Nose Access Hatch - Carf-Models CL-41 Tutor Manual

Nose Access Hatch

The nose access hatch is factory cut, hinging is
via three offset hinges, as used on the nose gear
doors. A single hatch catch gives easy access
to the nose area where all the services can
be located.
Start by roughening the fuselage skin inside the
hatch area to allow a good bond for the hatch lip
strips. Several lengths of 20 x 300mm long glass
sheet are provided to bond inside the hatch.
Tape these to the outside of the fuselage side
following the curve, draw with a pen the hatch
outline and 5-6mm inside this to form the hatch
shut/lip. Ensure that the strips are flat against the
fuselage side before marking. The marked line
will be curved when the strip is flat. Cut and file
to a smooth edge and bond each strip inside the
hatch leaving 5-6mm showing, thick CA glue
works well here. (Photo 20)
Photo 21: Nose access hatch catch.
Composite ARF Tutor T-114 manual – techsupport@composite-arf.com
Mark the hatch catch position on the rear lower
corner of the hatch and cut a slot for the release
pin. Ensure the hatch pin goes flush with the
hatch when fully open. Bond the hatch catch
using epoxy. (Photo 21)
Glue the three hinges to the fuselage first
ensuring sufficient opening. Then tape the hatch
in position and through the nose wheel opening
bond each hinge pad to the door. At this time
press the hatch catch hard against the wood
nose former and the point will mark the position
required for the pin socket. Once dry remove
the tape and open the hatch. Drill the mark 4mm
and check the hatch catch operates smoothly.
The opposite front latch is a simple section of
excess tank brass tubing bonded to the hatch,
this catches on the inside of the fuselage skin-
note the door lip strip will need filing back to
the skin here.
To open the hatch simply pull the catch back,
releasing the rear edge, then pull the hatch
catch lever rearwards and this will release the
front pin.
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