Top Flite TOPA0101 - Manual (Page 33)

❏
16. Trim the end of the flaps to the lines you drew
earlier. Glue the flap ends to the edges you previously
trimmed. Drill a 3/32" hole in each die-cut 1/16" flap
end where the punch mark indicates. Study the cross-
section on the wing plan to properly orient flap ends.
❏
17. Drill 1/8" holes into the wing TE about 3/16"
above the bottom of the bottom wing skins and on
the spanwise location already marked. These holes
should angle slightly toward the center of the wing
for maximum strength. (The holes are for Robart
Hinge Points).
❏
18. Drill 1/8" holes in the flaps in the same
manner. Trial fit the flaps as you go to find out if you
need to make any adjustments to your technique.
❏
19. Sand the LE of the flaps to the proper
shape. The inner and outer flaps are sanded to a
constant LE shape which is cut into the flap ends
and shown on the plan. The middle flap is a little
different. It is rounded extra in the middle. Study
the photos of the middle flap. All flaps will have
final adjustments made before covering.
❏
20. Drill 3/32" holes through the flap ends
straight into the inner and outer flaps. Notice the
oblong holes cut into both ends of both middle
flaps in the photo and on the plan. Carefully cut
them into your middle flaps now.
❏
21. Mark a line on the bottom of the wing in the
area of the flaps 3/16" forward of the TE. Study the
plan and photos to see the end result you are
seeking. Notice that the TE at the top surface of
the wing is not altered. Use a knife and a straight
edge to cut into the bottom of the wing. Use a
knife, Dremel drum sander, or other tools if you
prefer to carve the wing TE to the shape indicated.
❏
22. Test fit the flaps. They should fit well into
the wing TE and should pivot down freely through
50 degrees of travel. As discussed earlier, the
middle flaps require a larger radius at their center.
If any of the flap ends or hinge holes require
shimming, do so with hard balsa.
Tips for using
Robart Hinge Points
1. 1/8" holes are drilled to insert the shank of the
hinge. (Robart has a handy drill jig available to
help you drill accurate holes in surfaces where
the hinges are on the centerline.) Use a sharp
#11 knife to enlarge the hole slightly where the
hinge pivots.
2. Rough up the hinge with 80 grit sandpaper
and apply a very small amount of petroleum jelly
to the hinge joint before gluing.
3. Fill the hinge hole approximately 1/2 full of 15
to 30-minute epoxy and insert the hinge.
Hint: The hinges can be bent over at a sharp
angle while the glue is curing to help you align all
the hinge pivots with each other.
33