Finally feeling energized and ready to make lots of progress. I’m finally caught up with all my videos and have also primed just about everything that needs to be primed at this point. Only items I haven’t touched yet is the pushrod and end-caps for the empennage, but will try to take care of that when I prime the left hand outer leading edge parts.
I’m hoping that tomorrow I’ll be able to start riveting the right side outer leading edge. I’m also trying to decide if I’ll begin the installation of the leading edge light kit or wait until later. I decided to use the Duckworks leading light kit and will install some Baja Designs lights (but not going to buy those until I’m ready to assemble). Honestly I’ll probably cut the hole in the skin and mount everything before I mount the leading edge to the spar.
For future planning, I’m also trying to figure out what conduits I’m going to run in my wings, as well as routing for the Pitot and AOA air lines. Already purchased a Gretz Pitot mount kit and will probably get some 1/4″ Nylon tubing for the air lines vs the aluminum tubing that comes in the kit.
My trip to Sun n Fun last month was great. Spent time talking to more vendors as well as learning more about electronic ignitions and EFII systems. I’m leaning towards a full EFII system, either the System32 by flyefii.com or the announced but not available system from sdsefi.com (EM-6?). Also spend a little time hanging around the HomeBuild Camping area and ran into Brian and Brandy and got to chat with them about their airplane. Also met their adorable daughter!
Sun n Fun got me thinking more seriously about my avionics and why I would go with one system over another. Everyone has their own opinion and plenty of heated discussion on why you would go one way vs another. I absolutely don’t plan to purchase anything yet, but still leaning towards the Garmin ecosystem at the moment.
On the flying front I hate to admin it but just got my monthly e-mail from MyFlightBook reminding me that I have 0 Flight hours for April. 🙁 That just sucks. Honestly I was even at VKX last week to attend our IMC club when it was canceled at the last min. Went to grab a 172 since the weather was beautiful, but alas all the planes were reserved or down for maintenance. Maybe I’ll just head over to the airport one day after work and get some time in.
Also really need to make a decision on my IFR ticket. My written exam expires this fall so I really should just get it done. Time to start putting the call out for Safety pilots so I can get the last 20 hours of simulated time. Also need to verify but think I already met my XC requirement but may need to do another one just to be sure. I’m know I will also need some more CFII time to bring me up to snuff for the practical. In general I just need to start flying. Such is life!
Hopefully I’ll have more regular updates going forward.