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DATE

PROCESS

HOURS

CATEGORY

04/21/02

Tail wheel and fuselage bottom

4.0

fuselage

DETAIL:

I installed the tail wheel today. I used some of the hardware from the second GN-1 I bought. I still need to make a couple metal parts but the tail wheel is in place.

I also glued the fuselage 1/4" plywood bottom in place.  Basically, using the same method as I did on the sides, I glued the fuselage bottom on.  It's a bit easier so I was able to do it myself without help.

I also cut lightening holes in the bottom fuselage floor aft of the rear seat.  Th GN-1 in notorious for being tail heavy and a solid floor is not needed for strength.  I left 3" on either side of the longerons and diagonals and neatly cut out the rest.  I rounded the corners with a large radius to reduce stress.  I lost about 1.2lb.  At the tail that means alot!

Next, top fuselage gussets and then mount the landing gear.