In today's build session, I set up the elevator trim. This task started with the temporary wiring of the electric trim servo to the trim switch, the trim indicator, and a 12 volt bench power supply. Electric trim components The entire assembly was then installed in the underside of the left elevator with the threaded … Continue reading Elevator Trim Set Up →

The elevator trim tab must be fitted to the elevator such that the trailing edges of the elevator and trim tab form a single line. Likewise, the inboard edge of the elevator and trim tab should also form a single line. This is done by clamping the piano hinge in place and adjusting the position … Continue reading Finishing and Attaching the Trim Tab →

The left elevator has tabs similar to those on the sides of the trim tab on the inboard edge adjacent to the trim tab. Like those on the trim tab, the builder is instructed to bend the tabs together to form a straight edge. The upper tab did not come out as flat and straight … Continue reading Replacing Elevator Tabs with a Riblet →

On to the elevator trim tab. The trim tab is a small and simple movable control surface that is built into the left elevator. It has a bent trailing edge (just like the elevator) and a single spar on the leading edge. The ends are formed from tabs that are bent together. Bending the trim … Continue reading Elevator Trim Tab Prep →

This evening I worked on preparation for the assembly of the left elevator. All of the rivet holes on the skin needed to be deburred and dimpled. Here's me using the pneumatic squeezer to dimple the rivet holes around the edges of the elevator skin: I also needed to expand the holes on the leading … Continue reading Left Elevator – Assembly Prep →

The leading edges of the elevators are curved to fit into the trailing edge of the horizontal stabilizer along the hinge line. This is done by rolling a smooth bend into the top and bottom skins of the elevator. In the image above, a wooden dowel has been taped to the front edge of the … Continue reading Right Elevator – Leading Edge →

The last subassemblies that need to be built in the empennage are the right and left elevators. The two elevators are different in their construction due to the trim tab being part of the left elevator. Like the rudder, the elevators are built with skins that have stiffeners fastened to them. The elevators differ from … Continue reading Building the Elevators →

While I'm waiting for my rudder trailing edge to cure, it seems like a good time to move on to the next sub-assembly: the elevators. Like the rudder, the elevators have relatively thin skins that are stiffened using light aluminum angle. These stiffeners need to be cut, trimmed, and smoothed before they can be installed. … Continue reading Elevator Stiffeners →