Empennage Stuff
The empennage is the "trainer" kit. This is when the beginner learns to drill, deburr, dimple, and drive rivets. The metal work is quite easy, then comes the *&%$#@ fiberglass.
| This is my emp fairing. I have modified it from the one supplied by Van's, in that I have wrapped the front around the lower part of the horizontal stabilizer. I just felt this looked nicer, and would use fewer screws than were called for otherwise. As supplied, the fairing did not fit very well. This is a common problem experienced by most builders. Unfortunately, this is also one of the most visible parts of the finished aircraft. | |
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I am told the best way to make this fairing fit right is to use it for a mold, lay up one layer of cloth (so that it is quite flexible), and then use sticky back tape to mold that piece to your airplane, and lay up additional layers on top. Of course, I heard of this after I had done it the hard way, by cutting and fiber glassing the original.
Oh well, it is the result that counts, and I like the way it came out. |
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| At first, I thought I might just leave the end of the tips open, but then I went ahead and bit the bullet. It really wasn't very hard, and sure looks nice. |  |
| I followed the lead of Van's prototype shop, and put the ELT antenna under the emp fairing. I made a small block out of UHMW to hold the end of the antenna from wanging around. |  |