Composite Parts

1) How do I install my fairing over the strut cuff or gear leg fairing without cracking the part?

a. Apply heat to the part. Heat will allow the part to become more flexible and
allow you to slide it over the applicable aircraft part. Be careful applying heat to
not overheat the part. This will cause the primer to bubble.

2) While fitting my fairing I have a gap between the fairing and the aircraft. Is there a technique to form the fairing to remove the gap?

a. Yes, once again use heat. Press the fairing into position and apply several cycles
of hot followed by a cooling period. This will conform the part to your
application. Be careful applying heat to not overheat the part. This will cause
the primer to bubble.

3) What are the most common tools used to fit your composite parts?

a. Sanding block with 80grit sandpaper.

b. Die grinder with a carbide bit.

c. Hair Dryer or Heat Gun for applying heat.

4) What primer do you use and what finish top-coat paint do you recommend?

a. We use Sherwin Williams urethane primer.

b. We recommend using your preferred urethane top-coat.

5) I see my wingtips came with metal wingtip stiffeners. How do I use them?

a. Wing tip stiffeners were common on later model Cessna aircraft. They are

intended to slide over the edge of the wingtip with the larger surface on the
inside of the wingtip. They will assist in pulling the wingtip into position and
having a secure and tight final finish.

6) Do you recommend using anti-chafe on strut cuffs, gear leg fairings, and brake fairings? 

 a. Yes, we strongly recommend using anti-chafe tape and it is specifically called out in our installation instructions.

 

Sportsman STOL

  1. What is included in the kit? The kit includes inboard composite fairing, new leading edge skins, transition blocks, new landing light lens assembly (applicable models), aileron gap seals (except for 206/207), all rivets, composite wingtips, installation drawings, instructions, and STC paperwork.                                 
  2. What is the average installation time? For an individual who has not installed the kit before the installation takes 40-50hours without paint. Experienced installers on average take 30-40hours.                  
  3. Is the kit STC’d for my aircraft? Follow this link and check to see if your aircraft model is listed. Approved Aircraft Models
  4. How is the Sportsman different than other STOL kits? Other STOL kits utilize a leading edge “roll cuff”, and others incorporate drooping ailerons as well. These “roll cuffs” as we like to refer to them, increase the leading edge radius of the airfoil. The concept of a “roll cuff” is not new. There was an Italian by the name of Lombardi that used the leading edge roll back in the 1920’s and while it does aid in moderately improving stall speeds it does not have the performance gains as offered by the Sportsman. The Sportsman extends and droops the leading edge, without modifying the radius, therefore modifying the camber of the wing and adding over 4sq. feet of area to the wing. We sell many Sportsman kits to aircraft owners every year who remove their existing “roll cuff” and/or couple it to their drooped ailerons and they all report further performance increases of 10-15% and increases in aileron effectiveness. Look here to compare the Sportsman leading edge profile with others. Leading Edge Profiles The Sportsman not only increases aircraft performance but dramatically alters the stall behavior of the aircraft. The stall becomes a mush rather than the classic break in pitch of a non-modified aircraft. This allows controlability of the aircraft all the way through stall with reduced altitude loss over the non-modified aircraft. The increase in safety due to these characteristics is what keeps customers coming back. The Sportsman was developed using modern airfoil wind tunnel results from NASA’s Langley Research center. This technology profoundly improves performance, stall behavior, and safety of aircraft and is the only technology found in currently offered STOL features being used in the modern aircraft developed today, i.e. Quest Kodiak.
  5. Do you offer installation? Yes, our average installation is approximately 27 to 32 hours charged at our shop hourly rate.
  6. Upon installation what is the change in weight & balance? The kit adds 15 pounds at 22″.
  7. What degree of countersink do you use with the Avex rivet? The Avex rivets supplied with the kit utilize a 120º countersink. You can purchase these from Brown Aviation Tool Supply.