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Empennage January 2005 Updates January 11, 2005 Elevator Completion This is the first update since the 3rd but actually there have been lots of little things done. First off I completed the rolled leading edges of both elevators. The roll is so stiff that it looks like I will have to drill extra holes and put in more rivets. In checking other folks sites this appears to be what others have done as well. Next I bought some 3/16 inch brass rod from Lowes. I made some tempory pins to allow for easy installation of the elevators to the horizontal stabilizer. From what I can tell this ends up going on and off quite a bit for measurements and rigging. Just to get the bearings set right I have had them both on and off 3 or 4 times. Once the elevators are on the counterweight hits at the front edge where it swings past the HS. Another one of those Vans 50% issues. They leave about an inch for you to cut off even though they could make the cut perfect on the CNC machine. Anyway I made my measurement and used the drimel tool to make this cut. Once complete the elevators swing nice and free. Last I cut the front edges of the fiberglass tips to clear the lead counterweight. They are ready to install the stiffener strips and drill rivet holes. . This website was built to document my work in compliance with the FAA requirements needed to certify my aircraft. My experiences and comments are by no means to be considered as instructions on how to build any aircraft.