Yearly Archives: 2013

Horizontal Stab 8 (1 hr)

This entry was posted in Empennage Horizontal Stab and tagged mistakes on by

Wanted to put three or four hours in tonight, but I over-countersunk the splice AND reinforcement angles. Pretty sure I will need to replace both parts.

I also found a center rib that was drilled too close to the edge by the previous owner. I also think that parts he messed up were marked in blue. I wasn’t told this, and there are no replacements.

So, I stopped for the night. I’m very frustrated and angry with myself, so I’ll cool down and approach the problem fresh tomorrow. I will also try to get a second set of eyes on it.

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Horizontal Stab 7 (1 hr)

This entry was posted in Empennage Horizontal Stab and tagged priming on by

No pictures today. Tonight I cleaned up the rear spar in preparation for priming. It’s taking longer to clean up as the kit has several scratches that require removal. The front spar is almost ready for priming as well.

I ordered the AKZO primer from Aircraft Spruce this afternoon. The UPS tracking says it will arrive by the end of the day on Friday. The goal for Sunday is to have all the parts in the horizontal stab primed and ready for riveting.

On an unrelated note, I was finally able to remove the water pump on our kubota. I need to get a gasket replacement, and the install should be a breeze. Next up will be removing the hydraulic cylinders.

Horizontal Stab 6 (2 hrs)

This entry was posted in Construction Empennage Horizontal Stab on by

I recently ordered George Orndorff’s video on empennage construction. As I’ve been unable to attend a Sportair class, I wanted a little extra instruction. I’m glad I did as it has already given me a little more confidence, which I sorely need.

Patience.  I have very little patience, and this project I’m certain will test every ounce that I have.  The empennage kit I own was bought second hand with some work already completed.  While this saved me money, it is not something I will ever do again.  It is very difficult for me, ever so eager to press forward with the project, to review what work has been completed and what has not.  As an example, during today’s work session I reamed the skins and the rear spar for the horizontal stabilizer.  I found that the entire left spar had been completed, but only 5 holes on the right stabilizer.  Not easy for someone with very little patience.  BUT, on the upside, I made progress.  The rear spar is completely deburred and ready for riveting, to include the dimples.  I will order my AKZO this weekend so that I can begin preparing parts for priming as needed.

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