So lots of progress happening over the last few years, blog posts – not so much. I can’t cover everything in a single post, but I’ll try to hit the highlights.
Moved the project to the local EAA chapter hangar at Manassas Airport. Got the engine, and wings mounted. Spent many hours getting avionics and engine sensors installed, including so many little things that I had to do multiple times to get them to my standards.
In April 2023, got into a private T-hangar on the East side of the field, and continued the push to get to “engine start”. Finally had all the parts and pieces in, and got the courage to finally try to start the engine on July 29th.
Everything worked perfectly. I didn’t have my mixture adjusted correctly, and my EGT’s were slightly misconfigured in the G3X (only showed 1 EGT vs 6). Also had a small oil leak from one of the oil cooler lines that I need to tighten up. Planning on a few more engine runs to confirm Primary/Backup systems and to follow “ground run” procedures as I inch closer to completion.
I also joined a local flight club and completed my checkout so I can re-build my proficiency and confidence. Need a few more hours before I update my policy from a build to full-flight. Also need to get my transition training completed. Goal is now to be ready for first-flight by end of the year.