Clipped Wing Project Updates

[Steve Morgan]

I am starting a thread of progress on my new clip wing and to get all your opinions on my progress and modification process/reasoning. It is a 1946 fuselage and a D&E modified metal wing. I am replacing many of the original cockpit features for lighter single seat ergonomics modeled after the Pitts type set up: throttle lever on left side, one door, steel tube centerline seat, Pitts stick and control column, one set of rudder pedals, toe brakes, etc.
The seat is now moved back 2.5" and leaned back more than a stock t-craft to help balance the heavier Lycoming 320 or 360 I am going to use, and to be more comfortable to fly acro in. (I am 6'2, 210 lbs without parachute) I am only tack welding everything into position till I am completely satisfied it will be comfortable and safe. Please let me know your opinions.

Here is my link: http://gallery.taylorcraft.org/main.php?g2_itemId=42304

[Vasey fan]

Re: Clipped Wing Project Updates

I've been thinking about moving the upper crosstube back a few inches like that (I'm 6'4"). How much clearance do you have for the aileron (vertical) push-pull tube now?

[Steve Morgan]

Re: Clipped Wing Project Updates

I haven't made my aileron tubes yet. I wasn't worried because if I need to angle them to get the correct alignment then I'll just put an idler in the middle of the pushrod's length to deflect it to the right position. But I don't think it should interfere.... hopefully

[Steve Morgan]

Re: Clipped Wing Project Updates

How much clearance do you have for the aileron (vertical) push-pull tube now?

I just checked my clearance, and I still have a couple inches from where the pushrod is supposed to run!

[N43714]

Re: Clipped Wing Project Updates

[Greetings, steve. I have a very modified cipwing and believe my seat is very much like yours. If you were at the convention, it was the red/white single seat. I have found, however, that if you wear a chute, it had better be a chair type or your back will not be supported at the bottom, leading to short, uncomfortable flights. Otherwise, keep at it. It is great to know of other clipwings. How long of a wing are you using? I thought mine was the shortest ( 11 ft. ) but have since seen another. Keep both doors, in case the one you need to get out of is blocked. Anyhow, good luck and let me know how it goes. rb QUOTE=Steve Morgan;42397]I am starting a thread of progress on my new clip wing and to get all your opinions on my progress and modification process/reasoning. It is a 1946 fuselage and a D&E modified metal wing. I am replacing many of the original cockpit features for lighter single seat ergonomics modeled after the Pitts type set up: throttle lever on left side, one door, steel tube centerline seat, Pitts stick and control column, one set of rudder pedals, toe brakes, etc.
The seat is now moved back 2.5" and leaned back more than a stock t-craft to help balance the heavier Lycoming 320 or 360 I am going to use, and to be more comfortable to fly acro in. (I am 6'2, 210 lbs without parachute) I am only tack welding everything into position till I am completely satisfied it will be comfortable and safe. Please let me know your opinions.

Here is my link: http://gallery.taylorcraft.org/main.php?g2_itemId=42304[/QUOTE]

[Vasey fan]

Re: Clipped Wing Project Updates

I just checked my clearance, and I still have a couple inches from where the pushrod is supposed to run!

Thanks Steve, good to know. My project has been on hiatus for awhile, hope to be moving it into new shop space this fall.

[Steve Morgan]

Re: Clipped Wing Project Updates

I have found, however, that if you wear a chute, it had better be a chair type or your back will not be supported at the bottom, leading to short, uncomfortable flights.

I was just at Oshkosh, where Strong parachutes showed me a removable lumbar pad for your lower back.... it slipped inside the parachute padding. I think I may copy their design or buy one of those chutes for the added comfort and support.

[Steve Morgan]

Re: Clipped Wing Project Updates

How long of a wing are you using? I thought mine was the shortest ( 11 ft. ) but have since seen another. Keep both doors, in case the one you need to get out of is blocked.

Because my wing is all aluminum with enlarged ailerons I am modifying the swick plans somewhat. I just added a photo of my wing drawing to my gallery (see first post). It should come out around 11.75ft or maybe up to 12ft per wing because I do not want a wing so short that the inboard section of aileron is in the propwash. It will have rib spacing at 10" and 14 ribs per wing. The leading edges of the kit are .020" with 90 degree bends at the backside of the main spar so they will be riveted to the spar face instead of the top of the cap. Basically the same idea as the plywood leading edge glued to a wood spar, except mine will be all metal with lots of extra nose ribs inside.

As for the door I am working on a quick detach lever in the cockpit that will unpin the hinges up front, allowing you to get rid of it as soon as you know you have trouble. I still understand the blocked right door scenario but I also plan on a top hinged window on the left side if you really need to get out some other way.