Eagler's Nest
Airframes => Single Seaters => LE => Topic started by: Rick on October 12, 2025, 09:47:19 AM
-
Hi Guys,
I'm building the original LE Ultralight, and from reading the Eagler's Nest posts it seems the ribs and spars are the same on the LE XL also. I just finished all my ribs and am working on the spar frames. Completed a rear spar and a front spar (lucky no spar webs added yet).
However, on a mockup with a rib prior to proceeding, I noticed an issue with front spar height. I have not found anything searching on Eagler's Nest about this. Am I missing something here or does anyone have different front spar heights on their plans. (Oh, and yes, after the fact I did notice the stamp on the bottom of the wing spar drawing) a gotcha moment?
I'm working off of plans 9/2024 as a web download from Leonard's Legal Eagle website and the full size rib drawing mailed 9/2024. Rib drawing shows the rib height of 7.25" high. The plans call for in two locations (see attached) a dimension of 6 7/8"
So to match the ribs it seems the front spar should be 7 3/16” ?, (Rib 7 1/4” - 1/16” 2 layers of 8 mm PLY)
I'm a first time plane builder with general carpentry skills, however as a young man -10 years as machinist/welder. Going from the Titebond III website, heating the glue with an iron soften the glue enough to wiggle the verticals free.
Now what? Replace all the verticals or can I just glue in spacers to make up the difference? see attached. What is proper?
Thank you very much!
-
If your rib is 7-1/4" tall at the front, then 7-1/4" - 1/16" is correct for spar height where it meets the rib. No spacers, please. Make new verticals. Seems like a lot of builders have slightly different dimensions.
-
Kamcoman77,
Thank your the quick response! Will do the new verticals tomorrow (I kinda new that).
I just started on the build in 2025 and not sure of the protocol here, when I come across issues with dimensions is it enough to post it on the forum or should I notify someone else (designer etc.)
– Just trying to do the right thing.
Thanks again,
Rick
-
You can usually get quick answers (and some opinions) here and on the Legal Eagle Facebook page. Leonard will answer questions if you call him. In many cases, using the Search feature here and Facebook will give the answers.
-
Good advice. I never joined Facebook always thought of it as a little evil . . . but. Do you feel Facebook has valuable info not presented here on Eagler's Nest! If so perhaps I'll give it a go.
Thank you Kamcoman77,
Rick
-
Yes
-
I'll give it a shot. Thank you.
-
Rick , you're not the first to get caught on this. I and others got trapped by thinking that the full size rib drawing would be the correct dimension to match the spar height. These LE drawings are more like sketches than engineering plans. The rule in building a Legal Eagle is to cross check every dimension and its intersection with every other part that it contacts don't take anything for granted; check it out. That being said many of us have carried on after being bitten by the FSWD. Learn how to use the search function at the center of top of page. E.g. Search tail feathers before starting to build your tail feathers you will find much good info. Keep plugging and ask the forum if you need help.
DA
-
DA,
Viewing Chuck's build and the ADCO video's has been most helpful so far working through the little issues with the tail section and fuselage, and doing just as you suggest, using search. But this time, after a long building pause, and getting nada from the search "front spar height" no matter the many variations, I proceeded . . . and got caught. Next time, I shall take your advice and just ask for help – no easy feat.
Also, I was pleasantly surprised how quickly the forum response came from the post, you folks are great.
Thanks for your encouragement!
Rick
P.S. Perhaps Leonard's great plan is teaching us all to be humble? ;-)
-
Since I have to rebuilt the front spar, thought I should confirm my assumption about the placing of the verticals to achieve the 139" width.– attached are the originals and the assumption. Not going to mention how long it took to decide ;-)
Thank you!
-
Well, as you know, I'm working on an XL - maybe someone else can chime in here, but the last bay (wing tip) is longer than the others - measurements starts with the inboard side (the first double rib doesn't count in the over all length - if that makes sense) so you have a rib, then 1.5" have rib#2, then 13.5" the 3rd rib, then 15" the 4th, then 15" the 5th & so on... If that's not helping then I'll shut up... lol Again, not sure, but that's how I read the plans as you posted... If you build as you modified in 2nd pix, your struts will be 1.5" farther outboard than designed... doubt that'd hurt; but just know it'll be different...
-
Pappy,
It does make sense, that's how I first read it. Then while laying out on the table that (65") diagonal strut brace dimension looked out of proportion from the 6th vertical (L-> R), 4x15" spacing = 60". Attached is that first assumption, with last rib spacing (L->R) of 17".
I don't like the idea of changing the strut location. What da ya think?
Thank you!
