Series 5 Flaperon Hinges

[bumsteer]

For you Series 5 builders ( Series 4 might be similar I'm not sure). I spent a considerable amount of time fabricating the hinges to get the 14 degree angle called for in the manual. When fitting them to the wing, I can get them to the proper position but they have splayed out enough so that fastening them would be quite a job although it could be done. Anyone have a similar problem and come up with an easy cure? I say easy because I'm seriously considering getting the single hinge used on the 7's. Just trying to put the $250 it would cost to another use (like the aluminum header tank). Thanks in advance.

Rick

[jmodguy]

I'm building a 5 and the previous owner was decent enough to have bought the newer (series 7) hinges. If you need some of the older type let me know. i won't be using them.

[bumsteer]

Jeff

Thanks for the offer. It certainly seems that although many 5's are probably fitted with the older hinges, the design is less than ideal. I'll probably just bite the bullet and get the new design. Much less of a headache.

Rick

[PapuaPilot]

Just a heads up if you go ahead with the model 5 hinges. My hinges were manufactured and drilled to fit the wings by the first owner (I bought the plane second hand @ about 20% complete). The hinges lined up well prior to the fabric being installed. After the fabric was on they were challenging to realign with the previously drilled holes. Realize you will have the fabric, reinforcing tapes and several coats of UV and paint that add to the thickness. I had to push them on which caused them to spread, but I was able to install them.

If I had to do it over I would put something under the hinges like card stock (when drilling the holes) so that the thickness of the fabric is simulated.

[bumsteer]

Thanks Phil. That's the biggest problem I see. I'm using Oratex and have put 2 layers (cover+finish tape) to test fit. The hinges spread apart enough that even though they could be attached I can not only see the problem you mention developing but you also end up putting the single aluminum rivet holding the top and bottom halves together in a high tension situation. Not to mention depending on how much they spread apart, the attaching rivets themselves will be under higher than normal tension.

Rick

[jmodguy]

New hinges... good call!

[Dusty]

If you are unable to secure the early type I have a spare set on a wreck that I can spare.
I am in in NZ so freight will be a shocker !

[bumsteer]

Hi Diego

I put the new style on mine after having trouble with the old style splaying out trying to put them on. I have the full set but they have been riveted together at the 14 degree angle. If you want them let me know. These are for Series 5.


Rick

[dzuloaga]

Hi Rick thanks for your message. I am interested... Are you in the US? How much are you asking for them?

Diego

[SilverFox5]

Hi, I am also now at this point in my build on my KF5.
I have wings about 80% complete. Did not have the quick build wings.
I have already attached the aluminum doublers on the top and bottom cap strips so I cannot install the the new style hinge because they reguire a full one pc reinforcement bracket part# 12041.101 and 102. The KF5 only has an aluminum doubler strip epoxied to the top and bottom cap strip. I already can see and understand the problem getting the hinges to lay flat after wings have been covered. I have not covered the Wings yet and when I test fit them they are already slightly splayed open.
The instruction say to set the top flaperon attachment hole 1/4 inch back from the trailing edge. (See attached photo from the manual)
I am thinking I will make this dimension 3/16 or 1/4 inch which will make a much larger opening for the hinges. I have not yet drilled the rivet holes in the hinges so if I had to I could cheat them up a little on the hinges if required.
Anyone have a reason this should not work?
Let me know your thoughts on this please?
Thanks
Joe