Brief Description: Clecoing the Rudder Skins to the Skeleton
Today I went to the Wings Over Houston Airshow. I had a chance to hang out with several homebuilders in the EAA hangar.
While I was at the show, I found a pair of RV-8's hanging out one corner of the GA hangars. Obviously I had to go down there to meet the owners, look at the planes, and ask some questions. That was time well spent and I was able to compare my workmanship with theirs. I now understand a little more about what is acceptable and what isn't. I'm happy to say that my personal standards are extremely high. That's good and bad. But probably more good than bad.
Tonight I clecoed both skins to the skeleton. The way the RV-10 rudder is constructed, it's fairly easy to construct it with a bow if you're not careful.
This is a critical component. I don't want a bent rudder and I don't want to deal with a plane that won't keep "the ball" centered. Since I'm getting ready to final-drill the holes between the skin and the skeleton, I cleco'd every single hole. (Blisters to prove it).
Some people will say it's overkill, but when you're working with metal you only get one chance. Do it right the first time, you'll thank yourself later.
