Fixing that annoying AC boom from popping out

[Walks]

There’s not much more annoying with the Aerobird Challenger than the boom constantly popping out after you’ve gone through a number of nose-dives into the ground. This tip will show you how to permanently (if there is such a thing) fix the boom problem. One other positive use of this tip is that by over-tightening the bolt you can correct any buckling of the fuselage. I’ve hit the ground so hard that there is a crease in the fuse and the plane would nose dive. Just tighten the bolt a bit more until the fuse is corrected.

What you’ll need: Drill, hobby knife, screw driver, 1 ½ #8 nylon bolt, nylon washer and nut. Cost: $1.00.

Images can be seen by visiting: http://www.mchenryparkflyers.com/Default.aspx?load=ChallengerBoom

I already attempted to use a nylon tie wrap. Don’t bother; it won’t work.

STEP1: Start by drilling a very small starter hole about 1/8 inch above the snap-on section for optional items such as the aerial drop module. This will place the nylon bolt just above the boom.

STEP 2: Use the appropriate sized bit to finish the holes being careful not to let the drill go crazy inside to fuse and damage anything.

STEP 3: Take your hobby knife and clean up the excess plastic without making the hole any larger.

STEP 4: Insert the bolt through one side and on the other place the washer on first then the nut. Finger tighten first then slowly tighten with a screw driver. You can use some CA to glue the bolt and nut together but if you ever have to take out the boom to replace the lines you’ll end up having to cut off the bolt. I chose not to do this but it’s up to you. Just check the bolt every once and a while before you fly. That’s it!

Have fun!

Walks

[aeajr]

Good write up and photos.

Let me add this. I used the tie wrap and it works great. The key is to embed it in the little indented area BELOW where you are putting your bold. If you put it inside the indent, you carefully drill through the top of the boom inside the plane. Then the tie wrap actually passes through the boom and locks it in place it can't get out.

Two tips.

You must be sure not to touch the antenna wire or the control wires as you drill. I use a long inserted though the canopy. I put it on the wires and push them to the bottom of the boom before I drill across the top.

Second is that a piece of clear packing tape where the boom meets the body works very well. I apply that BEFORE I fly the new plane. When someone comes to the field with an new Aerobird. I make this mod right away. Have not had a boom break lose once this is done.