Closing up VS Skins
I attached the VOR antenna using 20mm length M4 screws with nyloc nuts and then began closing up the skin. Unfortunately the antenna is inaccessible once the skin is riveted on, so for now I think I’m leaving one side open just in case – will just use a...
VOR Antenna Provisions
In addition to the doubler plate, I also need to modify the skin to accommodate the antenna elements. I notched the skin so that I can slide it up around grommets at the base of each arm. Pictures are better than words in this case…...
VS Structure Assembled
Vertical stab parts are put together, minus the skin. I’m putting in an optional antenna for VOR/Localizer/Glideslope reception, so I had to make a doubler plate for the top spar where the antenna will be mounted to. To make the plate, I used a sheet of 0.032″ 3003 aluminum...
Vertical Stabilizer Parts Prep
I decided to take a break from working on the wings as I await a few things I need for sealing the fuel tanks. A few weeks ago I got in a shipment of goodies from Jean at TAF, including missing brackets for the VS, so now I can...
Left Fuel tank started
I created a jig for assembling the fuel tank using the templates included with the plans. After transferring the profiles to a sheet of 1/2″ MDF, I cut the shape by hand with a rotozip-style tool, then filed and sanded as needed to smooth it out. Next I followed...
Finished up Lower Skins
I was able to get in a few good 5-hr sessions this weekend and finish up fitting and riveting up the lower skins. I had to ream quite a lot of holes to make everything line up ok. But the end result looks good. I had some nice weather...
Progressing with wing bottom skins
Continuing with fitting bottom skins, and elongating holes where needed to fit properly on the spar cap. I’m using a round file to remove most of the needed material, and then using a #20 reamer to clean up the hole and ensure it’s roundish. So far so good –...
Continuing with Wing Skins
Last week I emailed back and forth with TAF regarding the hole misalignment between the wing lower skins and the main spar caps. I got word back from Mike Blyth at TAF that the hole misalignment is ok, and that they see the same on their factory builds –...
Working skin fit issue
I’ve been trading emails back and forth with TAF regarding the fit of my bottom skins on the main spars. The spacing of the holes is off, so I can’t get the skin to fit without some kind of fix. The skin is not supposed to be under any...
Bracket for Garmin Regulator
Since I’m installing the pitot tube, I also had to find a home for the regulator. I decided to mount it to the back side of the main spar, near an inspection cover.. just in case it needs to be replaced. I designed the bracket in Fusion 360 (which...