Great Planes GPMA0439 User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
WARRANTY
Great Planes Model Manufacturing Co. guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both material and workmanship at the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover any component parts damaged by use or modification. In no case shall Great Planes' liability exceed the original cost of the purchased kit. Further, Great Planes reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice.
In that Great Planes has no control over the final assembly or material used for final assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any damage resulting from the use by the user of the final user-assembled product. By the act of using the user-assembled product, the user accepts all resulting liability.
If the buyers are not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this product, they are advised to return this kit immediately in new and unused condition to the place of purchase.
Urbana, IL 61801 (217) 398-8970
Entire Contents © Copyright 1995
LEA4P03 V1.1
P.O.
Box
LEARJET is a registered trademark of LEARJET, INC.
788
INTRODUCTION..............................................................2
PRECAUTIONS.................................................................3
DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE........................................3
Engine and mount
Fixed or retractable landing gear.................................3
PREPARATIONS...............................................................3
Accessories and additional items................................3
Optional retracts. ........................................................4
Building supplies and tools..........................................4
Types
of
wood
Common abbreviations ...............................................4
What about adhesives?...............................................5
Die-cut patterns.....................................................6 & 7
Get ready to build ........................................................8
BUILD THE TAIL SURFACES...........................................8
Vertical fin and rudder Stabilizer and elevators
BUILD
THE WING
Prepare subassemblies.............................................11
Assemble the wings .................................................12
Completing the wing panels ......................................14
Join the wings............................................................16
Sand the leading edge ..............................................18
Assemble and install the tip tanks.............................18
BUILD THE FUSELAGE ................................................19
Frame the fuselage ...................................................20
Mount the engine ......................................................26
Install the canopy and cowl .......................................26
Mount the wing.............!............................................28
FINAL ASSEMBLY
Install the tail group ...................................................29
Assemble the engine nacelles...................................30
Balance the airplane laterally
FINISHING.......................................................................31
Fuel proofing .............................................................31
Final sanding before covering ...................................31
Applying MonoKote" covering ...................................31
Covering sequence ...................................................32
Painting .....................................................................32
Apply the decals . .....................................................32
INSTALL THE RADIO AND CONTROL SURFACES .....32
Install receiver and switch
Hinge and hook up the controls.................................33
Recommended control surface throws......................35
COMPLETE THE MODEL...............................................36
Install the Install retractable
Install fixed landing gear............................................36
Install the nacelles and tip tanks Balance the model
THE MAIDEN VOYAGE...................................................37
Balance the propeller ................................................37
Preflight .. . .. ............................................................38
Range check your radio ............................................38
Engine
AMA Safety Code......................................................38
fuel
safety
.......................................................3
.............................................................4
.................................................8
.............................................10
...........................................................11
..........................................................29
....................................30
.........................................32
tank
....................................................36
landing
precautions
fore
gear
..................................36
...............................37
and aft
.................................37
.........................................38
FLYING............................................................................39
Find a safe place to fly ..............................................39
Takeoff.......................................................................39
Flight......................................................................... 39
Landing......................................................................40
TWO VIEW DRAWING
Your Great Planes Learjet is not a toy, but rather a sophisticated, working model that functions very much like an actual airplane.
Because of its realistic performance, the Learjet, if not assembled and operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself or spectators and damage property.
To make your R/C modeling experience totally enjoyable, we recommend that you get experienced, knowledgeable help with assembly and during your first flights. You'll learn faster and avoid risking your model
before you're truly ready to solo. Your local hobby shop has information about flying clubs in your area whose membership includes qualified instructors.
You can also contact the national Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), which has more than 2,300 chartered clubs across the country Through any one of them, instructor training programs and insured newcomer training are available.
Contact the AMA at the address or toll-free phone number below.
Congratulations! Thank you for purchasing the Great Planes Learjet!
This Learjet is a sport model of the full-size Learjet 35A. It was designed by noted Ultra Sport'" modeler Jim Feldmann It's easy to build and fly, predictable, fairly aerobatic and has no "bad habits," making it a great sport airplane. Traditional Great Planes quality and ruggedness is evident throughout this kit, making this an airplane you'll want to take along every time you go to the flying field.
