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Vertical Stabilizer – Part 3

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Well, let’s start with the disappointing news first.

I’m pretty sure the primer (Akzo 463) should be INSIDE the can upon delivery…

Yup – confirmed. It should be. I’m not missing any new concepts there. One additional note – this stuff is toxic. It literally smells like cancer. I cannot stress enough the importance of wearing safety breathing devices whenever around this stuff. What’s the point in building an airplane if you get cancer by the time it is ready to fly?

I called Aircraft Spruce and told them I had a damaged product. Perhaps if it was a small leak they would recommend I could still use it? Nope. Not going to happen. Their customer service was exceptional! While on the phone, the woman told me she would have UPS come right back out, pick up the damaged product, and deliver me one that was undamaged while I was waiting. Whoa! I guess for someone used to dealing with Comcast that was a bit unexpected, but incredibly welcome. Needless to say – I was pleased.

Now on to the work of the day – finishing up the vertical stabilizer as much as I can before primer since I have to wait for it to arrive.

Me. Looking more confused than helpful at this moment. Likely more truth than humor in that statement.

“Let’s see… if I point at it with my finger AND the drill it makes sense….”

I finally got all of the holes match drilled, countersunk, and deburred. The next step is dimpling, but based upon what I have learned so far I think that priming first will make more sense. I have disassembled the full vertical stabilizer and set it aside for when the primer arrives. On to the rudder while I wait!

Total time today = 2 hours
Total time empennage = 13 hours
Total time aircraft = 13 hours

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