Tasks to Complete Before Painting Airframe

[whee]

I'm trying to finish up the last of the tasks before painting the airframe. I'd appreciate it if you all would look over my task list and tell me what is missing. I'm sure there are things missing but I can't think of them. Thanks.

[Battson]

Decide where to locate your engine controls on the panel.

If they don't have a steel tab behind them to attach to, they will case the panel to flex. Eventually that can crack the plastic surrounds around some of the instruments.

[Battson]

I would also recommend not making your door skin out of fern fronds :P

I will apologise for that now, to save us both the time

[jaredyates]

Have you already run the fuel lines and made the corresponding support tabs?

[whee]

Engine control location is determined and there will be a steel plate welded in behind the panel to support them.

I haven't run the fuel lines. I read something about tabs somewhere but didn't see tabs in pictures of the kit fuselage so I wasn't going to worry about adding any. Do I need to reconsider?

[jaredyates]

Check out this one if you haven't already: http://mybearhawk.com/noticeapr11.html Most of the kits that you've seen were probably made before this came out. I think this may be one of the cases where Bob came up with a more streamlined way to get the job done. Also, as I recall the fuel lines are supposed to be supported every 16 inches, so that might require tabs depending on how you do it. Same with tabs to support the brake lines. I added a brace behind the instrument panel to support the avionics, which you might consider if you are going to have any substantial weight there.

[Battson]

I would advocate that approach over putting the tee in the door post flange. There isn't much room in there.

[Bdflies]

When I got my project, I was baffled about all the tabs welded all over the fuselage. After a bit, I figured them out. Since then, I've welded several more. The further along I get, the more tabs I think I'll need... I think a third of the empty weight must be tabs and nut plates!

Bill

[whee]

Thanks Jarad. The kit set I usually look at picture of is a 2013.

Bill, I agree. There are tabs everywhere...I'm getting so tired of welding them on but I'm also getting good at it so it doesn't take much effort anymore.

[John Bickham]

Does "Mounting Tabs" include antennae mount locations ? My list looks exactly the same. A handful of weeks behind you.

[whee]

Com antenna will go on the top of left wing, xponder and ELT on the belly skin.

[whee]

Wish I could edit the title. Welding done. Tasks before covering.

I'm still editing my Gantt Chart but I'm really excited to start covering and want to make sure that I don't miss something in my excitement. Any items you guys either missed or almost missed before you started covering?

[Bdflies]

Whee, are you planning fabric interior or some segmented panels? If removable panels, most anything can be done, with the exterior covered. If fabric, I think you've gotta have fuel system complete and wiring (or conduits) in place. I'm using aluminum panels. Looking back, I might have chosen to make the bottom exterior aluminum panels, as well.

Bill

[whee]

No interior fabric. I don't have a solid plan for interior yet but it isn't going to be fabric.

[huntaero]

Don't forget the rudder cable guides, and the aileron cable guide fwd of rear spar

[Bdflies]

If using removable interior panels, you might consider fabricating and installing them before cover. It's a lot easier fitting the panels and installing the nutplate mounts while reaching through the structure.

Bill

[whee]

That looks great Bill!

My current idea is to glue 1/2" Selkirk foam to the inside of the exterior fabric. I'm just looking for puncture protection and I think the foam will provide that. I haven't had a chance to do a test piece yet though.