Monthly Archives: July 2015
Engine Cowling #1 (Preparation and fitting)
Total Build Time: 1044 Hours. The fiberglass engine cowling shrouds the engine compartment and becomes the nose of the airplane. This was the last large component of my airplane that I wanted to complete prior to moving it to the airport/hangar for final assembly. Following the assembly instructions provided by Sonex, I began by fabricating … Continue reading
Fuselage Completion #24 (Control stick rigging and seat pan modification)
Total Build Time: 1041 Hours. Initially I found that, per the plans, the positioning of the stick-to-idler pushrod was offset in such a way that it would interfere with the path through the seat pan itself. In the below pictures you can see the angle of the pushrod. I did confirm that this setup … Continue reading
Fuselage Completion #23 (Fwd Floor, spar tunnel final installation)
Total Build Time: 1036 Hours. As my final task before permanently installing the forward fuselage floor, I decided to install 3 square attach points to the forward side of the spar tunnel (just below my knees when sitting) to allow for the future installation of cup holders or a storage pouch of some sort. The reason … Continue reading
Fuselage Completion #22 (Glareshield covering, intercom plugs)
Total Build Time: 1021 Hours. With my work under the instrument panel about 99% complete (fuel tank, electrical wiring and pitot/static/LRI routing done) I decided it was finally time to finish off the glareshield. Just before doing that, I finished the routing and installation of my radio intercom plugs, which are located high on the … Continue reading
Fuselage Completion #21 (Fuel Tank Installation, measuring and cleaning)
Total Build Time: 1015 Hours. This post details my testing and installation of the fuel tank. Included is my method for marking the fuel tank quantity and leakage testing. Also how I cleared debris from the bottom of the fuel tank. Additionally in this post is the installation of my cockpit air vent hoses. It may … Continue reading
Fuselage Completion #20 (Electrical Wiring #2)
Total Build Time: 1002 Hours. Continuing from my previous post on electrical wiring, this post covers my work on firewall penetration/protection, battery current sensor and intercom wiring. I’m still not quite finished with wiring but will follow up later. Firewall penetration for my electical wires passed through a large hole covered by a firewall penetration … Continue reading
Fuselage Completion #19 (Rudder Rigging)
Total Build Time: 996 Hours Today I rigged my rudders (prior to installing my glareshield/fuel tank which would restrict access to the pedals), and have a few closeup shots of some details. The first step of the Waiex rigging process links the rudder to the mixer in the middle of the aft fuselage. The cables … Continue reading
Fuselage Completion #18 (Elevator trim knob and pitot/static routing)
Total Build Time: 988 Hours This post includes the installation of of my elevator trim knob and my plans for routing of my pitot/static and LRI (lift reserve indicator) tube connections. My elevator trim knob will be located on the lower left side of my instrument panel. I located it to be as far from … Continue reading