Rudder Completion
Rudder systems completion
Static wick nutplate installation
As I've put in a VOR antenna and intend to fly IFR, it seemed a good idea to go the whole hog and install static wicks and a bonding strap in the rudder and each aileron as suggested by the factory.
I had assembled most of the parts required to add these, but the nutplate rivets recommended took some finding, eventually I managed to get them from an Australian supplier. These needed a bit of shortening, but in the end was easy enough to get this all installed.
![Nutplate rivets after shortening](/images/2021-08-21-nutplaterivets.jpg)
![Poor primer...](/images/2021-08-21-nutplatesinstalled.jpg)
![Test fit after upsizing rivet holes in rudder skin.](/images/2022-01-01-staticwicktestfit.jpg)
Beacon light wiring
![9.5mm as standard.](/images/2021-08-21-newbeaconlightwirehole.jpg)
As mentioned I've move the beacon light routing behind the spar so it will not interfere with the top rudder hinge.
![Test routing.](/images/2022-01-01-beaconwirerouting.jpg)
Bonding strap mount
![Hole for nutplate and rivets just above the middle hinge](/images/2021-08-21-bondingstrapmount.jpg)
![Nutplate installed.](/images/2021-08-21-bondingstrapplateinstalled.jpg)
The bonding strap is just a wire braid with lugs crimped on the ends. I will sleeve it for a bit of protection but installing it with a nutplate and screws rather than riveting will mean it is easily replaced if damaged. This will be routed through a hole in the leading edge as for the beacon wiring.
Transport and Toy Museum
![Including aviation-related activities on family holidays is a much easier sell if you take an enthusiastic child...](/images/2022-01-15-zachtat.jpg)
This is a neat museum immediately adjacent Wanaka airport (NZWF), and has a huge if slightly uncurated collection of modern and historic toys and vehicles, including this DC-3... built in 1943, apparently ex-Naval Air Transport Service.
![](/images/2022-01-15-zkjgb.jpg)
Well worth a visit if you are in this beautiful part of the world.
Skin riveting
With all the systems work done it's time to rivet the skins.
![Top of rudder structure with sleeved wire for beacon fitted. Note grommet in hole in top rib and edge protector in lightening holes, and nutplate for bonding strap.](/images/2022-02-22-rudderstructuretop.jpg)
![Bottom of rudder structure with control cable bracket in place](/images/2022-02-22-rudderstructurebottom.jpg)
![Skin on and partially riveted.](/images/2022-02-22-rudderskinpartialrivet.jpg)
![](/images/2022-02-22-staticwick.jpg)
![Final test static wick fitting.](/images/2022-02-22-finalstaticwickposition.jpg)
Now I just need the beacon light (coming with the rest of the kit) to connect up and install the rudder tip, and the entire empennage is complete!