Empennage

Empennage Attach  (1.5 hrs)

LH Elevator attached to rod end bearings (i.e. hinges).   When assembled, determined center rivets along spar rubbing rolled leading edge of elevator in up position.  Also measured only 40.3 mm reference Fig 2 at Sect 10-3 clearance to Elevator Horn, vs 41.3 expected.    So, disassembled to revise rod end bearings to 21.6mm vs 20.6 (13/16") originally.  Did both LH and RH elevator to maintain consistency/alignment.   Also gently revised shape of rolled leading edge...less "flat" at center, more peaked toward center to better clear when raised or lowered.

Re-assembled, and no contact at max 30 deg up,  or as lowered.   However, can't reach full 25 deg down due to interference with Elevator Horn and lower flange on HS spar.  This area is "notched" for clearance, but need to trim ~ 2 mm to allow full down travel to 25 deg.  Want to wait until RH is installed to do both Elevator Horn clearances at same time.

Also used drill press and small file to reduce diameter of E-bushing so slides into VA-146A per instructions.  Ready to drill horn next.