6.1.2 Keel Access Cover Flanges

This entry is part 23 of 42 in the series 06 - Fuselage

6.5.2 – Rudder Pedals
6.7.1 – Spar Positioning
6.1.5 Keel Hardpoints
6.8.1 – Canard Reinforcements
6.1.3 Keel Access Holes
6.2.3 Front Seats
6.3.1 Assemble Rudder Pedals
6.3.1 Brake Lines
6.3.1 Brake lines
6.3.1 Brake Lines
6A.3.1 Toe Brakes
6A.3.1 Parking Brake
6.6.2 – Install Landing Gear Selector
6.2.2 Safety Harness Hardpoints
6.9 Overhead Fresh Air Plenum Modification
6.9 Overhead Fresh Air Plenum Installation
6.3.7 Keel Installation (prep)
6A.3.1 Rudder Pedal Assembly
6.3.7 Keel Installation
6.7.2 Main Spar Installation
6.7.3 Main Spar Triax Layups
6.2.1 Seat Hardpoints
6.1.2 Keel Access Cover Flanges
6A.3.1 Rudder Pedal Installation
6.6.2 Install Instrument Panel
6.2 Assemble Seats
6.8 Doghouse Edge Finishing
6.8 Canard Reinforcements
6.8.2 Doghouse Attach Points
6.5.4 Install Nylaflow Tubing for Rudder Cables
6.3.7 Install Aft Keel Section
6.9 Overhead Plenum Lights
6.0 Aft Carbon Beam (Remediation)
6.9 Overhead Fresh Air Plenum
6.9 Overhead Fresh Air Plenum Painting
6.0 A-Pillar Beam (Overhead Switch Panel)
6.3.2 Front Seat Assembly
6.3.2 Front Seat Rails
6.3.2 Seating modifications
6.2.2 Safety Harness Replacement
6.2.2 Safety Harness Replacement
6.3.2 Seat rails and hardpoints

I made the flange for the large opening on the copilot side of the keel in Florida. But the forward and aft access covers need to be dealt with. This is accomplished by taking the pieces which were cut off to make the opening and adding fiberglass layups over them which extend to the keel. The covers are first taped into place then the area around the opening is covered with duct tape.

Next BID layups are placed over the cover and adjacent area of the keel.

When it cures, I drilled the holes for the screws that would hold it in place. The cover and flange is gently pried away from the keel. The flange is then trimmed back.