May 27, 2024     Moving to the Hangar       Category: General Notes

Made a trip to the hanger this morning instead of working on the panel wiring. I am still waiting for an order of wire so I felt it would be better to spend the time moving some of the parts from storage. I still need to more the wings, engine and the finishing kit crate.

  May 26, 2024     Hangar Acquired       Category: Workshop

After being on the waiting list for some time, we have leased a enclosed T-hangar. I have started moving completed parts and pieces in the works to the hangar until they are required or when they all come together in the final assembly. I'm excited that I was able to get exactly what I was looking for in at the airport I wanted to be at right out the gate! There is also a nice FBO in my opinion.

  May 23, 2024     Wired a Couple More Switches - (1.25 hours)       Category: Instrument Panel

I had enough 14 awg wire to run the lines from the fuel pump and pitot heat breakers over to the switches on the panel. Cut lengths, printed labels and terminated ends. Tightened switches in place. I then laid out some additional items to see how much additional wiring I will need to run the additional wires for the lighting, master/starter solenoids. Places and order for wiring.

  May 16, 2024     Riveting Ribs and Wiring - (2 hours)       Category: Fuselage

I cut the wiring harness for the compass light and canopy latch switch and installed connectors. This is so that I can do all the wiring and rivet the top skin and then install the roll bar brace (WD-643-SS) and just plug the harness in. I put the brace back in place and routed the wires and terminated the ground wires at the firewall grounding bus. I then riveted the two outside ribs (F-7107-R&L) to the firewall, this finished all riveting on the upper forward support structure. Last, I marked, drilled and deburred holes along the wiring path on the sub-panel and riveted zip tie attach point for future wire management.

  May 15, 2024     Garmin Coax and ELT Wiring - (1 hour)       Category: Wiring

I had a later night than normal yesterday so only got a little work in this morning. I cut the com 2 coax to length and installed the BNC connector; labeled and connected to Garmin backplate. I also cut the GPS coax to length and installed the TNC connector; labeled and connected to the backplate. I finally cut the ELT panel cord to length and installed the RJ-11 connector. I put a couple "PANEL" tags to note connects that need to be undone to remove the panel at a later time.

  May 14, 2024     Riveting Top Section and Grounds - (2 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Started this morning by cutting the coax for the Dynon com to length and then terminated the end. I then cut the firewall ground wires that I currently have routed to length and crimped ends and screwed into the grounding bus. After this I riveted the sub panel pieces together and riveted them to the outside ribs; I still have the outside ribs to firewall rivets to complete.

  May 13, 2024     Ignition Controller Attach Angle and Wire Management - (2 hours)       Category: Wiring

I need to make a spot to mount the Light Speed ignition controller unit. The plan is to mount it on the pilot side between the left upper two ribs. I cut a length of angle and marked the outside rib (F-7107-L) for placement location. I then marked the angle for rivets; drilled and deburred. I then drilled and deburred the rib. Next, I prepped, cleaned and primed the angle piece and then riveted it to the rib.

I turned back to the fuselage wiring. I cut the harness loom to length and then tied it to the support angle. I also did a little more sorting and labeling of wires. I drilled and riveted three wire tie points to the sub panel. Wires heading to the flap controller, EMS and ELT along with other will go along this route.

  May 11, 2024     Testing Intercom - (2 hours)       Category: Instrument Panel

I thought it would be fun to put some power on the panel and test the intercom. Pretty quick I realized that something wasn't right. Nothing happed when I flipped the avionics switch. I discovered that the relay purchased off amazon was bad. Once I bypassed that I got a green light on the intercom panel. I powered up the sound FX board and the safety brief button and stall switch tested good; I could hear the voice prompts. I plugged in the microphone jacks and the green power light on the intercom panel would go off. After some troubleshooting I discovered that I had the red wire on the MIC and the yellow on PTT. I swapped them on both the copilot and pilot side to the correct spot on the sockets and everything started working correctly. I let the boys come out and play a bit talking to each other and then rapped up for the morning by replacing the avionics relay with one from Advance Auto Parts and now the avionics relay/switch tests good as well.

I planned on doing much more with my time this morning, but sometimes that is how things go. I ended up chasing a wiring issue and wore myself out.

  May 10, 2024     F-7108A Rib Riveting - (2 hours)       Category: Fuselage

I decided to go ahead and rivet the center upper rib in place (F-7018A). I first riveted the F-7109 plate to the rib and then put the rib and the F-7108B angle in place and riveted the angle to the rib. After this I riveted the F-7108C angle to the center rib and center sub panel (F-7105A). Finally, I riveted the F-7108B angle to the firewall angle and then riveted the rib to the firewall. I might rivet the right upper rib (F-7107R) later today, but not sure yet. I plan to do some more work on the left upper rib (F-7107L) to attach straps to hold the Light Speed ignition control box. I also files away some more material from the roll bar brace (WD-643) to hopefully allow it to side between the support angle and center rib a little easier; deburred and primed.

  May 09, 2024     Pulling Grounds - (2 hours)       Category: Wiring

I drilled and deburred holes along the wiring support strap and then riveted the firewall side of the strap to the firewall angle. I then started locating and pulling the grounding wires out of the harnesses that will route to the grounding bus on the firewall. I also pulled the grounds from the canopy status switch and the compass lighting harnesses. My thought is to go ahead and try to get most of the existing wiring routed before adding the additional wiring of the engine monitoring system and Dynon displays making more of a tangled mess.

  May 08, 2024     Riveting Fuel Flow Sensor Bracket - (2 hours)       Category: Fuel System

Cleaned and primed the fuel flow sensor bracket. I then marked and drilled the screw and rivet holes for the nutplates to install another firewall passthrough lower for the fuel flow, master/starter relays, amp shunt, starter engage and voltage input wiring. Deburred, dimpled and installed nutplates. Riveted the fuel flow sensor bracket to the firewall. I then began mapping out the wires in the EMS harness.

  May 07, 2024     Mounting Fuel Flow Sensor - (2 hours)       Category: Fuel System

Drilled the two remaining pilot holes in the bottom center of the engine mount through the firewall. Next up will be to drill holes to final 3/8" size. I then cut and bent a strip to form a bracket for the fuel flow sensor. This took a couple tries but I finally got something I could live with. I then drilled the two bolt holes that will hold the sensor to the bracket. Next I marked and drilled five rivet holes to rivet the bracket to the firewall. The bottom two will also go through the aluminum angel support. I deburred all holes and edges and countersunk the rivet holes; prepped for priming.