....................................................40
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302-9252
Tele. (800) 435-9262
Fax (317) 741-0057
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This is not a beginner's airplane! While the Learjet is
fairly easy to build and flies great, we must discourage you from selecting this kit as your first R/C airplane It can be fast, highly maneuverable and lacks the self-recovery characteristics of a good basic trainer such as the Great Planes PT Series On the other hand, if you have already learned the basics of R/C flying and you are able to safely handle a "trainer" airplane, the Learjet is an excellent choice to improve your skills and learn new maneuvers.
Please inspect all parts carefully before starting to build! If any parts are missing, broken or defective, or if you have any questions about building or flying this airplane, please call us at (217) 398-8970. If you are calling for replacement parts, please reference the part numbers and the kit identification number (stamped on the end of the carton) and have them ready when calling.
1. You must build the plane according to the plan and instructions. Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so
may result in an unsafe or unflyable model In a few cases the plan and instructions may differ slightly from the
photos In those instances you should assume the plan and written instructions are correct
Engine And Mount
The recommended engine size range is as follows'
40 - .50 cubic inch displacement 2-stroke.
This kit includes a Great Planes EM2840 engine mount that fits nearly all 2-stroke engines in the recommended range If you prefer, you may purchase a custom engine mount for your engine, or you may choose to install shock-absorbing, rubber-cushioned mounts.
Fixed or retractable landing gear
The Great Planes Learjet includes prebent wire landing gear for fixed installation To add to the sleek and realistic appearance of your model in flight, you may want to install retracts We have included instructions for both installations However, you will need to purchase a set of three mechanical retracts, two servos, and a "Y" harness if you choose the retract option Pneumatic retracts may be used in place of the suggested mechanical units if you prefer
2. You must take time to build straight, true and strong.
3. You must use a proper R/C radio that is in first class condition, the correct sized engine and correct components (fuel tank, wheels, etc ) throughout your building process.
4 You must properly install all R/C and other components so that the model operates properly on the ground and in the air.
5. You must test the operation of the model before the first and each successive flight to insure that all equipment is operating, and you must make certain that the model has remained structurally sound Be sure to check the nylon clevises often, and replace if they show signs of wear.
6. You must fly the model only with the help of a competent, experienced R/C pilot if you are not already
an experienced and knowledgeable R/C pilot at this time.
NOTE We, as the kit manufacturer, can provide you
with a top quality kit and great instructions, but ultimately the quality of your finished model depends on how you build it, therefore, we cannot in any way guarantee the performance of your completed model, and no representations are expressed or implied as to the performance or safety of your completed model
Remember: Take your time and follow directions to end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.
D Four or five channel radio with 4 to 6 servos
(optional retracts) D 6" Servo extension cord D Propellers (See engine instructions) D 2-1/4" Jet spinner
(white GPMQ4542) (black GPMQ4540) D 6 to 8 oz Fuel tank
(6 oz GPMQ4102 8 oz GPMQ4103) D 2 oz Thin CA adhesive (GPMR6015) D 2 oz Medium CA adhesive (GPMR6009) D 1 oz Thick CA adhesive (GPMR6014) D 6-Minute epoxy (GPMR6045) D 30-Minute epoxy (GPMR6047) D 1-3/4" Nose wheel (GPMQ4220) D 2" Main wheels (GPMQ4221) D 5/32" Wheel collars (6) (GPMQ4306) D Model covering (2 - 3 rolls)
(Top Flite MonoKote" Covering) D Medium fuel tubing (GPMQ4131) D 1/2" thick Latex foam rubber padding (HCAQ1050) D Sliver solder (recommended) (GPMR8070 w/flux) D Switch & charge jack mount (optional) (GPMM1000) D Fuel filter (optional) (GPMQ4150) D Fuelproof paint
(see "Painting" section of instructions on page 32)
