Working the list
Hours: 2.5 | Posted in EndgameKnocked a few more items off the list tonight…picked up some longer black hex screws, so I could finish mounting the backup airspeed indicator.
Printed and applied labels that say “FUEL” near the filler caps on each tank…my fuel caps are labelled for capacity and grade, but the checklist form from the MIDO has a specific item for this “FUEL” placard…
With the airspeed mounted, I rigged up a piece of latex “surgical” tubing I picked up at the hardware store; first, to the static port. Tied off one end, and bunched up the tubing. Hold one end tight over the port (tape off the other port), and release the tubing. It will expand back to its normal size and pull a light vacuum on the static system. I got about 1700′ of altitude gain, and it held steady, so the static system seems intact. Checked the pitot tube as well (squeeze a fistful of tubing for this test) — also held steady, though the EFIS and backup ASI aren’t 100% accurate with each other; they match at the top end of the range, but at lower speeds, the backup reads 1-2kts lower than the EFIS.
Removed the engine sump bolts where the LH exhaust hanger connects; replaced with a fresh lockwasher and loctite. Retorqued and sealed. This is a Tom Berge suggestion, as he’s seen that one come loose before.
Spent the rest of the evening rerouting the pitch trim servo wire; up through the aft deck and out via the HS, then through the slot provided for the manual trim cable in the L elevator. This’ll be a better path, as the cable won’t have to move with the elevator horns all the time. Done.
Verified that SB 05-1-1 does not apply to this aircraft. The service bulletin deals with strengthening the canopy bow brace aft attach point. My kit is new enough that the updated parts configuration was included by default.
A big studio rebuild project is way behind at work due to parts not arriving on time, so I’m not sure how much I’ll be able to accomplish this weekend, as I’ll likely be working extra days to finish it up before next week’s events. Next week will be a no-plane week, as I’m working 14-hour days in support of a weeklong conference. It would be nice to get the wheelpants rigged up this weekend; I’ll still be waiting on intersection fairings, since it’s been confirmed that I received the wrong ones, and the A-model version is backordered.
A couple of the last big things coming up are weighing and transponder check, which I need to sort out and schedule. It seems like a bit of a pain, because the plane has to be fully assembled before it can be weighed…and needs to be weighed before the inspection paperwork can be submitted…and needs to be completely opened up for the inspection. Oh well, I’ll get plenty of quality time with inspection panels & a screwdriver.
