Flaps 12 (6.0 hrs)


Time to finish up the flaps!  Here is the right flap clecoed and placed in the makeshift cradle I made yesterday (null)

The first step was to rivet the rear spar while I could still access it. I used my long thin tungsten bar as shown in this picture. While it was a bit of a pain in the ass, it didn’t take too long to finish it up. (null)

No real pictures of the next step… I riveted all the interior ribs. I then riveted the inner rib that will be closes to the fuselage and provide the connection point for flap controls. Use MK-319 BS blind rivets. I also opted to use the same type of blind rivet for the rivet immediately under the nutplate.(null)

After I riveted all the ribs, it was time to set up the pneumatic squeezer for the outside rib and the spar. I made quick work of the rib. (null)

Then it was time to blind rivet the spar to the ribs. I double checked that everything was complete before closing up the flaps, as I would no longer be able to access the areas to fix mistakes.

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The last two steps were to use the squeezer to rivet the lower spar edge and hinge, and then to buck the top skin and spar. My wife sent me a message as I was starting that it was snowing and I should leave the hangar soon since I was in her car… which is a bit squirrelly on the road. I looked outside… no snow. In the quick time that I finished the spar, we had close to 2 inches on the road! Time for some e-brake slides between the hangars on my way out!

Here is the final product! One flap done… one more to go. I should be done tomorrow!(null)

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About Peter

plbarrett.com | Certified Flight Instructor (Single & Multi-Engine, Instrument, and Advanced Ground) | Commercial Helicopter

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