Fuselage July 2007 Updates
July 01, 2007
Affordable Panel.... - 6.0 hrs


I mentioned before I was using the Affordable Panel XL Slider. Since I am building a sliding canopy this will allow the panel pieces to be removed from the front. With a slider there is no way to get to behind the panel except from the bottom.

Today I started with the bottom panel stiffener which is made from 3/4 inch angle. This gets cut to 34.5 inches and has 8 nutplates riveted to the bottom. These have to be counter sunk to allow the panel pieces to fit flush.

Next I installed nutplates on the frame and counter sunk those as well. Then I had to install the top skin to cleco in place to make sure the panel is square and not bowed. So far it fits nice and looks good.

I stopped by Harley Dave's on the way home and he was washing his bike. I remembered I forgot the camera at the hangar so he said take the Wide Glide for a spin. I took a cruise around the airport and picked up the camera so I had to take a quick pic. I'm hooked.... just think of the gas money I could save if I rode the bike to the hanger when working on the plane!

This website was built to document my work in compliance with the FAA requirements needed to certify my aircraft.
My experiences and comments are by no means to be considered as instructions on how to build any aircraft.