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D Tricycle retract gear - (HCAP4000) D Retract servo (Futaba S136G or similar) D Standard servo for nose gear retract D Servo "Y" harness D 1-1/4" x 5/32" Wheel axles (3) (GPMQ4280) D 2-56 x 12" Threaded wire pushrods (2) (GPMQ3750) D 2-56 x 36" Threaded wire pushrods (1) (GPMQ3716) D Screw-Lock pushrod connector (3) (GPMQ3870) D 4-40 x 1/8" Set screws
*ltems in parentheses (GPMQ1234) are suggested part numbers recognized by distributors and hobby shops and are listed for your convenience GPM is the Great Planes brand, HCA is the Hobbico® brand, TOP is Top Flite
D Hand or electric drill * D Drill bits 1/16", 3/32", 7/64" or #35, 1/8", #29 or
9/64", 3/16", #10 or 13/64", 15/64", 17/64" and 1/4" D Sealing iron - (TOPR2100) D Hot sock (optional) - (TOPR2175) D Heat gun (optional) - (TOPR2000) D Razor saw D #1 knife handle - (XACR4305) D #11 Blades - (HCAR0311 pkg of 100) D Common and needle nose pliers D Screwdrivers (phillips and flat)
D T-Pins - (HCAR5100 small, HCAR5150 medium,
HCAR5200 large)
D Straightedge - (Fourmost Non Slip FORR2149) D Masking tape
D Sandpaper (coarse, medium, fine grit) D Sanding blocks or Great Planes Easy-Touch"
Bar Sander (GPMR6170 -11" & GPMR6172 - 22")
D Waxed paper D Lightweight balsa filler - (HCAR3401) D 5/32" brass tube (optional) D 1/8" brass tube (optional)
D Tap wrench
D 1/4-20 Tap - (GPMR8105 w/dnll bit) D IsopropyI rubbing alcohol (70%) D Dremel® Moto Tool® or similar w/sanding drum and
cutting burr (optional)
D Kyosho" curved scissors (optional) - (KYOR1010)
On our workbench, we have four 11" Easy-Touch Bar Sanders, equipped with #50, #80, #150 and #220-gnt sandpaper This setup is all that is required for almost any sanding task Custom sanding blocks can be made from balsa for sanding hard to reach spots We also keep some #320-gnt wet-or-dry sandpaper handy for finish sanding before covering
Great Planes Easy-Touch Bar Sanders are made from light-weight extruded aluminum and can be found at most hobby shops The sanders are available in two sizes - 11" (GPMR6170) for most general purpose sanding and 22" (GPMR6172) for long surfaces such as wing leading edges We recommend using the 2-1/4" wide self adhesive sandpaper sold in 12' rolls by Great Planes The sandpaper is available in three different grit sizes - #80-grit (GPMR6180), #150-grit (GPMR6183)
and #220-grit (GPMR6185) Standard sandpaper can be attached by gluing it to the sander with rubber cement. Apply the rubber cement to both the bottom of the sander and the back of the sandpaper When both surfaces are dry to the touch, press the sandpaper firmly onto the sander Spray adhesive can be used for this purpose but it's much harder to remove the sandpaper when you need to replace it Use a knife blade for cutting sandpaper, not your good scissors!
Balsa Basswood Plywood
Elev = Elevator LE = Leading Edge (front) Lt = Left Rt = Right
TE = Trailing Edge (rear)
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Fuse = Fuselage LG = Landing Gear Ply = Plywood Stab = Stabilizer " = Inches
We understand that the caliber of modelers likely to build the Great Planes Learjet may be rather high You may already know all about the types of adhesives you like to
use However, due to its easy building features, many new builders may try their hand at the Great Planes Learjet For those modelers (experts may read along), we have provided some explanation about the variety of adhesives used during construction of a model.
Accelerator is a liquid chemical that comes in a spray bottle for use in speeding up the cure time of all CA types It should be misted on, not sprayed heavily on the joint Accelerator may cause exposed CA to bubble and sometimes change color If accelerator is sprayed on too heavily it may weaken the glue joint, so use it sparingly
Cyanoacrylate or CA glue has changed the way models are built more than any other advance in modeling technology In the good ol' days, model cement like Ambroid, Duco, Comet and Sigment were the glues of choice They all had a strong odor that could cause dizziness, dried slowly (compared to CA) and became brittle with age CA, on the other hand, is stronger, works almost instantly and is bottled in three different viscosities
(thicknesses) CA is used for most glue joints, except where epoxy is specified CA does emit rather strong fumes (some say it's like tear gas) as it cures, so rule number one is to
work in a well ventilated area. All CA glues work best if the joints are smooth and fit well.
