Thorp Air Command - T18.net

I'm in the process of installing electric flaps. I have installed the FA-PO-150-12-2 flap actuator and im wondering what some have used as a flap indicator? I would really like a LED bar and I was wondering if anyone has used the Ray Allen RP3 indicator/ DPDT rocker switch set up or has suggestions. The FA-PO-150-12-2 has a 10K ohm pot. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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Tim Newman
N-587
Moline, IL
KMLI

I just have a couple of stickers on the left flap. As the flap deploys the first one shows at 10 degrees for takeoff and the second at 30 degrees for landing. Can't get much simpler than that.

Jim Mantyla

Simple = Good. Nothing to break and we strive to be smarter than those RV guys.
T

Stickers on the flap ! Chip, chip Cheerio ! Good show old boy ! Sounds like a Navy idea ! The AF would have installed blinking lights and had a 3 page check list ! BOOM !

RB

I'm trying to understand why people want to fit electric flaps?! More to go wrong, more weight. Guess I'm biased but the ability to drop flaps instantly if needed I find invaluable especially in windy conditions.

Tony
ZK-VMS
T18C

Probably has something to do with remote control TV, garage door openers, automatic coffee pots, remote start cars, electric seats, electric windows, alarms controlled by a smart phone. My reason was to get rid of that protruding handle from my big posterior

Stickers do make the it a much easier install. I like the idea of an indicator though. I spoke with the rep from Ray Allen and he assures me the combination RP3 indicator and the rocker switch, which come with placards, should work with the actuatior 10K pot. Not much more than $100 so I'm goign to give it a try. I agree with Bill, removing the flap handle and cutting down the center truck gives you much more room.

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Tim Newman
N-587
Moline, IL
KMLI

Electric Flaps .. biggest reason for me .. cabin comfort .. that flap handle HURTS! The trim knob in particular!

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

Remove the "trim" knob and replace it with a much smaller SS bolt that sits flush...assuming you have electric ailerion trim ? BOOM !

RB

Trust me I love the KISS principle but we fly in a 38 (or 40) inch wide airplane ... No contest for me. The thorp doesn't really "need" flaps so if that actuator fails .. So be it. It buys you another 2 inches of comfort ... I like that!

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

I hear ya Bro ! The 40 inch S-18 does make a difference . I may upgrade to electric to replace the "Piper Flap Handle" to increase the hip room , but after all the years of building I am just burnt out ! Just did a panel upgrade and completing the second annual on the AC . For now I place a small towel between the hip and the offending piece of metal along with a big dap of Prep "H" to ease the pain ! Replacing the "Trim Knob" does help a bit . Works good last a long time !

RB

I'm curious, what speed do some of you use for lowering the flaps. I've been using 120mph for years but does anyone use a higher one. Did John ever say what the max is?
Steve Hawley

120 would be nice; I've been slowing to 100 before I add flaps.
Now I wonder too.
As for the roll trim, I've gone as far as buying the fergelli 100:1 actuator....but I'm still getting gored in the hip.

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Scott Emery
EAA Chapter 326
T-18 N18TE

That's what I use Steve , 120 Mph and in goes the first notch this is what I was told by Mike and it has worked out well. I very seldom use the second notch, you can really slow the thing up on that second notch.......Dan

The hip thing...get a small wash cloth or bath towel from your wife's closet and put it between your hip bone and the flap handle . It will make a big difference ! Remove the trim knob and put in a flush SS screw . Flap speed ? Sounds like folks are using them as "speed brakes ?" I guess that's an option ? I tend to plan my approaches to be below my 100 mph flap extension speed . A well planned stabilized approach with flaps set on final makes me happy ! BOOM !

RB