Wooden trim tab???

[3Dreaming]

Re: Wooden trim tab???

If his is covered it needs to be recoverd because he has exposed wood at the trailing and leading edge near the tip.

[ClipWing_T]

Re: Wooden trim tab???

DO NOT FLY THE PLANE WITH THAT SOLID TRIM TAB on it.

Someone had put one on the first piece-of-junk deathtrap BC12 that I bought. Flying in formation with a old time pilot friend he yelled to me quite loudly. "Get that thing on the ground, the tail is fluttering!!"

I had completely forgotten about that incident and have to add it back to my memory list of deadly things that were wrong with that airplane.

This is some sound advice those 'pop rivets' are not original at all and listen to the people here not your mechanic in this case.

t-Jets 100 mph on 65 horse

[cvavon]

Re: Wooden trim tab???

Took a good look at my tab and found out that it is hollow in side, and covered with fabric and it has solid rivets holding the hinges on to the tab.

[Szpmichael]

Re: Wooden trim tab???

hmmmm... thanks everybody for responding and sorry: i was out of town for the weekend on a banner tow job (not flying the t-craft of course)...

flyguy and clipwingT- thank you for the concern and do not worry: the taylorcraft is on the ground and will be until i've gotten to the very bottom of this.

cvavon- this is interesting you're the first person to tell me that yours has rivets which leads me to my next question for you guys:

i've ordered a replacement trim tab from wagaero that is uncovered wood and includes the proper holes... now my mechanic is trying to find attachment procedures once it is covered... can anybody send me in the right direction?

[Szpmichael]

Re: Wooden trim tab???

oh and also to rob-

are you telling me you've seen a solid wood trim tab on a t-cart before? I only ordered the new one because it was inexpensive and it seems like you and everybody on here is using the covered wood ones...

best,
Michael

[3Dreaming]

Re: Wooden trim tab???

hmmmm... thanks everybody for responding and sorry: i was out of town for the weekend on a banner tow job (not flying the t-craft of course)...

flyguy and clipwingT- thank you for the concern and do not worry: the taylorcraft is on the ground and will be until i've gotten to the very bottom of this.

cvavon- this is interesting you're the first person to tell me that yours has rivets which leads me to my next question for you guys:

i've ordered a replacement trim tab from wagaero that is uncovered wood and includes the proper holes... now my mechanic is trying to find attachment procedures once it is covered... can anybody send me in the right direction?

It installs with a long pin made from wire. It slides in from the root end. The "L" shaped end is secured to the end of the tab with safety wire.

[Szpmichael]

Re: Wooden trim tab???

Thanks 3Dreaming!

[Robert Lees]

Re: Wooden trim tab???

oh and also to rob-

are you telling me you've seen a solid wood trim tab on a t-cart before? I only ordered the new one because it was inexpensive and it seems like you and everybody on here is using the covered wood ones...

best,
Michael

Hi Michael,

No, I have never seen a solid wood trim tab (but of course the aluminium ones are). I have one of each..on two aeroplanes of course!

Just to answer the question about lightening holes, I took my trim tab off and tore off the fabric, just to show everyone the sort of thing that these wooden trim tabs look like.




Below are photos.


Just kidding! The photos below are from a 1950's Auster (ultimately developed from the Model A Taylorcraft) that I am recovering, but the same principle applies. Note the rivets, even through wood.

I'm not convinced that your trim tab is a safety issue, but if it's up to your IA to do the signing, then go with what he says.

Keep posting, and thanks for using your name...we don't bite!

[cvavon]

Re: Wooden trim tab???

The wire hinge pin on my tab has one end bent in a L about 1/2 in long, on the other end there is a hole drilled and a cotter pin that keeps it from backing out.I think over the years people made there own parts for this out of what worked.

[Szpmichael]

Re: Wooden trim tab???

Hi Michael,

No, I have never seen a solid wood trim tab (but of course the aluminium ones are). I have one of each..on two aeroplanes of course!

Just to answer the question about lightening holes, I took my trim tab off and tore off the fabric, just to show everyone the sort of thing that these wooden trim tabs look like.




Below are photos.


Just kidding! The photos below are from a 1950's Auster (ultimately developed from the Model A Taylorcraft) that I am recovering, but the same principle applies. Note the rivets, even through wood.

I'm not convinced that your trim tab is a safety issue, but if it's up to your IA to do the signing, then go with what he says.

Keep posting, and thanks for using your name...we don't bite!

Well thats interesting... wood tab with rivets!

[Szpmichael]

Re: Wooden trim tab???

Im not sure how im gonna go about preparing to attach this thing once it's covered. does anybody know about attaching hinges to this thing? This is the one I ordered. should be getting here today.

[Robert Lees]

Re: Wooden trim tab???

I assume they intend you to re-use the original hardware?

Rob

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Wooden trim tab???

Michael's tab picture is exactly what was on my 45, right down to the notches in the hinge cut out areas. When you get it, it will be pretty obvious how it goes together. If there is any confusion we can help.
Hank

[Szpmichael]

Re: Wooden trim tab???

Thanks guys! i'll let you know how it goes

-michael

[Ron Greene]

Re: Wooden trim tab???

L-2 Drawing showing attach fittings and rivets. I do not have the rivet drawings. On my original trim tab it has rivets but they look hollow so you may be confusing this with a pop rivet.