Show/Hide Toolbars

Panther Builders Manual

Navigation: Final Assembly

Horizontal Stabilizer Tip Installation

Scroll Prev Top Next More

1.  Check the fit of the tip on the horizontal stabilizers.  Pay particular attention to the leading edge.  If the leading edge of the tip is not in line with the leading edge of the stabilizer, you may need to sand down the flange on the leading edge of the tip.  This is more common with early tips.

horizontal stabilizer tip

2. Check fit of tip against edge of the skin of the horizontal stabilizer.  If edge of joggled area is not against the skin, measure and cut down the flange on the tip until it fits tight, using the same method as for the wing tips.

horizontal stabilizer tip1

3. This set of tips required very little trimming, and mainly just at the trailing edge of the horizontal stabilizer.  Trim as needed to fit.

horizontal stabilizer tip2

4. Using a square, mark for rivet holes in approximately 3/8” from edge of the skin at the center of every rivet along the tip rib.

horizontal stabilizer tip3

5. Picture shows all the holes marked for holes.

horizontal stabilizer tip4

6. Drill #40 holes at every mark made in step 5.

horizontal stabilizer tip5

7. Attach tip, and transfer drill holes in skin into the tip.

horizontal stabilizer tip6

8. With elevator in place, check the gap between the elevator and the tip.  You should have approximately 1/8” to 3/16” gap.  Sand tip down until you have a consistent gap between the elevator and the stabilizer.

horizontal stabilizer tip7

9. Insert tip closure rib P1047, while it can be done with the elevator in place, it might be easier with the elevator off.  Position rib using allen wrench or similar tool.  Rib should be tight against the tip rib of the stabilizer.

horizontal stabilizer tip8

10. Pull rib aft until there is a tight fit to the interior walls of the tip at the trailing edge of the horizontal stabilizer at both top and bottom surfaces.

horizontal stabilizer tip9

11. Transfer last 2 #40 holes from skin into the closure rib on both top and bottom.  4 holes on each side.

horizontal stabilizer tip10

12. Measure and draw a line in the center of the closure rib approximately 5/16” from edge, my closure rib is slightly offset from the edge of the fiberglass rib, so my measurements are slightly larger than yours.

horizontal stabilizer tip11

 

13. Using a square mark for holes at the center of each rivet on both top and bottom of the elevator.

horizontal stabilizer tip13

horizontal stabilizer tip14

14. Drill #40 holes at all marks, up drill to #30, deburr, countersink as desired.  Install BSPS-42 or BSC-42 rivets to attach tip and closure rib.

horizontal stabilizer tip15