Vans RV12 Build Log
Empennage
Everything Rearward of the Baggage Compartment/ Sub-Kit 1 of 6
Stabilator SB and Tailcone Start3/28/2018 So, sorry its been a while. I have been busy on and off with the project which is making it really difficult to keep track of the actual build time. I get 15-20 mins of work in then something comes up. Nonetheless after sitting around waiting on the 470 rivets from Vans I kept looking at the plans and VAF and realized that I can install the skins on the stabilator without needing the rivets for the service bulletin. Before that got started though I went ahead and started on the tailcone section. First up is prepping the skins which took hours of tedious deburring and the worst part of all, breaking the edges. I could not seem to get the edge break tool to stop jumping the skin creating bends in the skin. I was getting frustrated and had to walk away several times. I cannot wait until edge breaking is done with so I can throw that piece of S*** tool away. After that it was to prep the fuselage frames. I have to admit when it asks to flute these things I was a bit confused by the location of the fluting. The drawings only show 1 place but it specifies 4 and the notches are not very profound. When riveting the frames together a couple of the 470 rivets in the F1210 plate caused a protrusion requiring me to drill the rivets out and start over, you can see the gap in one of the pictures below. The fuselage bulkhead went together without any complaints other than my schedule. After that it was on to the Stabilator skins which make me appreciate that rivet puller even more! That thing is worth its weight in gold! As I was finishing up the skins the mailman showed up with a package from Vans, YES! the rivets are here so straight to work on the service bulletin. All that left is to finish the SB for the horns and mount those then fit the bulkhead. Crawfish boil and smoked pork butt and ribs this weekend! See ya soon!
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January 2019
Empennage Total Build Hours: 82.24
Inventory: 1.45 Vertical Stabilizer: 13.26 Rudder: 7.5 Anti-Servo Tabs: 4:30 Stabilator: 24.11 Tailcone: 30.42 |