|
|
|
|
Christopher's Web Site
|
Date: 10-10-2015
|
Number of Hours: 6.00
|
Manual Reference:
|
Brief Description: Floor Access Panel Installation
|
|
What I've been debating was the installation of access panels in the floor of the cabin. No where in the manual does it mention it as an option, but as I build this in my head, I can’t understand how there will be any access to the belly of the helicopter once the console and the pod are installed. After the avionics are wired into place, the only way to again remove the floor would be to cut all of the wires in the harness to disassemble all of the components. I’m telling you right now, that is NOT going to happen.
I have heard from some that there is no reason to access below the floor after the helicopter is completed, but that’s something I can’t wrap my head around. What about inspection of the frame and sheet metal skin? How would you access the pitot tube connection and temperature probe? How about the landing light wiring? Anyway, I could be a crazy person, but I just don’t think there should be ANY areas that you can’t access or at very least inspect.
Soooo….that brings us to this project. Fabricating the pieces and cutting out the blank took much longer than expected because I wanted to make the backing plate once solid piece, and with the thicker material everything is more difficult to work with. In addition, there are over 200 holes to drill or over-drill from pilot holes, then there’s all the countersinking and deburring. It is quite the effort!
You may ask why a triangle instead of a circle. Good question. The reason is that the frame of the helicopter has two cross bars for strength and structure holding up the floor. In order to get the best access and the biggest area to work, the triangle shape feels like the best option. Also, the backing plate takes up 3/4” all the way around the hole, which also reduces the access space.
Again, I could be insane for installing this and spending the time to fabricate the access panel, but I didn’t want to wait until it was a “I wish I did” realization.
|
|
Cut and Ready to Rivet
|
|
Floor frame to avoid.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2001-2024 Matronics. All Rights Reserved.
|
