Brief Description: Empennage final assembly - Part 1
Good bit of progress on the aeroplane today. I believe the entire tail section is compete and assembled for the final time. I began the day by changing the washer/spacers that connect the elevator push/pull tube. Instead of three std washers on each side of the rod end bearing I used two large diameter washers next to the bearing and then two std washers outboard on each side. That is more in keeping with the std method of guarding against a bearing failure.
Next step was to double-check the trim wiring and install the molex connectors. The trim servo was installed and tested one final time. The control arm on the servo required a slight bend to ensure it doesn't chafe against the access plate when approaching full down pitch.
The vertical stabilizer was installed and all bolts and nuts torqued. The wiring for the nav and strobe light was routed and the molex connector installed. A snap bushing was used where the wiring passes thru the main spar on the vertical stab, again to protect against chafing. Torque seal (orange) was applied to all the fasteners.
The rudder was installed for the final time, I hope. The wiring for the nav and strobe light was connected and tested. The rudder cables and tail wheel assembly was reinstalled.
One of the last tasks for the day was to mask, prime, and paint the control sticks so they can be installed.
The cockpit is actually beginning to look more like a real airplane with flight controls, engine controls, and some interior panels installed. Tomorrow I should be able to get the torque tube and sticks installed. At least I think they can be installed at this point without creating any problem with assembly down the line.
