Who'm I gonna call?

[Dalmo]

Hi all,

 

The kit I have purchased comes standard with manual flaps, which are actuated via a large handle on the upper left side of the cockpit.

 

I would very much like to automate the flaps, but don't have the first idea of who could help me design (and possibly build) the system to achieve this. I know I will need motor/s, servos, sensors and most likely something that connects all these things to where the existing flap actuating handle enters the cockpit. But I don't know who I'm looking for to help me solve the puzzle. Would they be an Aviation Electrician? Engineer? or something else?

 

Can anyone help please .

[Marty_d]

Hi Dalmo,

 

What plane is your kit?  The Aircraft: in your avatar says Jabiru 230D - if that's what you're talking about then some of the folks who have Jabs could probably give you some info.  Your first port of call though would be the factory that produced the kit.

Many types have semi-official builder sites that have a lot of info - for example I often look at Zenith.aero because there's bound to be a user who's posted useful photos of whatever I'm working on.

Good luck with your search.

[Dalmo]

Hi Marty,

 

I rent a Jab 230 to fly at the moment, but the kit is a single seat Merlin PSA, from Aeromarine. When I bring it in and build it, it will be 1st of type in Australia.

 

The [fuselage] factory in the Czech Republic does not do this type of mod, so I'll keep looking around for photos, etc., maybe one of the builders in the US or Europe has gone down this path.

 

Cheers and thanks.

[facthunter]

We don't often think of a flap assymetry but should. It CAN happen and changing the system from manual will exaggerate the risk of being able to detect /manage it. You might also wish to dump the flaps quickly to get better braking.handle gusts. Manual flaps have some advantages. They'll still work if your battery is flat. They are lighter also .Motors and gearing are not light. Nev

[Dalmo]

Very true Nev, I certainly haven't thought through all of the pros and cons. I guess I'm just going on what I'm used to in the Jab.

Back to the brain whiteboard ...🤔

 

Cheers and thanks

[skippydiesel]

I'm with Nev on this - I had never experienced manual flaps, in GA, until I moved over to RAA - Now much preferer manual, for all the reasons that Nev gave.

[RossK]

Add me to the manual flap fan base.

Did all my training in a J160 with electric flaps, and now fly a plane with manual.

Much easier to use than the electric.

[Dalmo]

Thanks to you all. I have done a little more reading into the pros and cons, and can better understand where you are coming from. Time to reassess my build (before I even start) and save a few $$ on this part, I think.

 

Much appreciated.

[Dalmo]

Rather than adding electric actuators, etc., I've heard that one builder somehow attached small gears and sensors to the existing flap actuator tubes, and although the movement action is still manual, the flap position is displayed on his EFIS - now that sounds very interesting to me.🤓

[skippydiesel]

10 hours ago, Dalmo said:

Rather than adding electric actuators, etc., I've heard that one builder somehow attached small gears and sensors to the existing flap actuator tubes, and although the movement action is still manual, the flap position is displayed on his EFIS - now that sounds very interesting to me.🤓

Maaate! - if your intention is to make your system more sophisticated/complicated go for it - a manual flap gives the pilot immediate position "feedback". Way better/simpler and fail safe than any electronic position indicator could ever be.

[facthunter]

As said a direct linkage handle will do that as it will probably have detents for the various positions. Simple. Nev

[Dalmo]

Being in the IT business, my whole psychy is based around visual representation and consumption of data - usually on a screen of sorts. As they say, old habits ... Hopefully it won't be too complicated.

 

Nev, I wish I had your confidence about being 'simple' 😉. Thanks for he idea.