Apr 27, 2024     Day 89 - (20 hours)       Category: Controls

Several parts of the Veteran's Build Project saw progress this week. Plastic wingtips begun earlier were further fitted and clecoed in place. The plane was then moved in order to rearrange the chapter hangar so that the build table could be moved out and used for another project. When work resumed, the plastic rudder tip fairing was permanently riveted on. Rudder cables were also fabricated as well as new fairings for where the cables emerge from the fuselage. The fairings were an addition that the Zenith plans did not include. Both rudder cables were fitted, but the some strands of the right cable partially unwound as they tightened over the thimble on the rudder end. So that cable was cut off and a new cable will be installed next time.

  Apr 13, 2024     Day 88 - (15 hours)       Category: Controls

Today the main accomplishment was routing and mounting inside the tail cone the wires for the trim system. Other small parts were worked on as well and there was discussion of next steps.

  Mar 09, 2024     Day 87 - (30 hours)       Category: Tail Feathers

It has been awhile since the last report on the Veterans Build 750. There are a couple of reasons for this. A Rans S-12XL was donated to the chapter and a lot of time has been devoted to getting it ready for sale including an extensive condition inspection. Meanwhile, project participants have been working on the 750 off and on as time and schedules allow. In that time a couple of things have seen significant progress. First, the exhaust system has been installed. Unfortunately, in the process of doing that it was discovered that the exhaust interfered with the newly installed gascolator. The gascolator will have to be moved. The other main focus was on the elevator controls and cables. It has taken quite a while to get it all rigged properly, but it is finally complete.

  Dec 30, 2023     Day 86 - (10 hours)       Category: Tail Feathers

Today work continued on the vertical stabilizer. As noted last time, making the forward fin removable requires the installation of platenuts and screws in place of rivets. This time-consuming project is nearing completion.

  Dec 23, 2023     Day 85 - (15 hours)       Category: Tail Feathers

The tail and the fuel system saw more progress this week. It was decided that the forward section of the vertical fin would be secured with screws and nutplates instead of riveted on as shown in the plans. This will allow the removal of the forward fin for inspections, adjustments, and maintenance. So much of this session was spent adjusting the fin to fit and match drilling all of the holes for that assembly. Now that the elevator is balanced, some time was also spent on the the trim servo. Meanwhile work continued on the fuel system. Lines were fabricated and installed from the gascolator at the firewall back through the fuel selector.

  Dec 16, 2023     Day 84 - (12 hours)       Category: Tail Feathers

Steady progress continued on the 750 this week. More work on the tail included fabricating mounting ribs for the horizontal stabilizer. Fuel lines that attach to the fuel selector were also fabricated and installed on the selector.

  Dec 09, 2023     Day 83 - (8 hours)       Category: Tail Feathers

With a lot of other projects demanding attention, not much was done this week on the 750. The main focus was on installation of the elevator counter balance weights.

  Nov 18, 2023     Day 82 - (10 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Details…details. Two members of the team worked this week to finish fabricating and installing components for the cabin heat system. They also began some preliminary work and planning on the fuel system, specifically the fuel shutoff valve and its mount. Some time was also spent discussing elevator stops.

  Nov 13, 2023     Day 81 - (15 hours)       Category: Fuselage

A small group continued detail work on the Zenith this week. The forward fin on the vertical stabilizer was test fitted and slightly trimmed. There was discussion regarding the placement of components in the forward fuselage. And a hole was drilled in the glareshield to accommodate the defroster vent. The session was cut short to accommodate a Boy Scout Young Eagles rally.