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    The likely problem with getting proper alignment and gaps between the
elevators and HStab on the ES is that the fast-build HStabs come out of the
factory jigs asymmetrical.  They were that way on my first ES delivered Dec,
'96), and in spite of a fairly voluminous correspondence with the factory
about the problems that caused, the HStab on my second (delivered Mar, '00)
was exactly the same.

    Try this:  pull a string across the rear spar of your HStab, centering
it vertically at the outboard ends.  I'll bet a quarter that the string does
not hit the vertical center at the midline.  If this is the case, then there
is no way you can get an even gap between the HStab and and the elevators
through the full range of elevator travel.  If the elevators are positioned
to match the profiles of upper and lower skins of the HStab, the hinge line
will be off center at the midline, so the gap will change as the elevators
rotate.  The only way to keep the gap constant would be to mount the inboard
hinges an equal amount off center, but then the hinge line has to flex as
the elevators rotate.  I guess another alternative is to build up the rear
spar and all the ribs until the HStab profile is symmetrical, but that's an
unappealing kludge, and probably not an option if the HStab is already
closed.

    The only solution is to gnaw away at the trailing edges of the HStab
skins until there is an adequate gap at the limits of elevator travel.  This
will result in un-esthetically large gaps at the neutral position,
unfortunately.  Gap seals are probably the answer -- go to
www.wingsandwheels.com for the materials.  I hate to suggest using gap seals
to hide nasty gaps, but they're a good idea anyway, and until the factory
can make a straight, symmetrical HStab, it's the best you can do.  Other
builders I've talked to have expressed the same frustration, and pretty much
ended up doing the same thing.

Jim Cameron
N143ES reserved



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