Thursday 26 June 2014

Supercharged Tucano

The only real criticism of any serious testing from reviewers of the Tucano is the need for more power. Flying Legend has answered the call with it the incorporation of a supercharger for the 100 hp Rotax.

For the YouTube Dyno bed run click on the link opposite - Click Here 

A 130 hp will do the job..!

More Tucano information on Au web site - click here

Full report on the status is in the news section of the Australian web site - it's still under flying development by the company

Friday 20 June 2014

Bolting Guide

For full guidance on recommended practices purchase or download a copy of FAA AC43-13-1B/2A 
The "Rule of Thumb" for determining bolt length is that the bolt must be long enough to pass through the parts or material being fastened together so that:
  • The threaded part of the bolt is never in shear (no threads are allowed inside hole)
  • No more than three and no less than one thread must be showing when the nut is attached and tightened to the correct torque value
  • At least one flat washer must be used under the nut and no more than three are allowed
  • If you need more than three washers use a shorter bolt
Bolting practices:The bolts used in aircraft are about .001 to .003 inch smaller than their nominal diameter. This permits them to be installed in a properly drilled hole. The bolt should lie solidly against the surface of the material. Burrs must be removed before it is inserted and the shank (grip) should extend entirely through the hole, no threads should be in contact with the bearing surfaces, see above. Most applications with bolts require the use of a washer, use the specified type and torque to the specifications of the manufacturer.

Bolt Torquing: The following information is provided for reference when using AN grade hardware. Most of the time torque values are done to feel. But this table does provide a good outline.  
Standard torque table (in inch/lbs): Remember when installing the additional torque to drive the nylock [friction lock] must be determined and added to the recommend torque listed below
Fine thread seriesCoarse thread series
Bolt SizeStandard NutsShear NutsBolt SizeStandard NutsShear Nuts
10-3220 - 2512 - 158-3212 - 157 - 9
1/4-2850 - 7030 - 4010-2420 - 2512 - 15
5/16-24100 - 14060 - 851/4-2040 - 5025 - 30
3/8-24160 - 19095 - 1105/16-1880 - 9048- 55
7/16-20450 - 500270 - 3003/18-16160 - 18595 - 110
1/2-20480 - 690290 - 4107/16-14235 - 255144 - 155
9/16-18800 - 1000480 - 6001/2-13400 - 480240 - 290
5/8-181100 - 1300660 - 7409/16-12500 - 700300 - 420
---5/8-11700 - 900420 - 540
Reference: Standard Aircraft Maintenance Handbook. Certain standards are to be followed when installing bolts in aircraft, some of these recommendations are here:
  • Keep bolt and nuts free from grease and oil when installing and torquing
  • Always use a torque wrench to determine the torque values
  • Torque with smooth even pulls
  • To determine the bolt length, a minimum of one thread must be visible outside the nut and no more than one thread can be inside the bolt hole
  • Whenever possible tighten the nut
  • Typically you would use a bolt and a nut with a washer under the nut as bearing
  • When the bolt is too long you may use no more than three washers, but this increases weight
  • Nyloc self lock nuts should be used with un-drilled bolts, when using a drilled bolt make sure that no burrs exist. Do not use with drilled bolts smaller than AN4 [1/4'']
  • Install bolts pointing aft and to the center of an aircraft where practical
Standard nuts (amongst others) are: MS20365, AN310, AN315. Shear nuts are: MS20364, AN320, AN316, AN23-31  Source Click Here
When bolting is completed and checked mark each bolt using a splash of paint - red or yellow automotive touch up pens are ideal for this task as is nail polish. 

Wednesday 11 June 2014

Opening the Crate

Arrived at Rylstone on Wednesday 11th the to sort out the final issues with the building and to inspect the crate to see if all was well.







The aircraft arrived in perfect condition after it trips halfway around the world. The crating is first class and the aircraft looks even better. It will be a few weeks before it is unpacked as I want to have the doors fitted to the building first. It is hoped that the hanger will be approved by the council for use late this month with the solar power to be fitted after.











I would like to offer thanks to Rob Lonergan for his vision in creating the Rylstone Airpark for people like me and for recording this moment.  To Franco and the team of Flying Legend for developing the Tucano Replica and for the chance to build this aircraft and represent them in Australia.

Keep tuned for the launch of the Flying Legend Australian Web Site in a few weeks. See us at the SAAA September AusFly where the airframe will be on display for inspection.



The crate was recycled into a pig pen