Flap hinges drilled and hinge pins bent

November 15, 2011 – Once I got the wing-side flap hinges in place with Carlos’ help last week, I continued to drill the hinges.

Because I had inadvertently dimpled the flap braces (where the flaps attach to the wing) I had decided to countersink the hinges to clear the dimples, then install a strap to add strength. The straps would also help make up for less-than-ideal edge distance on the hing half.

Hree’s the countersinking in progress. You can also see how close the edge distance is from the holes to the edge of the hinge.

Once the hinges were countersunk, I clecoed them back in place and drilled the straps. I think this will work out fine, and will provide additional strength.

After the hinges were drilled, I started making the hinge pins. I chose to go with the option of having two pins per flap, each fed from the center of the flap. I temporarily placed the flap in place, and marked where the hinge cutout was so I knew where to bend the pins.

I bent a 90-degree angle in the pins, then went approximately .7″ from that 90-degree bend and bent a 45-degree angle in the correct direction. I made sure the pin was in the correct position and had pin to spare on either end. Here’s the first pin bent and in place:

…and the second:

I cut pieces of leftover hinge, which will be secured to the flap brace with a screw and nutplate. This will lock the pins in place.

Time: 3:55