Well it's getting late in 2008 and it wasn't an overly productive summer/fall but I got everything
accomplished that I set out to do during this period. Summer is always a tough time in the Airplane Factory due to vacations
and other obligations.
But the wings got attached and rigged and that was a major success. Along the way I
also rigged the flaps, ailerons, jury struts and the cabin to wing gap seals. All this accomplished at the Hangar at
K28M Cranland.
While the fuselage was out of the garage, I took advantage of the space and started painting. My paint is Ranthane,
a two part polyurethane. I applied it with a Graco 3800 HVLP system and also used a fresh air hood. There was
quite a learning curve on using the system and applying the paint but I am thrilled with how it all came out. I
was able to get all the control surfaces painted as well as numerous smaller items.
I just got the fuselage moved back to the Airplane Factory so all winter long I will be able
to just walk out my door and go at it. I expect it will be a very productive time.
I have a laundry list of items to wrap up before I install the engine and wire up the
the instrument panel. The first thing is to permanently mount the landing gear. I disassembled the struts Rob
Irvine made for me and had them powdercoated black. Thely look great. After the gear I need to finish up
the cabin interior and controls...then it's on to the most exciting part...engine and instruments.
I now have about 1050 hours into the project and have passed the three year mark. I originally thought I'd
be done in three years but it will definitely be four...and maybe a bit more. That's ok, I have learned some patience,
it'll be done when it's done, there's no panic or a timetable on my end.
An hour here, three hours there....persistence is the key to progress in the Airplane Factory.
See the Construction Log for the daily blow by blow.
