Matt’s RV7 Build Log

This evening the right elevator was completed. I doubled the number of pop rivets in the middle section to create a nice tight edge. I temporarily installed the elevator to the horizontal stab. It was very satisfying to see a moving control surface. I marked approximately where I need to remove some of the outboard edge of the HS to allow the counterbalance arm of the elevator to swing freely. 

Tasks Completed:  

• Drilled out leading edge holes to #30
• Added rivet holes to middle section
• Pop riveted leading edge
• Installed rod end bearings and jam nuts 

I just returned from a week in LA shooting a spot. I was wiped out but managed to spend an hour tweaking the right elevator leading edge bend a little more. It’s coming along although it proving to be harder to get a good edge bend as compared to the rudder skin. Most of the issue is that the top edge should overlap on top of the bottom edge. However, for whatever reason Van’s made the bottom half longer than the top. So I am fighting the edges to line up and create a nice edge once the two halves are mated.

Tasks Completed:    

• Continued leading edge bend on right elevator

Tonight I snuck down to the basement for a couple of hours. I started bending the leading edge of the right elevator. I was much more efficient with effort and the amount of duct tape compared with the rudder. I did notice the thinker skin on the elevator takes a bit more force to bend. I left the workshop with the edges clecoed together, but it needs more work before I can drill and rivet.

Tasks Completed:    

• Started bending leading edge