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Mikes Web Site
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Date: 12-5-2015
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Number of Hours: 4.00
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Manual Reference:
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Brief Description: Vertical Stabilizer Fin
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After some time off for wiring addtional plugs in the garage for the air compressor, installing a microwave and other necessary domestic issues, I finally got a chance to get started on my Savannah. My Dad and I have shared the dream of aviation and aircraft construction since I was 12 years old. Today, we completed the first part toward a dream come true. We both were pretty nervous and a little intimitated by the box of "over 600 pieces not counting nuts, bolts, and rivets" when we looked in the box. However, after a splendid Saturday afternoon together we have a finished vertical stabilizer fin to show for our work!! The work was fairly straight forward and immensely satisfying. In one day we managed to complete the fin and completely layout and assemble the frame work to the rudder, priming and covering with the skins and we'll have the rudder completed.
By referring to the written intructions, diagrams, and pictures we were able to lay out all the pieces, trial fit them together via clecoes, and then accomplish the final riveting. The supplied rivet gun in the kit does an absolutely beautiful job! A quick call to Valter Della Nebbia in Archer City answered my question about the gun. It comes in a nice case with so many extra springs, o rings, and other parts I was worried that "some assembly was required" but Valter confirmed for me that it was ready to go, those were just extra parts in case I might need them along the way.
It is absolutely astounding how the individual pieces seem so frail, then when it is all riveted together how stiff, light, and strong the structure becomes! The pieces are of such high quality that no drilling is necessary, the holes all line up, and deburring or filing rough edges is not necessary. What a qualtiy kit!
Next I need to finish wiring two additonal plugs and run an air manifold along the ceiling for easy access to the work area while riveting. The last important delivery will be tomorrow when my Pioneer split HVAC system arrives.
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Dad pulls the very first rivet in the project.
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hand cramps!
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Our first finished part!
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