Light Aircraft Association

Hi,

I have a really simple question - I am going to make a new instrument panel which has to carry a fair bit of weight and wondered what the best type of aluminium would be ? I am guessing 2024 T3 but thought it might be overkill ?

Thanks
Roger

Can you narrow it down a bit?

How big an instrument panel (height x width)?
To be fitted to what sort of aircraft (wood, steel tube, aluminium monocoque, aluminium tube)?
Would it be supported all the way round or just at 2 points at the bottom or something in between?
What instruments are going to go in it?

Most importantly is whether the panel will be a structural part of the aircraft. If it is then it'll be specified in the plans what it should be and I wouldn't depart from that.

I think (if memory serves) that my RV 6 uses 6061-T6 for the panel. 2024 is also overkill price-wise in that it is alclad, which normally isn't necessary as most people put a finish on their panel (paint/vinyl etc).

A cheaper UK alternative (6061 seems to be largely a US spec) is 6082-T6, but only use this in non-structural areas, or engineering might get upset.

Oh yes, one more thing, 6082 comes in zillions of thicknesses, so if you have lots of instruments surrounded by not much panel you could use a thicker of material to make it a bit more sturdy. I know, I know, extra weight and all that, but a light but wobbly panel that cracks due to vibration and flex isn't fit for purpose in my book.
I'll be using 2mm for some panels in a Starduster for much the same reason.

Hi Rob,

Thanks for your advice and I had already come to the same conclusion. A local company that I do business with had a ready supply of 6082 T6 and they not only cut and flanged them for me but gave me a spare set in case I make a mess of the first one - they obviously know me too well !

The panels, while non structural, will be carrying a pile of avionics as well as the usual gyros and stuff so I wanted something fairly tough but not too prone to fracture and just wondered if there was a standard ali that was recommended. Judging by the response, obviously not.

Roger