  May 06, 2024     Installed Shunt and 12v Passthrough - (2 hours)       Category: Firewall

Riveted the forward canopy decks (F-721A) to the outboard subpanel (F-7105B). I then marked and drilled holes for the amp shunt and installed. I marked the location for the 12 volt passthrough and then drilled, deburred and riveted nutplates in place. I then installed the stainless steel shield. The center hole will be enlarged later when the power wire is installed.

  May 04, 2024     Making Holes in the Firewall - (5 hours)       Category: Firewall

Now that I have Rick's blessing on where to place items on the firewall it was time to start punching holes. Started with the passthroughs for the electronic ignition coaxes that go to the coil packs. Marked, drilled, deburred and them dimpled for the nutplate rivets. Riveted the nutplates in and went ahead and installed the stainless steel covers. Later when I know how big the center holes need to be I can enlarge them and install the grommet with high temp seal then reinstall the stainless steel covers. I then moved on to drilling and mounting the sensor bank. This is where the oil pressure, manifold pressure, etc. will mount to the firewall; deburred holes and mounted in place. Next I installed the passthrough for the electronic ignition sensor wiring in the same manor as the other stainless steel passthroughs that were done for the coaxes. Next, with Cassie's help, I put some high temp sealant on the firewall recess (F-601K) and clecoed it in place. We then riveted it and cleaned up the excess sealant. Then I installed the heat vent door using high temp red RTV sealant to make a seal around the holes. Finally, installed the batter box in place with some red RTV sealant at each of the three bolt holes.

  May 03, 2024     Riveted Forward Canopy Decks and More - (2 hours)       Category: Fuselage

I trimmed a little on the bottom side of the forward canopy decks (F-721A-L/R) to allow for more room to get a bucking bar in to set rivets. I then clecoed the canopy decks in place and riveted to the longerons and the aft canopy decks (F-721B-L/R). I also installed the sleeve on the firewall passthrough and fed the engine temp wires through. With the tech advisor's help I marked where the sensor hub, fuel flow sensor, amp shunt will mount along with where to punch holes for wiring to avoid inadvertently placing anything in the way of any engine components. Little warm for me in the garage so I will wait and get going in the morning.

  May 02, 2024     Engine Sensors Wiring Passthrough - (1.75 hours)       Category: Firewall

Started out riveting the left outboard sub panel piece (F-7105B-L) to the bulkhead. I then marked the location of the passthrough for the CHT/EGT wiring along with possibly other engine sensor wiring. Drilled and deburred the main hole. Drilled and deburred the screw holes. Applied heat sealant and tightened the passthrough in place on the firewall. I then started mapping out the other locations for passthroughs and mounting. I reached out the the EAA tech advisor and plan to have him come by Friday afternoon to help guide me on the placement of other items and holes on the firewall.

I still have the mount the amp shunt, fuel flow sensor, sensor bank for oil pressure, fuel pressure, etc., holes for the electronic ignition wiring and holes for the main power entering the fuselage.

  May 01, 2024     Couple Labels and Some Rivets - (2 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Stuck the labels to the lower panel that holds the throttle, mixture and cabin heat controls. I then prepped, cleaned and primed the angle bracket for the ground bus located on the firewall. I riveted the bracket in place and screwed the grounding bus to the bracket. I then decided to go ahead and rivet the outboard pieces of the sub panel (F-7105B-R) to the bulkheads. I attempted to buck three rivets into the right outboard and ended up drilling all three out. I also didn't see a way I would be able to buck the remaining three in by any means with the knowledge and tools I have. I ended up using pop rivets for all six and used MSP-42 rivets. I see no reason that this will not be more than adequate to do the job. I still have the left outboard to rivet, but will not waste time trying to buck them in; I'll use pop rivets there also.

  Apr 30, 2024     Panting Lower Panel and Inventory - (1.5 hours)       Category: Instrument Panel

I received some "new to me" inventory from a purchase via Van's Air Force forms; BAF-320, FAB-320-1 and engine mounts. Completed inventory on the airbox kit (FAB-320-1) and all was there except for one part that I already knew was missing and the selling is sending in a separate shipment. Completed inventory on the baffle kit (BAF-320) and all accounted for with a couple extra doublers. The engine mounts are new installed but never used. I also have a set of dynafocal bolts that I ordered direct from Van's Aircraft so I should have what I need now to hang my engine in the time comes.

Next I turned my focus to the throttle/mixture lower panel that I needed to paint. I removed the controls and pulled the panel out. I needed to enlarge a couple of the holes for a better fit of the throttle and mixture controls; deburred and prepped. I then painted the panel the same as the full panel and set it to bake. I also primed the wiring harness guide bar but forgot to prime the two angle mounts for the firewall grounding bus. I'll get this tomorrow maybe.

  Apr 29, 2024     More Labels and Putting It Back Together - (2 hours)       Category: Instrument Panel

I put the labels on for the switches and for the panel lights knob. I also made a small notch on the back to keep the dimmer knob in place and the base from rotating. I then began installing the components back onto the panel. Made a wiring harness for the flap switch and connected it to the switch. I also labeled the connectors for the Sky View network patch cables.

  Apr 27, 2024     Painting the Panel - (5 hours)       Category: Instrument Panel

Removed the panel from the fuselage and started removing components in preparation to paint. Masked off panel and cleaned. Primed panel and then painted with a hammered black. I then set the panel in the garage in front of some heaters to back the paint. In a couple days the panel should be ready for me to reinstall everything and continue working on wiring in the fuselage. I also shot some black flat on the underside of the glare shield.

This afternoon I worked on trying out the Cricut for labels. I wrote up and cut all the labels. Tested on the plexiglass test panel first and then change font and size a bit and started installing on the actual panel. I still have a few more to put on, but time for dinner and family.

  Apr 26, 2024     Hanging Mount and Little Wiring - (1.5 hours)       Category: Engine

Marked and removed the forward top skin; masked underside area that will be painted black. Notched a section for the wires to come through from the compass and canopy switch. I got tired of moving the engine mount around to I went ahead and hung it on the fuselage using the smaller 3/16" bolts and drilled the two bottom outside corners and installed temporary 3/16" bolts. Up next will be drilling the two center holes to 3/16" and then going around and drilling each hole to final size. I then went back to the compass and canopy switch wiring and installed a protective sleeve.

  Apr 25, 2024     Compass Mount and Some Wiring - (2 hours)       Category: Wiring

I climbed inside the plane and positioned the compass in a location that I felt would be best; marked location and drilled mounting holes in the canopy support bar (WD-643-SS). I then tapped the holes for screws and screwed the mount to the bar. Next a made a couple of harnesses for the compass lighting power and the canopy latch switch. Drilled a hole in the side of the bar to run the wires inside and down. Installed grommet and fed the wired inside the bar. Next, I will trim away an area of the top skin to allow for the wires to go through.

  Apr 24, 2024     Upper Bolt for Roll Bar Support - (1.5 hours)       Category: Fuselage

One and a half hours to drill holes for one bolt. I guess I wanted to make extra sure that I had everything in the right place and that the hole was as correct and strait as I could make it. I still don't like drilling steel; might need to look at some new bits. Hole is drilled and everything goes together. Next I might look at drilling the compass mounting holes and the hole to run the wires for the compass light and canopy switch. These should hopefully go much faster.

  Apr 23, 2024     Filing Panel and Checking Clearance - (2 hours)       Category: Instrument Panel

I needed to do some filing on the panel to make sure that it would fit into the fuselage with the top forward skin installed. I clecoed the skin in place and did a lot of filing on the panel to make sure it would side in and out easily. I also installed the roll bar support arm and marked the top skin where I will need to make a notch for the wires to pass through that go to the compass and the canopy latch status switch. I plan to touch up a couple more areas tomorrow and then paint the panel before continuing with the wiring.

  Apr 20, 2024     Avionics Relay Wiring - (3.5 hours)       Category: Wiring

Wired the ground wire for the flap switch. I am only going to need one half of the poles on the switch because of the flap controller I developed. I then went to work on the avionics relay. There is a 10 awg wire from the master bus to the relay and then from the relay to the avionics bus. Then a power run from the avionics breaker to the avionics switch and back to the avionics relay and then a ground from the relay to the panel grounding bus. I then connected the SV-PANEL, SV-INTERCOM, sound FX board and SV-COM-T25 power to the COM 1 breaker. I put connectors on the wires between the sound FX unit and breaker and used a bit of double-side 3M tape to stick the connectors to the relay. Last, I terminated ends for the COM 2, GPS, AP-PANEL and trim displays power to breakers and terminated some more ground wires.

  Apr 19, 2024     Panel Trim Switches and AP Harness Wiring - (3.25 hours)       Category: Wiring

Put connectors on the panel trim switches. Made a harness that runs from the panel trim switches to the AP-PANEL. I also ran the power and ground down this harness and installed a connector. Laced and wrapped this harness. The reason for this work is so that I can disconnect the AP-PANEL harness behind the panel and then unplug these three connectors and this leaved all everything else (trim servos wiring, pilot trim buttons wiring) in the fuselage for easier panel removal. I sorted through all the fuselage wiring in preparation for the rest of the AP-PANEL wiring harness/connector work. I then went ahead and cut to length and installed the DB-9 connector for the ADAHRS and connected it to the SV-HUB.

  Apr 15, 2024     Auto Pilot Servo Connectors - (2 hours)       Category: Wiring

Crimped PINs and installed serial connectors on the roll and pitch servo harnesses. The black (ground) wires break away at the firewall to ground on the bus located there. The red and yellow wires break away at the sub panel to connect to power and AP disconnect button. I placed the panel in the fuselage to check my lengths and completed wiring. Looks like I might have to lace up the intercom wiring a bit tighter between the intercom unit and sub panel, but this won't be an issue. The wires for the Garmin look good. Going to be busy until the end of the week so no more updates till Friday or Saturday.

  Apr 13, 2024     Trim Position Displays, USB Ports and Other Wiring - (5 hours)       Category: Wiring

Crimped on connectors for the aileron and elevator trim panel displays. Put together a couple wiring harness to connect these displays to power, ground, dimmer control and input wires that will reach over to the EMS. I when ahead and routed these wires and also made my first switch connection. (This feeds 12v down to the trim position displays with the position lights are turned on to dim them for night flight.) I also did a little work on the panel ground bus; crimping ring terminals on the ends of some of the ground and screwing them into the bus. I then felt like wiring up the USB charging ports. These are just using the inline fuses that came with them. I didn't feel a need to add a breaker to the panel for something that isn't critical to flight. These will later be connected to have power when the master or maybe avionics switch is on. I then made the wiring harness for the SV-COM-PANEL. Not a lot here, just some communication lines to the SV-COM-T25 radio and power/ground.

  Apr 12, 2024     Little Afternoon Work - (1.25 hours)       Category: Wiring

I forgot to round out the corners of the connecting link on the master bus so drilled out the rivets, rounded the corners, deburred and riveted back together. Grabbed some lock nuts and installed the screw terminal posts. Cut a strip of angle and made a bracket for the firewall located grounding bus. Drilled holes for attach points and then drilled to the firewall angle for riveting. Deburred all holes and edges.

  Apr 12, 2024     Breaker Bus Power Links - (2.5 hours)       Category: Wiring

Worked on the breakers this morning. I needed a little longer screws so was able to get some 3/8" and then cut them down to 1/4". I then marked the copper link bars for the location of the 90 degree bends. Cut connecting strip and drilled for rivets. Deburred and riveted the assembly together for the avionics and Master busses. I drilled for #8 screws and will need to pick up some nuts to attach the screws to the connecting bars to act as terminal posts.

  Apr 11, 2024     Garmin GPS Connector - (2 hours)       Category: Wiring

Wired the harness from the Dynon ARINC to the Garmin GNC355 along with the correct power and ground wires. I also noticed that one of the Dynon serial patch cables was wrapped in white electrical tape. I removed the tape to find a cut in the hosing and into the white/red wire. I first planned to just clean up the tape residue and then put a heat shrink patch. After this I thought it would be best just to make a new serial patch cable.

  Apr 10, 2024     COM 2 Wiring - (2 hours)       Category: Wiring

Cut lengths of red and black wires for power and ground to the Garmin com connector. Stripped and crimped pins on power, ground, audio, mic and PTT wires. Installed wires into the Garmin connector and assembled the connector housing. Finished with a bit of twisting, lacing and labels.

  Apr 08, 2024     Breaker Linkage - (2 hours)       Category: Wiring

Shifted my attention to another area. Drilled an additional hole for the starter breaker. I was going to put it in a different place, but changed my mind. I then cut copper bar to length and drilled to attach to the breakers. The plan is to bend the extended ends up and then put additional bars to connect the top and bottom breaker runs together. There is also a MASTER and AVIONICS ground of breakers. I will also have to pick up some longer screws to allow for the extra thickness of the copper bars.

