Kit #7 arrived

[Utah-Jay]

Boot cowl is riveted in, Naca’s are riveted in but not plumbed yet as I wanted the silicon to get a chance to completely dry/cure. The gray “box” on top is removeable to get to avionics if needed and will be under the “carpet” on the glare shield. I had ONE FREAKING rivet that gave me trouble and had to drill it out 3 times to get it right.

IMG_5165.jpg IMG_5171.jpg IMG_5164.jpg IMG_5172.jpg IMG_5173.jpg I used butyl tape between the firewall flange and the boot cowl to eliminate any chance of CO gas from coming into the cabin via a leak. I also used silicon on the firewall/tunnel junction to also stop CO from sneaking into the cabin.
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[Utah-Jay]

Made the gasket for the gear struts (sorry forget to take a photo)

Screwed in the front floorboards for the last time

Put torque seal all the nuts that need inspecting for preflight and annual condition inspection

Set the auto-pilot servo arms with the stick in the neutral position both fore/aft and left right
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I have the servo limiting brackets on both the roll and pitch servos, so I set the servo in the middle and adjusted the arms for the neutral stick position. The roll servo arm is not cotter pinned as there is a slight chance it might need to be adjusted once the wings are on and the ailerons are rigged.

Air vents are plumbed
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As far as I can tell the only things needed to be done on the fuselage are to mount the prop blades (tomorrow) and bleed the brake lines later this week.

I built wing cradles this week and they are all secure on stands.

Let the wing fun begin.

For the record I started building on October 1st, 2021. I travel for work in blocks of weeks from 2-6 weeks at a time totaling 22-24 weeks a year. I have taken less than 10 days off when I have been home during the whole build process. Many times in the winter I only get to the hanger about 2pm as we ski most mornings (make sure you keep your spouse happy during the build). Why am I stating this? To give folks an idea of build time. I was a COMPLETE neophyte when I started my build, I was totally delusional on the time it would take to complete. I hope this might help someone on the fence. Building a plane is not hard, but can be frustrating, stick to it and you can do it.

[rkennell]

To me, you have been an inspiration and your documentation and build log have been very helpful. Thanks for taking the time to show us your work. Happy New Year to you your family and all the other Bearhawk family on the forum.

[Utah-Jay]

82’ Sensenich GA STOL prop is now on set to the #5 pitch. Prop is just a smidge over 15” from the floor when the plane is in a level attitude with GY 26” (really 24”) tires. I don’t see myself ever using smaller tires, which if smaller the prop could become too close to the ground for my liking.
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Cargo floor has been covered with the carbon fiber wrap and is installed and nearly all bolted in.

Spent a good part of the day cleaning up fuselage “stuff” and prepping for the wing work to begin.

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[Utah-Jay]

And a new challenge begins
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[Nev]

Home stretch.....

[Utah-Jay]

Took a good two hours to really clean the wing and get ready for work.
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Torqued all the bolts as per the instructions and put on the torque seal (no photo)

Tomorrow I will start with the bell cranks and other internal stuff

[Utah-Jay]

Been working on the wings, all the pulleys, pushrods and the bell crank are installed (right wing)

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The “path” for the aileron crossover cable was mapped out today, will start drilling pilot holes tomorrow.

[Utah-Jay]

Wings are coming along nicely, long days so have not been giving day to day updates

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[Utah-Jay]

Nothing is difficult, some if just mind numbingly tedious
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[Utah-Jay]

This
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Turned into this to allow for the arc movement of the aileron bell crank
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The aileron cable is run for the cockpit crossover
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[Utah-Jay]

Here is the closeout for the first rib inside the aileron bell crank
IMG_5227.jpg IMG_5228.jpg IMG_5226.jpg Pretty easy to make, I copied the idea from Ken F’s youtube video.

[Utah-Jay]

Both pulley guards have been either hose clamped or safety wired in
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The cable for the aileron bell crank to the control stick has been made and installed (sorry no pic), I did a lot of measuring and added a bit for safety and cut it to 195”

[jaredyates]

Don't forget the cotter pin on your bellcrank bolt. Also, when you locate your turnbuckle in the cabin for the crossover cable, offset it as far as you can to one side, as to minimize the interference with the elevator trim cable.

[Utah-Jay]

Don't forget the cotter pin on your bellcrank bolt. Also, when you locate your turnbuckle in the cabin for the crossover cable, offset it as far as you can to one side, as to minimize the interference with the elevator trim cable.

Jared, that cotter pin is not there as I am replacing the fork, but thanks.

I am planning on offsetting to the right/co-pilot side

[Utah-Jay]

So today was cut a hole in a perfectly good wing day… Yes I am putting a light in my leading edge.

I decided to use the 2nd to last (outside) bay.

Template is all set
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