Overview:

The supports to which the pilot’s rudder pedals attach are mounted to the SBD’s Wing Center Section between Spar #1 and the lower half of Fuselage Frame #1. While Pioneer Aero’s engineers had refurbished the supports themselves some time ago, it was time to trial-fit on the airframe.

Rudder Pedal Supports:

The rudder pedal supports were positioned and then drilled off to match the associated rivet holes in Spar #1 of the Dauntless wing center section, along with the lower section of Fuselage Frame #1 and the center section skin itself. Once completed, Pioneer Aero’s engineers then positioned and drilled off the heel guide brackets to the aft end of each pedal support and the lower section of Fuselage Frames #2.

The lefthand rudder pedal support is seen here after having been positioned and drilled to match the rivet holes in Spar #1 of the SBD’s Wing Center Section and the lower part of Fuselage Frame #1. (image via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
The lefthand rudder pedal support is seen here after having been positioned and drilled to match the rivet holes in Spar #1 of the SBD’s Wing Center Section and the lower part of Fuselage Frame #1. (image via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)

Here we see that the righthand rudder pedal support has undergone a similar trial-fitting process as the lefthand unit shown in the previous photograph. (image via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)

Here is a different perspective of the righthand rudder pedal support during its trial-fitting. While it is tricky to see, the bracket which attaches the support’s outboard face to the SBD’s wing center section skin has also undergone trial-fitting (far left of image). The same bracket for the lefthand rudder pedal mount has also been trial fitted, highlighted by the red tape beneath it at image right. The tape is there to protect the primer paint during the trial-fitting process, but will be removed prior to final riveting. (image via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)

This image shows both rudder pedal supports after having been positioned and drilled-off to match the rivet holes in Spar #1 of the SBD’s wing center section, the wing skin, and the lower half of Fuselage Frame #1. Brackets which attach (via a set of nut plates) to either side of the rudder pedal supports are used to mount the rudder pedals themselves. The attachment holes for these nut plates are just about visible about half way along the exposed faces of each support, with a matching set out of view on the opposite side. (image via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)

Another view of the rudder pedal supports in position and drilled off against the associated structure. (image via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)

Here we see the rudder pedal supports after trial-fitting of the heel guides has occurred. They attach to the aft ends of each rudder pedal support and the lower half of Fuselage Frame #2. (image via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
Here we see the rudder pedal supports after trial-fitting of the heel guides has occurred. They attach to the aft ends of each rudder pedal support and the lower half of Fuselage Frame #2. (image via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
Another view of the rudder pedal heel guides after trial-fitting. (image via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
Another view of the rudder pedal heel guides after trial-fitting. (image via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)