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Chapter 7
Rudder Installation
Place an “
” to ensure task completion:
What you will need in this chapter:
Rudder and fuse
Pull-pull hardware
Not Provided:
30 to 45 minute epoxy
Two cycle oil
Next, we will install the hardware on the rudder before
mounting the rudder. Find the pre-drilled hard point, remove the covering and insert the longer 4-1/2”
stainless threaded rod provided.
Install the Dubro fasteners to the rod. Use loc-tite as
shown if you are not planning on using the lock nuts.
Now add the control horns placing them at 2” from the
hinge line.
Now were going to prep the hinges for installation. Take a
small drop of oil and place it in each of the pivot points of
your hinges. The oil prevents excess epoxy from bonding
the joint.
Apply epoxy into the trailing edge holes of the vertical
stabilizer. Now apply epoxy to the hinges.
Carefully insert the control surface into the stabilizer and
butt the two surfaces together. Move the surface back and
forth a couple of times to make sure all the hinges are
aligned correctly and the desired throw is attained. You
will want at least 45 degrees.
Use some masking tape to hold the surfaces together and
let cure for at least eight hours.
Install the tiller springs you set aside in chapter 2 to the tiller horn and tiller.
Tip#5 Optional step. After your epoxy has cured, it would be a good time to seal all of your hinge gaps prior
to installing the rest of the hardware. This can provide you with a better flying aircraft by increasing control
surface performance and preventing possible flutter. Clear or matching covering material can be ironed in
place to fill any gaps on the bottom of your control surfaces.
Take approximately a one-inch strip of covering the length of your surface. Fold it in half while placing into
the gap with the control surface fully deflected up and iron it in place. Check to make sure you still have full
surface travel once you have completed.
