---------------------------------------------------------- Europa-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Wed 02/28/07: 16 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 12:53 AM - Re. mono gear collapse (Jon Smith) 2. 01:09 AM - Rudder cables (David Joyce) 3. 01:47 AM - Re: Re. mono gear collapse (David Joyce) 4. 02:54 AM - Spinner Asembly (UVTReith@aol.com) 5. 03:10 AM - Flying to the UK. (Justin Carter) 6. 04:21 AM - Re: Sun N Fun (Steve Pitt) 7. 04:27 AM - Re: Sun N Fun (Garry) 8. 07:25 AM - Re: Sun N Fun (Jeff B) 9. 08:15 AM - Re: Re. mono gear collapse (William Mills) 10. 09:33 AM - Re: Re. mono gear collapse () 11. 11:11 AM - Re: she did what she was supposed to do (Kim Prout) 12. 01:11 PM - Re: Rudder cables (Carl Pattinson) 13. 01:41 PM - Re: Mono gear collapse (Graham Singleton) 14. 05:59 PM - 914 and SD20 (Fergus Kyle) 15. 10:15 PM - Re: Re. mono gear collapse (William Mills) 16. 10:59 PM - Re: Re. mono gear collapse (GLENN CROWDER) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 12:53:09 AM PST US From: "Jon Smith" Subject: Europa-List: Re. mono gear collapse Hi all, having been following this discussion here's my random thoughts! ASSUMING THE MECHANISM IS CONSTRUCTED AND ADJUSTED CORRECTLY then with the gear down and locked the over centre lock cannot possibly "unlock" itself (ie travel back undercentre) UNLESS SOMETHING BREAKS OR BENDS. An overcentre lock is exactly that - a lock. With the gear down the LG8 arms will be tight against the stops and will be held there in place by the retraction lever which will be tight against the FORWARD face of the DOWN gate. (That's important - any gap here and the lever could travel forward a small amount in the gate thus moving the LG8's back off the stops slightly and critically REMOVING the overcentre). With the LG8's correctly locked against the stops as above, then the overcentre lock cannot possibly "collapse" undercentre. It doesn't need much overcentre. Even a tiny amount will be enough to create a "safe" lock. As long as there is "some overcentre" present it will stay overcentre. However, studying the diagrams again I then started to worry - and the following is pure speculation! If due to a very unfortunate series of oscillations (bounces!) in conjunction with undulationg ground, could a freak occurance happen such that the rubber block compresses so much that the swinging arm would then be "fired" downwards again with such force that (as the shock absorber became extended again) the arm would continue down with such force that it pulled on the LG8 arms enough to actually pull them back a little off their stops? (Of course, something would have to bend or break - probably the retraction lever - for this LG8 movement to happen). It wouldn't need something to bend much, just enough for the LG8's to move back to a small undercentre geometry. The next ground contact would then finish the job. (One thing is sure, if there is any "undercenter" present for any reason then nothing will hold the plane up - the gear will collapse immediately). Sadly, any "evidence" of damage caused by the first event would be completely lost by the continuing damage caused during the subsequent gear collapse. Could this scenario happen? I don't know but I feel it is most unlikely. It needs someone with much more engineering knowledge (and knowledge of energy stored in rubber blocks!) than myself to speculate, but I feel that compared to the whole gear assembly the rubber block is tiny and the swinging arm will have a lot of inertia. (The wheel at the end is very heavy though.) Also the angles involved, even with correct overcentre geometry are very small. Any "pull" downwards from the shock absorber will be almost straight down and not much in the direction required to pull the LG8's off their stops! Ironically, too much overcentre could make this scenario worse?? - the angle will then be increased and any pull downwards by the shock absorber will have a greater pull on the LG8's in a rearward direction thus straining the retraction lever. (Zero overcentre and the pull would be straight downwards so no risk - but no safety margin either!). During development one presumes that Ivan, Andy or Nev will have swung and bounced up and down at great length to prove this can't happen! A while ago in the UK the PFA issued a document detailing mandatory undercarriage inspections at each annual which includes a check of the geometry amongst other things. Compliance with this should be good for peace of mind! If owners from outside the UK don't have this then it may be worth getting a copy as it's good reading. I love my monowheel and it's flying characteristics and think it's a great design! I will continue with the (completely unproven) thought that in the small number of uncommanded retraction occurances that have happened (with the greatest respect and sympathy to the owners) something must have been wrong somewhere. However I will be checking my geometry carefully and will be trying not to bounce too much!! Regards, Jon Smith G-TERN ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 01:09:51 AM PST US From: "David Joyce" Subject: Europa-List: Rudder cables Discussing the latest rudder cable directive with my inspector, he says that the problem would be entirely avoided if the cables are run the length of the aircraft through lightweight, low friction plastic tubing as seems to be the norm in glider construction. Any crud in the wheel arch simply gets on the tubing not the cable.He states with the authority of a long established glider repair expert and BGA & PFA inspector that there has never been a rudder cable failure in any glider or plane with such an arrangement. Regards, David Joyce, G-XSDJ (with rudder cables in plastic tubing!) ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 01:47:35 AM PST US From: "David Joyce" Subject: Re: Europa-List: Re. mono gear collapse Jon, I think you are on the right lines here. Although a lock is a lock it is clearly capable of being unlocked! If the plane takes off abruptly having gone over a significant bump the unloading of compression will encourage the swinging arm to continue downwards, putting tension on the overcentre elements thus tending to bring them back into a straight line and indeed travel on into an 'undercentre' unlocked position if the movement is violent enough, and if the gear lever set up is loose enough. From this point of view it might be argued that being further over centre in the downlocked position might increase the hazard as more momentum (of the overcentre locking elements) will be developed when the swinging arm unloads downwards, increasing the likelihood of forcing itself undercentre. If it starts significantly overcentre it effectively (like a good back row forward) takes a run at it and gets up a fine head of steam by the time it reaches the neutral centre position, and is inclined to carry on taking anything in its path with it! The fragility of the joint between the gear selector lever and the rest of the system was brought home to me when I found after flying through some fairly severe turbulence in rotor, that the gear lever stopped 1/4 inch short of the detent on putting the gear down. The inertial effects on the swinging arm and wheel had been enough to shift the alignment of the joint where the gear lever joins LG08S with three bolts. Others of course have reported similar things after trailing the plane with the gear locked in an up position. My conclusions are: (1) that the system is best set up being only just overcentre (2) that the Gear lever/ LG08S joint has to be as solid as possible, ie holes precisely to size and faces bonded, and the reinforcing mod added) (3) that the detents for the gear lever should allow no significant movement Regards, David Joyce, G-XSDJ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jon Smith" Sent: Wednesday, February 28, 2007 8:51 AM Subject: Europa-List: Re. mono gear collapse Hi all, having been following this discussion here's my random thoughts! ASSUMING THE MECHANISM IS CONSTRUCTED AND ADJUSTED CORRECTLY then with the gear down and locked the over centre lock cannot possibly "unlock" itself (ie travel back undercentre) UNLESS SOMETHING BREAKS OR BENDS. An overcentre lock is exactly that - a lock. With the gear down the LG8 arms will be tight against the stops and will be held there in place by the retraction lever which will be tight against the FORWARD face of the DOWN gate. (That's important - any gap here and the lever could travel forward a small amount in the gate thus moving the LG8's back off the stops slightly and critically REMOVING the overcentre). With the LG8's correctly locked against the stops as above, then the overcentre lock cannot possibly "collapse" undercentre. It doesn't need much overcentre. Even a tiny amount will be enough to create a "safe" lock. As long as there is "some overcentre" present it will stay overcentre. However, studying the diagrams again I then started to worry - and the following is pure speculation! If due to a very unfortunate series of oscillations (bounces!) in conjunction with undulationg ground, could a freak occurance happen such that the rubber block compresses so much that the swinging arm would then be "fired" downwards again with such force that (as the shock absorber became extended again) the arm would continue down with such force that it pulled on the LG8 arms enough to actually pull them back a little off their stops? (Of course, something would have to bend or break - probably the retraction lever - for this LG8 movement to happen). It wouldn't need something to bend much, just enough for the LG8's to move back to a small undercentre geometry. The next ground contact would then finish the job. (One thing is sure, if there is any "undercenter" present for any reason then nothing will hold the plane up - the gear will collapse immediately). Sadly, any "evidence" of damage caused by the first event would be completely lost by the continuing damage caused during the subsequent gear collapse. Could this scenario happen? I don't know but I feel it is most unlikely. It needs someone with much more engineering knowledge (and knowledge of energy stored in rubber blocks!) than myself to speculate, but I feel that compared to the whole gear assembly the rubber block is tiny and the swinging arm will have a lot of inertia. (The wheel at the end is very heavy though.) Also the angles involved, even with correct overcentre geometry are very small. Any "pull" downwards from the shock absorber will be almost straight down and not much in the direction required to pull the LG8's off their stops! Ironically, too much overcentre could make this scenario worse?? - the angle will then be increased and any pull downwards by the shock absorber will have a greater pull on the LG8's in a rearward direction thus straining the retraction lever. (Zero overcentre and the pull would be straight downwards so no risk - but no safety margin either!). During development one presumes that Ivan, Andy or Nev will have swung and bounced up and down at great length to prove this can't happen! A while ago in the UK the PFA issued a document detailing mandatory undercarriage inspections at each annual which includes a check of the geometry amongst other things. Compliance with this should be good for peace of mind! If owners from outside the UK don't have this then it may be worth getting a copy as it's good reading. I love my monowheel and it's flying characteristics and think it's a great design! I will continue with the (completely unproven) thought that in the small number of uncommanded retraction occurances that have happened (with the greatest respect and sympathy to the owners) something must have been wrong somewhere. However I will be checking my geometry carefully and will be trying not to bounce too much!! Regards, Jon Smith G-TERN ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 02:54:29 AM PST US From: UVTReith@aol.com Subject: Europa-List: Spinner Asembly Hi friends, for the first runs with my monowheel I have bought an used ground adjustabl e Warp Drive prop - you never know. The spinner, as a part of that deal was fitted only with the forward spinne r bulkhead. The aft spinner bulkhead was not a part of the supply. According to the engine manual for the Rotax 914 on page 8-5 the propeller and spinner assembly is shown with two spinner bulkheads. Do I need it? "My" spinner was fixed with 9 screws to the forward bulkhead and was in use approx. 150 hours without problems. The pre-owner changed to adjustable pro p. Thanks for some info to this. Bruno Reith / UVT Reith XS-mono, smart-Brabus, ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 03:10:22 AM PST US From: "Justin Carter" Subject: Europa-List: Flying to the UK. Dear all, The list doesnt often hear from me but I felt compelled to write to the CAA regarding their changes in rules regarding flight to the UK in foreign permit aircraft. This is what I penned. Havent sent it yet- thought I'd get the list views first. It particulalry annoys me because I'm enjoying european 'no permission' overflight rights for a UK permit aircraft as I bum around europe in my UK registered europa (G-CDEX) whilst living and working in Germany for a year. anyway, here it is. Apologies - bit hurried and 'off the cuff'. Justin Carter Dear Sir / Madame, I would like to complain about the changes to the rules regarding the 'Flight in UK Air Space of Foreign Registered Home-Built Aircraft.' There is a Europe wide community of 'permit to fly' type llight aircraft. These aircraft have hitherto been able to cross national airspace boundaries without prior permission (other than being required to submit a flight plan like the rest of the aviation community). This facility has contributed to the growth of the permit aircraft scene across europe. It makes good sense - for example -the Belgians wouldnt dream of imposing pre flight permission on French 'permit' aircraft. The aircraft of these countries cross national boundaries on a daily basis. The permit aircraft scene is burgeoning in other countries (like France and the Czech Republic) and this growth is contributed to by fewer (not more) restrictions on movement. My problems with the new rules are: 1) In an era of growing European harmonisation and movement we take a step backwards and begin imposing preflight permission requirements on foregin aircraft. 2) there aren't enough of these foreign visitors contributing to our aviation community and industry as it is ( mostly dissuaded by high airfield charges and poor weather), we should be encouraging this intergration not hindering it. 3) No doubt the CAA will clain the the new rules are not a hindrance to visiting aircraft. This is simply not the case. The rules are guaranteed to dissuade pilots from visiting UK airspace , going to UK events and airshows / fly-ins etc. The French pilot looking for a 'weekend away' will turn away from UK airspace and its red tape and head for Germany instead. 4) The UK CAA's unilateral withdrawl of 'free skies arrangements' will prompt other european states to do the same - effectivley shutting down easy movement of permit aircraft across europe. 