AEX wedge on right elevator-RV9

Joe Parish · Post by **Joe Parish** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 2:12 pm

When I drilled the AEX wedge on the right elevator I was fixated on keeping the line centered that when I started drilling I did not have it flush on the end. I had already taken it to size. My question is that it is now @ .085 short on the inside edge. Do I replace it or use it. The instructions say to put tank sealant on that corner to keep the corner of the skin from curling up. I do not want it to curl up but I am on the fence. Here are a few pics

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cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 3:57 pm

What do you mean .085 short on the inside? Do you still have proper edge distance? If so, I wouldn't worry about it...unless you want to replace it for cosmetic reasons.

Joe Parish · Post by **Joe Parish** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 4:46 pm

I meant the inside edge of the right elevator Chad. I am worried about the edge of the skin curling up? The wedge is like $5, I am afraid if I don't replace it it will bug me.

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 4:49 pm

I think ya got your answer then!

bruceh · Post by **bruceh** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 9:18 pm

You'll forget about it years from now when you are flying.
The temptation for perfection is strong when you are just starting. That will wear off quickly after about the 99th little boo-boo like this. If it isn't critical for flight safety, then I say build on!

dons · Post by **dons** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 9:23 am

I would definitely agree with what Bruce just wrote, it is soooo true, but there have certainly been a few things that would have bugged me forever if I hadn't fixed them, no matter if they had to be fixed or not, so I fixed them. It's amazing what a little fiberglass or pro-seal can do if it is NOT a safety issue.

airguy · Post by **airguy** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 9:33 am

I'm thinking I would probably just fill that area with some proseal or some microballoons and call it good.

Post by **Spike** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 10:00 am

Move on. Well, from my perspective, move on. Unless you are working on the project full time worrying about stuff like that is the difference between a 5 year build and a10 year build.

Spike

Post by **bullojm1** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 10:02 am

I have to agree with the rest of the crew. There is little to no change of that little bit of overhanging skin curling up. Toss some extra pro-seal in there when you rivet it all together and call it good to go.

With replacing it you risk the possibility of making things worse if you don't drill the new piece exactly like the old one.