This was one of those sessions I had been waiting for--bending the longerons. Based on what I had read, it sounded like it might be a little more challenging than some of the other steps, but actually, it wasn't too bad. I will agree with Van's that the angle aluminum can do some strange things when you bend it in one dimension, but some careful twisting and hand-bending seemed to keep things pretty much where they should be. It did seem a bit odd that the builder's manual stressed that the bend had to be within 1/16 of an inch all around...this on a 15' piece of aluminum that bends more than 1/2 inch with no problem. But accuracy is what the plans call for, so I did my best.
After bending the longerons, the plans call for drilling the F-721 aft canopy deck to each longeron. Once you see this, it becomes clear how the bend is supposed to be. Wonder why they don't just say "bend to fit the F-721..."? Oh well...got all of that bent and drilled, so next session will be putting a bend and twist on the forward section, and then actually starting to assemble the fuselage.
Longerons in vise during bending process
F-721 aft canopy deck drilled and clecoed in place
