We just received this notice from Hanger 9
Hangar 9 35% Extra 260 Wing Reinforcement Notice 01.15.08.
The Staff of the Flying Giants would like to thank Hanger 9 for their proactive approach to informing the modeling community of this potential problem and instructions on a cure.
Here is the notice from Hanger 9:
Hangar 9 35% Extra 260 Wing Reinforcement Notice
We’re committed to making sure everyone’s experience with Hangar 9 products is the best it can be. To that end, we want to make you aware that we have received reports of a very few number of 35% Extra 260s that have experienced wing failures. Although the number is very small, we take all reports seriously and have done an engineering analysis on the wings that experienced the issue. We have identified the problem as resulting from insufficient glue being applied in the critical wing tube socket and shear web joint. A failure due to this normally will occur in the first few flights on the model; if you already have several flights on your model, you can continue to fly with confidence. Though it is highly unlikely that your wing has an issue, we want to make you aware of the situation and offer a simple fix.
We have analyzed the structure and have engineered a simple fix that is very durable, light weight and completely solves the problem. The fix does not require the removal of any covering material. It requires a few tools, glue and about an hour of time to perform.
If you choose not to do this and wish to receive a new set of wings, we will be glad to accommodate. Please take into consideration that we will not have replacement stock for you until March 1, 2008. If you wish to wait and would like to receive a replacement set of wings, please contact our Product Support department at 877-504-0233 or by e-mail at productsupport@horizonhobby.com.
If you would like to do this simple procedure to reinforce your wings yourself so you can keep flying, please follow these steps:
35% Extra 260 Wing Reinforcement Instructions
Items Needed:
§ One (1) 2 ounce bottle of Elmer's Ultimate™ or Gorilla Glue™—Polyurethane type.
§ One (1) syringe “glue gun”
§ One (1) ¾-inch length of medium fuel tube
§ One (1) 12” long 1/8” diameter brass tube
§ One (1) ¼” drill bit
§ One (1) 12-inch long .156” (5/32) diameter drill bit
§ One (1) fine tip pen
§ One (1) short straight edge
Step 1: Mark the root rib by drawing a line top to bottom at the center of the tube and a line top to bottom at the front edge of the tube. Then draw a diagonal line as shown to locate the center of the area. Mark an X inside the centerline as shown on top and bottom.
Step 2: Drill through the root rib at the two marked locations using a ¼” drill bit.
Step 3: Measure 8-1/4” from the tip end of the long .156” (5/32) drill bit and place a piece of tape on the bit at this location. This marks the depth to be drilled.
Step 4: Stand wing on end. While looking down inside of the tube socket to be SURE the drill bit does not contact or come through it, insert long drill bit through root rib hole and feel the center of the area in the second rib. Then drill through second rib.
Step 5: Insert drill until it contacts the third rib and drill through it until the tape on the drill meets the root rib. Repeat steps 4 and 5 in second hole in root rib.
Step 6: Mark the 12" long piece of 1/8" diameter brass tube that will be used as a glue tube as shown. Measure 9 ¼” from the end and place a mark on the tube. Make a second mark 6 ¼” from the end, and make a third mark 2 1/2” from the end. These marks will tell you that the tube is inserted to the correct depth so the glue is injected into the correct areas.
Step 7: Cut a ¾“ long piece of fuel tubing and slide over the end of the brass glue tube. Fill the glue gun (syringe) with glue and slide fuel tube over the end of the glue gun to seal the connection. Prime the brass glue tube by holding the end over a paper towel and injecting glue into it until glue comes out the end of the brass tube.
Step 8: Insert the brass tube into one of the holes in the root rib all the way into until the first mark is flush with the root rib.
Step 9: Inject 3cc of glue into the third rib bay.
Step 10: Pull the brass tube out till the second mark on the brass tube is visible, refill the glue gun and inject 3cc of glue into the second rib bay.
Step 11: Pull the brass tube out until the first mark is visible. Refill the glue gun and inject 3cc of glue into the first rib bay. Remove the tube. Refill the glue gun and repeat Steps 8–11 on second hole in the root rib.
Step 12: Insert the aluminum wing tube in the panel, and set panel leading edge up, with the aluminum tube parallel to the bench top. Is will ensure that the glue flows into the correct area. Let sit overnight until glue dries. Then, repeat process on second wing panel.
As always, Hangar 9 is most interested in your continued safe enjoyment of all of our products. If you have any further questions please contact Product Support at 877-504-0233.
Please note that this bulletin is not referencing a widespread defect in the plane or its construction. The suggested upgrade simply safeguards against the unlikely chance that you have a wing that could be subject to this issue. The 35% Extra 260 and the entire line of Hangar 9 airplanes are engineered and crafted to exacting standards to ensure quality and performance.
We hope this upgrade will give you more hours of flying fun with the 35% Extra 260. If you have any questions or concerns, our Product Support Team will be happy to assist you. They are available Monday through Friday, 8am-7pm CST at 877-504-0233 or by email at productsupport@horizonhobby.com.