Fuselage September 2007 Updates
September 3, 2007
Panel Cutting.... - 8.0 hrs

Started out the day drawing the panel cutouts on the pilot side section of the affordable panel. Once that was complete it was off to the hangar to start cutting.

I stopped and picked up some clear packing tape to put over the panel to minimize scratching while still letting the lines I drew show thru. To start off I drilled #19 holes in the corners of the EFIS cutout and the EXP 2 Bus panel. Next I used the dremel tool with a metal cutting disk to cut between the holes of the EXP Buss first. Once that was done I fit the panel in place and drilled the mounting screw holes.

Next it was time for the EFIS hole. Same process just a bigger hole. This hole was a pain to get right. I must of filed on it for 2 hourst to get it to fit. The EFIS box mounts from behind and it has to fit perfect as there are 4 mounting screws that are only slightly off the edge.

Last I used a fly-cutter to start the on the round instrument holes. There has to be a better way. I drilled for over 2 hours and the first hole is still not done. I will try to finish this one tomorrow and figure a better way for the other 3. No way I am going through this again. Over 8 hours today and the panel is still not complete.



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.