Wing lights, Canopy adj., Canopy seal, N#, Start config

It was a good day at the hangar today.  I first started by installing the wing lights and the cover to the landing light.  

I then did some more adjustments on the canopy as I wasn't completely happy with how it closed. I found some more interference on the UL corner of the G3X and did some adjustments to the canopy bar, canopy, and corner of G3X. I also had to make some minor adjustments to the canopy latch handle to allow it to close without to much strain. It seemed to be positioned about 1/8" too high which caused it to angle down when trying to latch. So I position it a little lower to make it more level when latching. I also slightly hammered with a wood block the left side skin (turtle neck) edge to allow the canopy to close better on the left side. At this point I think I am happy with how it closes now.

I also verified the wing gap that is required for the wing seal. The instructions say to not install seal until after paint to I will delay installation of seal for now. There were a few areas that needed some adjustment.

I then tried in the canopy seal retainer. Small adjustments were made on the retainer and then it was primed and painted.

The N#'s were then installed on the vertical stabilizer.

Then onto the next BIG step: Turning on power. I hooked up the ground cable to the battery. I then turned on the master switch. The G3X booted up and the fuel pump was running. I turned off the master and removed the fuel pump fuse. I started going through some of the steps of PAP G1.  I tested the lights. They all work except the Landing light pulse and steady are reversed, so I will have to switch the wiring at the light (should be a simple fix). I then starting installing the config files as per PAP and read.me file. Garmin software version 5.30 was installed and then RV12 base config file R10 and Autopilot R2 was installed.  There is more configuring such as the ADAHRS, Magnetometer, etc., but that has to be done after engine start.  Oh and but the way, the G3X looks awesome! 

Time: 5 hrs.

Left wing light installed

Right wing light installed

Landing light cover

N# placed

G3X first start

Light switches

Move Wings

We got another break in the weather so I moved the wings over with the help of S. I also took over some work tables and other tool and supplies.  We installed the wings without to much issue. Looking forward to more "HANGAR" time as I get the plane ready for inspection and first flight.

Time: 1.5 hrs

Moving wings to hangar

Wings installed

Wings installed

The plane and I

Plane in hangar

View from hangar

MOVING DAY!!!!!!

Today was the big day. MOVING DAY!!!!!!  The weather finally cooperated so the roads would be dry to get the plane to the hangar. I had the help of 3 of my kids. Everything went smoothly.  We got it unloaded and put into my hangar, just in time for one of my boys soccer game.

After we arrived back home I worked on trimming the wing skins to allow room for the seal. The wings were then loaded onto the trailer. Once we get some nice weather again they will be taken to the hangar.

Time: 2.5 hrs

Ready to leave shop

Backing into hangar

Unloading

B and plane

RV12 in hangar

Plane and I

My helping hands

Wing skin trim

Wings loaded onto trailer

Tool organizing / Wing adjustments

I spend a few hrs organizing tools in preparation for getting them to the hangar. I had to decide what tools went and which stayed at home in my shop. I then received the vinyl N # placard that I ordered at doityourselflettering.com. It is also where I ordered the vinyl numbers for the tail. 

I then loaded some items into my truck that I wanted to get to the hangar and made sure the trailer was all ready to go. 

I had a few moments and still needed to work on trimming the wings to allow space for the seal. I trimmed and filed the lower edges of each wing while it was in the cradle. The upper edge will be easier to do out of the cradle and on saw horses, so I will do that once the plane and trailer are out of the shop.

Time: 2.5 hrs

N # placard

Loaded and ready for transport

Wing attach

Finally a nice day to take the plane out of the shop so the wings could be fitted and flaperon torque tubes installed. N and S helped me a lot today.  It took a little work to get the right wing fully in.  Finally used a tiny bit of tap on the spar pin and it went into place.  The skins of the wings were marked at 3/16 inch as per plans and I will trim at a later date.

The flaperons were installed. I had to open up the space between the plastic blocks on the flaperon torque tube in order to get the actuation bracket to fully seat.  Once seat the torque tubes were matched drilled to the flaperon torque arms.  The wings, the flaperon torque tube, and the flaperon arms were then removed. The holes were enlargened and then the arms and tubes were then reinstalled.

It was a great day to get this part accomplished.

Time: 5.75 hrs

Wings installed

Fitting actuation bracket to torque tube

B showing off plane

Wing spars in fuselage

Right flaperon attached

Left flaperon attached

Fitting flaperon actuation brackets into the flaperon torque tubes

Shims placed on left flaperon

Torque tubes clamped for drilling

Torque tubes bolted

FW day 5/ Wing attach

Worked on several sections today.  I started by running the canopy latch and light wires. I then started section 35 - Landing gear.  The doublers and wear plates were primed as per plans. I installed the brake fluid fittings to the landing hear blocks.I then regressed back to section 30 and prepared the spar pins as per plans. I tapped the pins without breaking them this time.  Then with the help of S, N, and T we were able to try in the wings. It took a little adjustment but we were able to get the left wing to fit and the pins placed.  The right wing took some more work.  We had it very close to going in all the way, but it was getting cold so we will wait until another time to adjust it more.  I will installed the landing gear and then we can try to place the wings again.  It is getting to look more like and airplane with the wings installed.

Time: 3.75

Plastic tube over canopy latch and light switch

Canopy latch and light wires ran

Brake fitting attached to gear blocks

Spar pins ready

Trying in wings.

Start section 30 & 31

I was able to get the last few items inventoried and drawers organized.  I then started on section 30 - Wing Attachment.  Wouldn't you know it, during step 1 of section 30 I broke the tap in the Pin Stopper.  I guess I have to order a new tap and pin stopper.

I decided to proceed with section 31 - Fuselage wiring harness. The grommet was modified as per plans and placed in the firewall.  I placed the cushion clamp on the FT-60.  The wire run conduit was then clamped into place and strings were ran for future running of wire.

It is good to be back working on the project.

Time: 1.5

Broken Tap

Modified grommet

Cushion clamp on FT-60

Wire run conduit attached and strings in place to pull wires.