Nov 20, 2022     Mount Pitch trim control       Category: Empennage

It took 3 hours to drill one hole in the stabilator. Originally I thought the person that fabricated the trim control arm forgot to drill the lower hole. However, I realized while mounting the trim control arm that by not drilling the lower hole I was able to perfectly align top and bottom holes. (of course I did have process of drilling with my standard size bit through 4 inches of material.)

  Nov 05, 2022     Trim Tab - (4 hours)       Category: Empennage

Today I learned I had the wrong rivet gun so had to go buy one and the correct rivets. Replacing the hinges in the trim tab I bought as part of the VP2 then putting the trim tab in place with the hinges placed as in the plans took some time - but a sense of accomplishment when completed.

  Oct 30, 2022     Trim tab - (2 hours)       Category: Empennage

Remembering the VP2 I bought in Canada, I took the VP2 trim tab that was already built and bought a metal blade for my table saw. After taking out the rivets on both ends and removing the hinges I will use after relocating them, I set up the table saw to cut light metal. Took a practice cut and then trimmed each end to fit. Next I will file the edges and fill the end caps with foam.

  Jul 31, 2022     Leading edge 1/16 ply - (3 hours)       Category: Empennage

Today cut the 1/16 ply for the leading edge of the stabilator. Glued and nailed it to the leading edge. I was surprised the plans left a 1 inch gap on the leading edge for the ply. I checked it against the VP2 I bought from Canada and the 1 inch gap is there also. I only glued to top edge and next week I will do the bottom.

  Jul 04, 2022     Working on the Stab Fit - (3 hours)       Category: Empennage

Today I did some more work on the Stabilator: cutting the 1/16 ply for the flat gussets around the trailing edge and taking the stabilator out to see if it fits on the fuselage. One interesting thing (again) was my interpretation of the plans. the quarter rounds that brace the ribs do not look like they have a "cut out" for the hinge pin. The ribs do have a cut out in the center ribs. It looks like the space is not cut out so I left the quarter rounds intact until assembly. So back to my trusty Drumel tool to cut out the quarter rounds to allow the hinge pin access.

  Jun 25, 2022     varnish Stabilator - (3 hours)       Category: Empennage

Some sanding and then varnish on the interior of the stabilator. I took "selfies" to show I am doing the work. The fuselage of the VP2 I bought in Canada is in the background. I still need to strip the parts I need off of it.

  Jul 12, 2020     rudder tube support       Category: Empennage

tested the rudder tube in place and used multiple levels to be sure the fittings that hold the rudder tube are level in place and the bushings will not bind when turning. Some additional dremel trimming on the ID of the plastic bushings to ensure clean and free movement. Sorry about all the pictures of levels.... but I wanted to be sure "level" in all dimensions.