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Jims RV-8
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Date:  7-6-2013
Number of Hours:  7.00
Manual Reference:  7-5
Brief Description:  leading edge work - drilling

Today I got a lot of leading edge work done. First, I clecoed the left leading edge back onto the spar (it did fit better) and then fitted the inboard leading edge rib in place (w-408) and drilled it to the spar. Next you slide the w-423 joint plate into position between the 408 rib and the skin. This joint plate ties the leading edge section to the tank section via platenuts that will be drilled/installed later. The joint plate is measured/installed by drawing a 1/2" line down the length and when installed correctly, the line shows up thru the prepunched holes in the skin. Then you have to measure the distance between the outer edge of the joint plate and the rib web to make sure the 408 rib is in the right location since you cannot see where it is in relation to the skin. Once that is all done - you drill the holes in the joint plate and the rib using the prepunched holes in the skin as the guide. The first one took much more time than the second...of course.

The other thing that took time is to straighten the 408 rib. Since it doesn't have the holes predrilled in the flange, I first had to know where the rivets would be so that I could flute in between the holes. To do this, I used the method that was taught in the empennage section. Install the rib, then mark the holes thru prepunched skin holes...then you are able to flute. After straightening the rib I bent the flanges to 90 degrees and then reinstalled the wing rib.

Once the 423 joint plate was drilled on the right wing, I drilled out all of the leading edge holes on the right wing leading edge. Then did the same procedure on the left 408/423 - and was able to drill most of the holes on the 423/408 - all but 4 on the top of the left wing. The 2x4 on the wing stand is in the way and I need to reverse the wing on the stand before finishing those holes. Can you spot the missing clecos in picture #2?

Passed the 300 hour mark in the project today!
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installing the 408 rib to be drilled to spar web

installing the 408 rib to be drilled to spar web

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both 408 rib & 423 joints drilled...mostly

both 408 rib & 423 joints drilled...mostly

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