Workbenches and Workspace

Brian 0 Comment Shop and Tools

Since I’m still a ways off from ordering tools or the first kit, I have been busy trying to get my garage ready to be a workshop.  I’m not sure if I’m the only one out there that has a TON of stuff shoved into every corner of their garage, but I know this has to end.  To try to claim control of my garage once again, I started by installing a pull-down staircase to access the attic space above the garage.

I then purchased a Sprayfoam kit, sprayed about 1-2 inches of foam to give me a decent air barrier, the installed some plywood so I could utilize this space for storing boxes and other items that were light, but bulky.  Since this space wasn’t really designed for flooring / live loads, I am careful to only use it for things like empty storage containers, empty boxes, holiday lights, etc.

Next I build two of the EAA tables.  This was VERY straightforward and easy to get done.  There are LOTS of good youtube videos from others if you have any questions.  I didn’t think another video needed to be made.

Currently I’m in the process of organizing my tool chest and getting rid of a lot of my acquired crud. Spare parts to old tools, pieces from my old Motorcycle, old battery powered tools that no longer hold their charge, etc.  I haven’t started to touch all the TOYS my little girls have stored along one wall, but everything else has been fair game.

Last thing I’m thinking about doing is making a “quiet box” for my 20 Gallon air compressor as well as installing some more permanent air fittings on the walls near where I plan to work as well as a FRL just off the compressor.  Possibly even installing a pull-down reel on the ceiling  with some lighter weight hose in addition to the reel I have on the wall already.

Basically doing everything I can to get ready for my build before I take the plunge.  Still need to get buy-in from the whole family since this will TOTALLY impact them going forward.

I’m a Pilot! Passed my PPL Check Ride

Brian 0 Comment Flight Training, Private Pilot

To start off, I’m truly excited that I have passed my check ride and am now hold a vaild PPL license.  The last few months have been a bit of a struggle between my schedule, the weather, and my instructor moving to the west coast.

Overall, the check ride was not as bad as I made it out in my mind.  Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t a “walk in the park” and I was sure I was going to screw it up, but I had an AWESOME DPE.  Oral Exam was the easy part in my mind.  Basically just me sitting down with the DPE and talking about airplanes and what I would do in different situations.  He also spend time talking about the ACS and how even the DPE’s were getting additional training on how to administer the tests to be in compliance with the new rules.  Honestly it sounds like the changes in the ACS while easy to read, are being applied differently by the different DPE’s.   Lucky my DPE knew his stuff (and basically “knows” everyone) to the point where he had to take a call from the local FSDO during the middle of my oral exam.

The practical was for me nerve racking.  HOT day with swirling air over the field (unstable air) made my pattern work difficult.  My air work away from the field felt like I was spot on.  Good radio calls and control of the aircraft.

First landing was good (soft field landing) but upon landing it looked like the wind shifted and I should change runway direction.  My personal opinion, this is where I should have just followed through with what I wanted to do (pull off the active, and get myself reset) vs just taxing to the other end of the runway.  Nothing that failed me, but I let myself get rattled and allowed myself to defer to the wisdom of the DPE (who I completely respect).

I had a bit of a wide / long pattern (due to me being nervous) and was so focused on the short field and slip to land techniques, that I didn’t pay close enough attention to the cross wind and had to demonstrate my go-around.  Again, I am harder on myself than my DPE was.

End of the day, all maneuvers were good and I did show good control of the airplane as well as good judgement as PIC.

Time Keeps Marching On

Brian 0 Comment Flight Training, General, Private Pilot

So my flight training continues, however I seem to be hitting a wall.  I’ve done my first XC solo, Night flights, Night landings, Towered landings, etc.  I’m have been attempting to do my long XC solo, however mother nature and my schedule have made that difficult.  Due to work schedule and family commitments, I only have a few days per week that are available to me for flying.  Six times I have attempted to launch on my long XC, only to have the weather not work in my favor.  Such a bummer.  My hope is that tomorrow may FINALLY be the day to complete my long XC.  After that I have a stage check as I’ll have all the necessary hours (short 1 hour of simulated IMC).  This means I’m in the final stretch as I go back to practice my power-on and power-off stalls, steep turns, etc.

