Aileron Pocket Skins

[mswain]

I made my pocket skins in 3 pieces which leaves a couple inches of wing skin on either side of the hinge without rivets at the aft edge. I looked over a friends Bearhawk the other day and noticed he did his pocket skin all one piece, and made cutouts to go around the hinges, so his skin has rivets the full length along the aft edge. Just wondering how others are doing it and if it matters either way?

[dedgemon]

I made mine for the Patrol in pieces the way you describe. I don't see any big issue with it. If you think its a bit limber you can add a doubler, but I don't expect to.

[mswain]

I made mine for the Patrol in pieces the way you describe. I don't see any big issue with it. If you think its a bit limber you can add a doubler, but I don't expect to.

I haven't put the rivets to it yet, but I suspect it will be fine and plenty stiff. Just wanted to make sure I didn't miss something.

[bestbearhawk1231]

I made mine in one piece, it was a PITA. I didn't think about making it 3 pieces until I was about halfway through riveting. I thought it over and decided to keep it one piece so the fabric would lay nicer. Now that I am thinking about it again, I am not sure if you would even know the difference once the fabric is on. Once the pockets were cut out, the skin was back to the spar so I really don't think you are going to loose much strength.