FD reinforcement of Pitch AP Mount

[Big Flapper]

I need some help. I can't find the FD article about reinforcing the Pitch AP mount.

I'm replacing with Dynon servos.

Thanks

[GrassStripFlyBoy]

There's more than one way to do this, and many don't have any reinforcement - not that I recommend that.  Here are the doc's

Pitch servo floor reinforcement KA7061220 ASSY.pdf Pitch servo installation DKA7061240ASSY_02APR08.pdf

[Tom Baker]

Big Flapper, where is your pitch servo mounted? Most of the CTLS I have seen had the pitch servo mounted to an aluminum plate under the pilot seat. I am not aware of any reinforcement required for the CTLS installation. The CTSW on the other hand, attaches to the bottom fuselage skin. They are supposed to have the reinforcement that Darrell posted.

[Big Flapper]

Thanks for the documents, I agree with you "There are many ways to do this"

[Big Flapper]

9 minutes ago, Tom Baker said:

Big Flapper, where is your pitch servo mounted? Most of the CTLS I have seen had the pitch servo mounted to an aluminum plate under the pilot seat. I am not aware of any reinforcement required for the CTLS installation. The CTSW on the other hand, attaches to the bottom fuselage skin. They are supposed to have the reinforcement that Darrell posted.

My servo was mounted to the floor under the pilot's seat without the aluminum plate, I'm planning to add an aluminum plate there.

[Tom Baker]

2 hours ago, Big Flapper said:

My servo was mounted to the floor under the pilot's seat without the aluminum plate, I'm planning to add an aluminum plate there.

Can you post a picture? 

[Big Flapper]

32 minutes ago, Tom Baker said:

Can you post a picture? 

It's through the hole under the pilot's seat through the floor. Hard to see but this picture is looking through the opening at the 4 open holes used to mount the AP Servo.

[Tom Baker]

That is odd. Was the AP installed in the field? All I've seen were mounted to an aluminum plate that attached where those four screws for the access plate go.

[Big Flapper]

38 minutes ago, Tom Baker said:

That is odd. Was the AP installed in the field? All I've seen were mounted to an aluminum plate that attached where those four screws for the access plate go.

When I removed the servo and linkage I was not impressed with the work. the holes through the bottom of the airplane were not matched (had been redrilled) and one of the linkage bolts was not metric. Probably done in the field.

I was planning to put a 8 in plate under the servo mount for reinforcement. Any suggestions???

[Anticept]

I didn't know a plate was required... Mine also is mounted to the floor. 08 CTLS. I think i know of 2 others, also 08.

[Madhatter]

After reading these posts I checked my CT and found my factory installed autopilot servo pitch bracket was installed on the fuselage bottom skin with no reinforcement. This caused the screws and washers to crush the foam core. I have since corrected it. Good postings for info.

[Big Flapper]

35 minutes ago, Madhatter said:

After reading these posts I checked my CT and found my factory installed autopilot servo pitch bracket was installed on the fuselage bottom skin with no reinforcement. This caused the screws and washers to crush the foam core. I have since corrected it. Good postings for info.

Hi Madhatter

would you care to elaborate on your fix. My foam core is intact, did you inject something into the core?

[Tom Baker]

The normal installation is not necessarily reinforced, but there are wooden bushings to keep the core from crushing. If the screws and washers are not pulled into the foam core you are probably okay.

[Madhatter]

My fix was to epoxy an aluminum sheet on top of the bottom skin then filling in the crush area from the washers with epoxy.  I then use stainless fender washers with the screws. The screws and washers can then be tightened without any issues. I do not use 5 min epoxy,  I use the overnight cure epoxy, it's stronger. I lightly sand for better adhesion.