Fuel hoses, Rear Inspection Ports, Rudder, Cargo doors

Fuel hoses

I collected the two remaining fuel hose this morning and fitted them. Both have got fire proof sleeves. I added an NPT AN4 fitting to the fuel distributor.

Rear Inspection Ports

I had already made up all the inspection ports for the rear fuselage, and painted most of them. Today I used clear plastic sheet to trace and locate the spar holes, then transferred it to the access port covers and cut them. I also chamfered the edges of each cover.

To do this I had to fit the tailplane and elevators so I used the opportunity to clear the paint from bolts holes.

Rudder

I fitted the rudder again this evening to check the cable clearance. Tomorrow I will fit the cable covers.

Cargo Doors

I collected the rear cargo door from storage and fitted it. The front cargo door needs more pressure in the gas strut, as does the front left door. I noticed that the front cargo door latch was catching, so I shortened it 3mm, tapered the end, and the greased it. It’s very smooth now. I’ve got a very strong spring inside the mechanism. Probably a little too strong in hindsight. It can be opened easily enough from the inside because I’ve added a grab latch. However although it looks like the rear passenger door, in practice it’s actually easier to access via the front doors. So I’m not concerned about the spring tension. If anything it’ll be a theft deterrent.