drain grommets

[N95334]

Re: drain grommets

Ref to drain grommets in the wing. Where is the lowest point in the wing? Not ahead of the T.E.
But at the rear of the T.E. Alum. So do you drill a hole in the Alum T.E. ?

[N96337]

Re: drain grommets

No, just ahead of the trailing edge. The water will form there.
John

[N95334]

Re: drain grommets

Let's hear from the guys and gals that recovered their Taylorcrafts and what they found in the T.E.

[3Dreaming]

Re: drain grommets

Most of the trailing edge material has an edge that is bent towards the center, which would keep most of the water out of the actual aluminum trailing edge piece. Some of the trailing edge material even comes together and is riveted closing it off. I agree that the grommets should go ahead of the trailing edge piece.

[N96337]

Re: drain grommets

Let's hear from the guys and gals that recovered their Taylorcrafts and what they found in the T.E.

Well, I HAVE recovered a few Tcrafts....and I've found that the trailing edge aluminum is bent up and the water tends to stay ahead of it, so put the grommets ahead of the trailing edge.
John

[Scott]

Re: drain grommets

HhThe lower trailing edge at the aileron bays actually have holes that can be opened for drain holes. I confide red this and concluded that the Chanel's are open enough in the rib locations so a drain at each inboard aft corner of the fabric is sufficient.

One thing to consider is keeping moisture out in the first place so I tried to keep all openings to a minimum.
The inboard trailing edge is stapled closed but not water title. It is open at each rib location so in theory moisture could end up in the trailing edge. If this is a concern, you could simply leave the inboard end open. While I did find corrosion on the ribs and leading edges, the trailing edges were fine. I'd also note that the corrosion was not at low points, suggesting to me that it was more about condensation than liquid water. So I kinda think we need to find the right balance between drainage, water resistance, and ventilation.

[PA1195]

Re: drain grommets

A goal of ventilation would be good. Having only rear and down holes might support condensation elsewhere. Think about creating a chimney effect and maybe there's a proper place for a forward or upper vent? With metal controls and spars we see corrosion so it happens despite drains and seaplane grommets. With wood it rots eventually, but maybe not as fast as from the factory new due to better materials and methods today. Aircraft breathe with changes in temp and airflow.

Gary

[Scott]

Re: drain grommets

Oh, another consideration, perhaps most important...
We want to keep the critters out including wasps and other nest builders

[PA1195]

Re: drain grommets

A small patch of synthetic window screen glued under the grommet may inhibit them. The seaplane grommets seem to do a better job of exclusion. I have hung No Pest Strips in the plane for the summer but they are probably unhealthy. Nothing like a big spider descending in front of you on takeoff to distract your attention.

Gary

[astjp2]

Re: drain grommets

All of the corrosion on my airplane was the tops of the ribs between the top of the rib and the fabric, every rib had corrosion all the way through the rib material, some were completely destroyed. Sea plane grommets also create suction when you are flying...but condensation inside the wing was a bigger water problem for my airplane. Tim