12-23-25

After locating the flap assembly I moved on to the aileron although I changed my technique just little. I realized there are 3 distinct "adjustments" needed to properly locate the flight controls (both aileron and flaps): 1) locate the flight control laterally to make sure all gaps between flight controls and structure are even, 2) locate the flight control vertically so the profile of the wing is maintained, and finally 3) align the trailing edges of the flight controls and wing structure.

LATERAL ADJUSTMENT - The drawings identify the lateral adjustment via a dimension at the aileron or flap hinge bearing. I started by marking this dimension on the aileron front spar then using the spacer I had fabricated, I located the aileron attach brackets with rod end aligning the center of the spacer with my mark. I clamped the brackets to the aileron front spar and slid both rod ends into the hinge arms which are bolted to the wing assembly. I supported the aileron with the saw horses placing the aileron even with the bottom of the wing. After confirming the gaps were even between the aileron and wing tip and also with the flap I proceeded to drill the fastener holes for the aileron brackets on the front spar. I found it easiest to accomplish this task by supporting the wing upper skin up and out of the way.

VERTICAL ADJUSTMENT - I lowered the wing upper skin and secured it with clecos as I needed the reference to this skin for my vertical adjustments. By moving the aileron rod ends in the hinge fittings I was able to move the aileron forward and aft to obtain the optimum vertical location that provided the smallest gap with the trailing edge skin but also prevented the aileron from chaffing with that skin. I also checked for clearance with the wing lower skin and in my case I had to trim a little at the inboard end of the aileron cutout. Once my aileron was positioned properly, I used a marker and marked the top fastener hole in the hinge arms which had been pre-drilled. This gave me a visual aid to make sure the aileron did not slip while drilling. I had a couple of friends who helped hold the aileron while I drilled one hole into each rod end. The remaining holes securing the rod end will be drilled after removing the aileron and hinge arms from the wing.

TRAILING EDGE ALIGNMENT - Although I have not yet accomplished this task, I will reposition the trailing edge wedges on either the aileron and/or flap to obtain the necessary alignment and will also have to extend the trailing edge of the wing tip fairing.