I am about to flight test my new Impact. Testing a new plane is usually something to look forward to but with all the failure reports I am not so sure about this one. I've installed a depron board all the length of the fuse and also a former in the rear. The rudder is scratch built from balsa (50 g) and hinged the traditional way. The pull-pull cables are attached higher on the rudder to reduce torsional load on the rudder itself.

After all these mods I am still a bit worried and as a final measure I have added several strips of glass-reinforced tape on the OUTSIDE of the fuse. This tape is very strong, sticks well to the surface and will act as a rip-stopper in case the fuse shell should develop cracks.

The tape is not very visible against the white surface. However, it is a shame to make a brand new plane look repaired before its flown. ...