<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
         <<  Lancair Builders' Mail List  >>
         <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Posted for "David Hummer" <d.hummer@gte.net>:

My airplane is currently upside down with all control surfaces installed and lined up awaiting primer.  The flaps are the only surfaces that do not seem to be symmetrical.  The wings, fuselage, and tail are leveled and when measured line up perfectly.  When the ailerons and flaps are attached and set to a neutral position the ailerons look good, but one flap seems to have a twist that puts the outboard edge up approximately 1/4" and the inboard edge down 3/8".  I have heard from several builder's that the flaps can often be a problem and to fly the airplane in primer because some adjustment and fill will be required once the flying characteristics are known.  I hate to move forward with all surfaces looking good except the one flap.  I am contemplating building a simple jig to hold the flap in place while applying the required twist to the trailing edge and then heating it in a curing oven to 250 degrees.  If I can just get some of this twist out everything is ready
to prime and I can turn the plane over.  Has anyone had any experience with this type of problem?  If so, how did you come to a resolution?  Should I heat the part and attempt to get some of the twist out or should I buy a new flap and rebuild it?  I know that one paragraph does not provide much information, but any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Best regards,

David Hummer

LML website:   http://www.olsusa.com/mkaye/maillist.html
LML Builders' Bookstore:   http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair

Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.