Rick
-
I don't like the idea of changing the strut location. What da ya think?
I don't much care for it either. :) Probably wouldn't hurt anything, though..up to you. You have to be *very* careful changing anything because it might affect something later on.
-
You have to be *very* careful changing anything because it might affect something later on.
Chuck,
That's why I've been struggling with this, wings kinda important.
I just created a drawing TO SCALE in the only 2-D application I own (Adobe Illustrator)
• Wing length: 139"
• Strut Brace location per plans: 65" from inboard, on 30.5˚ angle
• 15" between each bay, with 2" from inboard/outboard ends (+/-.125")
This looks proportional to Leonard's Plans . . . to my eye. yours ? ? ?
Rick
-
I gave my xl plans to a kid that *thinks* he would like to build one :) so I can't say what differences there are. I like the looks of the top one, though. It's kind of weird to dimension it that way. I would give the dimension from the root to the hole in the fitting if it were me.
-
Yes Rick, I think the bottom example is the way Leonard drew it (except the strut would shift to the left, but I knew what you meant)... Either way would probably work (the OCD in my brain likes the top one) BUT that wasn't you original question... If your really concerned, you could always call Leonard... (It'd be a good excuses to talk to the man, lol) Hope that helps...
-
Thank you Chuck for reviewing very closely, the tell was your catch of my mistake with location to strut brace from the root where is should go the first hole on fitting.
I used to read a lot of blueprint not create them . . . but no excuse.
I do think I'm going with the top one.
Greatly appreciated.
-
Yes Rick, I think the bottom example is the way Leonard drew it (except the strut would shift to the left, but I knew what you meant)... Either way would probably work (the OCD in my brain likes the top one) BUT that wasn't you original question... If your really concerned, you could always call Leonard... (It'd be a good excuses to talk to the man, lol) Hope that helps...
Pappy,
I was lucky to have talked to Leonard back in August regarding tail sections. He was very helpful, he also let me know he had just started another plane built . . . forget the name, but not his design. Just incredible at 101 years, so I don't want to interrupt his progress!
I just found another reason while laying out on the table to go with the top layout posted. I don't know about the XL, but on the plans for LEU Leonard calls for an aileron length of 73.25". The top layout if my math is correct is just under 75", bottom layout is 2" longer at just under 77".
If you don't mind me asking, how long are the XL's ailerons?
Thank you for being so helpful.
-
IMHO there is no way an aileron length dimension should be shown on the plans. The correct aileron length on the LEU or XL is the distance between the wing ribs with the aileron hinge blocks minus the clearance you desire between the aileron end ribs and the adjacent wing ribs. On an XL that would be the distance between rib #7 and rib #12, minus clearances for fabric & aileron control horn. On an LEU that should be between ribs #6 and Rib #11. This is counting ribs individually, not counting the two inboard & two outboard ribs as single ribs.
-
Thank you very much for the correction, my communication was poor, but with yours and others comments, I am trainable. Being new to this and in the midst of problem solving I sometimes forget these pages will be read in the future. Below is what should have be stated.
Looking for any impact down the line on adjustments to the wing, noticed that for the LEU plans page #34 AILERON SPAR, a dimension for an aileron spar length of 73.5 inches "CHECK TO FIT YOUR WINGS" which is located between LEU ribs #6 and Rib #11. Yes, that IS much better.
Thank you for the encouragement and correction, and thank you for that annotated picture – terrific work.
-
Rick, another thing on aileron fit. Many people try to fit them up too closely, and in service over time they can bind. I suggest 3/8". This gives room for multiple layers of fabric and the inevitable warpage over time.
-
Very good guys... So Rick, if you still need measurements, I can get it when I get home; but from the sound of it you probably have your answer... I can't wait to see your progress...
-
Rick, another thing on aileron fit. Many people try to fit them up too closely, and in service over time they can bind. I suggest 3/8". This gives room for multiple layers of fabric and the inevitable warpage over time.
Great suggestion! Built in maintenance, I like the way you think . . . and one less question to ask moving forward.
Thank you Chuck
-
Very good guys... So Rick, if you still need measurements, I can get it when I get home; but from the sound of it you probably have your answer... I can't wait to see your progress...
Pappy,
Yes, I am good for the present, but I suspect there will be more on this journey to the prize ;-)
Thank you!
-
Chuck, are you talking about 3/8" clearance at each end of the aileron, or between the aileron nose & wing, or both? I'm guessing both.
-
Chuck, are you talking about 3/8" clearance at each end of the aileron, or between the aileron nose & wing, or both? I'm guessing both.
The ends for sure. The aileron cove isn't as prone to warpage in my experience.