"I measured the required rib positions and marked out the lines on the work bench to build a basic jig to lay out the pieces to form the stabilator. Having done this I was able to position and mark the drilling points for each rib ensuring they were true and square prior to drilling. Working out from the stab tip I did each rib clecoing as I went to maintain the squareness of the frame.
I completed the ribs into position and then marked the root brackets for the hockey stick piece. Using premarked holes I layed the hockey stick piece into position and clamped it to position prior to drilling. I drilled the intial holes along the 2 lengths of the stick and clecoed it in place. It is the main structural piece at the front of the stabilator that will bolt onto the left stab and the fuselage in turn. there is another structural piece at the rear of the stab that is a solid 'Y' piece so it is secured at the front and back. You dont want it coming off in the middle of a loop. I can see the strength engineered into this machine.
I located the sheet skin for the stab ina box under my staircase and did a quick fitting. Looked good but a lot of work required before it is ready to rivet into place. The skin is computer pre pilot drilled from the factory so the frame that it covers has to be true in all respects or the holes will not match up with the frame I fabricated. That is the next task."
