Category: General

Two years into the build!

Brian 0 Comment General, RV10

Wow, I’m surprised that it was only 2 years ago that I took delivery of the Empennage kit. Seems like I have been working on this project for longer than that! It’s hard to picture my garage without all the airplane stuff in it. Overall I’m still quite happy with my progress even if the wings really challenged my sanity!

At this point I have the empennage done, wings mostly done (still have a few items to finish up), and making progress on the Fuselage. I’m getting towards the part where I’m getting budget limited vs time limited. Parts and upgrades are starting to get more expensive and I’m constantly wondering when I’m no long going to be able to pay for things in “cash”. Engine and avionics will require some sort of loan, or the project is going to sit in the garage for a few years as I save up.

I still don’t have a hangar yet, but did put my name on the waiting list at Manassas Airport (KHEF). There is talk that construction is going to begin shortly that will demolish a good portion of the T-hangars on the field and rebuild new ones further back to allow some upgrades to the runways. They can only delay so long before their environmental studies have to be redone so it sounds like things will be a little crazy in the near future. This is also going to impact our local EAA chapter and build hangar/clubhouse.

I decided to skip Sun N Fun this year and instead head to Oshkosh. Planning to drive just in case I find some good deals (Not opposed to flying if someone has an extra seat however!). Also planning to camp there as I don’t want to deal with finding a hotel / driving back and forth to the grounds. (If needed I can sleep in the trunk of my SUV to stay dry). I’m hoping that by the end of the year, I’ll be close to having a fuselage I can sit in / working on the fiberglass parts. I have a little extra vacation time saved up so I’m sure I’ll be taking time off to work on the airplane.

The one thing that is suffering is my flying. I’m maintaining my currency, but not my profeciency. Somewhat of a deliberate choice as my funds are really dedicated to building. Granted maintaining IFR currency is a lot easier and cheaper with the updated rules. 2 hours of sim time every few months – easy! When I’m ready to start flying beyond some pattern work, I’ll grab a local CFI and get all the rust knocked off. Then find someone to get me some transition training.

Aviation Safety – Emergency at my Airfield

Brian 0 Comment General

Disclaimer: I don’t have a lot of details on this event other than hearing about it shortly after it happened and what is published in the write-up below.

We all have our preferred airplane. For me, I had a specific airplane that I wanted to take my instrument checkride in. This is the one that didn’t have an issue with the DG, I was comfortable with the audio panel and it flew well. This was N52516 and I did the majority of my IR training in it. At the end of September 2018, it was taken off the line for maintenance and it needed an engine overhaul. The school decided to do an engine swap to get it back on the line faster. When I found out it was available and finished being broken in I reserved it for my Checkride on September 28th, 2019. My checkride went fine and I had no indication of any issues with the airplane until the next time I was at the school and heard about the emergency that happened on September 30th.

Emergency Landing: Controller Talks Down Student Pilot After Oil Covers Windshield

Travis was also my IR instructor as well as the instructor for this student pilot. When I heard the story and saw the photos I had that initial pucker factor of “that could have been me” followed by being so happy at how this student handled herself and was able to safely land without incident. I believe I even discussed this with my wife as an example of how we do training on safety and emergency procedures early on in training.

Travis and I chatted briefly about this and what we would have done differently. Granted we could have just treated this as an IFR flight to ensure we were lined up with the runway. Not something a solo student would be expected to do. Kudos to her and how she handled herself in this scary situation.

More excuses -slow progress

Brian 0 Comment General

Well, I’m sure other builders go through periods where nothing is really getting done for one reason or another.  My right wing has been sitting on my workbench for a few weeks now as I try to find time in my schedule to work on it, as well as find time to get a friend to help out.

I know others have had limited success bucking the wing skin on solo, but honestly I would rather wait and back-rivet.  I’m also finding that back-riveting itself has been a little difficult as the wing ribs don’t really allow me to get square to the rivet easily (even with my borrowed off-set back rivet set – Thanks Jeff  I’m hoping to return it to you soon?!?!  I didn’t forget and hope to see your -10 at the Chapter house this weekend!)

I did get my buddy out last night and made significant progress.  I have a handful of rivets I need to drill out as they smeared or fell over a bit.  I tried not to let that get to me, but I swear I’m just not getting the consistent results I typically get.

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Garage Updates – July 2018

Brian 0 Comment Shop and Tools

Well, quick update from the road until I can post a few photos.

After emptying the garage and building a cart for my scrap wood that was taking up the corner of the garage I finally had enough space for the electricians to install a 90- amp sub panel in the garage. They also pulled circuits for my compressor, my tool cart, the overhead extension cords, and a circuit for the air conditioner.

I ended up purchasing a “Mr Cool DIY 12k mini-split” system and got most of the components installed prior to the electricians showing up. Once they hooked up the 120v circuit I finished getting the ac lines hooked up and after some quick checks for any leaks we were up and running. Fun didn’t last long as we packed up for a trip to NJ to visit family the next day.

Upon our return all was still running wonderfully. The Garage was at a very nice 72 while it was hot and muggy outside.

I have a few days to catch up and unpack from my trip before I get back to work on the wings.

Garage Upgrades

Brian 0 Comment Shop and Tools

For the last few weeks, I’ve been seriously thinking about some potential upgrades in my garage / workshop.  The weather in northern VA has been flopping between oppressive heat and massive thunderstorms with little “nice” weather in between.  Any time I have some time to work, it’s late afternoon with 85% humidity and mid 90’s temps.

I’ve also been getting alerts from the UPS in my office every time my air-compressor kicks on.  I have always known that the circuit in the garage was just enough for my equipment, but the signs are pointing to the fact that I just don’t have the right power for my garage.

I originally was thinking I could get one of those portable AC systems, however my garage has no windows available to vent the exhaust.  Running the vets up through the attic could work, but that puts the vent lines beyond the “recommended distances”. Read more