The original stringer reinforcement plate I made to secure the air supply valve did not turn out as well as hoped. I decided to rebuild this and combine with a backing plate for the COM2 antenna to be located in the upper section of the tailcone, just behind the baggage bulkhead.
The plate will span between the center stiffener and the one on the right side. The left edge was bent on Tal’s brake to match the J-channel profile to provide added strength to both the left stiffener and the backing plate. Here the plate is measured and drilled for rivets.
This photo shows the plate fitted into position under the tailcone skin and beside the center stiffener. Note the angled bend in the backing plate as mentioned earlier.
Once all the rivet hole were match drilled and the plate securely clecoed into position, it was time to use a Unibit to fashion a 9/16″ inch hole for the antenna BNC connector.
Here the antenna is provisionally fitted to the skin. Everything lines up nicely! The final installation will have a thin cork gasket under the antenna base and above the skin.
Here is the final plate before dimpling, alodine and prime.