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Jabiru J450 Constructors Manual
Pre-Paint>Fuselage>Empennage>Fit vertical tail fin
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
87 of 343
Test fit the vertical fin
Fit a 6G self-tapping screw to each side rear of the fuselage stub at the bottom of the joggle –
the intention here is to prevent the back of the fin from being able to slip down further than
the joggle at the back. These screws will be removed once the fin has been flocked and pop
riveted in position prior to being glassed.
Tape the rudder cable threads then push the cable forwards until it can be tucked inside the
slot in the mounting stub.
Lift the fin up over the mounting stub and slide
down into place.
Take care that the join to the fuselage at the front
of the strake is smooth and even, so that there is
one continuous line along the entire length of the
strake – if there is any discontinuity it will look
extremely disappointing when paint is applied so
take care to get it exactly right at this time.
Cut a foam wedge to fit at the base of the fin
reinforcing channel – it should sit on the
horizontal stabiliser as shown at right.
Mark the block with an arrow so that it will be
placed the right way around.
When you are satisfied that the fin will fit
correctly, remove it from the mounting stub and
lay it back on the trestles.
Level the aircraft
Because the correct alignment of the vertical fin is particularly important the aircraft should
be fixed in a “wings level” attitude prior to the final fit.
Place a 3” block on the top of each front wing mounting lug and place a spirit level across the
top of the cabin so that it rests on both blocks.
Pack the main wheels as required to level the aircraft.