Reinforcing "cove ears"

[mhorowit]

Attached is a picture of the two tabs at the end of an aileron cove. The near tab developed a tear, had a "stop hole" drilled, but the tear continued, now extending at least 1/3 the way across the tab.

Based on my previous exercise in reinforcing a part, it's not always evident how the forces are distributed and just how far the reinforcement should extend. In this case my first reaction is to simply overlay a piece of metal over the tab and continue along the edge of the main piece for about an inch. The piece would be as wide as the tab.

Any thoughts on how to reinforce this weakened tab? - MIkeH

[Len Petterson]

Re: Reinforcing "cove ears"

What about making a dubbler what extends into the rib and and makes a NEW end of the rib and rivit it on if made properly you may even be able to remove the old and broken part of the rib.
How mush you would have to overlapp I dont know but I bet you can find it in 43 -13. Len

[mhorowit]

Re: Reinforcing "cove ears"

What about making a dubbler what extends into the rib and and makes a NEW end of the rib and rivit it on if made properly you may even be able to remove the old and broken part of the rib.
How mush you would have to overlapp I dont know but I bet you can find it in 43 -13. Len

Len - good idea and that was my original thought; however, I have a habit of making things more difficult than they need to be so I was wondering if a simplier approach would do just as well. I'm trying to visualize the forces on that "ear". - Mike

[Pearson]

Re: Reinforcing "cove ears"

Looks like a prime candidate for an owner produced part. If you take the old part to an experienced sheet metal mechanic, he can probably whip a reproduction out for you in about 30 minutes.

[mhorowit]

Re: Reinforcing "cove ears"

Looks like a prime candidate for an owner produced part. If you take the old part to an experienced sheet metal mechanic, he can probably whip a reproduction out for you in about 30 minutes.

where''s the fun in that? I'm armed with a rivet gun and some aluminum sheet. Knowledge is the only thing I lack- Mike

[Pearson]

Re: Reinforcing "cove ears"

Mike,

Well just get after it then! Bend some metal, drill some holes, and gain a little knowledge each time. If you have time, and enjoy doing it, it is a great way to learn. Many years ago I did paint a body work on cars, but almost none of it transfers to working aluminum. I have learned a great deal just from reading AC 43.13. But I have also worked with a couple of master sheet metal A&Ps that made me realize I had wasted a lot of time. I guess it really boils down to what trips your trigger. One of these days I am going to investigate taking one of those EAA workshops where they teach you stuff like sheet metal work.

Congratulations on the new baby! Yours? Grandchild?

[Howard Wilson]

Re: Reinforcing "cove ears"

Looks like you know what you're doing in the pic Grandpa!

[mhorowit]

Re: Reinforcing "cove ears"

Mike,
Congratulations on the new baby! Yours? Grandchild?

Thank you.
Here's Grandmom with the other one! - MikeH