« Archives on May 15, 2007

Closed Elevators

4 hours.
Finished the trim tab and got it mounted with the temp hinge pin Van’s gives you. I guess they send the real hinge pin with the fuselage or finish kit. Since I dimpled the hinge instead of countersinking it and using a doubler, there is some resistance putting the pin all the way down the hinge. I’m not sure if this is a problem, but I can spend some time aligning the hinge eyes later if need be. Also got the skins riveted on, after the control horn debacle. The other thing I will definitely need to do when the time comes is get some filler and foam in where the riblet went in. It’s not pretty, but all the sharp bits got rounded, so I think it’ll fly fine. I was planning on doing that anyway, but now there’s a definite reason to do so. Very nearly messed up the trim tab, and stopped before the recurring rule made itself evident, and that is, if you have to force it, you’re not doing it right.
The only thing left to do on these guys is roll the leading edges and blind rivet them. Oh, and finish the trim tab servo plate.

Right elevator, ready to roll the leading edge

Left elevator, same status

Trim tab moves up and down.