A drill bushing (1/4" OD, and 3/32 ID) was fabricated to fit in the VA-146 center hinge bearing of the Horizontal Stabilizer. This bushing is used to protect the bearing while drilling the pilot hole into the Elevator horns in preparation for final assembly to the HS. This bushing also provides a means to center the hole properly on the horn in relation to the hinge bearing. The drilling process starts with a 3/32 drill (#40) and is best done by increasing the drill size in small increments in order to maintain proper hole placement while enlarging to it's final 1/4 inch diameter. This is done first to the right Elevator horn, then the left Elevator horn. Once the holes are drilled to final size, the Elevators are mounted and secured. The Empennage is now *mostly* complete. The only remaining items are fiberglass tips (which will be done later) and the installation of the permanent Trim Tab hinge pin. That will be done once the fuselage parts are retrieved from the storage unit. Wow! Onto the fuselage!
