Category: Canopy

Finish, canopy assembly

Canopy assembly close out clecoed for riveting.

Canopy assembly close out clecoed for riveting.

Canopy assembly close out riveting in progress. Stopping to check for twist every four rivets was a PITA, but better that than the alternative…

Canopy assembly close out riveting in progress.

Canopy assembly close out riveting complete.

Canopy rails clecoed for riveting.

Canopy rail riveting complete.

Aft canopy frame clecoed for riveting. Those three little AN426AD3 rivets on the lower outboard flanges of the frame were a BEAR to line up. I eventually got clecos into two holes per side and will just drill the third to fit.

Finish, canopy progress

Canopy frame components disassembled for the last time. Deburring, dimpling, countersinking, etc. The aluminum airplane builder’s eternal trifecta.

Canopy skin clecoed on for riveting.

Canopy skin clecoed on for riveting.

Canopy skin clecoed on for riveting.

Canopy skin riveting underway.

Canopy skin riveting underway.

Canopy skin riveting underway.

Finish, canopy continued…

Canopy rail assemblies drilled and clecoed to the canopy frame.

Canopy handle assembly riveting in progress.

Canopy handle drilled and clecoed to the aft canopy frame.

Canopy handle drilled and clecoed to the aft canopy frame.

Canopy handle riveted to the aft canopy frame.

Canopy handle riveted to the aft canopy frame.

Finish, canopy construction

Canopy rails bent to fit the fuselage contour.

Canopy rails bent to fit the fuselage contour.

Canopy rail assemblies drilled together.

Riveted canopy rail assemblies test-fit to fuselage.

Riveted canopy rail assemblies test-fit to fuselage.

Canopy side skins drilled to canopy rail assemblies.

Canopy handles fabricated, drilled to canopy side skins, and set aside for final installation in a day or so.