Brief Description: Fixing two messed up elevator stiffners
Well after cleco'ing two elevators stiffners in backwards and drilling, I am left with extra holes. I have 3 choices 1) ignore the extra hole and the implications of possible cracks due to edge spacing and eventually a possible loose (smoking) rivet. NO 2) order a new part from Vans and wait 2 weeks - MAYBE. 3) Repair the stiffners by installing a doubler - YES. I fabricated a doubler for each end of the two stiffners and match drilled them to the end hole (the problematic one) and the next good hole. See attached photos. I believe the repair will be at least as strong or stronger than before and only adds fractions of an ounce to the structure. After I was done I started scuffing the stiffners with scotchbrite in preparation for priming. I like to do that before dimpling so it is easier to scuff. I emailed Vans Aircraft to verify that my repair was acceptable and according to Gus at the factory, this fix is more than adequate.
First GOOF! Note the extra holes in the ends of each stiffner
