Took some measurements of the VS top rib and projected where the two antenna would penetrate the skin directly between two rivets. Used that to establish the center of the antenna puck and verified clearances so that it nests into the top rib of the vertical stab. I'm going to use a Rami AV-520 and got the dimensions and bolt spacing from their website. I then took my sketch into CAD and laid out the holes and the limits of the doubler. I just used 1/4” edge distance and 1” max rivet spacing. Based on what I could gather from AC 41-13, I'm just going to match the thickness of the doubler to the rib that I'm cutting a hole in. Printed it out full size and spray mounted it onto a piece of 0.025” to make the doubler. Cut it, clamped it, drilled it, deburred it. I think it came out pretty good. I used the step cutter for the 3/4” hole in the middle. I plan to run some conduit up to it and proseal it to the bottom of the rib to secure. Then use a couple zip tie clamps in the lightening holes of the lower ribs.

I also finished converting some of the left over shipping crate into a spray table. A little heavier than I had hoped, but I think it will work better than just scrap cardboard that I usually use. Should help keep the smaller parts from blowing around as much.

The primer came in today too. I cleaned all the parts and will try to etch and paint in the morning before work. Going to try to meet my tech counselor this weekend before I rivet the skin on.