2008 Fanfare 2 Laser alignment
 1 For the roll axis, the fuselage is positioned square using the motor mounts as a reference, and then the wing is set exactly horizontal. The actual fitting of the wing to the fuselage took all day. |
 2 Checking that there is a small positive incidence in the stab. Now I can fit the top block. |
 3 Now that the fuselage is level, I check that the wing is installed at zero incidence on the pitch axis. |
 4 Now that the wing is square on both axis (and glued in place) the stab can be set parallel with the wing. |
 5 Now that the top block is on, the centre of the fuselage is found and the fuselage secured to the workbench with tape. (Note: Nowadays I use a fuselage jig during the entire fuselage construction and alignment process). |
 6 The wing is adjusted with a wedge-shaped block under the wing to bring the stab back to horizontal again. (With my fuselage jig, i use adjusting screws in each corner of the base to adjust the entire jig to get the stab level.) |
 7 The fin can now be set exactly square with the stab and in the exact centre of the fuselage. |
 8 Checking that the fin is centred on the fuselage. |
 9 The laser finds its own vertical and horizontal positions as it hangs suspended within its housing. The handle winds the laser up and down. |
 10 Note added 2017-01-17. I now use a fuselage jig adjustable in each corner. The bench itself is fairly flat and aligned L x W with a spirit level. |
 11 I set the top of the fuselage level on the pitch axis by adjusting the rear. Nowadays, I use a long 2-56 screw in the tailwheel mount to adjust it.. |
