Finishing Aileron; Wing Step Skin Try 2
I had a heck of a time getting the aileron to line up properly with the trailing edge of the wing and the flap. I wound up using a technique that involved putting some tape on the skin overlap, twisting the aileron by hand while on the wing, taking...
Fuselage Kit Arrived
My fuselage kit completed its cross-country trip and it looks like the crate held up well. Not sure yet where I’m going to store the parts, since I still have wing parts all over the garage, but luckily I have the long weekend ahead to sort it out!...
I Have a Serial Number!
I just found out that TAF has assigned serial # 180k to my kit! I’m guessing the ‘k’ indicates kit-build, as opposed to factory-build. It’s good to know that there are about 179 other Sling 4’s that are already built or in the process of being built! It’s a...
Aileron Alignment
As I’ve posted previously, I’m trying to be proactive about ensuring the aileron trailing edge lines up with the rest of the wing. I decided to re-use the same trick I used for the elevator & horizontal stab: assemble the part in-place, using clamps to set the assembly straight....
Left Wing End Rib
1 hour last night riveting the end rib to the left wing. It’s amazing how much stiffer the wingtip feels after riveting this rib in place. Pascal L. recommended a trick to check alignment of the trailing edge using a string. I haven’t done the aileron yet, but it...
Rivet Filling & Left Wing End Rib
My fuselage kit will be arriving this week, so I spent this weekend finishing up the left wing. Last few steps are to attach the wing tip and control surfaces (aileron, flap). Before taking the jig off the wing tip, I worked on filling in all of the rivets...
Aileron Parts Prep; Fuselage Kit On Its Way!
I just got back from an amazing European vacation, and prior to that, a weekend trip to NYC, which is why I haven’t had any updates since Easter. I’m back now, excited to get back to work. While I was away on vacation, I also finished all the purchase...
Left Flap Finished, Starting Aileron
I finished assembly of the left side flap. All the parts for the right side are prepared, but I’ll wait to assemble it until I see if I run into any fit issues with the left side. I started preparing the aileron structural parts next. They go through the...
Building up the Flaps
With most of the left wing complete, I prepped the flap parts today for both left and right sides – it’s just easier to do all at once. I had to pull out the part bath tubs for the first time in a while, as well as my “paint...
Wing Top Skins Riveting
Last weekend I riveted the upper skins on the left wing. As I did when clecoing the skins in place, I started riveting onto the strongest parts first (4mm rivets into the main spar cap), then ribs, then stringers. When pulling these blind rivets, it leaves an open hole...