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Vertical Stabilizer... 04/14/03 - I managed to get nearly 7 hours in today and find myself just a bit short of finishing the Vertical Stabilizer as I just need to fit and install the ribs to have this section complete! I have many photos today so I'll just step through them describing in short detail what is occurring. Parts are laid out:
As usual, the manual is very close:
Working on the aft spar for the vertical stab, inserting nut plates, a 7/8" doubler, etc:
Aft spar in place:
Top gussets in place:
Forward spar temporarily clamped in position:
Forward spar drilled and clecoed in place:
Aft edge of forward spar trimmed to match rear spar profile:
1/2" Stiffener temporarily in place:
Another perspective of the task so far:
Beginning the trim work on the top stringer, which requires notching so the profile blends into the upward sweep of the stabilizer just above the forward bend:
Here's the stringer fit against the stabilizer after all the trimming and finally snugged into place with a light tap from my rubber mallet, I was very satisfied with the fit as the bend appears to be smooth:
A view of the task so far with the stringer loosely fit:
If you look closely, you can see two tri-angular brackets to carry the stringer clamped in place for drill and cleco:
Stringer supports after drill and cleco:
Another view of the supports:
After riveting the supports, here is a view of the stabilizer and stringer assembly:
Showing the stabilizer ribs clamped (more or less) in place:
I wanted to see what it would look like flying, but my garage ceiling is nearly too short:
Fortunately it's easy to move in an out, so I did manage to get a look at the Coyote in a flight profile...ok, you really have to use you imagination! ;^)
A final shot from the side completes my first vacation day:
At this point, it was nearly 5:00 PM and I decided to clean up the shop and call it a day. I was very satisfied with the progress today and I only bugged Ed at Rans a couple of times with silly questions! No project work tomorrow, my dad and I are going fishing! I plan to get back in the shop on Wednesday and since the weatherman is predicting rain for a couple of days beginning Wednesday afternoon, I may have more time to work than I can really stand! More updates soon... |
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Last Update: 04/14/2003 |
