LEXL Floor Board .016"?

[914pete]

Page 10 of my plans shows using .016" aluminum for the floor board.  Just wondering if anyone with a flying XL used the same and found it too thin.

[Bob Wood]

I used a really light plywood  Stained and varnished,  Looks great and very light.. Quieter too

Bob Wood

[CHARLES DEBOER]

I used .032 thick al. 6061 T6 for a flooring material because that is what I had available.  After 35 hours of engine run-up, taxi tests, crow hops and 10 touch and go with 20 landings I have found that the bottom diagonal cross member has caused abrasions to the aluminum.  I have applied a silicon bath tub sealer to the top of the diagonal cross member to prevent the erosion of the aluminum.  If I had used .016 it might have worn though.

[914pete]

I used .032 thick al. 6061 T6 for a flooring material because that is what I had available.  After 35 hours of engine run-up, taxi tests, crow hops and 10 touch and go with 20 landings I have found that the bottom diagonal cross member has caused abrasions to the aluminum.  I have applied a silicon bath tub sealer to the top of the diagonal cross member to prevent the erosion of the aluminum.  If I had used .016 it might have worn though.

Hi Charles, didn't think of that.  I guess I will add a couple strips of gaffers tape along that cross bar to prevent chaffing and probably reduce some noise.  I was wondering if your heals are starting to deform the .032 aluminum.  I've got some extra .028 6061 T6 I was going to use but worried about heals deforming it.

[CHARLES DEBOER]

My .032 is not deforming.  I have applied some anti skid tape to reduce the scuff marks. The caulking material has reduced the tinny, clanking noise from my shoes when getting in and out of the plane.

[scottiniowa]

Using 2024 T3 for flooring might perhaps be a better way to go.  No matter the thickness.  It resist bending or deforming and perhaps better said, is a better material for the situation.
I would use heavier than .016, but if  your carful that might work.

Best of success