Tech Councelor visit #2

Brian 0 Comment Wings

I decided to ask my EAA councelor to once again come out and take a look at my work before I get started on the wing skins. After trying to get a good time that works for both of us we finally got together.

Honestly I’m happy Lee came out and pointed out all of my little mistakes. Just about all the hard work and attention on the wing spars translated into a good review. Just a few rivers that need a few extra taps of the rivet gun and one smiley on the rear spar. Other than that all looked good.

My leading edges were a bit of a different story. Let’s just say that in my misery while putting them together I could have done a better job with my QC. Honestly I was a little embarrassed he kept finding rivets that were over or under driven. I’ll blame myself for trying to be Superman and drive them all on my own. Looks like I’ll be reaching out for some help driving these once I finish drilling them all out.

But overall this is why I ask for Lee to come out. We are all human and as long as I am honest with myself and fix my mistakes I’ll have a wonderful and solid aircraft! Lee also gave me a few pointers on some future steps to help me avoid some common gotcha (think torque tubes).

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

Landing Lights – Part 1

Brian 0 Comment Landing Lights

I think I mentioned this in an earlier post, but I decided I was going to go ahead and get the DuckWorks leading edge landing light kit.  Others I talked to were trying to put their landing lights in the wingtips (FlyLeds now offers this as an option!) but I ended up deciding that the leading edge design was good for me.

I purchased the “blank” kit from Duckworks as I planned on mounting one of the Baja Designs LED light kits.  After a bit of debate, I did purchase one of the Squandron Pro lights so I could do all the fabrication necessary for both wings.  I’m holding off purchasing the second Squadron Pro until a little later in the build. Read more

Outer Leading Edge – Part 7

Brian 0 Comment Outer Leading Edge

Starting out with the installation of the access panel in the left outer leading edge.  I didn’t technically need to do this since I wasn’t installing a stall warning horn, however I went ahead just in case I decide later to install the stall warning.  Also I figured it was something different for me and I would need to get practice installing an access panel anyway.  (Also never heard anyone say “I really wish I didn’t have that access panel”).

Following the directions it’s an easy enough install.  Cleco the retaining ring on the outside of the skin and drill the corner holes.  Then use the step drill to open it up to the appropriate size.  Cut out the hole along the outer edges of the four holes you drilled.  Easy enough? Read more