Rv 10 elevator tank sealant question

[RNB]

I am soon to complete getting my skins on the rear spar for my elevators. It seems the next step is to apply the fuel sealant, but part of the skins are not attached yet because of the need to put on the hinge for the elevator trim I’m puzzled by putting tank sealant along this edge at this point in time prior to the trim tab being attached

Am I missing something or am I right to be puzzled?

 

[kirkbauer]

This is related to a recent service bulletin. I assume it's a lot easier to apply this sealant before the skins are final riveted. If there are any rivets that will affect that sealant seam then I'd suggest doing those before the sealant has dried.

 

[RNB]

The service bulletin: https://www.vansaircraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SB-00043-RV-10-and-RV-14-Elevator-Cracks.pdf

I believe this only applies to a plane already put together.


When building, page 9-13 of the instructions tell you to do this as one is building. This step occurs when things are very open, lots of room. BUT, the instruction says to do this before the elevator trim tab is installed on page 9-18, much further along. IT makes ZERO sense to me how/why to apply this stuff before the trim tab piano hinge is riveted to the elevator.

My guess is that I need to build out the trim tab and install it and then put the sealant in place.

Bueller?

 

[JeffPeters]

When I did it, it was just adding a fillet on the inside of the rear spar and skin, not between the skin and spar itself, so not having any overlap with the flap hinge. I guess it wouldn’t hurt to have out a film of it between the mating surfaces and cleco down. The piano hinge goes under the spar flange so still wouldn’t interfere.