Champ Aileron Bay Trailing Edge

MikeB · Post by **MikeB** » Tue May 20, 2008 16:56

Thanks Dennis,
I'm going to go with 1/4 plywood as Jim suggested and probably brace it somewhat like your photo.

BTW: I did finally get my Wag tank to fit (like we discussed) but I had to move the first rib outboard from the butt rib. Even at that, the bottom welded area of the tank fits a lot closer to the rib than I like but it's a balancing act between sitting fully on top of the rib and having clearance on the bottom.

I'm about ready to start on the second wing but I think I'll wait and order the ribs at Middletown as long as Mike's making the trip.

Mike Berg

Tugaske2 · Post by **Tugaske2** » Sun May 25, 2008 00:24

In addition why don't you guys use a stronger BUTT rib in place of the thinner MAIN rib for additional strength? That's what I do..sorry for being the devil's advocate..also that is what my friend does who has built minimum 60-70 Champs and Citabrias.. plus many more more wings..

Jody Wittmeyer · Post by **Jody Wittmeyer** » Sun May 25, 2008 21:52

Agreed. They are thicker, plus you get another 1/4 to 1/2 inch for the plywood to sit on. Put a right butt rib as the outboard left tank rib and a left butt rib for the outboard right tank rib.
Of coarse, if you have the wings all asembled, it would be a pain now.

David Johnson · Post by **David Johnson** » Mon May 26, 2008 08:04

Guys, we recently took apart a set of original 7CCM wings. They had the large rib at the outer end of the aileron. I am looking for prints or documentation to back this installation up if ever questioned. I think it's a great idea. That rib really catches h%$#. I have wings from a 76 Citabria, and they appear to have the lighter rib (but .032) in this place. Go figure. David J.

MikeB · Post by **MikeB** » Mon May 26, 2008 08:23

No question I would have done a few things different on the next set of wings and using a butt rib for tank support is one of them. I had a ---- of a time getting the fuel tanks to fit in the space provided. First of all because I nailed in the ribs 'assuming' the tank would just 'drop in' and there appeared to be enough space. Big mistake on my part. But is my first set of wings and comes under the heading of live and learn. No one to ask around my part of the country so I get all my ideas off the forum or an occasional call to Bill Pancake.

Mike Berg

Jody Wittmeyer · Post by **Jody Wittmeyer** » Mon May 26, 2008 22:38

Good places to get info. I have a tank for my champ wing when I do it. I learn by all this too.