Flap clearance

[SimonNicholson]

I have installed the covered flaps for the fist time and may have a clearance issue between the lower skin and the lower flap.

The solutions as I see are to either pack the hinges out or cut crack the lower skin (there is room for this)

[Mark Goldberg]

Either solution will work Simon. I have seen this more on the ailerons than flaps in the past. Trimming the skin is certainly an option. If you want to put some spacers in to move the flap aft a little you have two options there. You can put .125 "washers" of aluminum (maybe 3/4" diameter) under the flap attach weldments. Between them and the rear spar. Or alternately you can put some aluminum strips under the flap hinges. Both of these have been done by others and will help. Figure out how much you need to clear the bottom skin and then decide which solution is easiest.

Since you already have the fabric on - a little under 1/8" of clearance is what you should look for. Mark

[SimonNicholson]

Thanks Mark. I’ll give the spacers a shot first.

[Pbruce]

How much clearance are we looking for BEFORE fabric?

[Mark Goldberg]

A little more than 1/8". After fabric 1/8" is good to have. Mark

[Pbruce]

Ok that’s good to know. I will double check that before covering.