Thin CA is also known simply as CA This
is the adhesive that has revolutionized
model building because it allows you to assemble the parts first, then apply the adhesive The thin formulation flows or "wicks" into the joints and sets almost
instantly, eliminating the need to hold things together while the glue dries You will often use Thin CA for the initial bond, then follow with medium or thick CA for extra strength, especially when gluing plywood or hardwood.
CA+ is also known as medium or gap filling CA CA+ is used for surface
gluing, filling small gaps between poorly
matched parts and for general purpose applications It cures slower than thin CA, allowing you to apply a bead to two or three parts before assembly Curing time without accelerator is 20-30 seconds.
CA- or thick CA is used when extra
positioning time is needed CA- is a great gap filler and is also used to make fillets when a little extra strength is required. Curing time is about 1-2 minutes.
A word about CA safety!
After applying CA, to avoid the puff of strong vapors, don't stand directly over the work All CA glues will bond skin almost immediately If this should happen, CA Debonder (available from your hobby dealer) or acetone fingernail polish remover will dissolve the CA if allowed to soak into the bond for a few minutes Don't use vigorous means to separate a skin bond Never, never point the CA applicator tip toward your face' Be especially careful when opening a clogged tip In case of eye contact, flush thoroughly with water, then seek medical attention, but don't panic. Please, keep CA
(and all other modeling chemicals) out of the reach of children!
Epoxy
Great Planes has two epoxy formulations available for the modeler Both offer exceptional strength and convenient working times Use epoxy when the joint requires exceptional strength, such as when installing the firewall, when joining the wing panels, and when installing wing hold-down blocks As with most epoxies, you mix equal parts of resin and hardener, stir well then apply a thin film to each part Parts should be clamped, pinned, taped or weighted in place until fully cured Before the epoxy cures, clean off any excess with a paper towel A word of caution about mixing epoxy-don't use extra hardener in the hopes of making the mixture harder or work faster Just about all epoxies work best with exactly a 50/50 mix When you increase the amount of hardener, you run the risk of causing the cured epoxy to become either brittle or rubbery-neither being as strong as a properly mixed batch.
6-Minute Epoxy is used for simple, small gluing applications where elaborate alignment is not required Working time (before its too gooey to use) is about 5 minutes, handling time 15 minutes and it's fully cured in about
1 hour
(Continued on page 8)
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6
7
30-minute epoxy is used
for extra strength (because it can penetrate longer) and where several parts must be aligned and checked before it cures. Working time is about 25 minutes, handling time 2 hours, and it's fully cured in 8 hours.
Great Planes Pro" Wood Glue is an Aliphatic resin glue that works well on all types of wood. It is non-toxic, virtually odorless and dries clear. Some people are sensitive to CA and epoxy fumes, so this is a good alternative for general modeling use. Its only drawback is that it is slow to cure, requiring the parts to be securely clamped, pinned or taped while the glue dries.
Okay, you've got your work space ready, your tools are at hand, and you know how to choose and use the right glue
for the job. Let's get started!
D 1. The fin core is made up of left and right die-cut 1/8" plywood fin cores (LFC, RFC) and a die-cut 1/16" balsa center fin core (CFC). Place the fin plan on your building board and cover it with waxed paper. Place the 1/8" RFC (with one slot) over the plan and glue the 1/16" center fin core on top of it. Glue the 1/8" LFC (two slots) on top of the center fin core.
D 1. Unroll the plan sheets. Reroll the plan sheets inside out to make them lie flat.
D 2. Remove all parts from the box. As you do, determine
the name of each part by comparing it with the plan and the
parts list included with this kit. Using a felt-tip or ball point pen, lightly write the part name or size on each piece to
avoid confusion later. Use the die-cut patterns shown on
pages 6 and 7 to identify the die-cut parts and mark them
before removing them from the sheet. Save all scraps. If any of the die-cut parts are difficult to punch out, do not force them! Instead, cut around the parts with a hobby
knife. After punching out the die-cut parts, use your T-Bar or sanding block to lightly sand the edges to remove any die-cutting irregularities.
D 3. As you identify and mark the parts, separate them
into groups, such as fuse (fuselage), wing, fin, stab
(stabilizer), and hardware.
