Brief Description: Modified the VS/HS Empennage Fairing
Modified the VS/HS Empennage Fairing. The forward edge of the fairing that wraps around the HS needed to be removed and replaced by fiberglass that wraps around the HS. As I have the fairing fitted to the empennage, the forward edge of the fairing is about 1/2" forward of the HS. Additionally, I want to extend the forward edge of the fairing down to the upper longeron where it will be secured with a screw that also secures the gap seal for the bottom of the HS.
I applied and formed some clay at the intersection of the fuselage and the HS for the contour I desired of the end product. I applied some mold release and some car polish to the clay and the fuselage surfaces that will be in contact with the glass layup. Removed the unneeded fiberglass from the fairing with a dremel cutoff wheel. Sanded the surfaces to be glass with 80 grit paper and formed a Kurf edge where the fiberglass graft will be layed. The surfaces were cleaned with acetone. I made a template for cutting the glass for the flat extension of the forward upper edge of the fairing to the lower longeron. Four layer of 9 Oz. glass was applied to the left side of the fairing, each successive layer slightly longer and applied higher up the kerfed surface. Then four layers of glass was applied to the curvature around the inboard forward edge of the HS. This surface was extended aft about 2 inches. It will be trimmed to an appropriate length later. Peel Ply was applied to the newly layed glass and attention was played to insuring that all of the air was removed from the glass layup. I'll see how well this layup turns out tomorrow then proceed with the glassing of the right side of the fairing.
