Yesterday I looked at a Champ that the wings had been rib stitched. Apparently it was done at a A & P school (now closed) several years ago and has a 337 on it. They put some kind of anti-chaff material around the sharp edges according to the owner. Probably OK but I can't see any real advantage over PK screws other than the rib holes might have been so oversize that this was the only way to attach the fabric.
Mike
Rib Stitching Again
Just my opinion, but I will not fly in a rib stitched Aeronca that was designed to use PK screws.
You and I both know how one FSDO will approve a 337 for someone they know and trust, while another FSDO office would not touch it for anything. Especially as the A&P school has gone out of business I would not touch this one for anything, but then thats me.
This is the second Champ that I have heard of being rib stitched. Saw one out here in Arizona at the Casa Grande air show last year.
Joe A
You and I both know how one FSDO will approve a 337 for someone they know and trust, while another FSDO office would not touch it for anything. Especially as the A&P school has gone out of business I would not touch this one for anything, but then thats me.
This is the second Champ that I have heard of being rib stitched. Saw one out here in Arizona at the Casa Grande air show last year.
Joe A
-
Paul Agaliotis
- Posts: 2589
- Joined: Wed Dec 08, 2004 18:49
- Location: San Martin, California
- Contact:
Mike,
I don't see a problem with the installation. But if the stitches start to be cut by the rib flanges I don't know of an easy way to repair it.
Personally I would rather stitch a wing than install all of those screws and deal with the oversize holes and cracking issues. The surface tapes also look a lot better.
Paul
I don't see a problem with the installation. But if the stitches start to be cut by the rib flanges I don't know of an easy way to repair it.
Personally I would rather stitch a wing than install all of those screws and deal with the oversize holes and cracking issues. The surface tapes also look a lot better.
Paul
Mailing Adress : Paul Agaliotis 2060 E. San Martin, San Martin,Calif. 95046
-
twosevenleft
- Posts: 34
- Joined: Sun Mar 01, 2009 13:29
- Location: Sequim WA
- Contact:
rib stitching
Gentlemen
My champ was rebuilt in 1981, long before I came to be it's keeper, the wings were rib stitched complete with anti-chafe tape and 337. 27 years and 725 hours later it is still in great shape. The proof of the pudding is in the eating.
Joe (twosevenleft)
My champ was rebuilt in 1981, long before I came to be it's keeper, the wings were rib stitched complete with anti-chafe tape and 337. 27 years and 725 hours later it is still in great shape. The proof of the pudding is in the eating.
Joe (twosevenleft)
-
mike newall
- Posts: 247
- Joined: Thu Nov 18, 2004 06:32
- Location: UK
- Contact:
My first Champ was rebuilt by a very respected chap in the UK and the wings were stitched.
The second one had PK screws and suffered from cracks all over.
Having seen the ribs, I can understand peoples concerns regarding stitching, however if the anti chafe is done correctly, there should be no differences to other types with similar ribs.
If I ever get this RV finished, I still fancy doing a Champ resto and would certainly stitch.
The second one had PK screws and suffered from cracks all over.
Having seen the ribs, I can understand peoples concerns regarding stitching, however if the anti chafe is done correctly, there should be no differences to other types with similar ribs.
If I ever get this RV finished, I still fancy doing a Champ resto and would certainly stitch.
I don't have a feeling one way or the other. Like Fox News "We report, you decided". As long as it works and get approved, it's fine with me. PK screws are brutal on the thin ribs too. No question about it. I'm using (approved) pop rivets in my L16 but I installed the heavier .030 ribs when I rebuilt the wings, along with new spars, etc.
Mike
Mike