Top Rear Skin Fitted

I now have the rear top skin fitted and drilled. This was pretty straight forward. Cleco skin in place and drill the holes.







I also did some work on the two F-6111 Aft Skin reinforcement ribs. These were extremely tricky as VANs seem to have left out the plans drawing (Plans Drawing page 41). As I have been reading on other builder pages, this was difficult for just about everyone. So, shooting blind with no picture, I followed an RV-9 builder who said to just file the bottom edge down so that it is the correct angle to meet the longeron. The line up the center line for the bottom hole and go for it one hole at a time. Alternating drilling a hole and filing the top, it ended up coming out perfect. Go Blind Man!!!.

Here are a few pics.

Original piece:


Finished rib, all drilled, filed and twisted.

Elevator Bellcrank

Got a few things accomplished today. I fitted and drilled the top firewall gussets.







I also drilled the harness anchors. This attaches the shoulder straps for the seat belts.





Last I put togeather the elevator control bell crank. This required the fabrication of some spacers for the bolt in order to position the assemble in the center of the opening.

Drilled Aft Deck

Tonight I have fitted and drilled the Aft Deck. this is the piece which is responsible for keeping the fuselage straight (No Twist).

Installed cross brace and spacers.



I leveled the plane and clamped the deck in place. Removing all twists, the front and back are both exactly level. I drilled and clecoed in place.





Moving on I also have fitted and drilled the canopy deck. This is where your forearm would rest if you slid the canopy open.

Skin is now riveted!!!

This past couple of weeks, my parents have been here helping me on and off with the project. With their help, I have completed priming and riveting the skin. Here are a few shots.













Used the recommended CS-1900 Firewall Seal to seal the firewall.











And the and here we are up to date

Finished Rudder Pedals

Here is a shot of the finished rudder pedals.





Used the drill press to drill the mounting blocks.