Today I did several things. I was at the hangar several times. I started the day by adjusting the AST
pushrod so the measurements between the AST and stabilator trailing edges are
what they are supposed to be. Now the
takeoff trim setting is below the center line of the trim setting bar, but not
at the bottom 3rd of the graph as others have theirs set. I am going to send a picture of the
measurement and the graph to John Albury and see what he thinks.
Dave finished touching up the red and white
paint on Saturday. It looks good and I
am pleased with his work. The scuffs that I did and the couple on the
wings I think occurred during transit are gone.
The canopy arms are painted and the canopy is installed one again. I still need to put the last couple of seal
pieces behind the canopy arms and tighten the screws and nuts on the rear seal,
but I can do that tomorrow.
I worked on a one page checklist. I used the checklist I received from John
Albury and printed saved a new checklist.
I will have it laminated and then it can go in the side pocket in the
cockpit.
I decided this afternoon to
start putting the wing walk compound on the wings and the steps. I masked the wing area. I used the wing walk material from Vans to
get an idea of what area it should cover.
I used masking tape to lay it out.
I also taped off an area on each step for the compound. The material I am using is some wing walk
compound I purchased from Aircraft Spruce.
My understanding is it will hold up a lot better than the vinyl wing
walk covering. I shook the can of
compound for a while then opened it up.
The stuff is really gritty. Of
course it is supposed to be. I used a
brush to apply the first layer. It
covered fairly well, but there are brush marks with the white showing
through. I am going to get a small
roller and tray to put on the next several coats.
Though you can't see it in the painted picture,
I rounded the corners of the wing walk area.
I also rounded the top of the compound on the step. I hope this all turns out OK. This afternoon I ordered some tubing plugs
for the ends of the step tubes. They
should be here in a few days. I also
went by the Trophy Case to pick-up my data plate. It is supposed to be on the airplane before
the inspection. They told me they would
have it finished today. When I was there
they had not even started it and I was told the person who will do the
engraving will not be in until tomorrow.
It is too bad when you must rely on other people.
