner Cut Out

    Larry,

    You don't have to cut it at all until you have to access that area some day, then you can cut it and install a pre-painted cover (I painted a few extras). I agree - cut up to the edge of the plastic. You could cut it as you have already, then notch the fabric that overhangs, wrap the "tabs" around & glue to the back side, but that's probably just unnecessary work IMO.
    John Evens
    Arvada, CO
    Kitfox SS7 N27JE
    EAA Lifetime
    Chap. 43 honorary Lifetime

  6. #6
    Birdseyeview's Avatar
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    Default Re: Inspection Ring Inner Cut Out

    Thanks for the voice of experience from all of you. A little assurance goes a long way and is much appreciated.
    Larry Olson
    Kitfox Series 6 - 1st Flight Oct 2021
    Tri-gear, smooth cowl
    912 ULS

  7. #7
    Senior Member t j's Avatar
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    Default Re: Inspection Ring Inner Cut Out

    You can use the method jrevens described to retrofit an inspection ring if you need one after the airplane is finished and painted. Glue an inspection ring to the outside of the cover, cut out and notch the fabric inside the ring the width of the ring, then fold it to the outside and glue to the ring. I used this method when I realized that the one ring I had installed wasn't enough to service the elevator control tube bearing. I needed to get two hands inside, not just one to do a good job.
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    Tom Jones
    Classic 4 builder

  8. #8

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    Default Re: Inspection Ring Inner Cut Out

    On a somewhat related note, what type of inspection covers are people using? ACS lists domed and recessed.


    All responses appreciated.

    Bob

  9. #9
    Senior Member Dave S's Avatar
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    Default Re: Inspection Ring Inner Cut Out

    Bob,

    6 of one,..., 1/2 dozen of the other - I doubt that it makes any difference other than a person's tastes - pick the ones you like to look at.

    I got the domed ones because I like the smooth uncluttered look. Some thoughts are that the domed ones are more prone to sliding but I haven't seen that happen at all.
    Dave S
    Kitfox 7 Trigear (Flying since 2009)
    912ULS Warp Drive

    St Paul, MN

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