wings back on the plane - anything to watch out for?

[N74DV]

We just finished installing the wings back on our '46. Looks like tomorrow we'll have the A&P sign it off. But before I take that first flight since the removal of the wings is there anything I should look out for?

We left all the struts adjusted as they were... just bolted it back up with the same lengths. I suspect rigging should remain unchanged?

Also I set the carry through control cable to about 33lb. Does this sound about right. Control force feels like it did before.... not too tight. Also I rigged the ailerons to both be down about 3/8" on the ground. I assume in flight they will raise up to be flush with trailing edge of wing?

I'm a bit nervous to make that first flight.... but it's not that complicated of a plane. I don't see where I could have missed anything.

[Mark Julicher]

Re: wings back on the plane - anything to watch out for?

Congratulations DJ!
You are wise to be nervous - that is just self preservation instincts.
I like to lift off about 6 feet in the air and gently rock the wings and lightly pitch up and down and see if it feels OK. If it feels solid then just keep going and if something isn't right them pull the power and set it down.
Lord knows you have enough runway at Chandler to do that maneuver twice!

Go for it

[Robert Lees]

Re: wings back on the plane - anything to watch out for?

Good show!

It would be worth checking the struts are straight (even though your comment regarding the jury struts...the jury struts are there to adjust for things.)

I didn't understand your "33lbs comment on the cables. Where did you get that figure? Assuming you mean the aileron circuit cables, make sure they're not too tight (or loose).

It would be worth checking the aileron angles (as per the TCDS). I've suffered that twice now (on the same 'plane...would you believe it?).

Apart from that (and Mark's comments) go fly!

Photos of the flight please!, preferably in 3D HD from a very expensive ChopperCam.

[Guest]

Re: wings back on the plane - anything to watch out for?

We just finished installing the wings back on our '46. Looks like tomorrow we'll have the A&P sign it off. But before I take that first flight since the removal of the wings is there anything I should look out for?

We left all the struts adjusted as they were... just bolted it back up with the same lengths. I suspect rigging should remain unchanged?

Also I set the carry through control cable to about 33lb. Does this sound about right. Control force feels like it did before.... not too tight. Also I rigged the ailerons to both be down about 3/8" on the ground. I assume in flight they will raise up to be flush with trailing edge of wing?

I'm a bit nervous to make that first flight.... but it's not that complicated of a plane. I don't see where I could have missed anything.

I would make them level with trailing edge while on ground and with balance cable a bit loose so they fly up an 1/8" or 1/4" inflight.

You should get a faster cruise speed that way.

[Ragwing nut]

Re: wings back on the plane - anything to watch out for?

33 lbs sounds fine. I would raise the ailerons up some. Little lower than I would set them. The cables will probably loosen some after the first few hours so watch for loose control feel and recheck after you have some time back on it

[VictorBravo]

Re: wings back on the plane - anything to watch out for?

Do a "positive control check", where you sit in the airplane and have people apply resistance to the controls directly, and see that you have control even with air loads and people pushing against you. Have two people lift up on the wingtips simultaneously to flex the wings a little and see if you have any extra friction or binding. Have a couple of people try to hold the ailerons against the force form the cockpit. Have people lift up on both ailerons at the same time (flight loads) and be sure you have smooth control with no binding.

DO NOT rig the ailerons so they are hanging down with any lifting loads on them. At LOW speeds there is not a lot of lifting force, and that's when the effective "Wash-in" from drooped ailerons will cause a tip stall before the main sing stalls. Make sure the ailerons "fly" a little higher than the trailing edge, maybe 1/8" or so, on the first flights. Then you can start tensioning the cables to lower the ailerons, a little bit at a time, knowing you are approaching it form the safe side.

Check the wings for equal twist visually before you fly it. The wings should each have about a degree of washout, leading edge lower at the tip than at the root.

[N74DV]

Re: wings back on the plane - anything to watch out for?

thanks for the info fellas.

Today the A&P signed it off. After 7 months it's ready to go!

Tomorrow morning I plan to fly.

[Dan Michaels]

Re: wings back on the plane - anything to watch out for?

I have my wings back on also just waiting to be signed off for a first flight on Monday or Tuesday.

I had the ailerons set level but someone came by and said they need to be down. Good thing I did not safety them yet. I will go back and level them up and loosen up the rear tention.

Not only will it be a first flight but my first flight in a Taylorcraft.

Dan

[VictorBravo]

Re: wings back on the plane - anything to watch out for?

Also, I don;t think the cable tension should be excessively tight. I suspect that they should be almost taut, but you should NOT be able to "twang" them like a bass guitar string. IMHO the aileron circuit on a Taylorcraft should be noticeably looser (less tension) than what is used on an average Cessna. Over-tightening them just makes the controls difficult to move and wears out stuff that should not have to wear out like that.

Also, the universal joint & blocks that attach the control yoke to the chain sprocket behind the panel...make sure those little bolts and nuts are are adjusted so there's no extra play but also no excess tightness squeezing the metal U-joint forks tight on the blocks. Make DAMN sure those little nuts are all castle nuts with Cotter pins, no self-locking nuts there.

The T-craft is genuinely a "two finger" airplane when it is set up right.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: wings back on the plane - anything to watch out for?

A positive control check is a really good idea. If done right it can catch a LOT of rig problems, it can also damage the surface and control system if done wrong! If you want a really good check find a sailplane guy. We do positive control checks every time we put the wings on. If you have done it a bunch of times you would be amazed at what the feel can tell you.
I also like the idea of a slight lift on the tip while you sweep the controls, just don't over do it and damage the wing!
Hank