Van's Air Force
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Step backing plate?
- Thread starter Av8torTom
- Start date
flyboy1963
Well Known Member
Chrome it!!!
well, that's another can of worms I guess.
Some guys are bolting them on, so they are simpler to replace if or when they crack. Not pretty, but.........
I can see why you'd want a backing plate inside, but so far, that doesn't seem to be the failure point of the steps.
Personally, to avoid excessive tugging on the prop, nosegear, tailhook etc.....I do a fair bit of pushing and pulling on the steps, so I'm sure I would benefit from this being beefed up a bit.
one more point, I find that the stress on the steps is MUCH less if I use a low stool/box on the ground when possible.
If you watch the average guy mount his RV, you'll see a pretty good jolt to the step when you launch your weight from ground level up to the wingwalk. Starting from an 8" step, so you are only lifting your weight another 12" or so, really reduces this ''G'-load!
Just my $.02
well, that's another can of worms I guess.
Some guys are bolting them on, so they are simpler to replace if or when they crack. Not pretty, but.........
I can see why you'd want a backing plate inside, but so far, that doesn't seem to be the failure point of the steps.
Personally, to avoid excessive tugging on the prop, nosegear, tailhook etc.....I do a fair bit of pushing and pulling on the steps, so I'm sure I would benefit from this being beefed up a bit.
one more point, I find that the stress on the steps is MUCH less if I use a low stool/box on the ground when possible.
If you watch the average guy mount his RV, you'll see a pretty good jolt to the step when you launch your weight from ground level up to the wingwalk. Starting from an 8" step, so you are only lifting your weight another 12" or so, really reduces this ''G'-load!
Just my $.02
one more point, I find that the stress on the steps is MUCH less if I use a low stool/box on the ground when possible.
If you watch the average guy mount his RV, you'll see a pretty good jolt to the step when you launch your weight from ground level up to the wingwalk. Starting from an 8" step, so you are only lifting your weight another 12" or so, really reduces this ''G'-load!
Just my $.02
I instruct all my passengers to exit and step off the wing backward. It is much more controlled that way as stepping forward one simply falls on the step and it is much bigger impact. It?s been 500 hours and I am keeping my fingers cross, let?s hope I have not jinx it here.
I was advised against it by Vans.
Closterman
Active Member
Step
I have done my step to be removable. So it will be easy to remove it if I want to weld it in the futur or put a new one if they break. See my Kitlog for more info :
http://www.mykitlog.com/users/displ...man&project=1913&category=0&log=182204&row=66
http://www.mykitlog.com/users/displ...man&project=1913&category=0&log=186456&row=55
I have done my step to be removable. So it will be easy to remove it if I want to weld it in the futur or put a new one if they break. See my Kitlog for more info :
http://www.mykitlog.com/users/displ...man&project=1913&category=0&log=182204&row=66
http://www.mykitlog.com/users/displ...man&project=1913&category=0&log=186456&row=55
Paul K
Well Known Member
As mentioned, not a failure point. I think it is overkill.
I used counter sunk rivets but I also used proseal between the step and skin. Have seen a lot of installations at Kosh with rust running down the skin under the step. Prime and paint the step mounting surface first.
I think bolting the step on is admitting failure. However, with the failure rates experianced, not a bad idea. If I was mounting the step today, I would make the modifications to the tube/plate weld area. This is where all the failures have occured. Then mount it exactly the way I did.
So far, two years and about 150 hrs. Not long enough to tell if it is going to fall off or not!
I used counter sunk rivets but I also used proseal between the step and skin. Have seen a lot of installations at Kosh with rust running down the skin under the step. Prime and paint the step mounting surface first.
I think bolting the step on is admitting failure. However, with the failure rates experianced, not a bad idea. If I was mounting the step today, I would make the modifications to the tube/plate weld area. This is where all the failures have occured. Then mount it exactly the way I did.
So far, two years and about 150 hrs. Not long enough to tell if it is going to fall off or not!
Av8torTom
Well Known Member
Step Dampening
I have read a lot here about steps cracking and the potential role that engine vibration and prop wash has as the cause. It was suggested to add some sand or shot inside the step to act as a vibration damper. I decided to go ahead and add some bird shot to the inside of my step. Below is a picture of the hole I drilled for adding the shot.
The next photo is of the MIG welded closed hole, and some of the left over bird shot to give you an idea of what I used.
Will probably have to wait several years before I have a pirep, but it was simple enough to do.
T.
I have read a lot here about steps cracking and the potential role that engine vibration and prop wash has as the cause. It was suggested to add some sand or shot inside the step to act as a vibration damper. I decided to go ahead and add some bird shot to the inside of my step. Below is a picture of the hole I drilled for adding the shot.
The next photo is of the MIG welded closed hole, and some of the left over bird shot to give you an idea of what I used.
Will probably have to wait several years before I have a pirep, but it was simple enough to do.
T.
Last edited:
I have read a lot here about steps cracking and the potential role that engine vibration and prop wash has as the cause. It was suggested to add some sand or shot inside the step to act as a vibration damper. I decided to go ahead and add some bird shot to the inside of my step. Below is a picture of the hole I drilled for adding the shot.
Will probably have to wait several years before I have a pirep, but it was simple enough to do.
T.
Do you have any leftovers?
