Left Wing, Landing Light

Bellcrank, Pulleys, Flap rod

This morning I purchased the bolts for these parts, then assembled them and put the split pins in place. I added hose clamps to the pulley guards to keep them secure.

Landing Light

I had previously purchased an Aeroled landing light from Vans aircraft. Originally I intended to install it in the nose bowl for easy access, but there wasn't enough room. So I moved the wiring up to the left wing root and decided to install it in the outermost leading edge bay. A number of other Bearhawks have landing lights in the same area. Being outboard means much less stress on the wing skin.

I placed some 3mm flat acrylic over the leading edge and moulded in to shape using a heat gun, which took some time but the results were very good. I then cut it to shape, drilled and countersunk holes for #6 screws and deburred everything. I also marked and cutout the hole in the leading edge.

Next, I made up 2 backing strips from .032 aluminium, and riveted nutplates to them. I also drilled and dimpled screw holes around the leading edge.

Tomorrow I will fabricate a false spar for the outer bay that will be riveted between the top and bottom skin to provide additional strength, and provide a mount for the light itself. I will run a wire to the light from the wing root, and provide a grounding point on the main spar.