Spar Bushing Drill Jig

[VictorBravo]

I just was perusing Rob's excellent photo essay on the restoration of G-BREY. I saw the beautiful spar bushing drill jig for enlarging the front spar holes. I have a question... can that jig (and a drill) be used on a wing that is still all together, with the leading edge installed???

My current situation is as follows: I have had the worn spar attach fitting reinforcement washers made and ready to weld. While the airplane is partly apart, I am considering the STC to increase the weight, hence my previous post about the STC. Thanks to Rob's webpage and the experiences of others, I now have a fair idea of what the upgrade involves. This includes the spar bushings.

But, I do NOT want to disassemble my wings any more than I already have!

If the bushings can be upgraded using this type of jig without the leading edge having to come off, then it might be worthwhile. But if I have to completely tear apart the entire wing, than I will probably not do it. I've had flying airplanes and I've had them become basket cases, and I am not in the right mood for a project plane right now.

Rob (or anyone else with this experience) your opinion is greatly anticipated

Bill

[Robert Lees]

Re: Spar Bushing Drill Jig

Bill:

My method was used because I had already disassembled the wing.

You could remove the fuel tank, butt rib, first compression strut, and then use the drill jig between the spars.

Mind you, I'm sure there are easier ways than building a jig.

Rob