Sequoia Aircraft Corporation F.8L Falco, Construction Manual

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F.8L Falco Construction Manual 22–13 Revision 4, March 1, 2002
Figure 21
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Turn the aileron/flap assembly around so that its lower surface faces toward the jig table as
shown in Figure 21. Clamp in place and check the alignment. It is particularly important
that you make sure that the aileron/flap assembly is not twisted since in the next few steps
you will install the upper leading edge skins.
Note: Up to this stage, the assembly has been rather limber, but when the upper skin is
glued in place, nothing short of structural failure is going to change the twist of the
ailerons and flaps. There are occasional builders who skin the ailerons and flaps free of any
jigs, but very few have been successful at maintaining the alignment. Trust to luck if you
will, but it seems to us to make more sense to hold the ailerons and flaps in alignment.
While skinning the leading edge, keep an eye on the trailing edge. If the end ribs stay in
alignment and the trailing edge is not bowed then all is well with the alignment.
Figure 22
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Install the upper leading edge skin between Sta. 2 and 6. See Figure 22. This skin should
extend all the way to the inboard end of the flap spar. Scarf for the joint for the next
outboard skin, but do not scarf for the trailing edge skin, since you will need the full
thickness of the plywood for secure clamping of the skin to the spar.
Figure 23