Once the UNI strap goes on to hold the counterbalance weight you get a 2ply lump on the top surface of the elevators that prevent the previously obtained 15 degrees up. This is a real gottcha.

Why its not mentioned in posts and archives I have no idea. I’m here to tell you that it would be a REALLY good idea to put a joggle in the elevator blue foam before skinning. Then there is no problem.

My solution was three, yes three full days working with a heat gun, temperature measurement gun, strips of aluminium and clamps. I wanted to retain my 15 degrees up AND have a slight gap so the elevator doesn’t hit hard on the canard trailing edge at full up position. I’d heat an area clamped in place to around 140F or if you like too hot to keep my finger on it for long, that seemed about right.

I think I’m painting my plane white after doing this…. definitely a post cure to get the TG up.

Well anyway… in reality 12.5 degrees is more than enough and I’ll now get that easily. This took ages. The elevator hinge pins are done but really hard to get in and out so I’m putting them in as few times as possible. Once there is a bit of finishing work done I’ll feel OK about using lots of oil and grease! That will help a lot. On the plus side once installed they will never come out unassisted.

Heat gun at work

Getting a little gap

Check and check again