Wing Tip Installation

The tips were installed with the wings positioned in the wing cradle storage fixture.

I used the aileron control system to neutrally position the aileron, which helped to position the wingtip. I used the aileron adjustment fixture to locate the ailerons in their neutral positions and held them in place with a tape.

I sanded and filed the flange on the fiberglass wingtip so it was an even depth and width all around.

Portions of the aft end of the wing tip had to be trimmed away to provide clearance from the aileron and Aileron Hinge Bracket. I left a gap between the aileron and the tip of approximately 1/4 inch.

I slipped the wing tip into place and pushed it forward so it was tight in the wing leading edge and aligned with the trailing edge of the aileron.

I then drilled the wing tip using a #40 drill, beginning at the leading edge and working to the back and alternating holes from the top to the bottom.

I swung the aileron out of the way and slipped the wing tip rib into place. I then marked the location of the rib trailing edge on the wing tip.

I removed the tip and laid out the rivet lines (top and bottom) 5/16″ from the edge. I then clecoed the wing tip back on the wing and slipped the wing tip rib back in place. The flange edge had to be flush with the wing tip edge.

I located the rib chordwise so it fit without distorting the tip.

I then drilled and clecoed the wing tip rib to the wing tip. I removed the wing tip and machine countersunk it and then riveted the wing rib in place.

The wing tip could be riveted or screwed to the wing. The choice usually depends on what kind of access is necessary to service lights, power supplies, etc.

I decided to use screws and plate nuts to attach the wingtips to the wing. The nut plates were riveted directly to the fiberglass and the wing skins were dimpled to receive the 6-32 screw heads. The fiberglass was machine countersunk to accept the dimples of the wing skins.

Time: 8 Hours.