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GO TO Protek Performance THE RV-7 AIRCRAFT BUILDING THE KIT e-mail: robert@protekperformance.com
OTHER USEFUL SITES Project started 8/15/01
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Rudder 9-6-01 The beginnings of the rudder. Stiffeners have been fabricated, drilled, deburred,and dimpled. The skin has been drilled, deburred and dimpled. It's time to rivet the stiffeners to the skin.  9-7-01 The rudder spar has been fabricated and is ready for priming and riveting.  9-8-01 The rudder is taking shape. The skin has been drilled to the spar and the assembly has been test fitted to the vertical stabilizer to insure the two sub assemblies fit well together. Here the rudder assembly is ready for debur, dimpling, and riveting.  9-9-01 Minor backtrack. I built the rudder without using the recommended jig, being very careful along the way to not introduce any twist in the assembly and measuring for this several times. Just before riveting the rudder shut I got a little nervous about my procedure and decided to build the jig and use it as a further measurement device before I seal my fate with the rivet gun. Another testament to the great design of this kit. The assembly is perfectly straight. No adjustment required. Comfort level is high, and it's time for the rivet gun.  9-10-01 Yeah!! The rudder is finished. Closing the leading edge (the front rounded edge that meets the vertical stabilizer) was interesting. The leading edge took a bit of pounding, pushing, bending, and carefuly chosen expletives to get it looking good. But alas it's done! 
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