Today I started work on the control columns. The first step is to make sure each column mount is square with the aft section of the center section. AFter quite a few measurements and using a square I clamped each one in place. I had placed tape on the back side of the center section so the c-clamp would not scratch the center section. After clamping the mounts I went through the measurements one more time. Then using my air drill I drilled a starter hole using the center section as a placement guide. Once I had made a small cut in the mount I took the mounts off and finished using the drill press. I did not want to elongate the holes or drill at an angle. The drill press with some Boeing lube finished the holes in no time. After finishing I checked one more time to ensure the fit was correct. The instructions state this is a good time to ft the bottom portion of the control columns to the mounts and get the washer stackup set. I started the process and ran into a slight issue. When the kit came in I inventoried everything, but I left all the hardware in the individual paper bags. I intended to separate everything out and put the hardware where I could find it. Well, after spending about ten minutes searching through the bags I figureed this has got to stop. So I spent the better part of two hours pulling hardware out of bags, taging it and putting it where I can easily find it. It will be time well spent later on in the project.
