Netters - I just finished installing my belly board. Have not tried it yet as my engine (from a collision with a truck) is not back from Great Plains. I followed Mark Jones' method with the board hinged just behind the aft spar. My board is 1/8 foam core with several layers of fiberglass with hard points for attaching. My total thickness is about 3/16" and weighs next to nothing and is very strong and stiff. All of the edges were routed out and filled with milled fiber (about 1/4"). Size is 9" x 27" with ten 2" holes. The inside fuselage set-up is entirely 1/4" aircraft plywood. I utilize the Van's RV4 flap actuator and a momentary micro switch from Radio Shack. Just as Mark Jones did, I installed a LED (red) light attached to the micro switch which glows red when the board is extended to prevent accidental take-off with board down. I haven't weighed the entire system, but I estimate it weights less than 5 pounds. Also, the cut-out hole pieces were saved and attached back inside of the belly board holes to prevent noise. The board extends downward 57 degrees from the horizontal which leaves me about 6 inches of clearance with the ground.
Refer to Mark Jones' web site to get excellent pictures of how this set-up was accomplished. I will report back as to how it works once I get back into the air. Bill Page N880AB [email protected]
