Rudder Stop Plate

 The rudder was finished very early in the build - well, it was actually the first thing I build in 2016 (now 2022).  Need to fabricate the rudder stop plate, and check the travel / deflection.

Fabricating the plate was easy enough, following the manual.  Fitting it to the rudder was pretty easy as well.

I was worried about bending the ends, but that turned out pretty easy as well.  I took a piece of 1/8th flat stock and rounded the corner, then clamped that along with the plate to the bench and then just bent it with my hands.  Turnout out perfect.  The manual calls for a 15 to 20 degree bend.  The first one took 3 attempts to get it there.  The 2nd was a one shot deal.

I drilled the aft holes to 3/32 and put 3 clecos in, then mounted the rudder.  The target is 25 degrees of travel, +/- 1 degree.  However the manual calls for initial fitment without the stop pad.  My fuselage already had the pads in place, but I then did the SB to add the stiffener which required drilling out the pads and remounting on top of the stiffener.  So my initial reading was 20 degrees.

Again, the manual calls for taking 1/8" off the stop plate to account for the pad, which I did.  That got me to 23 degrees.  A bit more filing and I got to 25.

Both the elevator and rudder stop plates need to be cleaned, alodyned and painted.  I have NOT checked the elevator travel yet, as the horizontal stab and elevator are at the hanger.  That is a job for another day.

But the rudder stop plate needs to be drilled up to 1/8" holes, finished, and riveted.