stevenbgross
Member
I am building a 9A. I do not have a lot of builder or pilot experience, or a lot of mentoring assistance, so I am basically following the instructions and using the Van's help line (I love those guys).
The wings and empennage are done - no real problems there.
I am working on the fuselage now. I have the rear top skins fitted, dimpled, and ready to go, but off the airframe for now.
I have the landing gear weldment, and fuel and brake plumbing done. My FWF and finish kits are due to come in about two weeks. I have a pickled Lycoming IO-320 D1A sitting in a crate on the floor of my shop.
I am about a year into the project, working part time, and I am generally pleased with my progress.
My "shop" is very small - a one car garage, 11x21. I have ample off-site storage for major sub-assemblies like the wings, empennage and engine. Due to the size of my shop, I cannot fit the wings or empennage at this time. I also have some other work areas in the house (a 10x15 room), where I can work on sub-assemblies.
I want to keep the project in my shop as long as possible, and do as much as possible before the airplane leaves home.
Here's my question:
Before I install the front deck, and the rear top skin panels, what should I be installing, now, while the airplane is open?
I am a big guy (6'1", 230# - very big shoulders). I would love to have everything possible done in the tail before I close it in the forward deck and top rear skins. Reaching in, will be a lot easier than crawling in.
I am going to do a glass VFR panel. Probably Garmin G3X, 2-axis autopilot, with a future slot on the panel for a Garmin 650 (not in the budget this year). I will likely by the panel from Sarasota or Stein. I figure I am about a year out from taking panel delivery, but can order the "rough-in" elements now, if I know what they are.
I am looking for the voice of experience. Help me.
Thanks
Steven
The wings and empennage are done - no real problems there.
I am working on the fuselage now. I have the rear top skins fitted, dimpled, and ready to go, but off the airframe for now.
I have the landing gear weldment, and fuel and brake plumbing done. My FWF and finish kits are due to come in about two weeks. I have a pickled Lycoming IO-320 D1A sitting in a crate on the floor of my shop.
I am about a year into the project, working part time, and I am generally pleased with my progress.
My "shop" is very small - a one car garage, 11x21. I have ample off-site storage for major sub-assemblies like the wings, empennage and engine. Due to the size of my shop, I cannot fit the wings or empennage at this time. I also have some other work areas in the house (a 10x15 room), where I can work on sub-assemblies.
I want to keep the project in my shop as long as possible, and do as much as possible before the airplane leaves home.
Here's my question:
Before I install the front deck, and the rear top skin panels, what should I be installing, now, while the airplane is open?
- Rudder cables
- Empennage controls
- Autopilot brackets? Servos?
- Wiring harness
- Other wiring elements to the tail
- Antennas
- Brackets?
- Other hidden stiff I don't even know enough to ask about?
I am a big guy (6'1", 230# - very big shoulders). I would love to have everything possible done in the tail before I close it in the forward deck and top rear skins. Reaching in, will be a lot easier than crawling in.
I am going to do a glass VFR panel. Probably Garmin G3X, 2-axis autopilot, with a future slot on the panel for a Garmin 650 (not in the budget this year). I will likely by the panel from Sarasota or Stein. I figure I am about a year out from taking panel delivery, but can order the "rough-in" elements now, if I know what they are.
I am looking for the voice of experience. Help me.
Thanks
Steven