Empennage

Rudder  (4.5 hrs )

The BIG day...riveting the Trailing Edge (TE) per page 7-12, Step 1.   After again reviewing critical info provided in section 5.6 - 5.8  (back riveting, trailing edge rivet procedures, etc), I got started.
Started from center, and only riveted every 10th spot.   Initially only enough to "set" the rivet, to avoid starting any waves or bowing.    Plus, took extra time to alternate sides, even though required removing "weights, turning over rudder, and replacing rivets.   Gradually worked until every hole was riveted.   And finished each "shop end" to as flush as feasible in the dimples.

Aviation mags served well as soft weights along straight board.

Success !   Pleased with appearance  - but more importantly no twist or bowing,  and very little "waviness"   Sighting down the edge was rewarding.    Hard to get picture focused entire length..so these are best views.

 

 
Steps 2. 3 & 4:   Roll the leading edges that will tuck inside rear of Vertical Stab.    Used 1" broomstick with C Clamp as torquing handle.

Checked frequently w/ A, B & C templates for radius.    Challenging, but worked carefully, repeating as necessary to get the tighter radii needed.

White templates for radii checkning are on rudder in pic above.

Cleco'd....then reamed holes with #30.   Riveted with blind rivets as specified.

Done with Rudder "chapter" 7.    Next, starting the Horizontal Stabilizer.    Whoo Hoo !