On October 28th inventory started.
Looks like an airplane!
The E.L.T. is in.
We safely drove in formation using the call signs "Dump One" and "Dump Two".
Fuel going in in anticipation of our first engine start!
EFIS testing.
Rotax mechanic Roger Lee donated his time to speak to the group about our engine.
Our last work session of 2018 before the holiday break was mostly fiberglass prep work on the canopy area.
WOW!
On October 26, 2018 our engine arrived!
On April 2nd, 2018 our "finish kit" arrived. The box had been delivered to Mr. North's business and, as seen below, Mr. North backs his truck up to the hangar with our latest box of parts.
Wyatt adding oil to the engine! August 18, 2019
We end the school year with lots of work being done inside the cockpit and engine work and a proud Wyatt. Best of luck to our 5 seniors who are going on to college.
Thanks to Jorge, a new inspection panel is installed.
While Jorge started working on tubing for the fuel system and Brian continued the finish work on the canopy, most of the activity was at the front of the airplane with the engine being hung.
Lots of activity in the cockpit these days.
Correct weight and balance figures are critical. One step in that process is leveling the aircraft.
As we ended March and began work into April, the "new kids" helped a bit more on the first airplane, but they have their own to build!
BINGO!
Even though our build dates took a break over the holidays, we moved some airplane parts out to the Bowker hangar to make more room in our build site.
Fun with glass cloth.
A little helper snuck in!
Build dates continued in the new year in January on the 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 27th and 28th. They included two more visits from Mr. Hobbs from Lightening West who helped with our canopy fiberglass. Thank you again Mr. Hobbs!
Into April 2019 work continues on the top cowl and wiring installation, among other things!
Taxi tests and calibrations completed on November 3rd and 4th! Aircraft ready for inspection.
Old Guys Rule!
Brian tries to avoid the cameras, so we got him from both directions.
Lots of wires!
Cowl work begins.
We returned to work after the holiday break in January, 2019 getting the tail cone, among other things, mounted to the fuselage.
The final checklist, called the Production Acceptance Procedures, has hundreds of items to check and/or complete.
Our old student Jeffrey stopped by. He is now at the U of A and in ROTC.
Inventory started 4/9/18!
For the past several work sessions Wyatt has quietly taken on the project of the rear tail fairing. While it looks simple, it is very complex and work intensive. Here are a few shots from those sessions, with a happy guy as the work was completed .
The resist to open the box could not be overcome, but the actual inventory will be completed later.
Old Nick and new Nick.
On December 9th and 10th, 2018 we did the final fitting of the wings to the fuselage. Also continued with some minor engine work. Group 2 has finished up Tail # 2, so they started preparing fiberglass for the canopy area.
On November 9th, 2019 FAA D.A.R inspector Ted DeSantis inspected our aircraft for final certification. He donated his services driving down from the Phoenix area to complete the final step in our build. He also went out of his way to walk through the process with our student Wyatt, who is an aspiring pilot. His time and skills are much appreciated by our group. Below are a few shots from the inspection.
Summer, 2019. Red hot like this type, yet a couple of dedicated students and mentors decided to press on, nearly completing the airplane. Here are a few pictures from that summer. Shown in most are Brian and Wyatt with a completed cowl, rear windows, and yes, instrument panel!
Some of Jorge's family and friends stopped by.
Nick, now in college and working, stopped back to help out.
Brian makes some final touch ups to the canopy. Outside builders have commented that our canopy has come out better than theirs.
We realized that much of our floor space was being occupied by empty crates from Van's Aircraft so on an off day Misters Jordan, Muhs and Brasch made a road trip to the dump!
The session also included EAA Chapter 81 Board Member and retired mechanic Steve Horton inspecting and signing off a recent Service Bulletin that had been completed.
Annabella from "Airplane # 2 Group" also helped out, learning how to use a micrometer and completing the steps for connection control cables.
Work continued in February and March with 4 work days off due to holidays.
Inventory Complete!
"Boys will be boys!"
First Engine Start! October 14th, 2019, followed by a couple more to check for leaks.
Major Milestone! Early September N281AZ gets moved to the Bowker Hangar at Ryan Field (KRYN) for final assembly and checks. Tasked with most of the work is Mr. Sanchez, Mr. Brasch and student Wyatt.
Will the fuel tank fit?
Exciting avionics inventory and parts.
Canopy fiberglass in its rough form.
Throttle in!