5) This is another example of UK 'isolationism'. We commonly see this way of thinking exhibited by our CAA - the usual reasoning is a false impression that UK airworthiness and safety standards are superior to those of our neigbours and we need to be 'protected' from their aircraft. I think this way of thinking is not based on fact and is quite condescending. I understand that some changes were necessary to prevent aircraft with 'foreign' permits from residing permenantly in UK airspace. I think this intention could have been achieved in many other ways without resorting to a new system which will impose a significant hindrance to flight of foreign aircraft into the UK and may contribute to the breakdown of reciprocal open skies arrangements which would be a further burden on our flagging General aviation industry. I look forward to your response. Yours sincerely, This message has been scanned for viruses by BlackSpider MailControl - www.blackspider.com ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 04:21:47 AM PST US From: "Steve Pitt" Subject: Re: Europa-List: Sun N Fun Dear all I have not seen anything on the Forum re Europa and Sun'n'Fun but I have been authorised to bring to everyone's attention that Europa 2004 will be at the show (Stand N21)(see the Europa website) and it is to be run by Bud Yerly with UK support by John Wheeler. I will be there lending a hand and if anyone is looking for accomodation please contact me off list for details. John is staying with me so good company is assured. Look forward to seeing anyone form the Europa fraternity. Steve Pitt #403 G-SMDH steven.pitt2@ntlworld.com ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 04:27:43 AM PST US From: "Garry" Subject: Re: Europa-List: Sun N Fun I plan to bring my 914 trigear to Sun N'Fun and leave it parked in the homebuilt area for the entire week. Garry Stout ----- Original Message ----- From: Alan Burrows To: europa-list@matronics.com Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2007 10:30 PM Subject: RE: Europa-List: Sun N Fun Hi Steve Kate and I will be there hopefully with the aircraft, if we caqn get through the registration and inspection process in time. Nigel Harrison is coming over from New Zealand also. We were wondering if anyone wants to come up to Spruce Creek for a BBQ sometime during the Sun n Fun week? Alan ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Steve Crimm Sent: 28 February 2007 02:14 To: europa-list@matronics.com Subject: Europa-List: Sun N Fun I am planning on being at Sun N Fun on the 21st and 22nd arriving by car. With that said who is planning on going to Sun N Fun and when? Steve N42AH For Sale www.stephenscott.com/Europa -- Date: 26/02/2007 14:56 -- 26/02/2007 14:56 ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 07:25:49 AM PST US From: Jeff B Subject: Re: Europa-List: Sun N Fun Mary and I will also be attending in Baby Blue. Haven't decided where we'll be parking her, yet, as our little try-gear qualifies for "past winners" honors. In American, that translates to "parking with the big dawgs" :) Hope to see you all there... Jeff - Baby Blue Garry wrote: > I plan to bring my 914 trigear to Sun N'Fun and leave it parked in the > homebuilt area for the entire week. > > Garry Stout > > > ----- Original Message ----- > *From:* Alan Burrows > *To:* europa-list@matronics.com > *Sent:* Tuesday, February 27, 2007 10:30 PM > *Subject:* RE: Europa-List: Sun N Fun > > Hi Steve > > > > Kate and I will be there hopefully with the aircraft, if we caqn > get through the registration and inspection process in time. Nigel > Harrison is coming over from New Zealand also. We were wondering > if anyone wants to come up to Spruce Creek for a BBQ sometime > during the Sun n Fun week? > > > > Alan > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > *From:* owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com > > [mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] *On Behalf Of > *Steve Crimm > *Sent:* 28 February 2007 02:14 > *To:* europa-list@matronics.com > *Subject:* Europa-List: Sun N Fun > > > > I am planning on being at Sun N Fun on the 21st and 22nd arriving > by car. With that said who is planning on going to Sun N Fun and > when? > > > > Steve > > N42AH > > For Sale > > www.stephenscott.com/Europa > > > > * * > > * * > > ** > > ** > > ** > > ** > > ** > > ** > > * * > > -- Date: 26/02/2007 14:56 > > -- > 26/02/2007 14:56 > > * > > href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Europa-List">http://www.matronhref="http://forums.matronics.com">http://forums.matronics.com > > * > > * > > > * > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 08:15:23 AM PST US From: "William Mills" Subject: Re: Europa-List: Re. mono gear collapse To all flying monos, Has anyone decided to renew the U/C shock cord as a timed maintenance issue? Mine is 10 years old and 1,000 plus hours, flying off rought grass strips, but still seems to function well, albeit probably a little tired by now. (like me!) Someone has suggested that if the shock cord is not sufficiently tight, it may contribute towards a gear collapse. If that were the case, it would be nice to know what others think and what maintenance they have done, or intending to do, to the U/C mechanism over the years. All I have done so far, is to replace the two bronze bushes, when they appeared to be a bit sloppy at approx 600 hours, but I am not sure if that was absolutely necessary. Regards, William ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 09:33:11 AM PST US Subject: Re: Europa-List: Re. mono gear collapse From: Hello Jon I read your post, and: "the following is pure speculation!" I am not sure that