Brief Description: Trial Fit of the Vertical Stabilizer
Decided to try and fit vertical stabilizer to the tailcone assembly. Worked steps 1-3 on page 11-02. Was able to install all fastners in the rear spar to aft bulkhead and 3 of 4 AN3-4A bolts at front spar. The right top bolt would not start – it appeared to be binding when I tried to get it aligned to mate with the nutplate. I had checked the nutplate previously in the stabilizer assembly and was able to install bolts at each of the positions. Apparently in the installed configuration there is a very slight misalignment that keeps the bolts from being aligned to start properly. Took the unit off and the reinstalled with similar result – this time the left side top bolt would not start and I did not want to try forcing things so as not to damage the nutplates. Will review to see if anyone else has had this issue on the VAF forum and will send Van’s technical support the information for suggestions as to how to proceed. Not sure if it would be appropriate to upsize the through hole slightly to give more clearance
