Rudder finished! 3.5 hours

The metal work for the rudder is done. (Like all of the empennage, the rudder has a fiberglass tip and bottom which will be attached and finished later in the build.) I finished rolling and riveting the leading edge then thoroughly cleaned up the exterior skins of the rudder.

I also installed the ball bearing rod ends that will attach the rudder to the vertical stabilizer. These will act as ball bearing hinges and they are a large part of why the RV-7 has such responsive and light touch controls.

Once I got the rudder safely stored I started getting the parts for the right elevator together.

 

Rudder rod end bearings:

 

Rod end bearing installed in rudder:

 

Rudder hanging below vertical stabilizer in storage:

Posted with Blogsy