Yesterday, the riveted vertical stabilizer
skeleton was placed between the outer skins and secured with Clecos in preparation
for riveting. This is the second time these pieces have been put together … the
first time was for a trial fit and it was tricky because the leading edge of
the skin tended to push the ribs askew making assembly a challenging. Based on
the previous trial fit I was somewhat concerned that the dimples would
make it even harder to get the ribs to align correctly due to a loss of clearance
created by the dimples at the leading edge. Fortunately my fears were unfounded. ...
In fact, the dimples made it way easier because they tended to hold the ribs in
place once the ribs got into the correct position.
Slipping the vertical stabilizer skeleton
between the skins.
Securing the skin onto the vertical stabilizer
skeleton with lots of Clecos.