HORIZONTAL STABILIZER


  Separation & Preparation     Construction     Finished Unit  

Once separated, the top of the stabilizer is mounted on the work area and the rear spar positioned and bonded into place.
 The ribs, which are cut from flat prepreg panels,  are then positioned, checked for proper fit, and glassed into place.
Once all the ribs are glassed in place, they are trimmed to fit with the bottom panel.  This shows the ribs prepared to receive the epoxy/flox mix for joining to the bottom stabilizer panel.  Shown also are the electrical bonding ground wire which I chose to include.  This is part of a bonding wired that links all metal parts of the airplane.
The above photos and left show the horizontal and vertical stabilizer both ready for closeout.  
The stabilizer has been finished, the front edge and spar have been covered with Hycell Glue, and the ribs have and epoxy / fox fillet for bonding to the bottom panel.  Everything is ready for final closing of the Horizontal Stabilizer.
The above is a close up of the epoxy / flox fillet just prior to close out.  The inside of the bottom panel have been painted with epoxy and glue spread on the leading edge and spar joints.

A lot of clecos, some lead, several bundles of shingles and you have enough weight to close out the stabilizer.