Don't let this happen to YOU!

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 7:59 am

Here is my first mistake preserved for eternity in a magnetic fashion for your enjoyment and ridicule!

Don't let this happen to you!

I stewed over this one for WEEKS!

As you can clearly see, I drilled my Horizontal Stabilizer nose rib crooked! THIS is the DIFFERENCE between the pre-punched ribs of the new kits and the older kits. The old kits you NEEDED the jig to true all this stuff up with.

Anyways... I had the rib twisted on the front spar and shot it full of holes while it was that way. I emailed Scott Risan at Van's and he said to add the other 2 rivets I have superimposed on the skin and it will actually be a stronger part. It just looks funny on the skin. Of course, it is the TOP SKIN!

I suppose for $7.14 I COULD have purchesed a new nose rib, but this gives me something to talk about! Now, when you see my plane at a fly in you will recognize it!

Oh, and BTW Spike... the pic posting problem has something to do with my laptop. Same OS and browser. I dunno?

CJ

Post by **Spike** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 9:57 am

Interesting picture. Sometimes I wish that I didnt have the pre-punched kit just so I can go through the pain and learning experience.

As far as the laptop is concerned, Im at a bit of a loss also.

-- John

spikescopilot · Post by **spikescopilot** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 11:56 am

spike wrote:Interesting picture. Sometimes I wish that I didnt have the pre-punched kit just so I can go through the pain and learning experience.

I don't -- cuz it would be painful for me too.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 3:44 pm

Don't worry... there is PLENTY of learning in the kit you will be assembling!

CJ

darrylDog2000 · Post by **darrylDog2000** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 5:16 pm

Man Captain... Now I don't feel so bad about my mistakes.

Thanks

Aren't you glad we have the ability to learn?

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Sun Nov 28, 2004 12:53 am

Well, like I always say, "There are 2 kinds of animals on this earth... those that DUCK for 2x4's and those that don't!"

I suppose members of the second category could, after being hit in the head once or twice may become members of the first!

CJ

darrylDog2000 · Post by **darrylDog2000** » Sun Nov 28, 2004 9:00 am

One un-related question... How did you reserve a tail number? I'm thinking if I did that it would be a motivator.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Sun Nov 28, 2004 9:03 am

At the www.faa.gov website. When I did it they had online functionality, but it was poor. I ended up mailing in my request. It seemed a better method. By now, 2 years later I am sure they made improvements. Search their site. It is easy to find by navigating their menus. If you can't locate the page, lemme know. I will hyperlink you.

CJ

Cherokee Driver · Post by **Cherokee Driver** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 4:43 pm

What is worse than screwing up a part? How about doing it after someone (CJ) warned you about it?

I even remembered this post.

No...I can do one better. I can screw up the HS 404 after CJ cautioned us about being careful to have it aligned AND after already ordering this part once before for a different screwup!!!

For the photo, I used blue sharpie to show contrast against the HS 801PP skin. Well...Van's employees have to eat too.

Here I alligned it, checked it a bunch of times. Clamped it with side clamps, and somehow it moved on me as I was handling the HS assembly.

I should have checked the alignment before each hole. But I trusted my initial double check and drilled all the holes.

My advice to my self (I am not experienced enough to offer advice to others yet...) is even when I think I am being careful and I have double checked my measurements, alignment, (pick one) don't merrily go along and drill. Just when I think I have it all together I need to TAKE MY TIME!!! The other advice is when the weather is this good...go flying...rather than spend the afternoon in the shop!

This embarrassing confession brought to you by Complacency...the direct path toward Humility.

Cherokee Driver

tshort · Post by **tshort** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 6:24 pm

I bet if your edge distance is still good for those holes, that when you call Van's they'll say "build on." Not even really a cosmetic problem as that will be under the fairing. OTOH, it is probably a cheap part and if it bothers you no harm in replacing it.

Thomas
-8 ailerons

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 6:29 pm

True dat, true dat...

$7.11 as I recall. Build on.

CJ

Cherokee Driver · Post by **Cherokee Driver** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 7:53 pm

Thanks guys,

Part already ordered. A few bucks wont hurt me nearly as much as my pride is injured by making the mistakes in the first place. The edge distance is out of compliance with the guideance of 43.13. I am a stickler for staying within the "acceptable methods."

I was trained well by my late AP/IA and close friend, and he left me with a lot of inspiration. He was always paitent with mistakes showing me that they can be corrected on the ground a lot easier than in the air. Between the memory of my old friend/mechanic and the fantastic work being displayed daily on these forums by all of you, a high standard exists that keeps us safe and inspired.

CD

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 11:44 pm

those HS404's were a pain in the rear for me! i got it done, but i did exactly as you were describing, CD. i drilled one hole, checked it, moved to the next. triple checking each time. i read the stories and saw the pics of those things shifting. we've all had to replace parts, and if someone thinks they'll go through it and not replace anything, they must not be building, they're dreaming!

build on my friend!