Wing rib flanges

[Sonex1517]

For anyone who has used the Sonex pre-built wing ribs, how much straightening did you have to do to the flanges? My brother is building an RV and made the tool in these photos - just curious if I will need one. I began to smooth the wing ribs a few minutes ago and noticed the flanges are definitely not at a 90 degree angle, but do not know enough about how the wings go together to know how this affects things.

I'd appreciate some input from those that have been there and done that.


Robbie Culver
Sonex 1517
Chicagoland
Aerovee/taildragger
Working on the tail
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[N111YX]

I would just tweak them with my fingers, Robbie.

The bending device seems like overkill but I have never built an RV...:)

[MichaelFarley56]

I'm 100% with Kip on this. If mine needed any adjusting at all, it was very little and done by hand. My rib prep was to make sure all edges and lightning holes were smooth with sandpaper, mark flange centerlines with a sharpie, and then start putting them on the spar. Most of the prep time was spent riveting the doublers in place on the several ribs closest to the wing root.

I never had any issues with the wing skins not being flat on the rib flanges, so I would also say that RV flange tool is way overkill.

[Sonex1517]

Thanks guys - smoothing the ribs now. I am using scothbrite pads and so far it comes out pretty nice.


Robbie Culver
Sonex 1517
Chicagoland
Aerovee/taildragger
Working on the tail
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk