Jun 18, 2020     Rudder cables       Category: Controls

Advantages of leaving the forward fuselage on its side as long as possible include easier access to install the fuel system, controls and wiring harness. However, as these are added access to the forward rudder cable connections become more restricted (see photo). I've elected to connect the cables now, using the middle hole of each bracket. Hopefully this will be close enough. Otherwise will need to redo after mounting the empennage. After completing this (it took 2 hours to manipulate the bolts, washers and cotter pins through the limited access), I got some help to roll the fuselage upright, and began work on the landing gear. note control sticks are parallel when in the ""neutral"" position.

  May 24, 2020     Flap motor and odds and ends       Category: Controls

Installed flap motor. Tested operation and limits. Added new sealing washers to fuel system banjo bolt and torqued to 12 ft-lbs. All connections checked and torqued. Mounted AV600009 module in avionics bay.

  May 23, 2020     Control rod installation       Category: Controls

Attached control stick pushrods to control sticks and ""wiggled"" into place. Inserted brass bushings and bolted sticks to the control column. All bolts torqued to spec. Flaperon torque arms installed in rear of fuselage and connected to mixer bell crank with flaperon pushrods. Other than final tightening and torquing, this completes section 32, Flight Controls.

  May 22, 2020     Two steps forward, one step back       Category: Controls

Drilled and filed control stick bushings to final size. Fabricated control stick pushrods by drilling and tapping both ends for 1/4-28 threaded rod end bearings. Sprayed interior with CorrosionX and painted exterior. Flaperon pushrods also fabricated per plans. Trial fit control sticks, but was unable to attach pushrods to stick while in place (limited access to nuts, bolts and washers). Decided to try attaching rods to stick outside of plane and wiggle entire assembly into place. With lots of twisting and turning, was able to get everything into position. Unfortunately, scrapped paint off the control rods. Removed entire assembly and repainted the control rods.

  May 21, 2020     Control linkages       Category: Controls

Installed stabilator cables and pulleys. Assembled and mounted flap handle pushrod blocks and crank. Deburred, riveted and installed flaperon mixer bell crank. Added nutplates (12) and riveted in place seat ramp floor and throttle lever bracket.

  May 20, 2020     Cables and control mounts       Category: Controls

Secured brake lines. Routed rudder cables. Fabricated and installed control stick mounts. Initial fitting of stabilator cables.

  May 13, 2020     Brake lines and firewall       Category: Controls

Fabricated and installed brake lines. Began assembly of upper firewall. Added upper forward fuselage doubler and drilled/clecoed upper cowl hinge.

  May 12, 2020     Rudder pedals and brakes       Category: Controls

Assembled and installed rudder pedals and brakes. The extra pedals are reflections on the sidewalks (although they could come in handy in a crosswind)...