2/26/23 - 10h
2/27/23 - 1.5h
A quick review of the service information and revisions section of the Van's website confirmed I have the latest copy of the flap plans. I did, however, download an update to Manual Section 5. Section 5 updates include a note on cracks in dimpled holes, tips on nut-plates, a caution on isopropyl alcohol near acrylic edges and holes, and an additional set of torque values for shear-type nuts.

The plans start with a note on special tools required for this step of the build including #33 6 in. long drill bit, back riveting plate, and duck-bill pliers. I'm good with the back riveting plate, but I'll have to look into sources for the other specialty tools. The plans for the flaps also deviate from other wing build plans by recommending building both flaps at the same time to “help prevent mistakes and speed up the construction process.” Other sections leave it up to the builder if you want to work on the left and right sides together or consecutively. I've completed the other sections to this point at the same time for both left and right assemblies, so this isn't really a change for me. The other thing I noticed for the flaps is an emphasis on building flat and square assemblies to minimize twist in the flap. That will require some careful planning and additional preparation to keep things as square and level as possible. I have a friend who took extraordinary care building his flaps, and they still had some twist; so I'm not real optimistic on my chances for a flat flap. There are also a lot of instructions about the specific order in which parts are drilled, cleco'd, riveted, …; which will require a lot of care during the assembly to get it right.