Well.... seems I missed alittle detail while constructing my Kadet LT-40 ARF....

Not sure exactly how it happened..I have several theories and they all involve epoxy fumes and a small workshop

Well... here it is.....

I installed the rudder onto the tail section... glued up nicely with CA thin control horn, and radio install...perfect movement...on the rudder.. all looks good until HOLY S%^#... HOW COULD I MISS THIS????

Seems the rudder is 3/16" too high...

meaning the tail section and rudder are not flush with each other... the rudder is 3/16" higher than the tail fin
(My description make sense??)

Well..... will this be a problem?? Will it be OK?
Will it fly??

or MUST the rudder be removed? and if so..how? the hinges are the SIG CA style hinges and they are already glued in....

Opinions??

Thanks in advance

A very Red in the face (from embarassment)
Curtis

I doubt it will make a difference in flight.

3/16th on an LT-40? Go fly and have fun! That's well within the tolerance of forgiveness on this great trainer.

Whew....exactly what I wanted to hear..... I couldn't imagine it would make a difference (except for looks) but thought I would ask...


on a side note.. how DO you remove CA hinges?? big pliers and a strong tug??



Thanks again!!

Removing CA hinges is a bit of a challenge... you'll probably have to cut them and then cut new slots for new hinges. As for that "design modification" resulting in slightly mismatched rudder and fin... my LT40 was rebuilt a couple of times after Controlled Flight Into Terrain incidents... by the time it was beyond repair it looked like a banana it was so crooked..it still flew... it flew a little "funny", but it still flew!

Now THAT is an interesting use of the english language......and I love it!!....

Seems the LT-40 is quite the workhorse for the new flyers.....

I am trying to be patient.....but I can't wait to fly her....

A CFIT incident is a nice way of saying that there was nothing wrong with the airplane until it hit the ground! (I have a friend from my days in the military who now works for an airline)

To replace Ca hinges, it was suggested earlier, cut them and do new slots and put in new hinges. The faux-paux is a minor one, shouldn't hurt anything. If it bothers you. Just peel some covering off the rudder at the tip. Glue on a piece of balsa the thickness you need as long as the top of the fin. Put a small piece of covering on it. Voila you have made an airodynamic counterbalance. It would look just fine.

Mark Shuman

We have an LT-40 at our field and there isn't a straight or square piece on this plane and it flies just fine

Cut through them, and after the offending surface has been removed, cut them flush. Make new slots beside the old ones, and install the new hinges.....very easy.

Thanks again for all the info!!

Hope to be flying soon!


Cheers