Posted for Mark Steitle <msteitle@mail.utexas.edu>:

Bill,
Thanks for providing the details of your COM antenna installation.  I should have explained that I have the fast-build tail, so the right skin has the stern post with the ribs and stern post already installed.  My only option now is to install the antenna on the left skin prior to closing the vertical.  The process is not described in the fast-build instructions, but is covered in the regular instructions for the slow-build tail.  Only problem is that it says to do it as you described, on the right skin prior to installing ribs, etc.

I think I have worked out how to install it on the left skin now.  I was concerned about the areas where the antenna crosses the spar caps and possible bulges on the finished product, and also affecting the structural integrity of the tail.  According to the responses to my original question, that shouldn't be a problem.

One other bit of confusion was that the instructions that came with the antenna said to locate the antenna as far aft near the stern post as possible.  However, Lancair's instructions say to position it as far forward, away from the carbon-fiber reinforcing strips as possible.  Since it made sense to me to stay away from carbon fiber materials, I have positioned it as instructed in the Lancair manual.

Thanks,
Mark Steitle
Lancair Super ES