20/02/2021 - Drill elevator fairings - 2h30

I have been bending on the canopy frame for quite a bit of time and it drives me nutz. Time to do something else in between that changes my mindset.

To do this, I started working on the elevator fairings. These are fairings that came with the empenage kit and have been waiting for a long time to be installed.

First measured and fitted the fairings between the skins. I actually made the mistake of trying to cut of from the flange of the epoxy but then noticed that it's better to just insert the whole flange extending over de flange of the rib. the pop rivets will pull this together and there is more epoxy material left to grab the flange of the fairing.

in the next picture, I finished drilling the fairing #40.

As you can see, the end of the fairing nicely matches the end of the skin. As this is a control surface, you want to be as acurate as possible. (I know: "I'm being anal again")

Then updrilled the holes to #30 to receive the pop rivets.

I will probably still install a AN4 nutplate on the arm to add washers when balancing the elevator. It's a common technique that can be found on many builder blogs.


Site Options

Legal Mumbo-Jumbo

It’s possible (not likely) that I’m not as smart as I think I am. (Occasionally, I have moments when I know this to be true. Fortunately, the feeling passes quickly.) Although I have tried to make this information as accurate as I can, it is not only possible, but also quite likely, that erroneous and misguided information lurks within these pages. I cannot and do not warrant these pages to be error free and correct. Furthermore, I accept no liability for the use of this (mis)information. And, as many would say, your mileage may vary. If, after reading this, you are intent on proceeding, please be aware that the contents of this site are protected by copyright (copyright © 2011 and 2012). Nonetheless, you may copy this material subject to these two conditions: (1) any information used is for non-commercial purposes, and (2) the source of the material is properly credited. Of course, you may link to any page herein. At some articles, snippets of the plans from Vans are visible. These are for educational and illustrations purposes only and should never be used as plans for part construction or assembly as plans may have changed since the picture was taken and more important they are protected by Copyright by the Vans Aircraft Mothership company.