  Apr 04, 2024     Sound FX Box - (1.75 hours)       Category: Instrument Panel

Added the sound FX unit to the panel. This is an Adafruit FX Mini 16GB board that stores different sound files that can be triggered by grounding inputs. I have two inputs currently wired and one spare not being used yet. Pin 0 (T00.ogg) goes to the physical stall switch; brown/white wire. Pin 1 (T01.wav) goes to the safety brief button; blue wire. Pin 2 is the open input and is a green/yellow wire.

Added and routed wires; crimped pins and installed connectors. Don't worry about the twisties, this are just there temporarily and will be replaced with zip ties once all wires are routed. The gray and red/white wires are line out to the non-muted line in on the intercom panel; connectors installed.

  Apr 03, 2024     Headphone And Mic Jacks - (1.85 hours)       Category: Instrument Panel

Cut a couple of wires to run along both mic audio lines to go to the control stick PTT buttons. Stripped and soldered the Pilot and Copilot wires and soldered the headphone and mic jacks.

  Apr 02, 2024     More Intercom Wiring - (2 hours)       Category: Instrument Panel

Wired the audio input for the Garmin and COM-T25 along with the PTT wiring; soldered the selector switch. Did a little routing and lacing. Next will be on to the mic and headphone jacks and the sound board.

Switch color code:
Brown = Garmin PTT
Black = PTT Out
Blue = COM-T25 PTT
Green = Garmin Audio
Red = Audio 1 In
White = COM-T25 Audio

  Apr 01, 2024     Wiring Audio Inputs/PTT Selector Switch - (1.25 hours)       Category: Instrument Panel

Drew up and 3D printed a shorted compass mount because Sirs Navigator wanted $80 for the same thing I drew up and printed for pennies. Temporarily zip tied to check fit and location; will drill and tap screw holes later.

Undid the heat shrink and connector to remove another set of wires from the intercom harness; the muted audio input set. Reinstalled shrink and connector. I then cut a six core shielded wire piece to go from the COM selector switch to the intercom harness. Cut the audio 1 input wires and wired the two audio inputs, grounds and shielding; installed heat shrink. I soldered the COM selector switch only to have to unsolder it to feed some shrink tubing past. I will consider trying to salvage the switch or just go pickup another one tomorrow. The three wires sticking up (blue, brown, black) are the PTT wires. They are next on the list.

Once again, was in the garage for over 2.5 hours but I'm only going to log 1.25 hour for having to stand there and ponder, back track, undo and redo.

  Mar 31, 2024     Update Video Ep. 06       Category: General Notes

Well, another month has past and so comes another build update video.
https://youtu.be/L4c-VMNdXWI

  Mar 30, 2024     Panel Ground Bus - (3 hours)       Category: Avionics

I spent a lot of time in the garage today, but got little done. I'm only going to log 3 hours. Cut a mounting plate and drilled, deburred, primed and riveted the ground BUS to the panel. There will also be another ground BUS located closer to the firewall. Started on the intercom harness; stuck a bunch of wire management zip point to the panel. Installed the EGT/CHT wiring harness in the fuselage after lacing it

Rewired the Ray Allen trim switches to short to ground so they will work with my Dynon AP panel setup; they are now three wire with the removal of the red. I also removed the orange and blue wires from the Ray Allen trim position displays as they will not be needed because the position sensor in the trim servos will be fed 5v from the Dynon EMS.

  Mar 29, 2024     Installing Nutplates - (4 hours)       Category: Avionics

Changed the wires from two wire looms to one 1.25" loom. That was too big so picked up some 1" and that worked great. I also marked and drilled all the screw holes to mount the ELT siren, flap controller, display backup batteries, network hub and the Dynon transceiver radio. Drilled rivet hole for nutplates, deburred, dimpled and installed nutplates. Drilled a hole and installed grommet for where the EGT/CHT and other sensor wires will go through and head back to the firewall. Riveted the control cable drop mounting plate to the center sub panel.

  Mar 27, 2024     Wiring Harness Strap - (1 hour)       Category: Wiring

Still sick with a cold, but wanted to do a little bit so I took a some angle and made a strap to run from the firewall to the bottom of the sub panel. I will then put anchor points along this strap so I can secure the wiring to it with ties. The wiring will then go under and up the other side of the sub panel. This will keep me from having to punch large holes through my sub panel and that way leave all the more area to strap avionic components to it. Measured, cut, filed, drilled and deburred. I will prep and prime it next, but I'm done for today.

  Mar 25, 2024     Not Much, Reworking Positions - (1 hour)       Category: Wiring

Installed nutplates for mounting the SV-EMS. Studied the subpanel and moved some notes around. I'm getting sick so not sure when I will be back out to work.

  Mar 23, 2024     SV Serial Connections - (1 hour)       Category: Wiring

I stepped out just to have a look and ended up working for an hour. I made three sky view serial cables and ran them between the Dynon equipment to get a feel for what I need and have to route as it goes for the serial data connections. Looks like I have all that I need for the panel, but I need some more female DB9s to get the ADAHRS and AP servos connected to the SV-HUB. I will also need a couple to go a head and made another serial cable for the future addition of a second HDX screen.

  Mar 23, 2024     E-Z Out Center Console - (4 hours)       Category: Fuselage

I worked on drilling the screw holes and mounting the control stick boots. I then started work on the E-Z Out center console. Clecoed parts together and reamed holes. Did a little filing to round edges and remove points; deburred, prepped, cleaned and primed. While waiting for coats to dry I installed the circuit breakers into the panel. I then began riveting the center console together. Marked and drilled the hinge then riveted the cover to the lower box. Mounted the console into the fuselage. I then tried it out and it makes a HUGE difference in helping getting in and out of the seated position. I 100% recommend it!

I then just set in the plane, flipped switches, turned knobs and tested the position of everything; (this was undocumented build time of just enjoying being in the plane.)

Here is a link to where you can purchase the center console:
https://www.aircraftextras.com/E-Zout.htm

  Mar 22, 2024     Finishing Up ARINC Backet - (4 hours)       Category: Avionics

Riveted on the nutplates and test fit the SV-ARINC. Drilled the panel for the three rivets; deburred and countersunk. Prepped and primed the area on the panel and riveted the ARINC mount in place.

Then I tested the position displays and realized that it sticks out further than the switch; I didn't realize this until it was took late.

Drilled out the three rivets and made an extension plate. Marked for rivets and drilled, deburred and countersunk. Prepped, cleaned and primed the extension plate and then riveted it to the panel and then riveted the ARINC bracket to the plate. Everything cleared this time with room to spare.

