Project: N18TA   -  
            Listing for Category : v fin alignm
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Builder Name:DeWitt Whittington   -  
Project:   Glasair - Sportsman 2+2   -   VIEW REPORTS
Total Hours:3544.2
Start/Last Date:Nov 22, 2003 - Sep 30, 2021
Engine:Lycoming O-360-A1A 180hp
Propeller:Hartzell Constant Speed 72"
Panel:GRT HX (3), GTN650, GTR200, VP200, Trio Pro Pilot,
 
Friendly URL: https://eaabuilderslog.org?s=N18TA

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Mar 16, 2004     Vertical fin twisted and tilted to left - how we straightened it - (100 hours)       Category: V fin alignm
When we tried to install the rudder, we found the vertical fin was twisted and leaned to the left when looking forward.That was a big problem. After consultation with Glasair factory, we devised a method to pull it back into alignment. We used a small laser pointer to check the left-right alignment and a plumb bob to check the verticality of the fin. We then fastened timbers to the ceiling of the 3-car garage to which we attached a 4x4 vertical timber. Then, Stratford crawled into the fuselage with a Sawzall and split Bulkhead B down the center. That allowed us to twist the fin past the angle it should be using a laser pointer shined on the garage door. Bulkhead B left and right of the split moved relative to each other allowing the fin to twist to the right (viewed from aft). We twisted the fin past straight ahead since we knew it would spring back some amount after Bulkhead B was re-glassed and we removed the attachment to the vertical 4x4. At the end of this complicated process, the fin turned out to be not perfectly aligned, but much closer to being vertical and not twisted. At that point in the building process, we decided it would be wise to add the option of an electric aileron trim tab option to the right aileron.


 


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