Horizontal Stabilizer
May, 2022
May 05, 2022 -Pulled parts
May 19, 2022 - Actually started HS
1st attempt at fabricating this set of brackets.
They would have been fine up to this point!!
The top two holes in the brackets needed to be located at precisely the same spot. I missed the height of the dimension on the left bracket by .050" of an inch!(50 thousandths) Yep, start over. ordered replacement material.
Added fluting to the ribs where needed.
Ordered another piece of angle to remake these two brackets. I wasn't satisfied with the precision (or lack there of) and since they are the front spar attachment brackets, I wanted them to be perfect.
Trying again with more attention to detail.
Much better! well worth the do over.
Alignment is now perfect! thanks to the do over on the spar attach brackets.
Getting ready to machine countersink several hundred holes (600 +/-) in the front and rear spar and also the stringers. The nose ribs and the in spar ribs also waiting for dimple operation before being prepped for paint and reassembly for the final time.
Taping rivet holes to remove protective film for dimpling.
After tracing the outline of the painters tape with a soldering iron, removal of the tape and protective film allows access to the skins for the dimple dies without exposing the whole skin surface to potential damage. Every little bit helps.
Trying a new location for the dimple station.
July 4th, 2022 - Still nothing to sit in and make airplane noises, but it is getting closer!