STEP 1: CLECO IT ALL TOGETHER
I have been waiting for this day for a long time. It is really quite exciting to see the whole length of the airplane (ok – minus the cowling but you get the idea) all stitched together. The tailcone attach process itself was not difficult, but deliberate. I was doing it myself, so I had to prop it up, shimmy the pieces, then reposition several times. You have to pay close attention to which skin overlaps the other and in what order to get the proper fit. Again, not difficult, just need to be careful.
This is an image taken from the left side of the aircraft by the baggage door. I used clecos in every hole to ensure a proper fit prior to all of the match drilling. Which brings me to my next step. Match drilling. I didn’t even mind it this time because it was just fun looking at the pieces all assembled.
STEP 2: DEBURRING WHOOPS
I wear eye and ear protection pretty much all of the time I’m working on the plane. Those two senses seem relatively important to keep in tact should I ever desire to pilot this aircraft once finished. Today was a prime example of why this pays off. I was deburring using an EZ-Burr drill bit. They are a bit pricey, but I love how consistent they are and how I only need to use on one side and it takes care of both sides (at least over 95% of the time). I was deburring one of the holes and the bit exploded on me. Yes, that is the correct word, it exploded.
One of the shards from the bit flew up and hit directly on my safety glasses. I don’t think it was the bit’s fault, I could easily have been off or entering at a slight angle, which would have put strain on the shaft. Don’t get me wrong, even though I could have been off I still do not think the method by which this bit failed was all that pleasant. Either way, the tailcone attach mission must go on!
STEP 3: DISASSEMBLE
I got a bit ahead of myself with the story about the drill bit, but it was worth it. As has been the process throughout the build, once assembled and match drilled, it becomes time to disassemble and debur.
