Organizing Hangar, WINGS ON!!!, jack stands.....

Since moving to hangar I spent some time organizing the hangar work area including setting up the compressor and related tubing / outlets etc.

My friend Andy Grimm helped me install the VS, HS and elevators last week and today he and Chris Kaniut helped me install the wings.   It went well - despite my making a mistake on washers which caused us to have to remove/reinstall some of the bolts.   Having help makes all the difference.

Backing for one bench - note use of lid that SteinAir shipped my panel in: they laser etch a life-size panel on the lid.   A work of art, of course:

Compressor plumbing:

Wings on!!

Wing bolts in place. 

Jack stands under construction:

Chris and Andy:

The big move - it's done!!

Yesterday my friends Andy Grimm and Chris Kaniut helped me load a big U-Haul truck with my wings, tailfeathers, flaps, ailerons, workbenches, compressor, boxes and bins of tools and parts, etc. etc. and move it safely to the hangar.   I own a standard T-Hangar but Chris and I found a good deal renting a 50x50 hangar big enough for both our airplanes - he has a really nice Bonanza.  I'll be renting or selling my T-hangar.

Today a tow truck came and we moved the fuselage from garage to hangar.  Very nervous during both moves, but considering the investment in avionics and engine (not to mention fuselage kit and hundreds of hours of labor) seeing that on a tow truck going down the road was a bit unsettling.  But it worked out perfectly and I'm close to permanently attaching tail and wings.


Ready to transport, still in garage at home:

On the street.  Neighbors who drove/walked/jogged by looked puzzled to say the least....

 Loading:

On the road:

At the airport:

Tucked away in the hangar:

Quick update: rear window, seats, belts, armrest

Working more on the interior and finally decided to install the rear window.  The sealant was a bit of a pain but it's pretty much a solo job, and went pretty well.  There are a couple of small gaps that I may go back and add a bit of proseal to later, but no rush on that.

I'm gradually moving stuff to hangar in preparation for the big move (fuselage to hangar), will probably get that done next week.

Transition training, working on interior

I returned early Sunday from Oregon where I did transition training with Mike Seager in the factory RV-14A.  It was very challenging due to mostly bad weather but we managed to get in 3 flights over 4 days, enough for a good checkout in the airplane.  I was impressed with performance, even more excited to fly my own when it's done.

I started working on completing the interior, and test fitting seats.  Installed crotch belts, and screwed down the floor sections that I can before final inspection.  Vic Syracuse wants me to leave panels open that allow inspection of all parts of the control system.

I got my steps powder-coated in white and installed those today.  Also installed the oxygen tank brackets (and tank as it makes more sense to have it installed than the loose brackets rattling about.

Will try to install rear window in next day or two.


Snowy/wet weather - taken while waiting it out:

Test fitting seats:

Steps installed:

Oxygen tank:

Steps padded to save my shins:

Floor panels installed.  The center black section is a special item from my interior company (Classic Aero) - they redesigned the way this part fits so their carpet section here fits better.

Flap motor cover:

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Odds & ends

As I prepare to move to hangar, taking care of small items.

First, I installed a set of aftermarket canopy hinge covers.  Seemed like a good idea, but I didn't consider the clearance when opening the canopy - after installing when I opened the canopy I heard a "pop" which was the canopy catching on these covers.  It resulted in a bend at the front edge of the canopy on both sides.  Fortunately this happened before paint:  I removed the canopy, removed some material from the bent edge and carefully reshaped it.  Looks good enough that I think a tiny amount of filler at paint time will hide it completely.  This has been an issue on other RV-14s - I had already removed every trace of proseal along that edge but just didn't think about the risk of the aftermarket covers.  My bad.

Also I installed my data plate, completed my custom oil door with Hartwell latches (including adding a bit of material around the outside of the door on the cowling to make it fit more flush).   Finished baffle work on the lower cowling.

I also fixed a leaky brake line at the upper right gear brace.  When I removed the fitting, it wasn't very tight, so I cleaned up the threads and clocked it tighter.  After re-bleeding this side (right) all looks good.

Also I painted the edge of the rear window where proseal will be and installed the Koger sunshade on the main canopy.

Heading out to Oregon for RV-14A training with Mike Seager this week.

Repaired location of canopy forward edge damage:

Data plate:

Oil door latches and hinge installed:

 Koger sunshade:

Flush fit:

Painting window edge: