RV-7A Garet's RV project

[Aero_Octaveus]

Well, Its been a slow summer for plane building, but I managed to get the empennage ready for the pre-cover inspection. It's been quite a journey...Sometimes frustrating but always rewarding. I look back at some of my old posts and I chuckle. I have learned tons, and it's getting better and better as I keep moving forward. Thanks to all on VansAirforce with the wisdom that I've needed and will continue to need

[Aero_Octaveus]

Well. Finally reached a mile stone for the project. Wings are mounted on the wing stand and ready to rock!

[Walt]

Looks great! Just for future reference though its generally a good idea to use lighter colors for primer/base coats to ease inspection. Cracks show up as a dark hairline on a light colored base coat, defects that are easily seen on light colors may go undetected on darker colors.

[Aero_Octaveus]

I think the picture makes it look darker than it actually is, but you do raise a good point I didn't even think of. Excellent advice. I suppose it's best to leave what I have done up to this point and switch to a lighter colour primer. Thank you for the input.

[nilberg]

That wingstand looks rock solid. I was wondering how you plan to rivet the skin on as you need good access for positioning both bucking bar and rivet gun.

I read some of the old entries in this thread. Remember back in November 2014 when you nearly gave up ? Look at you now, a seasoned builder with the most boring (i.e wing ribs) behind you. It looks great !

[Aero_Octaveus]

Originally Posted by nilberg

That wingstand looks rock solid. I was wondering how you plan to rivet the skin on as you need good access for positioning both bucking bar and rivet gun.

I read some of the old entries in this thread. Remember back in November 2014 when you nearly gave up ? Look at you now, a seasoned builder with the most boring (i.e wing ribs) behind you. It looks great !

Ahh thanks. I appreciate it. Yes, it actually feels like I am getting the hang of the process. It's become quite enjoyable now. Now for the black death! (Proseal)

Funny you mentioned that about the wingstand. I started clecoing the skins on and that just occurred to me. Haha. Its a bit tight on the last outboard rib. I moved the wings out to maximize the amount of room I have. I should be alright. Might need to get creative on bucking.

[Aero_Octaveus]

We all see selfies in a flying RV. I think we need some for builders.

Let me take a RV #Selfie

[Aero_Octaveus]

Well...I've done it again. After quite a decent amount of progress without errors I came upon the dreaded #8 screw dimple cracks in the tank skins. Geeezzz

Annoyed...Angry.... Fortunately I have not rivet anything together yet, but i'm really going to have to figure out how to solve this so I don't screwup the next set of skins.

Nothing like a good screw up to deflate your desire to build.

[Aero_Octaveus]

"I can't believe you started building your plane before even getting a pilot's license. No half way for you!" Said a friend to my when I explained my hobby. I had to take a moment...You know, I didn't really think twice about starting my build with no pilot's license. In one sense I can imagine that to one it may seem crazy, but is it? I think for me it all represented an adventure. Everyone's build is a story, and everyone's story is different. There was no question for me which came first. I wanted a project, I wanted to build something very cool. I wanted something challenging. And I think I got exactly what I was searching for. But...I knew that it was only time before I need to get on the license...

Well on holidays, I took my first official flying lesson . This guy is hooked!!! (Although....Was there any doubt??)

[MK77]

Congratulations man! A great achievement, especially so while carrying on a build at the same time.