Zipper-top food storage bags are handy to store your parts
as you sort, identify and separate them into subassemblies.
D 2. Sand the front and top edges of the fin core smooth,
then pin the core over the plan. Assemble the balsa fin framework from 1/4" x 1/2" and 1/4" x 3/4" balsa sticks on the core as shown on the plan. Note: The frame is thinner than the fin core but this will not cause a problem. Do not install the leading edge, dorsal fin or the 3/8" top and rear pieces yet.
D 3. Remove the fin from the board, sand both sides smooth (it's OK if the plywood core is a little thicker than the balsa framing). Sheet the right side with 1/16" balsa sheeting. Drill a 1/8" hole through the sheeting at the rear end of the top slot and elongate the hole to fit the control cable tubing. Cut away the fin core below the bottom of the slots as shown on the plan.
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D 4. Cut three pieces of inner pushrod tube to match the plan. Fit the right elevator cable tube in the top slot of the fin core, up against the sheeting on the right side, with an
inch or so extending through the sheeting hole.
NOTE: LEAVE 3-1/2" OF ALL THREE TUBES EXTENDING PAST THE BOTTOM OF THE FIN CORE. Fit
the left elevator cable tube in the same slot on top of the
right one, but have it exit on the left side. Fit the rudder
cable tube in the lower slot in the fin core exiting on the
left side as well. When you're happy with the fit, use thick CA to hold the tubes in the slots.
D 7. Cut the fin top pattern from the plan, then glue it to the top of the fin with spray adhesive or rubber cement. Sand the edges of the fin top to match the pattern. Round the top of the dorsal fin, front of the leading edge and top of the
fin
top.
D 8. Sand one end of the shaped balsa rudder to match the angle shown under the stab on the plan. Cut a 3/8" piece from the sanded end to make the rudder filler. Glue the 3/8" piece to the bottom of the fin's TE. Cut the rudder to match the size and shape shown on the plan.
D 5. Sand the right elevator tube flush with the sheeting, then pin the fin assembly back on the building board. Add
1/16" balsa sheeting on the open side, fitting the sheeting around the rudder and left elevator tubes where they exit. Sand the tubes flush with the sheeting.
D 6. Add the 3/8" x 3/4" balsa stick leading edge, trailing
edge (TE), top (notched to match the plan) and shaped dorsal fin. Remove the assembly from the board.
D 9. Sand a "V" on the leading edge (LE) of the rudder to match the cross-section on the plan. Use masking tape to temporarily attach the rudder to the fin. The hinges will be installed after covering.
D 10. Round the ends of two 6" long pieces of 3/8" balsa
tri-stock and glue them to the sides of the fin, flush with the
bottom of the stab slot.
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D 11. Cut a small piece of 3/8" scrap balsa stick to fit between the top of the dorsal fin and the vertical fin. Shape and sand this piece to match the plan. Use balsa filler (HCAR3104).
Stabilizer & Elevators
D 3. Sand the completed framework smooth, then glue 1/16" x 3" balsa sheeting to the top surface.
D 4. Remove the stab from the board. Sand the bottom side smooth, then sheet it with 1/16" x 3" balsa. Trim the perimeter to the shape shown on the plan and sand the assembly smooth. Sand the leading edge and tips round to match the cross section on the plan but leave the TE flat.
D 1. Put the stab plan on your building board and cover it with waxed paper. Pin the 1/4" shaped balsa stab center
front over the plan, then glue the 1/4" x 3" x 4-1/4" balsa stab center to its aft edge. Cut the stab center (TE) from a
1/4" x 1/2" balsa stick to match the shape shown on the plan.
D 2. Assemble the stab frame from 1/4" x 1/2" balsa sticks, then cut and glue the 1/8" x 1/4" balsa trussing in position.
D 5. Cut both ends of each shaped balsa elevator to the angle shown on the plan, then cut a 1" piece from each
one. Glue these short pieces to the TE of the stab at the tips, and sand to shape.
D 6. Sand a "V" on the LE of the elevators and trim the inner ends to match the plan. Temporarily attach the elevators to the stab with masking tape.
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D 1. Pin the wing plan to your building board and cover it with waxed paper.
