Build The Ailerons; Install The Aileron Control Horns; Build The Flap - Top Flite Contender User Manual

C C o o n n t t e e n n d d e e r r F F u u n n F F a a c c t t
In the 1970's the Contender was one of the
"must have" models. It was extremely popular
as a sport plane and was particularly well
suited as a fun fly contest airplane.

Build the ailerons

1. Locate a 1/4" x 3/8" x 30 [6.4 x 9.5 x 762mm]
balsa stick. Using the plan as a guide, cut the stick
as shown on the plan and glue the pieces together to
make the aileron.
2. Remove the aileron from the plan. Make a
mark at the center of the aileron at each end and
place a T-pin at each mark. Place a straightedge
along the aileron LE at the pins and draw a
centerline on the aileron LE.
3. Mark the location of the hinges and cut the
hinge slots using the same technique used for the
elevator and the rudder.
4. Shape the LE to a "V" and round the TE as
shown on the plan.
5. Repeat steps 1 - 4 for the other aileron.

Install the aileron control horns

1. Place a large control horn on the bottom of
the right aileron as indicated on the aileron plan. Use
a ballpoint pen to mark the location where the holes
need to be drilled.
2. Drill two 3/32" [2.4mm] holes for the control
horn mounting bolts through the right aileron.
3. Apply a small drop of thin CA in the hole to
harden the wood. Redrill the hole after the glue cures.
4. Attach the control horn to the right aileron with
two 2-56 x 1/2" [12.7mm] machine screws.
5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 for the left aileron.
16

Build the flap

1. You must build the flap regardless of whether
you are going to have it operational or fixed. The
construction steps are the same.
2. From 1/4" x 3" x 30" [6.4 x 76 x 762mm] balsa
sheet, cut the 1/4" [6.4mm] balsa flap TE doubler as
shown on the plan. Pin it in place on the plan.
3. Build the flap frame from 1/4" x 3/8" x 30" [6.4
x 9.5 x 762mm] balsa sticks. Cut the sticks and glue
them in place as shown on the plan.
4. Cut the 1/8" x 1/4" [3.2 x 6.4mm] balsa flap
diagonal braces as shown on the plan. When
satisfied with the fit glue them in place.
5. Sand both sides of the flap.
6. Round the flap TE as shown on the flap
cross section.