My Raven Build

[ppilotmike 24]

Well 22 hours later I arrived home with the first load of my new to me Raven project, I'm excited! The ad for this project did not do it justice to  say the least. Now the fun begins! Exactly 3 feet of overhang on the trailer. Mike

[ppilotmike 24]

I decided it would be easier for me to move around with the gear installed temporarily. I also started looking over some of the workmanship on the airframe and I'm not to pleased with a few things that I have seen. I also checked the motor mount and found it doesn't line up with the airframe. Any suggestions on fixing these kind of problems are welcome. There is no build log for anything I got and the paperwork from plans for you that came with it are confusing and poorly copied at best. Mike

Edited 31 May 2017 by ppilotmike

[1avidflyer 1983]

It's not unusual for parts to come out of the jig they were built in and then warp a bit.  I've had motor mounts that you had to pull into place.  Probably most of them somewhat.  If you can pull it into place, I wouldn't worry about that to much.  JImChuk

[dholly 718]

In many cases, you can muscle it into place then heat temper (stress relief) it at 1000*F-1100*F to take the 'set' and minimize embrittlement. At least, that's what my A&P says and what he has done with two of my engine mounts. I agree some of those welds definitely need redone, looks like the original builder or welder was still learning the process with thin wall 4130.

[EDMO 1078]

Mike,  I think your Raven is a virtual copy of the Kitfox 1 - at least mine is.  I can get a copy of my Kitfox 1 builder manual copied for you at cost of copying and postage.  Bottom sides of fuselage in landing gear area needs reinforced and the spar attach cross tubes are very light - You can find posts on here.  I have a spare early Kitfox engine mount if yours wont work.   EDMO

Edited 31 May 2017 by EDMO

[C5Engineer 1170]

Take the opportunity to make the fuse exactly what you want why it's in that form. Beef it up where others have, build a baggage area, and make sure you feel good about it before covering it. Looks like you got a lot of good stuff in that deal. Congrats!

[EDMO 1078]

Take the opportunity to make the fuse exactly what you want why it's in that form. Beef it up where others have, build a baggage area, and make sure you feel good about it before covering it. Looks like you got a lot of good stuff in that deal. Congrats!

And - Make the tailfeathers larger - they need that.   EDMO

[akflyer 1427]

Shitty welds to say the least.  And that is being polite.  if it was me, I would use a thin cutting wheel and take that mount off at the joints, bolt it to the fuse then re-weld it and wrap a strap of 4130 plate around it and weld that out and walk away.  you can stretch it and then heat with a rose bud maybe but you will be heating the entire mount and getting a little stretch from all the tubes in play, don't try to get it from just one side.

I see some IF on a couple welds as well.  I would have a good welder go over it.  Not knowing what it was welded with, you may get away with just running over it with a TIG torch and washing the weld to get it to lay down and actually fuse.  If the filler was shit to begin with it may just open up a can of crap and you will have it popping and loading up with porosity when you hit it with the TIG. 

 

[Torch 18]

I'm retired but I used to spend time in Oscoda ferrying 747's in and out for my employer. Do you work at the airport ?  

[ppilotmike 24]

I am retired from Skywest Airlines, but I did work part time at the FBO for about 3 years. I have a much more structured part time gig at NAPA auto parts now. I do keep up on the local scuttle butt out at Kaletta if you have any questions. Mike

[Torch 18]

Thanks.  I sure like the area up there. Cruising up and down the shoreline was my thing to do in nice wx.  I don't miss the place after 29 years. I'm glad all my airborne adventures now are with 100 hp or less.