Attaching Wing
 

I was wondering what is the preferred method of using the rubber bands to attach the main wing to an Avistar, and how many to use. Thanks.

T/A

RE: Attaching Wing
 

My usual setup is 5 front to back on each side, then a sixth one crossed front right to rear left and vice versa for a total of 12

RE: Attaching Wing
 

I use 12, 5 on either side and 2 more crossed over to keep the other ones from slipping off. They say 2 rubber bands for every pound of plane and the Avistar is spec'd @ 5-1/2 lbs. although mine weighs in @ 4 lbs 4.6 oz.. Don't try to keep using them too long without replacement. When they get weak you will experience wing lift when elevator is applied. Quite disturbing when not expecting it or if in a bad attitude. Rubber bands are cheap. Good luck, Joe

RE: Attaching Wing
 

Thankyou for the help.

T/A

RE: Attaching Wing
 

If while you're at it you want some building practice, you might try replacing the rubber bands with a screw down setup. It will assure the same alignment at all times and be more secure.

quint

RE: Attaching Wing
 

Quint, on the wing dowels, I notice just back from the leading edge, bottom side of wing, did you insert a piece of stock for the inner ends of the dowels? If not, what is that piece. I've been meaning to convert to dowels and screws, but did not look forward to pulling the covering and sheeting to accomodate solid blocking inside as the manufacturers do to support the dowels. Thanks, Joe

RE: Attaching Wing
 

Good eyes! Yes that's a piece of 1/4 ply I inserted to catch the rear end of the dowels. It was only because I didn't have enough scrap dowel to reach all the way back to the main spar. :eek: It is not needed if you make the dowels longer (into the main spar ply doubler used to join the wing halves).

It's not hard and done with some scrap pieces. Mount the wing and drill through the wing and the ply attachment piece you epoxied at the rear with a bit smaller than 1/4". Remove the wing and drill it out to let the 1/4x20 nylon hold down bolts slip through and then tap the mounting plate. Note that the mounting plate is from 1/4" ply and the center has been cut away to let the aileron linkage work. A little bit of fast CA at all the drilled out openings (and the threads too) will strengthen all. Just run the tap through again after the CA sets up to clean the threads.


quint