After 4.5 years of building at a steady and controlled pace things changed drastically into a whirl wind of activity and big milestones as I saw the light at the end of the tunnel and made the 'big push' to complete my dream. Over the past six weeks I:
(1) Made the big move to the airport using the tried and true flat-bed tow truck as an airplane mover
(2) Mated the wings for the final time
(3) Did the bi-zillion other assembly tasks.... empennage, control surface rigging, wing tips, fuel lines, tank calibration, etc., etc.
(4) Had a successful first engine start. See the YouTube video for details...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LT015b0vp0&feature=channel_page
(5) Took care of a few pesky squawks, and then prepared her for my DAR inspection on May 17, 2009 which was a piece of cake. Here is my pink slip at home in the plane
By the way, this is my panel:
(6) First flight was achieved May 19, 2009 with Billy Mitchell as the test pilot. Yes, that is right Billy Mitchell is his real name. The short 30 minute flight was flawless. No issues. Everything flew straight and level hands-off. After removing the cowl and inspecting the engine, I immediately took her up for what I can honestly say was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Words can't really explain the thrill of flying a plane you built with your own hands (and blood and sweat)... realizing a lifelong dream. Here is the RV grin.
Thanks to all those who contribute to this forum. It is a fantastic resource that I often leveraged during my build.
(1) Made the big move to the airport using the tried and true flat-bed tow truck as an airplane mover
(2) Mated the wings for the final time
(3) Did the bi-zillion other assembly tasks.... empennage, control surface rigging, wing tips, fuel lines, tank calibration, etc., etc.
(4) Had a successful first engine start. See the YouTube video for details...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LT015b0vp0&feature=channel_page
(5) Took care of a few pesky squawks, and then prepared her for my DAR inspection on May 17, 2009 which was a piece of cake. Here is my pink slip at home in the plane
By the way, this is my panel:
(6) First flight was achieved May 19, 2009 with Billy Mitchell as the test pilot. Yes, that is right Billy Mitchell is his real name. The short 30 minute flight was flawless. No issues. Everything flew straight and level hands-off. After removing the cowl and inspecting the engine, I immediately took her up for what I can honestly say was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Words can't really explain the thrill of flying a plane you built with your own hands (and blood and sweat)... realizing a lifelong dream. Here is the RV grin.
Thanks to all those who contribute to this forum. It is a fantastic resource that I often leveraged during my build.
