Brief Description: Bolt Rear Spar to Aft Deck; Drill Front
The next thing I did was bolt the rear spar of the VS to the aft deck support angle, which I also bolted to the aft deck and longerons. Then it was on to the front spar. The manual says to make sure the rear spar of the VS is straight by holding a staight edge next to the rudder brackets. Mine sloped forward slightly. I had to raise the front spar slightly to counter, which brought the rear into alignment. The manual also indicated that the front spar join plate could be positioned on either the front or rear face of the spar. Mine worked out best on the front face. Once the rear spar was staight, the front spar was clamped securely in place and all measurements were checked yet again. I then used my right angle drill to drill the plate to both the HS and VS front spars. I couldn't reach the upper row of rivet holes on the front spar of the VS. I'll have to drill these on the workbench once the VS is removed from the fuselage.
Rear spar of VS bolted to aft deck angle - front view
Rear spar of VS bolted to aft deck angle - rear view
Front spar of VS drilled and clecoed to front spar of HS