On the work-shop front, I’m trying to create some storage space to get all of our CRAP out of the garage.  Putting plywood in our main attic (with some additional insulation) to create some storage for non-heat sensitive items.  Also installing a pull-down attic ladder in the garage so I can then add insulation above my garage and plywood to move things up off the floor so I have space to build.  Goal is to have all the attic work done over the summer so we can start using this space.

No movement on tools or the first kit.  Been taking the kids to different aviation events.  Udvar-hazy, local fly-ins, etc.  Got to meet Mitchell Lock from Vans Aircraft at a local event and sit in his RV-10.  Already have a standing offer to take me and the wife up for a test flight as soon as we are ready.  I personally can’t wait, but don’t think my wife is there yet.  Oh well.

Hopefully next update I’ll add some photos of my storage project as well as an update on my check-ride!

Training continues

Brian 0 Comment Flight Training, Private Pilot

Training continues on my PPL.  Next flight is my solo XC and looking forward to it.

Saw an ad up for a Emp kit for $1000 that someone on VansAirforce.com was looking to unload quickly.  I REALLY wanted to snatch it up, but at the end of the day I really need to wait to make sure this is the right path.  Also, I’ll just say that as much as I want to save a few $$$ and hours, I really want the right to say I built the WHOLE THING by myself.  Every success and failure will be mine.

I’m about 40 hours into my training, and have solo and XC’s that I need to get knocked out.  After that it’s time to buckle down hone my skills before my flight test.  I’m really looking forward to getting my ticket and taking the family up for a flight!

Where to build

Brian 0 Comment General, Shop and Tools

Once the decision has been made that you want to build an airplane, the next thing you should think about (besides cost) is where you will build it.  I see lots of people that somehow are able to get T-hangars for cheap or have a great workshop where they are building their plane.  Being just outside of DC, I have limited options available to me.  Hangars are EXPENSIVE and almost impossible to get as we have so few airfields.

That leaves me with my 2 car Garage.  I’ve heard stories about a gentlemen in NY who basically build an RV in his apartment.  I completely understand the maxim of “if there is a will, there is a way” but I also want the process to be enjoyable.  From a practical perspective, I’m hoping my garage has the potential to work as my shop until I’m ready to move things to a hangar.  (Just got an e-mail that VKX got an approved zoning for 30+ new hangars so I’m hoping those get built before I finish my RV) EDIT: HA, while they got the zoning permissions, no actual talk of any new hangars ever happened!  Oh well.  🙁

The good news is I found that Brian & Brandi built their RV in a converted carport.  It’s slightly bigger than my garage, but makes me think this is doable.  I’ll get some pictures of my garage later but for now here are the details.

Garage Door – 94″ wide by 90″ high.  (Possibly higher if I release the door from the opener)
Easily usable space – Approx 13′ by 15′ by 8′ high.
Storage space – above Garage Doors.

The room is physically bigger, but have items in the garage that can’t easily be relocated.  (Motorcycle, Compressor, Fridge, etc).   I’m also worried about heat / cold as my garage isn’t conditioned space.  Do I just get a small space heater / portable AC, install a mini-split system, or just suck it up?  Overall having the workshop at the house means more opportunities to work on things, but also more opportunities for distraction.

Tools:  So I have some general idea of what tools are needed, but not sure the best way to procure them.  Just buy a set from http://planetools.com/ (I’m convinced I need a DRDT-2 dimpler by Jason Ellis), or should I go the e-bay route?  Luckily I already have a large compressor and some air-tools, but don’t have a drill-press, scroll saw, or bench grinder.

End of the day, I’m expecting to drop a sizeable chuck of cash to order the Empennage kit, Tools, and other misc supplies needed to get started.  I also need to get my loving family on-board as my wife still isn’t convinced that this is a great idea.  Hopefully once I get my PPL license and take her up a few times she may change her mind.