---------------------------------------------------------- Allegro-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Mon 07/14/08: 10 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 12:19 AM - Re: Vortex generators update (aerosiam) 2. 12:23 AM - Re: Brake problem (aerosiam) 3. 04:45 PM - Re: Vortex generators update (Roger Lee) 4. 05:53 PM - Re: Vortex generators update (aerosiam) 5. 06:19 PM - Stiff ailerons (aerosiam) 6. 06:32 PM - Lubricating flap motor screw shaft (aerosiam) 7. 06:43 PM - Re: Re: Vortex generators update (Hugh) 8. 07:07 PM - FW: Re: Vortex generators update (Hugh) 9. 07:15 PM - Re: Stiff ailerons (Hugh) 10. 07:35 PM - Re: Lubricating flap motor screw shaft (Hugh) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 12:19:46 AM PST US Subject: Allegro-List: Re: Vortex generators update From: "aerosiam" The VGs were tested on an ultralight/experimental aircraft in Thailand which has considerable flexibility in its regulations. When I visited fantasy air to buy my aircraft, I suggested I would do a VG test. Their view (and the designer) was that VGs would not make that much difference. I emailed them the report (which I posted on this site) but they did not respond. I have no idea what would be needed to getting the factory involved but having flown for several months now with the VGs, I am very happy to have them on the plane. The landing characteristics and general handling are nicer all round. Paul Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=192606#192606 ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 12:23:27 AM PST US Subject: Allegro-List: Re: Brake problem From: "aerosiam" Thanks for the feedback. I suspect a new seal would improve the brakes and they did really work well when new. Regards Paul Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=192607#192607 ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 04:45:18 PM PST US Subject: Allegro-List: Re: Vortex generators update From: "Roger Lee" Hi Paul, I have done a few mods to my Flight Design CT. I did get factory approval and it has to be in writing. If you do not have that then that puts you out of SLSA compliance and out of insurance. You can bet the insurance company will blame the VG's if you have a accident. I have a form letter that is good for any factory mod and it has to have certain wording for the FAA to be happy. It is short and sweet, but needs to be sent to the factory. You need to take 3 pictures of the mod and send it in with the letter. Most Mfg's already know of this letter of approval. You need to dog the factory and get this approved for your own benefit. Remember an SLSA is no different than a GA aircraft when it comes to mods. The FAA says if something is in the manual it is a minor repair, if it is not in the manual then it is considered a major repair and needs the factory approval and a rated mechanic for the mod. -------- Roger Lee Tucson, Az. Light Sport Repairman - Maintenance Rated Rotax Service Center 520-574-1080 Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=192740#192740 ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 05:53:46 PM PST US Subject: Allegro-List: Re: Vortex generators update From: "aerosiam" Hi Roger Interesting. I imagined getting a mod approved would be a difficult process. In the case of the VGs, I would think Fantasy Air would want their test pilot to do test flights. The factory does not have the best reputation for responding to customers and I doubt they would make the effort to test the VGs. If Hugh or anyone else is seriously interested, maybe we could get the factory interested. When I was in Czech in 2005, I offered to pick up the tab for fuel if they paid their test pilot for a series of test flights. Regards Paul Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=192750#192750 ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 06:19:47 PM PST US Subject: Allegro-List: Stiff ailerons From: "aerosiam" Our aircraft came with stiff ailerons. We traced the problem to a shaft misaligned in a nylon bushing (the red shaft that attaches to the bellcrank in the top of the cabin.) We drilled out the bearing slightly and on the ground, the ailerons now feel loose and normal. However in the air, they have a 'break-out' force. If the pilot applies a positive movement of a few inches to roll, it is ok. But if he tries to make small normal corrections in flight of half an inch, there is considerable resistance. I will try a spring gauge next time I fly, but I'm guessing that it takes a 4 pound force before the stick will move off center. It is tiring and irritating to fly. Does anyone have the same problem or have an idea what might be causing it? One possibility is that the fuselage cage bends slightly in flight and still pinches the shaft which was originally misaligned. Maybe we need to ream out the nylon bushing more but without comparing to another aircraft, it is difficult to assess. Regards Paul Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=192754#192754 ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 06:32:05 PM PST US Subject: Allegro-List: Lubricating flap motor screw shaft From: "aerosiam" The flap motor operates a vertical screw shaft which rotates in a nylon bushing riveted to the flap actuating arm. It is accessible after removing the white cover behind the pilot's seat. The screw shaft should be lubricated with lithium grease, I believe. If a 3 in 1 type oil is applied to the metal screw shaft, it causes the nylon bushing to expand. Over time, flap movement slows and the flap breaker starts popping due to the excess load. The cure is to tap out the nylon bushing until the screw shaft moves freely inside it. Regards Paul Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=192757#192757 ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 06:43:31 PM PST US From: "Hugh" Subject: RE: Allegro-List: Re: Vortex generators update Roger/Paul: My Allegro 2000 is an E-LSA so I don't have your paperwork and approval problem. However, based on how my Allegro is performing I have not yet decided that I need the V -----Original Message----- From: owner-allegro-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-allegro-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of aerosiam Sent: Monday, July 14, 2008 8:52 PM Subject: Allegro-List: Re: Vortex generators update Hi Roger Interesting. I imagined getting a mod approved would be a difficult process. In the case of the VGs, I would think Fantasy Air would want their test pilot to do test flights. The factory does not have the best reputation for responding to customers and I doubt they would make the effort to test the VGs. If Hugh or anyone else is seriously interested, maybe we could get the factory interested. When I was in Czech in 2005, I offered to pick up the tab for fuel if they paid their test pilot for a series of test flights. Regards Paul Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=192750#192750 ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 07:07:06 PM PST US From: "Hugh" Subject: FW: Allegro-List: Re: Vortex generators update -----Original Message----- From: Hugh [mailto:hgmckay@bellsouth.net] Sent: Monday, July 14, 2008 9:58 PM Subject: FW: Allegro-List: Re: Vortex generators update Roger/Paul: Sorry, I hit a send button by mistake before finishing my message. Here is the finished one. My Allegro 2000 is an E-LSA so I don't have your paperwork and approval problem. However, based on how my Allegro is performing I have not yet decided that I need the VGs. I do know that they improve performance at the lower speeds, but how much? The Allegro is such a slick plane and it glides so well, I'm not sure I would put the VGs on. The choice would seem to me to be a personal one rather than a "major change in performance". I may be wrong, and am open to the opinion of others. In my opinion, based on my experience over the past 3 years with Fantasy Air Czech Republic), as well as the US Distributor, you will have a very difficult time getting them to do the testing and paperwork to satisfy the FAA. In fact I personally would not waste my time! I would rather spend it flying and enjoying life. Regards, Hugh McKay Allegro 2000 Rotax 912UL N661WW -----Original Message----- From: Hugh [mailto:hgmckay@bellsouth.net] Sent: Monday, July 14, 2008 9:42 PM Subject: RE: Allegro-List: Re: Vortex generators update Roger/Paul: My Allegro 2000 is an E-LSA so I don't have your paperwork and approval problem. However, based on how my Allegro is performing I have not yet decided that I need the V -----Original Message----- From: owner-allegro-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-allegro-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of aerosiam Sent: Monday, July 14, 2008 8:52 PM Subject: Allegro-List: Re: Vortex generators update Hi Roger Interesting. I imagined getting a mod approved would be a difficult process. In the case of the VGs, I would think Fantasy Air would want their test pilot to do test flights. The factory does not have the best reputation for responding to customers and I doubt they would make the effort to test the VGs. If Hugh or anyone else is seriously interested, maybe we could get the factory interested. When I was in Czech in 2005, I offered to pick up the tab for fuel if they paid their test pilot for a series of test flights. Regards Paul Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=192750#192750 ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 07:15:08 PM PST US From: "Hugh" Subject: RE: Allegro-List: Stiff ailerons Paul: Since my Allegro is an E-LSA (I built it from the Q-Build Kit), I can tell you that I had to ream the nylon bushing to get the shaft that passes through it to turn smoothly. This was due to a "tight fit" rather than misalignment. However, in your case if the shaft is still misaligned, you may have to do more than just "drilling out the bushing". If you know the problem is a shaft misalignment, can you correct the misalignment itself? I would try to do that first before I did any more "drilling". I don't know how this affects your SLSA status. Hugh McKay Allegro 2000 Rotax 912 UL N661WW -----Original Message----- From: owner-allegro-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-allegro-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of aerosiam Sent: Monday, July 14, 2008 9:18 PM Subject: Allegro-List: Stiff ailerons Our aircraft came with stiff ailerons. We traced the problem to a shaft misaligned in a nylon bushing (the red shaft that attaches to the bellcrank in the top of the cabin.) We drilled out the bearing slightly and on the ground, the ailerons now feel loose and normal. However in the air, they have a 'break-out' force. If the pilot applies a positive movement of a few inches to roll, it is ok. But if he tries to make small normal corrections in flight of half an inch, there is considerable resistance. I will try a spring gauge next time I fly, but I'm guessing that it takes a 4 pound force before the stick will move off center. It is tiring and irritating to fly. Does anyone have the same problem or have an idea what might be causing it? One possibility is that the fuselage cage bends slightly in flight and still pinches the shaft which was originally misaligned. Maybe we need to ream out the nylon bushing more but without comparing to another aircraft, it is difficult to assess. Regards Paul Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=192754#192754 ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 07:35:44 PM PST US From: "Hugh" Subject: RE: Allegro-List: Lubricating flap motor screw shaft Paul: I was not aware that the screw part of the shaft screwed (operated) in a matching nylon female screw. I have been lubricating the steel screw with white lithium grease without a problem for two years. I certainly will not use oil on the screw after reading your post. If oil causes the nylon to expand over time, why would'nt the Lithium grease do the same thing? Hugh McKay Allegro 2000 Rotax 912 UL N661WW -----Original Message----- From: owner-allegro-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-allegro-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of aerosiam Sent: Monday, July 14, 2008 9:30 PM Subject: Allegro-List: Lubricating flap motor screw shaft The flap motor operates a vertical screw shaft which rotates in a nylon bushing riveted to the flap actuating arm. It is accessible after removing the white cover behind the pilot's seat. The screw shaft should be lubricated with lithium grease, I believe. If a 3 in 1 type oil is applied to the metal screw shaft, it causes the nylon bushing to expand. Over time, flap movement slows and the flap breaker starts popping due to the excess load. The cure is to tap out the nylon bushing until the screw shaft moves freely inside it. Regards Paul Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=192757#192757 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Matronics Email List Services ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Post A New Message allegro-list@matronics.com UN/SUBSCRIBE http://www.matronics.com/subscription List FAQ http://www.matronics.com/FAQ/Allegro-List.htm Web Forum Interface To Lists http://forums.matronics.com Matronics List Wiki http://wiki.matronics.com Full Archive Search Engine http://www.matronics.com/search 7-Day List Browse http://www.matronics.com/browse/allegro-list Browse Digests http://www.matronics.com/digest/allegro-list Browse Other Lists http://www.matronics.com/browse Live Online Chat! http://www.matronics.com/chat Archive Downloading http://www.matronics.com/archives Photo Share http://www.matronics.com/photoshare Other Email Lists http://www.matronics.com/emaillists Contributions http://www.matronics.com/contribution ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- These Email List Services are sponsored solely by Matronics and through the generous Contributions of its members.