RV-8 Build #181: The Tail Is On! Installing the Empennage

After planning to move forward with the instrument panel and forward upper skin area, I quickly realized that doing so would block access needed for upcoming control system installation. Rather than create problems later, I decided it was time to tackle the next major step in the plans—the empennage installation. In this episode I begin by final drilling the forward windscreen mount before shifting focus to the tail section. The horizontal stabilizer is aligned, shimmed, measured, re-measured, and finally drilled and bolted into place. With that complete, the vertical stabilizer is installed and carefully aligned before being semi-permanently mounted. To finish off this major milestone, I install the elevators and final drill the control horn connection points that will eventually connect to the aircraft's flight control system. This was one of those build sessions where the visual progress is impossible to ignore. For the first time, the RV-8 truly looks like an airplane. Thanks for following along on the journey! Newest Podcast:    • Episode 020: The Sequential Optimism Problem   👉 Builder tools & accessories I use: TFlight77.com Below are my Amazon affiliate links to several of the tools and items youve seen me use on the channel. Cerakote Kit https://amzn.to/4tnbDTG Filters https://amzn.to/4tnbDTG Paint Shaker https://amzn.to/4tnbDTG Paint gun regulator https://amzn.to/4tnbDTG acetone bottle https://amzn.to/4tnbDTG Brother P Touch Cube Plus Label Maker https://amzn.to/45q5WK4 Wire Labels https://amzn.to/4jdp8Rf Zip Tie Install Tool https://amzn.to/3LJz2gE Electric Screwdriver (deburr) https://amzn.to/48vEkWq Milwaukee Right Angle Drill https://amzn.to/3KzTFeE Milwaukee 3/8 ratchet https://amzn.to/4ploPFV Machine Square https://amzn.to/42nHzeM File Set https://amzn.to/3VNnJ8Z Debur Tools https://amzn.to/48NJzRj Articulating Borescope https://amzn.to/4hdYAyb Dual Lens Endoscope https://amzn.to/48ovZDY Digital Micrometer https://amzn.to/3Kr1iUR Copper Clecos https://amzn.to/3IyLwqj Heat gun https://amzn.to/3LwycDQ Rivet Nut Install tool https://amzn.to/4qVU0cu Tube bender https://amzn.to/47NhabU Steel ruler set https://amzn.to/49b4C0A Zip Tie tool https://amzn.to/483vePT Fly Cutter https://amzn.to/3XltdbI Laser level https://amzn.to/3JqcHEf 20-100 ft lbs torque wrench https://amzn.to/4nI54ah 10-150 in lbs torque wrench https://amzn.to/4nKcD00 #RV8 #ExperimentalAircraft #HomebuiltAircraft #AircraftBuilding #VansAircraft #Empennage #HorizontalStabilizer #VerticalStabilizer #TailInstallation #ExperimentalAviation