The nutplates for the Dynon screens arrived in the mail so riveted the four nutplates for the pilot PFD into the panel. I then began mounting parts into the avionics panel so that I can better lay out and route the wires to where they are needing to go. I'll put the breakers in tomorrow probably and go from there. (We have visitors this weekend so my build time might be limited.)

  Mar 21, 2024     SV-ARINC Bracket - (1.25 hours)       Category: Avionics

I wanted to make a bracket that the SV-ARINC can mount to that will place it on the avionics panel and under the GPS tray. The reason for this is to reduce the number of connects between the fuselage and the avionics panel. I grabbed a piece of scrap and cut it to the correct size and then bent the sides up for support. I then trimmed the front and cut out the sides for the two D-Sub connections. Filed a little to clean everything up and deburred. Marked and drilled the four screw holes and then drilled, deburred and dimpled for the nutplates. Prepped, cleaned and primed.

  Mar 20, 2024     Sub-Panel Planning - (1.5 hours)       Category: Avionics

Drilled the avionics panel for the tablet mount and tested. I then started looking at where all the different sub panel avionics will go. Not a lot of progress, but a lot of planning. I need to review the Dynon serial network and see where I need to put the SV-HUB and then start marking and mounting. I might also reprint my flap controller, alert sound and master switch alarm boxes to have tabs so I can mount with screws and nutplates.

  Mar 20, 2024     Panel Connection Tags       Category: Instrument Panel

I drew up these simple tags that I will zip-tie to wire harnesses and connections that need to be disconnected in order to remove the avionics panel. This will hopefully make it easier in the future for me to locate the connections and remove the avionics panel easier.

  Mar 19, 2024     Cutting Sub-panel for Garmin Rack - (2 hours)       Category: Instrument Panel

I spend most of the time tonight cutting the hole in the sub-panel for the GPS rack to fit through. First I marked the location as best as I could and then pulled the center section of the sub-panel out (F-7105A). I then cut the hole and deburred the edges. I had to do some additional notching on the bottom for account for the bottom protrusions on the GPS rack. I also cut a notch out on the side and fit a rubber grommet because the plan is to have the GPS harness go back aft to the panel so that the whole avionics panel can be removed with at little effort as possible.

  Mar 18, 2024     Looks Like We Got It - (2 hours)       Category: Instrument Panel

The redo of the panel is looking great. Did a little filing and deburring to get the new panel to fit like the old one. I then checked the countersinking of the rivet holes for the nutplates. I riveted all the center Dynon avionics nutplates.

  Mar 15, 2024     Panel Due Over       Category: Instrument Panel

Well, the holes for the breakers were not cut in the right place so the panel went back to the shop to be redone. They are also going to move the GPS centered, but a gap between the top and bottom Dynon panels that is equal to the gap from left to right and relocated the com selector switch to down between the pilot PFD and the avionics bank. I didn't get a shot of the breaker spacing issue, but the breakers were touching and there was no room to screw on connectors.

  Mar 14, 2024     Panel Cutting Completed       Category: Instrument Panel

The holes for the switches and brakers completed. All the cutting done on the panel. It does look like the GPS is off centered and I'm not sure about the switch guard alignment. I will know once I test fit everything into the panel tomorrow.

  Mar 13, 2024     Cutting the Panel       Category: Instrument Panel

Moving right along on my panel. Eight hours logged. The shop hopes to finish it up tomorrow.

  Mar 10, 2024     Panel Cutting - (1 hour)       Category: General Notes

Spoke with the tech advisor and made a few changes to the layout of my panel. I hope to have it cut before the end of the week. Below you will see the VFR version 1 and then two IFR panels for later (7" HDX and 10" HDX). There will not be a hole for the second screen right now so that I can have the option to go with either one.

  Mar 09, 2024     Glareshield Clearance - (1 hour)       Category: Instrument Panel

Ran by storage and grabbed the top skin. I needed it to check that there was enough clearance for the headset plugs so clecoed it in place. I went ahead and grabbed the seat cushions to sit in the plane and see how everything sits for easy reach and access. I think it is going to work out just great after lowering the breaker bank.

  Mar 08, 2024     Testing Panel Fit - (2.5 hours)       Category: Instrument Panel

Finished drilling holes for the panel lighting knob and the com selection switch. I then heated up the bottom and bent it to better match the actual panel. I then clecoed the panel in the plane and started installing parts. So far it looks like the placement will work for the most part, but I will need to lower the two rows of breakers by 1/4 to 1/2 and inch to clear one of the ribs. I want to put the top skin on also and see if it makes it difficult to access the switches, headphone jacks or anything else. Very cool to get a peek at what it will someday look like though.

  Mar 06, 2024     More Test Panel - (1.5 hours)       Category: Instrument Panel

I might just be doing more work than I need to be, but I think it will help things go more smoothly when I take this test panel and the actual panel over to be cut.

I sized the center Dynon components and test fit into the test panel. I also marked and drilled the holes for the headphone and mic jacks for pilot and copilot. I also swapped out the back plate on the intercom to the horizontal version.

  Mar 05, 2024     Cut, Drilled and Filed - (2.25 hours)       Category: Instrument Panel

I worked some more on my test panel. Drilled the holes for the switches and switch guards along with the holes for the breakers and the Garmin GPS. I then filed on everything except for the holes for the Dynon equipment. I will pull these items out tomorrow and work on their fit. I then plan to test everything in the fuselage and then take the panel to be cut.

  Mar 04, 2024     Cutting and Marking - (1.75 hours)       Category: Instrument Panel

Cut some holes in the plexi test panel tonight. I also marked the location of breakers and switches.

  Mar 04, 2024     Stall Horn Sound       Category: Avionics

Ok, this should be the final little box I have to print for avionic systems. This is a sound board that I can upload sound files to and they will play through the intercom when tripped. Currently there is just a voice saying "stall" on trigger 2, but I also have two more wires installed in case I want to add more audible alerts in the future. I also have AOA on the Dynon FMS, but this will tie to the mechanical stall switch and play "stall" along with the AOA beeps when it is tripped.

Pin out:
Red = +12v
Black = Ground
Red/White = Line out +
Gray = Line out -
Brown/White = Trigger 0 (stall switch)
Blue/White = Trigger 1 (safety brief)
Green/Yellow = Trigger 2 (open, not used)

  Mar 04, 2024     Garmin GNC-355 Rack       Category: Instrument Panel

Even though the rack, backplate and connectors come with the Garmin GNC-355 unit, I'm not buying one right now because of the $7,200 price tag. I do need to go ahead and cut the hole in the panel and sub panel along with everything else in preparation for the future install. When I do get the GPS I will then be able to remove a cover and slide the unit in with little to no installation time other than FMS configuration.

  Mar 02, 2024     Working On Pinewood Derby Mostly       Category: General Notes

I marked a few more items on the test panel today, but mostly worked on pinewood derby cars. I got mine done and hope to help the boys finish up theirs tomorrow.

UPDATE: Boys have finished painting their cars. Wheels and weights at the next meeting.

  Mar 01, 2024     Laying Out Panel - (3 hours)       Category: Instrument Panel

I marked and cut the plexiglass test panel. I then began measuring and marking the panel for the different components. I hope the clear panel will help me see better where the mounting point and obstructions are so they are addressed before cutting the permanent panel.

  Feb 29, 2024     Master/Starter Relay Mounting - (1.5 hours)       Category: Wiring

Countersunk and riveted the two nutplates to the relay support plate. Riveted my repair straps and the support plate to the firewall and put some red rtv in the holes. Cut a copper bar and drilled for the connection between the master and the starter relays. Installed the relays with there diodes. Now that they are in the correct place they clear the battery box.

  Feb 28, 2024     Panel and Interior Light Controller       Category: Instrument Panel

Finished printing a box and wiring together the light controller for the panel lights and the interior lights.

Wiring Info:
12v in = red/black

black = ground
white = knob power
yellow = knob output
green = Dynon input
blue = button input

  Feb 27, 2024     Flap Controller Box       Category: Avionics

Finished up my Arduino flap controller box and put it all together.

Red/black - 12v power
Purple/orange - input from switch
White/yellow/red-white - position sensor
Blue/green - flap actuator motor

  Feb 27, 2024     Making Extra Work - (2 hours)       Category: Firewall

Planned on finishing the mounting of the master and starter relays tonight only to realize that I drilled the two 1/4" holes in the firewall in the wrong place.
-- DON'T MESS UP and make the same mistake that I did. --
The three rivets I drilled out for the battery box were suppose to be enlarged for bolts, but the bottom two I drilled out for the relay bank were not for bolts but for one side of a nutplate. So I spent the time working out where the holes were suppose to be and then drilled out more rivets and made patch plates and drilled new 1/4" holes. I was able to make the support plate for the center mounting holes. I drilled the firewall for these holes and the rivet holes. I think that I will not drill the holes for the two center nutplates through the firewall. It just makes for more holes in the firewall and I can countersink and rivet the nutplates directly to the support plate and then rivet the plate to the firewall.

  Feb 26, 2024     Battery Box Complete - (2.25 hours)       Category: Wiring

Drilled the battery retaining strip for the bolts and lighting holes; deburred. Cut the two spacers and deburred. Drilled the angel for nutplates; deburred, dimpled and riveted nutplates in place. Drilled out the designated rivets from the firewall and enlarged holes to the correct sized for the battery box bolts and the starting and master relays (except for the holes that will be for and through the doubler; deburred holes. Installed the three nutplates remaining to complete the battery box assembly.

  Feb 24, 2024     Some More Canopy and Battery Box - (4 hours)       Category: Finishing

Trimmed a little bit more on the roll bar brace and then put it in place and marked, drilled and deburred the bolt holes. I then marked the excess area on the brace and the roll bar flanges and trimmed them; deburred and primed areas. I also started on my battery box. clamped and drilled the rivet holes for the side angles; deburred and dimpled. I filed down a bit on the back where the welds had a couple of sharp points and then primed the areas. Riveted the side angles to the box. I marked and cut the top strap to length and rounded edges. I plan to drill the bolt holes and lighting holes next.

  Feb 23, 2024     Front Roll Bar Mounted - (2 hours)       Category: Canopy

Finished the aft mounting tabs for the roll bar (WD_641) by countersinking and riveting on the nutplates. Set the roll bar in place and drilled up to mark the hole locations. Removed and drilled the #40 holes and then enlarged to final; deburred. Enlarged the holes in the canopy decks (F-721B) and bolted the roll bar in place. Trimmed the canopy brace (WD-643-SS) and deburred. I think I will file it down just a bit more before drilling and mounting. I plan to also trim a bit of the lower flanges of the roll bar to be more flush with the canopy decks.

  Feb 22, 2024     Master Switch On Alert Box       Category: Avionics

Working on the box for the Arduino that will play the auditable chime when the master switch is on and the engine is not running. Just need to add the flange, draw up a lid and then print in PETG.

Wiring:
Red = 12v
Black = Ground
White = Pressure switch NC to ground. (Beeps when grounded)

UPDATE: Drew up a lid and printed in PETG. Soldered it all together and ready to install in the plane.

  Feb 22, 2024     Roll Bar Mount Tabs - (2 hours)       Category: Canopy

Sized and trimmed; filed and deburred the four C-668 spacers for mounting the roll bar. Marked center and holding them in place under the canopy decks, marked hole location and the finished drilling on the drill press. Deburred the holes after drilling to size. I decided to not try using washers and nuts on the aft attach points so drilled for a nutplates. I will pickup tomorrow with countersinking and riveting the nutplates in place.

  Feb 21, 2024     GO, stop, GO, stop... - (.5 hour)       Category: Canopy

Well, I had every intention of making some headway tonight but didn't get hardly anything done. I measured, marked and drilled the #40 guide holes for the four bolts that will hold the forward roll bar in place. I then started to work on the C-668 spacers only to realize that they are in the finishing kit crate across town. No problem, I'll work on cutting my mockup panel. I then realized that the piece of plexiglass was 1/2" too short widthwise even though I took my panel in to have it measured to get a piece cut. Not working on that and going back to the local shop to have them once again measure and cut me a piece to the CORRECT size this time.

  Feb 20, 2024     Little Trimming and a Lot of Thinking - (1.5 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Inventoried the backordered parts for the finishing kit; everything accounted for. Trimmed a little off the middle channel cover to give clearance for the heat vent control cable. I then looked a little at the roll bar and where it will go; marked the location. I think I will go back to the instructions and make sure that I don't get any steps out of order. I believe that I will try and cut my clear panel and work on running wires and then see about what I can rivet and do on the forward upper fuselage.

  Feb 19, 2024     Lines, Mixture and Fuel Valve - (2 hours)       Category: Fuel System

Started with re-securing the brake/fuel lines and the wiring harnesses down the middle channel. I then had to first install the fuel valve onto the line that goes to the fuel filter then set the assembly in place and connect the two fuel lines for the left and right tanks. I added some corrugated tube to one of the brake lines and one of the fuel lines to act as just extra protection from possible rubbing. I added a couple of corrugated tube to the wing lighting wires that go alongside the control column mounts (F-633L-R). I then drilled and deburred the hole for the mixture control passthrough in the firewall. I reamed the eyeball hole to .265" and then installed the eyeball fixture and ball, securing the mixture cable temporarily.

  Feb 19, 2024     Backordered Parts Here       Category: Finishing

The remaining backordered items from my finishing kit have arrived. Now I just need to crack it open and complete the inventory.

  Feb 19, 2024     Flap Controller Box       Category: Controls

Drew up a box and did a quick draft print to check fix. Now I just need to do a quality print and solder all the connections to complete my flap controller.

**I did all this and then remembered that I have to fix a voltage step-down into the box also. Looks like I will be drawing up another box.

  Feb 16, 2024     Fuel Through Firewall - (2.5 hours)       Category: Fuel System

Worked on getting the fuel line through the firewall. I placed the hole in a little different place because of how I had to rework the fuel line on the inside to get it to the right shape. I also do not have to put a gascolator so this allowed me to place it lower on the firewall. I installed AN connector on the forward side of the fuel line. I then trimmed the F-982E access plate for a little more clearance for the fuel line and wire harnesses. Made a couple of washers and installed the 90 degree union through the firewall.

  Feb 15, 2024     Throttle Cable Passthrough - (1 hour)       Category: Controls

I've seen builds run there cables in many different places, but I studied and studies the plans and I am going to try my best to stick as close as I can. I'm installing an IO-320 engine on an RV-9A so (A) and (F) are my locations for throttle and mixture passthroughs. If it turns out being wrong later, then it falls 100% on Van's Aircraft. I marked and cut the hole through the F-601K firewall recess for the throttle cable. Deburred the edges and installed the eyeball base. I enlarged the hole in the eyeball center from .260 to .265 for the .270 throttle cable. Installed the throttle cable and everything looks correct to me.

  Feb 14, 2024     Lighting and Fuel Pump Wiring - (2 hours)       Category: Wiring

I terminated the ends on the power and ground wires for the fuel pump. I then removed the lacing and re-laced the right side group with the fuel pump and position/strobe wiring. Next I stuck tie points down and zip tied the brake/fuel lines and the two wiring harnesses.

  Feb 14, 2024     Arduino Interior Lighing       Category: Instrument Panel

While I was at it I wrote a program for an Arduino to control the panel and interior lights in the plane. The strip below is not what I am planning on using, but I will use addressable RGB leds controlled by the Arduino that will power up when the master switch is on. I will have a knob/button combo that will adjust brightness from OFF to FULL and then the push of the knob will change the color to white and also light up the remaining leds in the footwell and maybe the baggage area (if I choose to add some there). A push again will return to red on the panel only. I plan to run the "Warning" light output from the Dynon EMS to the Arduino and when this gets a signal the panel lights quickly flash amber three times at full brightness then back to previous setting (red, dim, off, etc.).

Here is a link to a video showing how it works:
https://youtu.be/iN6o_TS9cUs

  Feb 13, 2024     Arduino Flap Controller       Category: Avionics

I revisited my original idea of programming an Arduino to be my flap controller and build a working prototype. The general idea is that there will be an up/down momentary switch on the panel to controller flaps. When plane is powered on, the program reads current flap position via the internal position sensor and then waits for input from the switch. A single click in either direction will move the flaps to the next respective position (if there is one) and a double tap or hold will move either to full flaps down or up. The use of two relays let me send 12v power to the actuator and also reverse the polarity to extend/retract.

Click below to see a video of how it works:
https://youtu.be/xg_OWPOERDI

  Feb 10, 2024     Strobe and Position Controller - (4 hours)       Category: Lighting

Finally put in some real time on the plane tonight. I ran a couple wires for the boost pump and I made the harness to the Flyleds strobe controller and laced it. I also used sharpie markers to mark the length of each wire so I could easily tell which was the strobe and position power wires. I the prepped the harnesses inside the fuselage under the copilot seat for the connector and soldered it on. (This was a pain and only after I was done cleaning up did I found the bag of goodies and a chimp style pin connecter... Oh well, the soldered one is done and looked good so no need to redo it. That is what I get for taking such a long break from my build; forget stuff.) I then marked the inside F-916-R and drilled/ deburred for the strobe controller board stand offs. (I didn't feel the need to use the 3D printed case I made.) I put the board in place and connected the harness. I also did a little harness cleanup and zip tied.

  Jan 30, 2024     Adding a Wire - (1 hour)       Category: Wiring

Added another wire into the left wing harness and the fuselage harness for the pitot heat. Redid the connectors from 2 conductor to 3.

  Dec 31, 2023     Update Video Ep. 04       Category: General Notes

Click the link to see the video update on YouTube.
https://youtu.be/m1mAvqIjB18?si=82BsrWsWewICgDm_

  Dec 30, 2023     Wing Harnesses and Connectors - (4.5 hours)       Category: Wiring

Measured to verify the length of the wire harnesses in each wings. Daniel helped lace both wing harnesses. We then installed the connectors on the harnesses and the fuselage for the lighting, pitot heat, stall switch and aileron servo. Pinout info below for later reference:

Lighting:
Six PIN - 1=Or/Wh 2=Bl/Wh 3=Wh 4=Gnd 5=Y/x 6=Wh(taxi) *x~Blue left, Red right landing lights.

Pitot Heat/Pitot Status/Stall Switch:*Updated (See Jan 30, 2024)
Three PIN - A=Red B=Yellow C=white

Aileron Servo:
Four PIN - 1=Bl 2=Gr 3=Bl/Wh 4=Gr/Wh
Three PIN - A=Rd B=Yl C=Bk

  Dec 29, 2023     Organizing the Mess - (2 hours)       Category: Wiring

I ran a wire on both sides for the fuel senders. I then began grouping and lacing the wires along the center channel into two main bundles. Next step will be to double check the length of the wings before cutting the wires going out to the landing/taxi lights, pitot heat and stall switch before installing the connectors.

  Dec 19, 2023     New Prices and Backordered Parts Category: Finishing

Van's has now opened up there webstore and the good news is that all but four items on my backorder list are shown to be in stock now. The bad news is that almost all prices have gone up. Here is a breakdown.

Before bankruptcy:
TOTAL PAID (Backordered Parts) = $3,065
After bankruptcy:
TOTAL (Backordered Parts) = $4,611 for a difference of $1,546

Not sure what this will mean, but there is a very high possibility that Van's may contact me asking me to pay the additional $1,546 to get the last of my parts...

