I am building the newer post SB-18-02-02 stabilator so pictures and knowledge of this redesign are limited. I am at the point of riveting the hinge brackets to the forward spar and, I believe I am reading it correctly, they are installed using LP4-3 pop rivets. I find this odd because it does not follow Van's prior pattern of using squeeze rivets in critical areas when able. I thought I would ask because it certainly is a highly critical component and squeeze rivets would actually install easier than pop rivets. Perhaps I am wrong but assumed squeeze rivets were a more robust choice particularly in a tension load such as this. I can see that the load is now also transferred vertically to the spar flange and skins so perhaps this is the reason for the pop rivet option.
As always, thanks for any input....
As always, thanks for any input....