DTBR's Airplane Project

We began the flapperon assembly on 19 August 2001. These components are relatively simple compared to the wing, but used many of the same techniques. If we ever find our missing roll of film, I'll add some photos about the flaperons.

On 3 September 2001, Dad G. and I started the Slats. The curvature of these parts makes them slightly more complex than the flaps. However, with two sets of hands, even they went pretty quickly. The key to these parts is to have them well constrained on the table so they don't spring open. Straps, boards, and extra hands made it a doable task.

Although the 801 requires very few specialized jigs, the instructions for the slats prescribe a jig to form the airfoil shape. My local builder buddy, Gary Liming, was kind enough to let me borrow his slat jig, which saved me several hours of build time. Thanks Gary! At Right, I'm pressing the slat into the jig while Dad G. does the drilling. This step definitely requires two people to get the part formed correctly. A third person to run the cleco operation would be even better. Tammy did the clecoing for us.

Here are the finished slats temporarily joined in the center. The final joining will occur upon installation to the wings. With the flaps and slats wrapped and stored, it is on to the long awaited fuselage.