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Thread: Trailing edge aluminum stiffener

  1. #1
    Meyertheflyer's Avatar
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    Default Trailing edge aluminum stiffener

    Inserting aluminum tube stiffeners in the trailing edge to prevent warping during covering is an option in the builders manual. Do most builders accomplish this as a necessary requirement? My super sport is a recent kit and I wonder if I need this. If so, can you recommend where to buy the indicated 3/8" tubing and specs? Thanks
    Bob
    S-7 Super Sport, Flying
    Phoenix,AZ

  2. #2
    Senior Member Dave S's Avatar
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    Default Re: Trailing edge aluminum stiffener

    Hi Bob,

    I don't know how many builders do or don't do the trailig edge stiffeners; however, it's easy, cheap and simple to increase the strength of the assembly by putting them in.

    The big deal is you can tighten the fabric to its full tension if you put them in; you can't if you don't without bending the trailing edge. Then there are those little hangar incidents where some earthling visits you, doesn't know anything about airplanes and there is a "oops!" because of someone bumping or grabbing something they should not. The stiffners are insurance.

    The 3/8" tubes are pretty standard aluminum aircraft tubing that can be procured from Kitfox, Aircraft Spruce; or a well stocked local aircraft parts place. You also need some hysol to bond them in.

    Sicnerely,

    Dave S
    KF7 Trigear
    912ULS Warp Drive
    St Paul, Minnesnowta
    Last edited by Dave S; 04-21-2013 at 05:55 AM.

  3. #3
    Senior Member AirFox's Avatar
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    Default Re: Trailing edge aluminum stiffener

    I installed the stiffeners and think it is a good decision. Found the specified tubing at a local tubing supply distributor.

    Scott

  4. #4
    Senior Member Geowitz's Avatar
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    Default Re: Trailing edge aluminum stiffener

    Luckily they had them in stock so I got mine from grainger. - http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/Tub...TA1?Pid=search

    Definitely worth doing.

  5. #5
    Meyertheflyer's Avatar
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    Default Re: Trailing edge aluminum stiffener

    Thank you, I will definitely put them in now. I also received some excellent advice at the Kitfox Fly in at Thunder ridge airpark, Arizona yesterday.
    Bob
    S-7 Super Sport, Flying
    Phoenix,AZ

  6. #6
    Senior Member dholly's Avatar
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    Default Re: Trailing edge aluminum stiffener

    Good discussion on this subject last year, link here >>> http://www.teamkitfox.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=3400
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  7. #7
    P Morel's Avatar
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    Default Re: Trailing edge aluminum stiffener

    Here's how i did mine.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Paul Morel
    912 Speedster

  8. #8
    Senior Member chefwarthog's Avatar
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    Default Re: Trailing edge aluminum stiffener

    Why not just beef-up the width by 1½'' , top and bottom of the trailling edge?
    Eric Therrien
    Nicolet, Qc. Ca.
    In preparation.

  9. #9
    Senior Member HighWing's Avatar
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    Default Re: Trailing edge aluminum stiffener

    I did mine exactly like Paul did, but used carbon fiber arrow blanks for the longer support tube.
    Lowell Fitt
    Goodyear, AZ


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