Falconar F11A RUDDER

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24 April, 2006

8hrs - 29hrs Total

Busy weekend.  The jigs for the Rudder parts are built.  One is shown below.

April 30, 2006
8hrs - 37hrs total

With the jigs completed, the parts are quickly built.

I know it does not look like much but if they are placed somewhat in their proper position, they suddenly make sense.  They obviously are not trimmed or glued together in the picture below. 

The hinge points will be fitted after the Falconar F11a fuselage is completed so I can assure a perfect fit between the two.  Once again, due to my unwillingness to trim the trailing edge, leading edge, and top cap without a near certainly of success, the rudder parts are off to storage.  I need a high quality table saw! Maybe the minister of finance (my wife)  will agree to let me get one for fathers day. (I may have dropped a few hints to her - 5 or 10 a day)  

July 1, 2006

1r - 68hrs total.

Assembly of the rudder is started.

July 5, 2006

1r - 69hrs total.

Careful sanding is required to get the proper angle between the rudder ribs and the vertical spar.

July 9, 2006

2hrs - 75hrs total.

The rudder is progressing nicely.  My new laser alignment tool was a great help to get everything properly aligned. 

July 13, 2006

4hrs - 79hrs total.

The rudder is completed. (as far as I want to complete it at this time)  Items left to do:

covering plywood
Hinge attachment Areas

I am holding off the installation of the hinge attachment areas until the fuselage is completed to assure a good fit between the two. One side will be covered in plywood a later point (to avoid damage to the skin) and the other side will wait for the Transport Canada's inspector.