Date:	3-9-2012
Number of Hours:	5.00
Brief Description:	Trim Tab and Left Elevator
I started out by massaging the closeout tabs on the left elevator and trim tab a bit more so I could get the trim tab properly located in the elevator cutout for fitting the hinge. I had to trim about 1/16" inch off the upper tab on the elevator opening to prevent it from protruding below the bottom side of the skin. I then clecoed the skeleton into the skin to properly set the trailing edge angle, and drilled the holes for the blind rivets for the closeout tabs. A test fit of the trim tab shows that the gap between the tab and elevator is around 3/16 to 1/4", a bit wider than I'd like, but there's not really anything I can do about it now. If it looks really bad after assembly, I'll reskin the elevator and/or build a new trim tab. At least I'll have had the practice. I fitted and drilled the aft half of the hinge to the trim tab and marked the outboard edge for later trimming. I marked the rivet line on the hinge 3/16" from the edge so the holes would have minimum edge distance in the locations between the barrels. I taped the trim tab with hinge in place into the elevator opening, and this seems to be a good location. While the trim tab was still assembled, I drilled the rivet holes for the closeout tabs on both ends. I then disassembled the tab and deburred all holes and edges. After countersinking the trim tab spar, I masked, scrubbed with Dawn and Scotchbrite, solvent wiped, and primed the five trim tab parts. I'll let the primer cure for at least a couple of days before dimpling and riveting. I can rivet the left elevator in the meantime.