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Thanks to all for the responses- there are certainly many things to learn about building Lancairs. Richard's photos were very helpful. I think Barry is correct about the clamping. Looking back at my pictures (taken in 2007), there was a lot of weight on the skins, clecos on the LE, clamps on the TE, but I can only see only one spring clamp and a cleco on the counterweight.
In my case I think the ambient temperature may have been a factor as well. August temperatures in Bend were in the nineties and with the amount of flox packed around the counterweights I wouldn't be surprised if some started to jell before the skins were fully in place. What confused me was how similar the angles were between the two elevators.
Maybe this will help anyone getting ready for Builder Assist.
Now where's my grinder... -Bill Wade
----- Original Message ----- From: "F. Barry Knotts" <bknotts@buckeye-express.com>
To: <lml@lancaironline.net>
Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2008 9:15 PM
Subject: [LML] Re: IV Elevator ends
Bill Wade wrote:
This picture shows the end of the LH elevator- --
Bill,
I've had difficulty interpreting your photograph, but your description is similar to a problem that I have with my horiz stab and elevator not matching at their relative distal extremities. (Lancair IV-P, started in 2002 at the Builders' Assist.) I had ascribed it to over clamping the main portion of the elevator when it was closed out at the Builders Assist. The result is a depression in the neck of the elevator (just inboard of the weight) and a ballooning of the area where the weight is located.
I think that the horizontal stabilizer is also distorted at the outboard end.
I talked this over with Lancair. (I don't remember who I talked with.) They said, in essence, "They're all like that. But it's really not aerodynamically important." I've seen a lot of IV's and I don't think any are like that when they are finished.
I had resolved to grind down high spots (around the counter weights), reinforce the weakened carbon fiber and micro the low spots (close to 1/4 inch.) in both the elevator and the horizontal stab to make them match and not have a "dip" in the middle. Looks to me like a really thick layer of micro (up to 1/4 inch) will be needed.
I haven't tackled that task yet, 'cause I was hoping someone would find (and teach me) a better way.
Barry Knotts
LIV-P, Conti TSIO-550, building.
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