Tom Delaney - Experimental Aircraft Builder's Log

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Date: 8-5-2005
Number of Hours: 40.00
Manual Reference:
Brief Description: Extended Skids Modification

I have decided to extend the length of the skids after gathering information and suggestions from other builders and rotorway instructors. The reason for the extensions center around two points. The OEM design skids are 7 foot in length and the leading edge is tucked back under the cabin. If a run on landing is attempted or if any forward speed is carried into an autorotation the liklihood of a forward roll up on to the tip of the skids is likely. The main rotor then hits the ground causing a roll to the left and a bigt repair bill. Accident reports also show the propensity for the pilot's side forward portion of the skid to bend in these scenarios. The OEM right skid has a steel insert in the forward 27 inches to support the ballast weight but the left skid has no insert. I will retain the OEM skid dimension of 1.75" X 0.125" but increase the length to 9'4". Both skids will receive a forward steel insert 29" X 1.625" X 0.058" thick. The total weight gain is 4.5 pounds. 2.2 pounds is attributed to the longer skids and slightly longer insert in the passenger 's skid. 2.3 pounds is due to the addition of the pilot's skid insert. The final step was to remove the landing gear steps that were now facing forward. A grinder and dremel tool sandpaper drum gave a nice surface that will be touched up with paint.

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