Yes it will have to come off to cover and other reasons. I know how you feel, it would be nice to leave on. I'm hoping mine is going back on for good in a few days!
Harlan and Susan Payne
Flying FarmFox STI Kitfox N61HP
Rotax 915is, Airmaster prop.
https://www.youtube.com/@KitfoxPilot/videos
It’s looking good. I’d recommend picking up a #12 reamer (.1890), as many of the bolts will not slide in after reaming at .1875. Harlan gave me that tip. I’m about 10 weeks into my build, and having a blast so far.
Building
Kitfox 7STi
Oratex
Control sticks are assembled and I just installed them, but dang! the control in pitch is really tight after I torqued to the recommended 20-25 in-lbs (2 ft-lbs). Is it ok to back this off to get free movement?
The block deformed so much it was pinching the column. I backed off 4 turns before it freed up enough that I was satisfied, and I've still got 1 thread showing past the nut so it meets the minimum, so sayeth AC 43.13 Chapter 7, page 11, section 7.63(f) (After the nut has been tightened, makesure the bolt or stud has at least one threadshowing past the nut.) but is this good enough?
IMG_7069.jpg
I had to sand material off the bearing block for a proper fit. This would be preferable to loosening the AN bolt/nut torque. There should be no pinching whatsoever of the torque tube when torqued to the recommended torque. A bit at a time off the block (then test) so you don't overdue it . Bruce N199CL
Had a pretty good day. Elevator is hooked up (nuts aren't tightened, of course):
https://photos.app.goo.gl/KXArXUM5bfs1xJT59
And a few notes:
Pro tip #1: for reaming and cleaning out the various threaded holes that get gummed up with powder coat, use cutting fluid. Totally worth it. Cuts like butter.
Pro tip #2: you will bung up the roll pin for the flap handle. It's a soft metal, not hardened, and pressing/tapping it in will deform it. 1/16" x 3/16" hardened roll pins can be had on Amazon, 500 for $18 or 30 for $10 (in 2021).
Pro tip #3: a round 8" by 5/16" b astard file is your best friend when fitting the wood tail ribs and floor boards around the welds.
Hmm... The roll pin I received was a “standard” roll pin (or “spring pin”)... nothing soft about it.
John Evens
Arvada, CO
Kitfox SS7 N27JE
EAA Lifetime
Chap. 43 honorary Lifetime
Same with mine.
Jim Ott
Portland, OR
Kitfox SS7 flying
Rotax 912ULS