11.3 Fitting the Horizontal Stabilizers
As part of this next step, the carbon stabilizer joiner tube will be drilled and
tapped in each end for the stabilizer fixing screws. The hollow ends of the
tube should be plugged with 1 inch long pieces of hardwood, secured in place
with CA. This will provide added material into which the thread can be tapped.
It will also stop the tube ends from splitting during the drilling and tapping
procedure.
After adding the hardwood plugs to the carbon tube, insert it and the
aluminum anti rotation pin into the fuselage as shown in the picture below:
Now fit the stabilizer halves and turn the fuselage upside down. The use of a
foam cradle and a second pair of hands is recommended to support the
fuselage/stabilizers during this next set of steps.
Locate the hard point in the underside of the stabilizer surfaces.
Now CAREFULLY drill a hole for self-tapping screw though each of the two
hard points and into the carbon tube. Take care not drill or tap the whole way
through the stabilizer halves! Finally screw the self tapping screws into place.