Kit #7 arrived

[Utah-Jay]

A minimum of 60 hours when into these fairings, but here ya go!!! Please excuse the fingerprints
IMG_6706.jpg IMG_6704.jpg IMG_6703.jpg

I totally plagiarized these from N186BP, but they hold the doors up really nice
IMG_6702.jpg

[RobinDeMarco]

Good luck with the inspection. Your build looks great!

[Kris]

I’m shooting for about 1000lbs I’m cutting a lot of weight as these are way overbuilt.

[Kris]

I sure will.

[rodsmith]

I'm sure your inspection will go fine. I have enjoyed your build documentation.

[Bissetg]

Good luck on the 20th Jay, I’m sure it will go very well by the looks of your pics! Keep us posted on the flight envelope when you get to that part. There is a lot of interest in how the Companion with 200HP goes!!!

[Utah-Jay]

I am on the final push, I have scheduled my DAR for the 20th.

Not much posting, but lots of little stuff going on.

Here is a upper door I hung today
IMG_6695.jpg

[rodsmith]

Hi Kris, that is so exciting for someone to develop a new engine option. Please keep us informed on your progress

[Utah-Jay]

Kris
Mine weighed 1225, looking forward to your Rotax build

I suspect the Rotax 916 with the fadec CS prop will weigh at least a 100# less all else being equal

[Kris]

Have you done a weight and balance yet? I’m currently doing a companion with Rotax 916 and trying to get real weights thanks

[rodsmith]

That is an amazing build time. Especially since you are still traveling for work, congratulations!

[rkennell]

Congratulations. Looking forward to hearing about the first flight.

[Utah-Jay]

https://youtu.be/tAXfKbM9TAQ?si=PFCx9S0U466ytN0m

First engine start today. NO LEAKS!

Just a couple of squawks that need to be addressed.

1188 days from start to start

[Utah-Jay]

Had planned on an engine start today, but it did not happen as I have a small fuel
leak on my sight gauge

Gots lots done today tho

Fuel caps now fit perfectly
IMG_6620.jpg

Installed the flap and aileron pocket close outs both top and bottom
IMG_6618.jpg IMG_6619.jpg

[Utah-Jay]

Made a bunch of shiny stuff blue
IMG_6606.jpg
That was yesterday’s batch, plenty more got painted today and is still in the paint booth

Put a few pieces on before I left the hanger just for the feel good factor
IMG_6607.jpg

FYI, if you see a small amount of “orange peel” it is on purpose so be as close of a match to the Oratex fabric as possible.

Tomorrow is paint prep for some black pieces to be painted on Tuesday and then it is just putting it back together and I am done