Now that I’m in the weeds trying to figure out the ancillary components of the engine, I’m realizing how little I know about all of this. The fuel servo came separate, and I can’t even tell which way it is supposed to align. Images from the cable bracket manufacturer don’t match images from Van’s or […]
One of the first operations was installing the governor and cable mount. This required reclocking the governor, which required adding safety wire back in–my first foray into the skilled trade of safety wire. I think I have it set up correctly, but won’t know until control cables are passed through the firewall. For that I […]
Starting with the glamor shot–the engine is hung. It took a few hours, and careful movements, but all-in-all was not that exhausting of a process. The scariest part is having $50,000 hanging from a bargain engine hoist. I’m incredibly excited to be at this portion of the build, and to keep the momentum up. Time […]
It has arrived. An added day delay by the freight company meant another day lost at work while I stayed home to unload and sign for this engine. However, it’s here now, and I’m blown away. Mostly by how little you get for $50,000. Kidding. The engineering is solid, and the new engine smell is […]
With the garage once again reorganized and my engine traveling across the US, I’m hitting final preparations for engine installation. I purchased an engine hoist which should help with the heavy lifting of not only the engine, but likely hanging the prop as well. There’s three or so days left until the big arrival, and […]
After 2 years of construction, (2.75 total on the project) the wings are moved to their forever home. My hanger has sat empty for the past two months since I took the keys. Now, it’ll be home to the wings and a few other small components until this becomes the final assembly site. Moving the […]
I’ve yet to install the aileron stops. I first started this on plan, until about half-way through when I didn’t understand much of what the plans were trying to convey. Every attempt to check how people did it on other build logs yielded results of them abandoning plan and going with a delrin bushing on […]
Many builders have asked about the tools I have utilized for my wiring and avionics—in specific, my crimpers and positioners. This is a look at everything connectors. First, some background and definitions: The crimpers we’re working with here have four points that indent a barrel type terminal on the end of a wire. Typically you […]
I’ve finally installed the flap retainer pins–a task long on my list. Like most things, I went about it a bit backwards, but in the end it works and looks pretty slick. Next piece on the flaps will be the linkage leading to the control system; all which will be done with the wings on […]
With an engine on the way–or nearly on the way–I’d like to wrap up as many systems in the wings before they head to storage. On the list is autopilot servos, external air temp sensor, pitot and angle of attack with related tubing and wiring, and running extensions for the lights (wing tips). The autopilot […]