VMA-F690X F18 Hornet 60-90 ARF - Vertical Stabilizer Fit - Page 5, Figure 5C

This supplementary information applies to manuals with a copyright date of 20060822 (see back cover). Manuals having later copyright dates may already reflect this supplementary information.

Please see Page 5, Figure 5C.

Step 5.1 and Figure 5C describe and show the dry test fitting of the vertical stabilizers into the vertical stabilizer slots in the top aft section of the fuselage.

The vertical stablizers fit into the slots in the fuselage and are to be seated securely into their respective fuselage slots in the same manner for both the left and right vertical stabilizers. The distances shown in Figure 5C of the 20060822 version of the manual are incorrect. The "leading edge" distance (rightmost in the picture) should be approximately 13.58 in. (345 mm) and the "hinge line" distance (leftmost in the picture) should be approximately 11.02 in. (280 mm). These distances may vary slightly in production. The important point to note here is that the two vertical stabilizers should be seated securely into their respective fuselate slots in the same manner for both the left and and right vertical stabilizers.

The actual distances are not as critical as the requirements that:

  • Both vertical stabilizers be securely inserted into their respective fuselage slots,
  • Both vertical stabilizers are angled so that they are both oriented in a similar manner, and
  • Both rudders move freely without binding.