Tip: Edge Distance Drilling

[Gsuit]

Here's a quick post on how to drill a hole with the proper edge distance for AN bolt holes, in tight places. This technique is mainly for those places you can't get a good measurement on, like when you drill the VS to the aft fuse; drilling "blind" through the lower hinge bracket, the aft bulkhead, and through the tail spring weldment.

Temporarily superglue the appropriate size washer (for your bolt hole) in the proper place. The washer gives you a really good 'eyeball calibration' for the proper edge distance. You get a few seconds of sliding around before the superglue takes hold. Once the washer is set, pop a mark in the center of the washer's hole with a center punch. The washer almost always pops off and onto the center punch when you snap it. Step drill as usual.

This technique worked great for all five of the critical holes I drilled on the VS when attaching it to the fuse.

Good hunting!