Loose Wheel Pant

[Friesen5]

Good Morning,

My wheel pants are slightly loose and I can move them with my hand when they are mounted on my landing gear. I have the hydraulic brake option (which I really like), and the wheel pant mount is the 1/16" aluminum plate that is attached to the mounting tab with a clevis pin. I think my mounting tab hole might be slightly enlarged.

I've flown with the loose pants, but I'm not comfortable doing it. I did take a video and sent it to Kerry Fores when he was still at Sonex. He said it was okay, but... So, I've been flying sans wheel pants.

Could you share your experience with the mounting plate and wheel pants?

Would you consider it unsafe to fly with a slight movement in the wheel pants?

Another question - My 1/16" plate ended up tilting forward. The plans show it level with the airplane. It works this way, but where did I go wrong?

Mervin Friesen
Sonex 122
Jab 2200

[Bryan Cotton]

I've had that issue. The tab is drilled to 3/16" but the other holes are 1/4". I switched to a 1/4" bolt. Had to use one of the small squished metal locknuts as there is not much room on the axle.

Also the plates in the kit are made for nosedraggers. If you have a tailwheel aircraft you have to make your own.