November 2005 Archives

Match drilling the skin to the rudder skeleton using the Vans supplied jigs. It's easy to use the wrong jigs as five are supplied so care must be taken!

This assembled part is ready to accept the lead weight to provide control balance of the rudder.

This view shows the rudder forward spar/reinforcement plate/lower rib/rudder horn and the shim all assembled.

Began to rivet the rudder skeleton begining with the rudder horn/brace. Scratches on the primer are easily made, these will be retouched during final assembly post the inspectors sign off.

You may just be able to make out two lines one blue indicating the rear of the front spar and the red line which is offset 1/4" per the drawing. The stiffeners have been marked out, cut to shape and deburred except for the leading edges. I've left these just to ensure that the lengths are adjusted perfectly against the red line. A 15 degree angle is also required.

this was an avoidable accident yet it happened and it was my inattention that caused it. I had previously located the male die pin through the skin and was ready to strike the C Frame assembly. I moved the upright skin very slightly to afford more access and without noticing that the lower skin had bent up very slightly and move off the 'pin'. I struck the hammer and just the sound said.... WTFW!? The hole was now ovate. I felt that everybody would say the same as me... What a fool. Vans suggested that I find a tin of Hole Begone, if unable to find any then forget about it and move on.

Re dimpled the original hole having used a flush die set first to remove the errant dimple. Van's suggest just to fill the hole after riveting. No harm done, I don't think so, but that's their advice.