21 Mar 2023

Riveted vertical stabiliser and rudder leading edge. Fitted rudder counterweight - gotcha note: counterweight MUST be installed BEFORE the tip skin, there is no way it can be fitted afterwards even if the rudder tip is not fitted. I had to de-rivet the tip skin to achieve this after some gentle persuasion with a hammer failed. Installed M4 rivnuts as required as well as the beacon wiring pigtail supplied by Midwest Panel Builders.

Checked alignment of vertical stabiliser and rudder using a lazer level on a tripod. This took a few attempts as the intricacies of using the level were learned, but the assembly was nicely aligned. NOTE: the bolts for securing the rudder and elevator are not included with this kit, which is inconvenient for builders who are acquiring the various kits ad-hoc as and when required. I suspect the parts are in the finishing kit. I have contacted Sling to supply them separately and asked them to reconsider their packaging approach which makes little sense for these particular parts. Hopefully a future builder will benefit from that!