9/7/2007
Well, I was FINALLY able to get back to work on this thing! My wing root fairings actually arrived on Wednesday, but we had other things to do this week, so I've been unable to work on it. The mounting brackets for the TruTrack ADI Pilot II servos arrived today. I ordered these about three weeks ago, and they told me it would be three weeks lead time. I like it when a company delivers when stated...on to building!
I started with the left wing root fairing. This is pretty straightforward (MUCH easier than what RV-6 builders have to deal with!) since the holes are pre-punched.
These are not pre-bent, but the fit is so good, it doesn't matter. Also, the gap is PERFECT without having to do anything! Amazing! The only thing that is a small annoyance, is the thick washer that is in the way at the leading edge for the fuel vent line...seen here at the yellow arrow.
I trimmed it a little bit, but I'll worry about it later. It's not in the way gap-wise, but I don't know if the rubber seal will fit.
Then I drilled all the holes out for the #8 screws that will hold the fairing in place.
The same thing was done with the right side.
Then I moved on to the roll servo for the auto pilot. This is installed in the right wing (can be installed in the left wing, but chose the right for no reason whatsoever) thru the inspection plate for the aileron bracket. I was fearing that this was going to be a MAJOR pain, but I'm happy to say that it was actually VERY easy to do. TruTrack has the holes already perfectly drilled, and it slides right in...easy retrofit (since my wings are closed, I'll call it a retrofit).
The bottom original aileron bracket comes out, and the servo bracket (blue arrow) fits right in to take it's place. I also went ahead and put the other piece (red arrow) in that keeps the servo from moving or vibrating.
You can see in the pic above that I also drilled the hole for the servo arm attach tube. Just for fun, I went ahead and set it in place for a picture.
All I need now is the BIG dollar servo! I did go ahead and torque the bottom bracket down, but I left the one bolt on the top bracket un-torque'd since that piece may need to slide up or down when the servo is fitted.
Also tonight, I removed the flaps, and completely unhooked the wings (except the bolts in the main spar). I hope to call a couple guys tomorrow to help me get the wings off the fuselage.
3.5 hours