Category: Rudder

Rudder Trailing Edge

Trailing edge ready for riveting. Rudder horn riveted in place. Counterweight installed.

Rudder trailing edge clecoed for riveting.
Rudder horn riveted in place.
Rudder counterweight retaining strip nutplates installed.
Rudder counterweight retaining strip nutplates installed.
Rudder counterweight installed.
Rudder counterweight installed.

Counterweight and tip done. In full procrastination mode re: trailing edge riveting.

Rudder tip riveting complete.

OK, the trailing edge is halfway there.

Rudder trailing edge riveting in process…

Trailing edge done…and straight!

Rudder trailing edge riveting complete!!

Rudder Priming & Dimpling

The rudder skeleton components have been primed and skin dimpling is underway…

Rudder skeleton components primed.
Right-side rudder skin dimpling underway.
Left-side rudder skin dimpling underway.

All rudder stiffeners have now been riveted and I’m ready to join the halves.

The first row of rudder stiffener rivets set in place for back riveting. In this image, they’re about to be taped.
Left-side rudder skin stiffener rivets taped in place for back riveting.
Left-side rudder skin stiffener back riveting underway.
Left-side rudder skin stiffener back riveting completed.
Right-side rudder skin stiffener back riveting completed.

Rudder Skin

The rudder skin is clecoed to the skeleton and the trailing edge is drilled; at this point, it’s ready for final disassembly for priming and dimpling prior to riveting.

Right-side rudder skin clecoed to the skeleton.
Interior view showing the skeleton clecoed to the rudder right-side skin.
Left-side rudder skin clecoed to the skeleton.
Rudder bottom rib clecoed in place.
Rudder trailing edge wedge drilled and clecoed in place.