PREPARING THE LEFT ELEVATOR
It is time to mount the left elevator to the horizontal stabilizer for the first time. I was pretty excited for this, which is likely why I did not make as accurate of measurements as I needed to prior to mounting it the first time. If the mounting brackets are not lined up to each other, you can get a bit too close on one end of the elevator. This will cause the counterbalance to rub against the horizontal stabilizer. How do I know this? Good question. Call it a hunch.
In addition to being a bit out of line, I had a slightly raised spot on one of the lead counterweights. I removed it, shaved off just enough with a chisel, and removed a similar amount from the right side as well. I know that borders a bit on paranoia, but it made me feel better.
I like how it looks mounted to the HS. I’m looking forward to getting the right elevator mounted as well. Hopefully I have learned some lessons from this side and can avoid some growing pains.
It looks like it will clear, but with even the slightest pressure it begins to rub against the HS. It is easy to imagine such a force in flight, so I will disassemble, realign, and get it right.
- Total time today – 1.5 hours
- Total time empennage – 201 hours
- Total time aircraft – 209 hours