Recently in Empennage (Section 6) Category

This picture shows the l/h elevator and the final rivet line on elevator and also the hinge is riveted to the elevator. Notice too that the tabs are both bent and riveted with pop rivets.

Apologies for the out of focus picture. This is the view between the skins and shows that the elevator skeleton can now be placed between the skins with no longer a need to pop rivet. It's just an elegant and simple solution1

My kit is of the older type and some parts are NOT prepunched. As a precaution, I bought another copy of the most recent drawings thinking I could keep upto date with the mods etc. This is not so. You must use the original plans issued with your own kit number. This is because many parts are in fact modified and cannot easily be switched. However, I did pick up the tip to rivet the weight skins separately not in assembly with the ribs, this allows one to use solid rivets instead of the pop rivets called out for in the 'original' plans.

This is the other alignment that is essential. The gap between the elevator and the trim tab must not be less than 1/8th of an inch. I used a drill bit as a spacer to ensure that the gap met the criteria.

Here you can see that I've taped up the trim tab and placed it on the L/H elevator. I'm about to drill the final placement for the trim tab hinge to the L/H elevators trim tab spar. The key issues for this fixture are to ensure that the trailing edges of both pieces are aligned.

Here you can see the 2nd tab is bent over the 1st (lower skin) so that when the elevator is returned 'right side' up it's rain proof.
Tip: Have plenty of time, clamps, double sided tape, and follow the instructions perfectly and then it may, just may work.!!!

Here you can see that a small 'lolipop' stick is also placed under the 1st bent tab to protect the other tab from damage during the trimming operation. It was Jeremy that made the cut..... I was too nervous.
This L/H elevator build stage takes an enormous amount of work to this stage and I just did not want to cock it up!

This picture shows that the first bend appears to be going well. Approx 75dgr. over it's time to use a very low pressure on the rivet gun using a flat head. You can see some tape to protect the lower tab (top) as it's often the case that the bend may slightly cause a snagging. This is removed by a cut off wheel.

This is a 'scare' moment in the build process. The elevator is upside down and I'm seen bending the lower tab down. This is so that the upper tab overlaps preventing ingress of water. That's if it all goes OK!