Gear Leg Fairings

[Fastcapy]

My first plans set were way too long and didn't like them so I scrapped them. My current set are heavily modified from the plans design.

I used some posterboard as a template to get the size right and contour right and then transfered that to some .014 aluminum instead of the .025 so they were easier to form.

I ended up changing the curves so they sat better along the belly, made them with a slight taper, and did the split hinge pin and mounted them with a tab and nutplates on the belly.

I will say that when the factory says they give you a huge performance gain they are not kidding. My climb rate and cruise speeds went up more than expected after installing them!

[funflyingguy]

hey all,

jim / funflyingguy here. i am pretty new to this website and bought my legacy sonex 3 months ago from the 2nd owner. the last major thing i addressed was installing the main strut fairings on my tricycle gear sonex. the builder had probably followed the plans, making them 2 - 3" too long. i cut them down and shaped them to fit. i did not have to make any holes in the fuselage or attach the wheel pants. instead, i used the 2 center pin concept secured with a zip tie, contoured the bottom edge to ride against the outside of the brake shoe mounting plate preventing rotation, and....., secured many wrappings of 12" wide water-proof foam around the middle of each strut, so that the fairing squeezed it tight once the pins were inserted. it should not flutter or vibrate. it also wont hit the fuselage even going over runway bumps, because i left a small gap at the top (with edge protector on the top and bottom of each fairing.

i will add a pic or 2 if i can figure out how.....

jim

[funflyingguy]

so today i tested my temporary rudder trim tab and my newly attached strut fairings. happy to say both were flawless and the plane actually flew about 5 mph faster in level cruise at about 2500'. happy days.... and onto next project!

strut fairings are not attached to either the fuselage or the brake backing plate. (the lower end rides on the brake backing plate) hinged pins inserted from the middle with a loop at the middle of each connected together with a zip tie. inside of each fairing i over-wrapped the strut with a compressible foam wrap to force a tight fit when closed. it hasnt moved in nearly 10 hours of flight.

the rudder trim temporarily attached with 3M 2 sided tape. i happened to hit the correct bend right off to correct a slight left rudder need when in level flight.

jim


[img]

IMG_20240830_143329886.jpg

[/img]