Updated Panel Design

Getting closer to finalized. 

Canopy moving along

More work fitting the canopy parts including checking for twist.  I get about a .4 degree "twist" - played around a bit but couldn't get much better than this.  I don't think a small fraction of a degree is going to be a problem. 

More drilling, clecos, deburring etc today.  Satisfied with progress. 

Canopy construction begins...

Back from Oshkosh and vacation, started on the canopy.  I had prepped a few parts before leaving but today got going in earnest.  Lots of fussy fitting and many clecos in/out/in/out.   Finally satisfied with fit of these parts to canopy skin.   I took it all apart, deburred, scuffed, and started the priming / paint process.  Hopefully will start some riveting tomorrow.

Planning for panel.

First - not much happening on build as I'm taking time off to take a vacation which includes a couple of days at EAA Airventure in Oshkosh. 

I've been working with Nick at SteinAir over the past few days to plan my panel.  This is the latest revision of the plans.  I'd love to hear opinions from those who follow this blog!

N-number should be N14VB, pending confirmation from FAA.

Making (slow) progress on finish kit

Shortly after receiving the finish kit, I started the installation of the rear window.  Followed instructions very precisely/carefully and when almost finished with drilling, I noticed a crack on the leading edge:  this crack extended about 2 1/2 inches.  So... I re-ordered the window.   Got this installed over this past weekend, no issues.  Also have completed the canopy open/close mechanism and have started prepping parts for main canopy including initial riveting of the canopy hinge assemblies.   Lots of parts cut out from punched parts and also prepped to varying degrees.

Heading to Oshkosh soon so won't be getting back to work for the next 10 days or so.

Finish Kit - Finally

Finally received finish kit.   Unpacked and inventoried, and today started on fitting rear window.

June 1st 2018 Update - waiting for the finishing kit

Since last post I've mostly been doing a few odds and ends - finished up the fuse kit by installing the control sticks and wiring harnesses for these: I added extensions which I connected using dsub pins with shrink wrap.  This made it easier to get the wires to the sticks.  Worst part of Van's design I've found so far: it is IMPOSSIBLE to route the stick harnesses with molex connectors in place through the structure from tunnel to sticks as Van's prescribes.  Even getting the bare wires through there is very hard.  It's an insanely tight space to work it and the angle is very hard to make.   (Rant over).

Finish kit should be here in a couple of weeks, excited to get that going.