REFLECTOR: Leveling the plane

[Joe Ewen]

Scott,
Once I had my fuselage level in pitch, I put in permanent references for
future use.  Once the lower cowl is cut away its hard to reestablish pitch
level.  I made my reference points by drilling 1/4 holes in the fuselage
side approximately 6" under the strake and 3' apart.  I then filled the
holes with micro, after cure the center of the filled holes was drilled with
a 1/8 bit (level to each other.)  Now when I want to put the fuselage in
pitch level, I insert 1/8" bits into the holes (shank into hole) and rest a
4 foot level across the bits.

For roll level I use a theodolite (a transit would work) and measure down to
the top of wing bolts inserted into the upper outboard bushings in the
spare.  Can read down to 0.005" from the horizontal plane.  Water tubes work
pretty well but do not have as good an accuracy level.

Joe


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Scott Derrick" <scott at tnstaafl.net>
To: "Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list" <reflector at tvbf.org>
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2005 12:01 PM
Subject: REFLECTOR: Leveling the plane


> whats the best place to verify the plane is level..
>
> In roll  the main spar seems like the best, but in pitch, where???
>
> Scott
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