Matt’s RV7 Build Log

After reflecting over christmas I decided to go the way of many who have gone before me and order another trim tab skin. The deciding factor was a lack of clearance between the elevator and trim tab where they meet on the trailing edge. I didn’t mark my line for the outboard tab bend using the square so after the bends were made the edge clearance goes to nil as it goes aft.

On the bright side I decided to do this now to save from drilling rivets or ordering all the other trim trim tab parts. Once the skin arrived on Thursday I made quick work out of redoing the bendsm matchdrilling, and dimpling all the parts.

Tasks Completed:

• Ordered and prepped new trim tab skin
• Deburred and dimpled all trim tab parts
• Countersank E607 trim tab spar
• Finished installing screws for E714 

Tasks Completed:

• Match drilled bottom of E607 flange
• Match drilled trim tab horns
• Match drilled top flange of E607 and hinge 

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 

Tonight I drilled the counterweight attach hole in E713, 714, 703 and 704 to #12. I clecoed on the left skin and elevator horn and finshed match drilling the remaining holes. Everything seemed to fit very well. I am wondering if the trailing edge is bent enough in the middle section. It looks a little too rounded around the edge there. I will check further before final riveting.

• Drilled E701R skin, E713 and 709 ribs, and E702 spar
• Drilled aft 3 holes for right elevator tip to #30
• Diassembled right elevator 

• Match drilled E713 and 714
• Match drilled E709 and 702
• Beveled E713 for overlap
• Touched up powder coating chip on right elevator horn
• Finished sanding E701L skin 

–Drilled back most holes in ribs to 7/64″ and installed pop rivets.
–Started prep work for trailing edge riveting

So after doing some punch list work on the rudder riveting so far, I began to set up the aluminum angle for completing the trailing edge.

Note 1: Drilled out bad rivet on ride side forward most bottom rib hole.

Note: 2: Need to find a way to squeeze rivet in 2nd most rear hole of right top rib for symmetry. 

–Finished match drilling rudder assembly