Thorp Air Command - T18.net

Dick: It may apply to the "stock" aluminum sticks. I got mine from CSA and they are steel and have the offset bend in them. I did drill a small hole in the bottom of the stick just above the top of the socket. Just big enough for the wires and a small rubber gommet. If they are the "straight" type stick and you are concerned just get some more stock tube and made a couple more, not expensive for the material. I think it is 3/4" about $5/6.00ft.

RB

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I'll second that! You'd be one stout man if you could bend/break the steel sticks with even a 1/4 hole in them.

The plans call for aluminum or steel ... the safety item pertained to the aluminum sticks. You're fine to put a hole in the steel sticks and operate (most machines out there do).

_________________
Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

There's only one man that can bend a T-18 stick...and he wears a kilt ! [:0] It would take some serious stick slapping to break one, assuming you made the hole large enough. The walking beam area should be on a conditional inspection anyway. [;)]

RB

I have had the aluminum sticks as called out in the T-18 plans for 2500 hrs/26 years. The hole I drilled is in the side as the forces for pitch are greater than those used for roll. No problems noted even tho' I have subjected the plane to many hours of aerobatics.

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Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL