Feb 02, 2023     Electrical System Category: Research

Spent lots of unlogged time going over wiring diagrams and figuring out the whole electrical setup. Also spent a bunch of time riveting practice pieces and drilling out rivets. Riveting is getting better

  Nov 20, 2021     Wingtip Lights - (2 hours)       Category: Research

Got out to the shed for a couple of hours - didn't appear to do anything. Did get rid of the box the wingtip lights were in. Undid the cannon plug on the lights and determined which was which. Found one connector connected when it shouldn't have been and vice versa. I'm assuming it is probably because the lights I have are an earlier version of the current lights and therefore have different instructions/schematics. The rear strobe light wire colors don't match the schematic at all. I will have to research this system and see about getting an appropriate schematic.
Going to have to learn fiberglassing again (again, it's been about 25 years but I did learn it at one time).

  Nov 17, 2021     Getting Going - (3 hours) Category: Research

Finished the inventory/comparison. Most parts are there. The instrument panel is there but has a big cutout in the middle, previous builders plan was to have an instrument panel made professionally. The flap actuator is missing - previous builder was going with a different, better one (I went ahead and ordered it). The tailwheel is missing - previous builder was going to go with a better, aftermarket one.
Now Kelly and I have to do the training kits (tool box, practice tail surface, and light box) to teach her how to rivet and refresh me - it's been about 25 years since I learned whiie getting my Airframe Mechanic license. Once we do that, then I will feel better about getting started. Not having done the empennage kit, there is some catching up to do. Anxious to get started.

  Nov 16, 2021     Inventory - (2 hours) Category: Research

Continued the inventory and comparison with the plans. Lots to do

  Oct 05, 2021     Avionics Installation class       Category: Research

Trip to Lee's Summit, MO for a 3-day class on avionics, wire harness building and installation. Taught by Levi Self of Midwest Avionics.

  Aug 23, 2021     Trip to Great Falls, Montana       Category: Research

Jumpseated out to Great Falls to purchase the airplane. While there got a short hop in an RV-14A.

  Aug 08, 2021     Found kit on Facebook Category: Research

While perusing Facebook, found an RV-7 quick build, partially assembled kit available. Called the owner and agreed to purchase it