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Section 8: Installing the Tail Group (Horizontal and Vertical Fin)
Step 6
With the horizontal stabilizer properly aligned, carefully
mark the stabilizer with a felt-tipped pen or pencil where
it meets the fuselage. Mark both the top and bottom of
the horizontal stabilizer.
Step 7
Remove the stabilizer and use a sharp hobby knife to
carefully remove the covering from the center of the
stabilizer, cutting 1/16" inside the lines you marked in the
previous step. Use only enough pressure to cut the
covering and not the wood underneath, as doing so will
severely weaken the structure of the horizontal stabilizer.
Step 8
Re-install the stabilizer into the fuselage. Use the lines
drawn in Step 6 to reposition the stab correctly. Looking
from behind the plane, check to make sure the horizontal
stabilizer is parallel to the wing as shown in the
illustration below. If any adjustments are required, lightly
sand the stabilizer saddle to bring the horizontal stabilizer
into alignment with the wing.
Step 9
Locate the vertical fin and rudder assembly and remove
the rudder and hinges from the fin. Trial fit the fin into
the fuselage as shown, making sure to align the trailing
edge of the rudder with the fuselage. Use a felt-tipped
pen or pencil to mark both the fin and fuselage where
they come together.
A
A'
A = A'