With that, I am still accepting donations to my build:
GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/30a61222
PayPal: @jerry98b
Venmo: @jerry98b phone 2264

  Dec 16, 2023     Light and Aileron Servo Harnesses - (2 hours)       Category: Wiring

Pulled some wire and worked on fuselage harnesses. Made the fuselage side aileron harness and installed. Pulled the wires for the landing and taxi lights on both sides. Pulled the wire for the stall horn and pitot heat. I still have the pitot heat indicator wire and the fuel sender wires to pull.

  Dec 15, 2023     Landing Light Brackets - (3 hours)       Category: Lighting

I originally thought I might use the rectangular Triple Spot landing lights from Flyleds so that is why I purchased the style I have. I also knew that if I changed my mind I could always modify them. I removed the landing light brackets from the wings and marked for cutouts. I then cut out, filed and deburred the edges. Prepped for priming and dimpled for nutplates. I then cleaned and primed both brackets and installed the nutplates for mounting the lights into the brackets. I marked and then drilled a hole in each for the wiring to pass through and installed a grommet.

  Dec 12, 2023     Compass       Category: Avionics

Picked up a "new to me" compass at a good deal from VAF classifieds. Added it to the box 'o avionic bits.

  Dec 12, 2023     Final Print       Category: Lighting

Changed the top cover drawing of the strobe controller box a bit; adding more vents and some text. Wasn't planning on using it, but it looks so good I might have to.

  Dec 11, 2023     Printed Box       Category: Lighting

A couple of changes and reprints; I now have a box for the Flyleds strobe controller board. I'm not sure still if I will use this in my build, but we will see. It has ports to access dip switches and view the status LEDs. It also has vents for the resistor to allow for cooling. There are two tabs on the side for mounting and the four screws that close the box are what also hold the board inside in place. It does increase the footprint and because it will be behind the floor panel on the co-pilot side, I don't really feel that I need to put the board in a box. I am still playing with the idea.

  Dec 09, 2023     Assembling Landing/Taxi Lights - (1 hour)       Category: Lighting

Time to assemble the Quad Spotlights landing lights. I have one for each leading edge of the wings. Pretty simple with no soldering involved on these. I put a little heat sink compound on the heat sinks and then screwed them in place with the lens sockets. Wiped down the lenses; installed, snapping them in place. This lighting system also has the option to light a single spot as a taxi light on each side. I plan on using this feature so I installed the diffuser lens on those indicated spots for taxi lighting. Both left and right sides complete. Noted: I opted for the WigWag landing light switch from Flyleds for a simple easy WigWag setup.

  Dec 08, 2023     Flyleds Position Lights - (3.5 hours)       Category: Lighting

First marked and sanded down the boards to fit the wing tips. I then soldered on the strobe LEDs, red and green LEDs, resistors (raised a bit off the board for heat clearance) and soldered connectors. Tested work and as you will see below, I missed one solder point, but quick fix and all tested good.

  Dec 06, 2023     Flyleds Controller Box       Category: Lighting

I drew up a box in cad for the Flyleds controller. I've started the first test print; I'm sure there will need to be some adjustments. I'm not sure I will use this box, but wanted to draw one up and give it a try anyway.

  Dec 05, 2023     Flyleds Control Board - (1.25 hours)       Category: Lighting

Didn't feel like working in the garage tonight so completed assembly of the Flyleds control board. This board controls the position lights and strobes.

  Dec 05, 2023     Van's Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Category: General Notes

This comes as a bit of shock because Van's is the largest kit build aircraft company in the world to my knowledge, but not too surprising based on the way things have been going for them over the last couple of years. There are lots of forums and threads out there with people commenting and speculating on what this all means for the RV community of owners and builders. I currently am just going to do my best to keep on building and try not to worry about things that are out of our control. I have hope that everything will work out for the company and they will pull through this.

I'm posting here for my friends, family and build followers to just share my thoughts on how this will POSSIBLY affect us and our build. First, I have no deposits on kits pending shipment, BUT I do have an incomplete finishing kit that is paid "in full" with a list of backordered parts.
Here is the list and the prices:

PART - DESCRIPTION - QUANTITY - PRICE - TOTAL
WD-640-PC - Slider Canopy Frame, Powder Coated - 1 x $486 = $486
WD-643-SS-PC - Slider Canopy Front Canopy Brace, Powder Coated - 1 x $55 = $55
*7A/9A AXLE KIT - Matco Nose Wheel Axle Kit - 1 x $89 = $89
*EA J-11968-14 - Nose Gear Shock Disk - 3 x $230 = $690
U-00020-PC - Nose Gear Link Assembly Elastomer RV-7A/9A, Powder Coated - 1 x $225 = $225
U-01407 - Elastomer Pad Nose Wheel - 1 x $115 = $115
WD-631-PC - Nose Stop Flange - 1 x $35 = $35
U-00021 - Nose Gear Leg Fairing - 1 x $139 = $139
U-817 - Main Gear Leg Fairing - 2 x $130 = $260
*UNW501.25 - Nose Wheel Hub And Bearings - 1 x $238 = $238
VA-157A-1 - Main Wheel Fairing, Front Cone - 2 x $130 = $260
VA-157B-1 - Main Wheel Fairing, Back Section - 2 x $140 = $280

TOTAL PAID (Backordered Parts) = $2,832

I don't ever list cost or numbers on this log, but I just wanted everyone to know how much skin we currently have in this. We have paid $2,832 for parts that we have not yet received. I'm not worried because some of these can be acquired from other sources, but this would equal paying double.

With all this said, we have no plans to abandon our build. We see no apparent reason that would keep us from successfully finishing our airplane; we will fly and enjoy her someday. What this could possible mean is that our projected cost and completion date could need some serious adjustments. I was hoping to finish in 2024, but that is uncertain because I do not know when or if I will receive the remaining backordered parts from Van's Aircraft. There is also the possibility that I might have to pay Van's Aircraft additional money to receive the remaining backordered parts, but trust when I say that I will not be sending anything until the parts are in stock, packed and ready to ship. If Van's is unable to stay afloat, then I possibly forfeit the already paid $2,832 and I'm left searching for the parts via online resale and other aircraft part suppliers for the items that are not Van's RV specific (*'s above show these items I can get new from other sources).

So I just want to thank you for your support and if you would like please send donations to our GoFundMe or direct via PayPal or Venmo. Thank you again!

GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/30a61222
PayPal: @jerry98b
Venmo: @jerry98b