The Trials and Tribulations of a Novice Airplane Kit Builder
The fuselage is finally here as of 7/24/2008! Wings are done (for the most part - a few minor things left such as tips, pitot tube and LL lenses). I started inventory ... about 3 hours worth. So many parts... and the plans... holy cow! There are many pages of plans! Most of the parts come in sub-kits which is nice. Makes organizing parts easy! Chad Jensen helped unload the huge ass box from the ABF trailer. The driver ( I forget his name) was a great guy... sounds like he has delivered one or more Van's products to many people in the area!2008 Inventory - 8 Hours August 2008 - 29 HoursFirewallCenter section bulkhead F-704September 2008 - 12 HoursF-705 BulkheadOctober 2008 - 22 HoursF-706-11 BulkheadsLongeron bendingJ channelsTailwheel/cone prep.November 2008 - 42 HoursTailwheel assemblyPlumb bob rear fuseDrilled skins, deburred and primedRiveted rear fuse.Center section prep workDecember 2008 - 24 Hours (some work reported on the Wings page)Assembled center sectionRiveted bottom skinMated center section to tail coneDrilled longerons to skinsFirewall to longerons and bottom/side skinsAux longerons2009January 2009 - 26.25 HoursF-717 Longeron to WD-603F684 fabrication and installationF-902 and F-7101 install.F-796x fabricationRudder pedal assemblyFloor Stiffeners - F-772Baggage AreaFebruary 2009 - 48.5 HoursDeburring, countersinking and primingRiveting of the center section to the tailFlipped canoeLeveled Fuse and drilled aft deckRivited F-714 aft deck, F-711 and F710 spacersF695 gussets, F-721B side rails/canopy decks, F635 bellcrank installationTop skinsMarch 2009 - 42 HoursDriling of F-787 and F-707BFitting of baggage bulkheads and side panels. Debur/Dimple top skinsFirewall recess areaWing attachElectric flapsInterior paintingApril 2009 - 30 HoursMore paintingRudder pedalsStatic/Rudder linesWing MatingHorizontal Stab stuffMay 2009 - 30 HoursEmpennage matingSub panel structureAileron trimBrake resevoirPanel planning sort ofJune 2009 - 20 HoursVent and brake line installElectric aileron trim installStrobe Power supplyRemote CompassAir VentsJuly 2009 - 5 HoursElectrical work
August 2009 - 7 HoursElectrical workTop Skin rivetingPanel PlanningFuel ValveAir vent install
September 2009 - 5 hoursAir vent hose installRudder Cable FairingsTail Access Hole Panels
Total Hours for Fuselage - 350.75 Hours
Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved.
Hobbs:Anything in this site is for entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be instructions in any way shape or form.