7/22/2007
This will probably be my last entry before leaving for the big show...Oshkosh starts tomorrow! I'll be heading up there on Tuesday!
This morning, I started on the flap handle install (before that I did drill the FW recess for platenuts, and install the center tunnel cover). Since I'm doing manual flaps, this is a very easy installation. The plastic end bushings are put on outside the fuselage, and I also put the notch arm in place to hold the insides of the handle together while fitting it.
Awfully phallic looking if you ask me...
Next I slid the handle in to position. It's a tight squeeze, but it does slide right in place.
I used a little persuasion with the deadblow hammer to get the AN3 bolts thru the bulkhead and the bushings, but they are now bolted up. I haven't torque-sealed these yet, since I'm not sure yet if I'll have to take these out again for some reason.
Then I clamped the center bushing down for drilling the holes thru the floor for bolts.
I didn't put platenuts in as the plans say to. I think these are easy enough to get to without going thru the hassle of more platenuts.
After that, I worked on fitting the notch arm. This won't be able to be final installed until after the wings are fit so I can find the 0 degree notch setting.
I also installed the control column this morning.
After a quick lunch, I worked on the aileron boots. The outer rings are made from thin aluminum sheet using the pattern that came with the kit, then drilled for the screws. The boots are not shown, but are thin nylon fabric that will surround the push-pull tube.
The notches around the outside are to clear rivet heads.
Here they are drilled and cleco'd to the skin.
I'm just about finished with all the stuff that needs to be done before the wings are mated for the first time. When I get to that point, I promised Brit I would concentrate on several house projects that have been left unfinished. There will be a building break coming up in August...
4.25 hours