Skylite builders?

[Peteohms]

I'd like to attach the struts to the wings using tie rod ends so there could be some adjustment like my Kitfox. How do you feel about this Ed?

[Peteohms]

The plans show a finger patch on 5/8"x .035. 4130 tube which is cut and welded @ 30 degrees. Now that I have practiced may new oxy welding skills can someone explain how to make and fit the finger patch?

[raceair]

Pete, If you tack weld the center of the ends of the bent finger patch, then you can heat the patch and tap it into the curve to somewhat represent the radius of the tubes...Weld the tubes first, all the way, before attaching the finger patch...
The other question, I see nothing wrong with a rod end on the rear lift strut, but not the front one...Ed

[Peteohms]

Thanks Ed. Seems easy enough the way you explained.

[Peteohms]

Ed,
Referring to the same drawing, can the "plug" in the end of the rear strut be made of wood similarly to the plugs in the spars?

[Peteohms]

Mike Stenger built this nice looking Skylite!

[raceair]

Pete....In this case, no. The plug needs to be aluminum, as the forces on the rear strut, at that angle, tend to want to 'egg shape' the hole the weldment goes thru.....
Nice looking Skylite....Looks similar to one I flew from Indiana....The rudder height looks shorter than stock.......Ed

[Peteohms]

Thanks Ed for the reply. Guess i'll get a chunk of aluminum and carve away everything that doesn't look like the plug

[czechsix]

Ed, did you ever weigh a Skylite wing structure before covering (with or without the aileron) to see how much it weighs? I have plans for the Skylite but I really want to put a 1/2 VW or 1/3 Corvair four stroke on it and still make legal weight. I'm thinking if I use carbon fiber wing spars and leave the fabric off the aft fuselage, and no cowl or wheel pants, it might be possible. I have some numbers from other ultralights (Belite with carbon spars and no aileron is 20 lbs, Legal Eagle XL wood wing including aileron is 30 lbs). It would help to know how the Skylite wing compares as a starting point.

Thanks,

--Mark

[Peteohms]

Mark, I used heavier front spars, .125. 27 pounds each wing half without the ailerons. Wouldn't be hard to subtract the weight difference of the stock spars. I plan to use a Scott Casler 45 HP 1/2VW. I will license the Skylite. See Leagle Eagle with that engine here; www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tP3EkH6r48

[czechsix]

Thanks Pete. Any idea what the aileron weighs? Have you built one yet?

--Mark

[raceair]

My Skylite prototype, fully built and painted, minus engine and prop, weighs 179 pounds. That includes the light weight cowl and motor mount. Adding the Rotax 277 with accessories and a Tennessee 60/28 prop brings the machine up to 249 pounds.....
Of all the ways to try to lighten the airframe...DO NOT leave the fabric off the tailcone. One of the design features of the Skylite is the dorsal effect the fuselage gives to the all flying rudder. The volume area of the rudder will be compromised if the fabric is left off the aft fuselage....Ed

[Peteohms]

Feb 3, 2013 23:44:23 GMT -6 czechsix said:

Thanks Pete. Any idea what the aileron weighs? Have you built one yet?

--Mark

Haven't started the ailerons yet. I'm making aluminum skinned ailerons.

[n3480h]

Guess I'm going the opposite direction: My Skylite, after 4-5 owners all added "just a little" weight, scaled out at 130 pounds over ultralight weight. The effect on its flight characteristics is dramatic. With a 130 pound pilot, climbout was a puckering 150 FPM. Now look at the video of Ed's Skylite taking off and landing on turf: No pucker factor at all. In fact it takes off in about 350 feet and establishes a good ROC. So, mine is on a diet. I've trimmed 45 pounds off it so far. Spring will see a recover to get rid of the 5 color coats of paint, and to blast several coats off the frame. The Cub style gear and 6.00 x 6.00 wheels will be replaced with the Plans gear and Lamb tires with Azusalite wheels. The 12 pound motorcycle AGM battery is replaced with a LiFePo battery that weighs 1.4 pounds. The 10 pound auxilliary wing tank and plumbing are removed. I don't expect to get down to the prototype weight, but I will drop at least 100 pounds off the aircraft.

Tom

[raceair]

Pete, aluminum skinned ailerons will add weight!!!....Ed