GAMECO Completed First NG Horizontal Stabilizer Skin Modification for CSN

 

March 28, 2016

On March 4th, GAMECO started the first skin modification of horizontal stabilizer for CSN B-2694 (B737-800).

 

Besides the heavy workload and technical difficulties, the modification also required incision of skin under the right and left horizontal stabilizers and removal of more than 2000 rivets. The modified skin stretches across 12 ribs with 4 meters in length and nearly 2 meters in width. And Boeing merely provided an original flat plate with 0.112 inch in thickness, which called for precision work in radian moulding and positioning process as any carelessness might result in scrap of materials in modification kit and failure in the modification mission. Moreover, Boeing also required no scratch on the skin and holes during processing and installation phases.

 

The mechanics also managed to restore the over 2000 rivets and Hilok in an enclosed area where it was rather difficult to be accessed by hands without missing even a fastener.

 

With joint collaboration and efforts with other departments, HM #2 Structure Shop completed the task in 11 days as planned for CSN with high quality and satisfied the manufacturing standards.

 

This modification project is definitely important to GAMECO as it is learnt that CSN has planned for modification work for another 40 aircraft. The successful completion of this modification has symbolized GAMECO’s capacity and strength once again.