Chapter 4 - Horizontal empennage
4.3 - Mounting and installation of the top cladding
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4.2.3
Trim-tab hinge area lamination
Using the folder from FLOX also make a small strip on the inner panel beside the
small added spars (opposite the hinge line). Cover these areas with the 2-layer prelam
4.3
Mounting and installing the top cladding
Position the horizontal stabilizer top casing on the ribs and spars by carefully
sanding the ribs for a good fit using the top casing as a guide. Align this starting at the
leading edge of the center of the mount. Take as long as necessary and try not to sand the
ribs too much. The closer the fit is, the better. Align the top and bottom liner across the
leading edge seam. After satisfactory alignment drill 3 1/8” holes on the trailing edge (one
center and two sides) and several holes over the leading edge in the middle of the
overlapping claddings and use clecos or screws to maintain alignment. also drill two 1/8
small holes on each rib, close to the top coat. This is to allow air to neutralize the
individual bays as the aircraft is ascending and descending.
Remove the corners of the sandwich panel core exposed at the ribs with a spatula
or similar tool.