May 22, 2022     Wingtips - (4.5 hours)       Category: Wings

Continuing on with the wingtip installation. Was able to get the second half of piano hinge inserted on the upper portion and drilled. Looks like everything is good. Trailing edge still matches aileron. Much more stable after doing this. Removed landing light to reach inside.

  May 14, 2022     Wingtips - (6 hours)       Category: Wings

I've read much about wingtip installation. I'm using a popular method of installing piano hinge instead of screws to hold the wingtips. Lots of work, but removing the wingtips for future maintenance is only pulling the two pins, rather than hundereds of screws. Also, nice clean look. The tips are pretty flimsy and don't hold shape well. This improves after installation. You must watch the trailing edge in relation to the aileron to match. Making a foam "rib" helps hold the wingtip's shape while in process.

  Dec 21, 2020     Wiring - (3.5 hours)       Category: Wings

The wiring process continues. Getting the last side of the higher power connections to the VPX connected. This will include things like strobes, landing, taxi lights, etc. Will be great to hit the rocker switches and hopefully see the results.

  Oct 17, 2020     Wings On!!! - (6.5 hours)       Category: Wings

Today was another BIG day on the project. Finished up some aileron alignment (Thanks for the help, Tracey), then decided it was time to hang the wings for the first time. My buddy, John, was great to jump in the plane and get the drift pins installed while I manuevered things from the outside. It didn't take us long, as we have experience with his wings. We then wheeled her out into the sun for a look. Terrific to see! The three of us pulled up chairs and had a few celbratory drinks. Good day.

  Aug 30, 2020     Bottom Skins - (4 hours)       Category: Wings

Spent a bunch of time final drilling the bottom wind skin to the right side. Took the skin off and deburred all holes and edges. Ughhh! Still need to dimple it all, then attack the ribs. Then....there is the other wing. Oh well, part of the job!

  Aug 28, 2020     Fuel Tanks - (4.4 hours)       Category: Wings

Decided to send my QuickBuild Tanks to a company named, "Weep No More" in MN. QB tanks have a bad reputation for leaking or eventually weeping. I don't want to deal with that, and especially after an eventual high-end paint job. Paul at Weep No More is recognized as a grea solution for Mooney and Van's aircraft guys. He chemically strips the ProSeal fro the tanks, removes the back baffle, and reseals it all in a three part process. Seven year warranty. Had to build a custom crate, which took a bit of time, but the tanks got there and back in fine shape. Paul also installed the trap doors, pickup tubes, and floats per my request.