Tip: Aileron leading edge skin

When building my RV9 ailerons, I found it a real challenge to bring together the top of the leading edge skin to the aileron spar. I solved this problem with a ratchet strap under the work bench and up over the aileron.



I used a piece of 2x2 steel tube stock to weigh down the aileron which also made a convenient place for the ratchet mechanism to sit on (and not scratch or dent the top skin). The steel bar also assured everything came out nice and flat and true. I can't tell you how much easier this makes things. I used the strap to final drill the rivet holes, and then again to cleco everything back together for riveting.

Thanks for posting! Will be doing this soon, and will use your technique

Good trick Tom

Beats mine.The flaps on 9 are long and need a lot of weight to keep skin down. I could not figure out anything better then this

Flaps too

Same technique worked for flaps too

flap weight

Hey Tom, nice work, dont you just love inventing things to make your build go better. Part of what I like most about the build process. Got a good one for you for clamping/glueing the canopy to the side rails when your ready.