RANS S-20 RAVEN
TEXT
MANUAL
05E-01
LIFT STRUT ASSEMBLY
INSPECTION OF STRUTS
RANS airfoil lift struts are made of extruded Aluminum. Extrusions of this nature
are sensitive to deformation. Cracks and splits can occur along the length of the
strut if the ends are compressed beyond the material limits. Over-tightened bolts
can cause cracking.
Each piece of strut material is inspected before shipment to assure you of a
quality product. We encourage you to inspect your struts for any deformation or
surface imperfection. Deeply grooved struts should not be used and returned to
the factory for replacement. The surface should look and feel smooth.
Dents and nicks can occur during shipping. The strut material is very thick
skinned and resistant to dents. If dents are present they will usually be large
enough to require rejection of the material.
Minor nicks and scratches can and should be sanded out with 250, 350, and
finally 400 grit wet or dry sandpaper. Sanding out such defects is an effective
way of restoring the strut to a safe full strength status. Any nicks or scratches
that require more than light sanding are cause for rejection.
Once the struts are in service, continued inspection is the only required
maintenance. Anodized strut material is resistant to corrosion and needs little
care.
Include strut inspection in your pre-flight.
ASSEMBLY
1.
The Lift Struts are cut to length and pre-drilled at the factory. Locate FWD
and AFT Lift Struts and mark with “LEFT” and “RIGHT” on a strip of
Masking Tape. Refer to
FIGURE 05E-01
for orientation.
At this point it
does not matter which one is left or right. The marking will help you to
remind yourself to build a left and right set of Struts. Left and right is
determined by the direction the Bolts go through the Struts (top to bottom).
Refer to the parts manual.
NOTE: The struts are teardrop shaped. The
round side is forward
.
2.
Smooth the ends of each Lift Strut with fine Sand Paper and debur.
09/01/2013