will really happen. As far as my speculation, I believe that a rammed and jammed LG08 against its stop that is 1/16" to 1/8" overcentre can be brought undercentre! How??? Lets say you hit a ski jump on take off, the plane will get light, and lets say it is not ready to fly, then when it comes back down, one wing is slight low (matters not which one), then a outrigger latch decides to be defeated at that very moment. Can the rearward force on the outrigger, be applied to the flap, which will be applied to the cross tube, then the connecting rod and ultimate to the starboard LG08 forcing it undercentre??? My wings are not rigged yet, can someone next time when doing a gear swing test, defeat a outrigger latch and push aft on gear leg and have a look at starboard LG08 to see if it can be lifted off its stop? Thx. Ron Parigoris ________________________________ Message 11 ____________________________________ Time: 11:11:18 AM PST US From: Kim Prout Subject: Re: Europa-List: she did what she was supposed to do Hi Roger! Wow, what a ride.... There were a thousand things that could have gone really wrong, but only one way this was going to work out OK for me and Thomas. Looking at the initial impact point at the end of the runway and where the aircraft hit a second time below that level in a gravel clearing is certainly sobering. Anyway, I feel blessed, with a small scratch, a small bruise and a bit of a sore neck (probably from taking a bad tumble playing raquetball earlier that morning anyway). Getting out of the airplane was simple. The firewall forward broke open and tilted downward leaving a large (enough) opening that I could just stand up and walk out through. No need to open the canopy! This hasn't disheartened me in any way from continuing flying my Europa. Thanks to everyone for their concern and condolences. I will be at Sun and Fun this year (flying out commercial) to help my friend at IK Technologies and to visit my Uncle and my niece and her family in Bradenton. Then June 5 through June 21, I will travel to Sweden (Gotland) to visit Gert and Inger Martinsson at the old military airbase there that they bought a few years ago. We're thinking about how to set up a small Europa fly-in there. Anyway, I hope you and your family are doing well! Mom and Dad always ask about you and enjoy remembering the times we had together here. Cheers and ....happy skies! kp ________________________________ Message 12 ____________________________________ Time: 01:11:06 PM PST US From: "Carl Pattinson" Subject: Re: Europa-List: Rudder cables We have ours sleeved in this way from the firewall to just past the fuel pump bulkhead (before the pulleys). We were concerned that the crud from the wheels would cause problems sooner or later and appears the concerns were justified. But we have yet to check our cables - will report back when we have done so. Carl Pattinson Europa mono G-LABS ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Joyce" Sent: Wednesday, February 28, 2007 9:09 AM Subject: Europa-List: Rudder cables > > > Discussing the latest rudder cable directive with my inspector, he says > that > the problem would be entirely avoided if the cables are run the length of > the aircraft through lightweight, low friction plastic tubing as seems to > be > the norm in glider construction. Any crud in the wheel arch simply gets on > the tubing not the cable.He states with the authority of a long > established > glider repair expert and BGA & PFA inspector that there has never been a > rudder cable failure in any glider or plane with such an arrangement. > Regards, David Joyce, G-XSDJ (with rudder cables in plastic tubing!) > > > ________________________________ Message 13 ____________________________________ Time: 01:41:39 PM PST US From: Graham Singleton Subject: Re: Europa-List: Mono gear collapse Jos the pressure on the flaps doen't cause any tendency to retract, it acts straight up the support brackets and through the pivot bolts. In flight you should be able to put the flaps anywhere from nearly down to nearly up and they will stay put. The only force on the lever is from the shock chord or your hand. Graham josok wrote: > > Hi All, > It's a bit of a teaser, this thread about collapsing gear. Let me try my view on this. The gear is per desgn over-center. It's ever so little, and i did not really believe it. I moved the crates which supported the fuselage in the workshop a bit aside, so that they were only balancing the act, and it was impossible to raise the wheel. Support back in place and up she went. So i was happy until this thread. Im my case there is no play on the lever in the down position so far. So it can't get out of over center eh? The i remembered the demonstation fligts, the gear comes up easy, almost jumps up, until halfway, when pressure has to be applied. So it's the pressure on the flaps that will, on a bumpy take off or landing, pull happely out-of-over-center. That is, if there is any play in the system, more then the over center distance. Right? > > Kind Regards, > > Jos Okhuijsen Graham Singleton Tel: +441629820187 Mob: +447739582005 ________________________________ Message 14 ____________________________________ Time: 05:59:52 PM PST US From: "Fergus Kyle" Subject: Europa-List: 914 and SD20 Cheers, I forget who asked after my remark regarding the gearing 'twixt the 914 and the SD20S drive spline. I have now Ron's explanation, kindly sent, for my poor description. ` With I hope his tacit permission I can explain what I meant...... Send me a note and will reply with the explanation........ Cheers, Ferg Kyle Europa A064 914 Classic ________________________________ Message 15 ____________________________________ Time: 10:15:15 PM PST US From: "William Mills" Subject: Re: Europa-List: Re. mono gear collapse Ron, I know of at least two monos that have ground away the front of the outrigger spat right through to the front face of the wheel fork tube and removed the head of the retaining bolt. This happens during a ground loop owing to strong crosswinds on a hard runway. The leg is bent horizontal when this happens, but it does not cause it to collapse. The U/C will also withstand an A/C drop after hitting a bump on landing below flying speed, sufficient to break the prop, but the U/C does not collapse. Hope this give mono builders confidence, that if the over-centre is correct, the system should not collapse owing to heavy treatment. Regards, William ----- Original Message ----- From: Sent: Wednesday, February 28, 2007 5:31 PM Subject: Re: Europa-List: Re. mono gear collapse > > Hello Jon > > I read your post, and: > "the following is pure speculation!" I am not sure that will really > happen. > > As far as my speculation, I believe that a rammed and jammed LG08 against > its stop that is 1/16" to 1/8" overcentre can be brought undercentre! > > How??? > > Lets say you hit a ski jump on take off, the plane will get light, and > lets say it is not ready to fly, then when it comes back down, one wing is > slight low (matters not which one), then a outrigger latch decides to be > defeated at that very moment. Can the rearward force on the outrigger, be > applied to the flap, which will be applied to the cross tube, then the > connecting rod and ultimate to the starboard LG08 forcing it > undercentre??? > > My wings are not rigged yet, can someone next time when doing a gear swing > test, defeat a outrigger latch and push aft on gear leg and have a look at > starboard LG08 to see if it can be lifted off its stop? > > > Thx. > Ron Parigoris > > > ________________________________ Message 16 ____________________________________ Time: 10:59:02 PM PST US From: "GLENN CROWDER" Subject: Re: Europa-List: Re. mono gear collapse I sure bounced the hell out of some early landings with my mono till I figured it out (just get the tail down first - duh!) to the point I thought I was going to prop strike but no u/c collapse. I have the mod to stiffen the u/c lever but still have not installed it. The lever is still very tight with no play after 400 hrs. My flaps can be left in any position in slow flight and they will not move up or down. I only fly off of pavement tho. I plan to tighten the u/c bungee this spring as raising the gear that last inch into the detent can be difficult. Glenn >From: "William Mills" >To: >Subject: Re: Europa-List: Re. mono gear collapse >Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 06:13:45 -0000 > > > >Ron, >I know of at least two monos that have ground away the front of the >outrigger spat right through to the front face of the wheel fork tube and >removed the head of the retaining bolt. This happens during a ground loop >owing to strong crosswinds on a hard runway. The leg is bent horizontal >when this happens, but it does not cause it to collapse. The U/C will also >withstand an A/C drop after hitting a bump on landing below flying speed, >sufficient to break the prop, but the U/C does not collapse. Hope this >give mono builders confidence, that if the over-centre is correct, the >system should not collapse owing to heavy treatment. >Regards, >William > > >----- Original Message ----- From: >To: ; "Jon Smith" >Sent: Wednesday, February 28, 2007 5:31 PM >Subject: Re: Europa-List: Re. mono gear collapse > > >> >>Hello Jon >> >>I read your post, and: >>"the following is pure speculation!" I am not sure that will really >>happen. >> >>As far as my speculation, I believe that a rammed and jammed LG08 against >>its stop that is 1/16" to 1/8" overcentre can be brought undercentre! >> >>How??? >> >>Lets say you hit a ski jump on take off, the plane will get light, and >>lets say it is not ready to fly, then when it comes back down, one wing is >>slight low (matters not which one), then a outrigger latch decides to be >>defeated at that very moment. Can the rearward force on the outrigger, be >>applied to the flap, which will be applied to the cross tube, then the >>connecting rod and ultimate to the starboard LG08 forcing it >>undercentre??? >> >>My wings are not rigged yet, can someone next time when doing a gear swing >>test, defeat a outrigger latch and push aft on gear leg and have a look at >>starboard LG08 to see if it can be lifted off its stop? >> >> >>Thx. >>Ron Parigoris >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > > _________________________________________________________________ Find what you need at prices youll love. 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