Dear Listers,
Backing into the garage today I noticed the elevator skin bowing at
the trailing edge in the review mirror because of the way the light
was hitting it. Basically what the deal is I think is that I bent
the trailing edge of the elevators more than necessary. So, when I
pulled the leading edge apart to fit it over the spar, I now have a
concave bowing effect between some of the bays. Van's goes to great
lengths in the manual to make sure that bend the elevator trailing
edges *enough*, but doesn't make mention of what is "too much". The
radius of the trailing edge is still within spec and there is no
cracking or stress marks. Its just bent too much and looks like of
stupid. Somehow, I did the rudder perfectly, but both elevators
suffer from the effect. I've included some pictures below.
What the common thought on this issue? Are the safety/flutter issues
with over-bending as I have done? What to do...?
Thanks!
Matt Dralle
RV-8 #82880
RV-8 Fuse/Wing QB Kit Delivery Next Week! (Ordered May 20 2008)