TWO WARPED SPARS INSTALLED
THIS WAY WILL RESULT IN A
STRAIGHT WING
TWO WARPED SPARS INSTALLED
THIS WAY WILL RESULT IN A
WARPED WING
D 2. Assemble the spars as follows: Pin one of the 1/4" x 3/8" x 30" balsa main spars down over one wing plan and trim the outboard end at the centerline of W-9 (save the off-cut piece for use in a moment). Locate a 1/8" x 3/8" x
15-1/4" balsa spar doubler. Sand 2-1/4" of one end of the
spar doubler to a taper (see plan). Glue the spar doubler to the inboard end of the main spar so that the untapered end is flush with the root end of the main spar. Trim the
off-cut piece of 1/4" x 3/8" to match the plan at the outboard
end of the main spar, then glue it in position. Glue the die­cut 1/16" plywood spar joiner on top of the joint.
D 3. Remove this spar from the plan, then assemble a second one over the same plan.
D 5. Decide whether you will be using fixed or retractable
landing gear. The rib doublers required for fixed or retract gear are different. W-3F and W-4F are used for the fixed gear and W-3R and W-4R are used for the retract gear. Glue the appropriate doublers to the W-3 and W-4 ribs,
being sure that you make a left and a right of each one.
Cut the gear block notches out of each rib using the notches in the doubler as a guide.
D 6. Align the shaped and notched leading edges (LE) over the plan. Cut the LE in two at the centerline of W-9. Save both pieces.
CUT LE SHEETING AS SHOWN (4 REQUIRED)
D 7. Using the plan and the pattern shown above, cut four 3/32" x 3-1/2" x 30" balsa LE sheets. Note: The aft edge of the sheets should fall approximately along the middle of the spar.
D 8. Glue the two die-cut plywood dihedral braces (DB) together with 6-minute epoxy. Be sure they are perfectly aligned along all edges. Clamp the pieces together while the epoxy cures.
D 4. Build two more spars over the plan of the other
wing. This procedure will produce left and right top and bottom spars.
D 9. After the DB epoxy has cured, lightly sand the edges to remove any bumps. Drill a 1/4" hole through the DB at each of the two punch marks. These holes are for the
wing dowels.
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NOTE: The wings are built UPSIDE DOWN over the opposite wing plan.
glue it in place on the forward edge of ribs W-9 through W-11. Glue the die cut 1/8" plywood leading edge brace to the back of the leading edge at W-9.
D 1. Start with the wing plan which shows your chosen landing gear. Pin the trailing edge support jig to the board over the plan, under the waxed paper. The wide end of the
jig is positioned at the root end of the wing. D D 2. Carefully separate the leading and trailing edges
with a hobby knife.
D D 3. Pin the bottom spar down and glue W-2, W-6 and
W-11 to the spar, then glue the shaped and notched trailing edge to those ribs. The ribs should be centered
vertically on the trailing edge and the trailing edge must be kept level. (Since the trailing edge is tapered, it does not sit flat on the support jig.) Pin the trailing edge to the support jig. Add the rest of the ribs (except W-1). Be sure that the
rib doublers are on the correct side of W-3 and W-4 as
indicated on the plan.
D D 6. Fit and glue the second spar in position.
D D 7. Place W-1 in position (with the servo opening pointing toward the building board) and hold the dihedral gauge against the outer face to set the proper angle. Glue W-1 in place. Cut both spars and the TE flush with W-1. Trim the LE flush with W-2.
D D 4. Fit the inboard leading edge in place on ribs W-4 through W-9. The leading edge must extend an equal amount above and below the ribs. Glue the leading edge in place with thin CA.
D D 5. Sand the outboard leading edge (the short piece you cut off) to fit against the inboard leading edge, then
D D 8. Fit and install 1/16" balsa shear webs in all rib bays against the aft edges of the spars.
Refer to this photo for next three steps.
D D 9. Lightly sand the top of the ribs, spar and trailing edge to remove any irregularities. Sand the forward edge of the 3/32" inboard leading edge sheeting to match the angle made by the ribs and the leading edge. The aft edge of the sheet should fall on the centerline of the spar. When satisfied with the fit, glue it in place.
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