Mating the tail to the fuselage

J

JOEPILOT

Member

• Sep 10, 2012

• #1

I'm building my RV-12 kit in my extended 1 car garage. I don't have the room to mount the rudder or stabilator right now. Is there any reason why I can't attach the tail to the fuselage now and the rudder and stabilator later when I move the plane to a hanger?
Thanks Joe, #120055

 

D

Dave12

Well Known Member

• Sep 10, 2012

• #2

Joe, you might want to consider the "mating" after all wiring, plumbing, landing gear and about everything else you could possibly do. Life will be easier, especially if you are tight for space.

 

L

LittleJoeA

Well Known Member

• Sep 10, 2012

• #3

Joe,

That's exactly what I am doing. I mounted the Fuselage/tailcone assembly on a turntable so it rotates about the long axis. This provides great access for installing all the interior componants. Search for "Customer built RV-12 undergoes spin test" to see what I mean.

I can help with details if you want.

 

DHeal

Well Known Member

• Sep 10, 2012

• #4

I plan on final installing the tail cone to the fuselage just before I take it to the hangar or maybe at the hangar. You can do virtually all of the fuselage / engine / avionics installation without the tail cone attached and you have much more accessibility that way. Plus, it is easier to store and transport the smaller pieces!

 

Bill_H

Well Known Member

• Sep 10, 2012

• #5

You can absolutely do it that way. When you mate the tail you just safety-wire the cables to the aftmost bulkhead until you mount the tail feathers. You can also paint the tailfeathers in advance and take the fuselage to the paint shop separately. See these pics! http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.151245628228677.26907.100000297210697&type=3&l=a2b29e894a

 

J

JOEPILOT

Member

• Sep 11, 2012

• #6

Thanks guys, now I can get back to work without worries.
Joe, 120055