tech inspections

[tmbg]

Hey folks,

What happens when you get a tech inspection and your work is crappy?

[rv8or]

First off, it's probably not as bad as you think it is...we're our own worst critics.

In my case, my tech counselor had two types of feedback: "must fix" and "you might want to take another look at this" If it's a safety of flight issue (ie. as a DAR he would not pass the thing to fly), it HAS to be fixed.

Having said that, IMO, if your parts are to the point that you think a tech inspection is in order, they are probably good to go. He may have suggestions for your technique going forward, but I would not expect a complete teardown of what you've done.

Also, you'd rather fix it (say an empenage part) now, than when the DAR comes for your final inspection...that is the true value of the tech visits.

Joe

[cjensen]

Joe, that was too easy on him...I was gonna tell him that 'Well, that's it. You're done. You're not allowed to build anymore.'

I'm TOTALLY kidding Ian!!

I felt the same way before my first tech inspection. Turned out to be all for nothing. The empennage is a HUGE learning curve, but it's easier than you probably thought. The TC cannot tell you it's not airworthy. They are just there to give a look over and tell you what may or may not need a second look. It's good to have them done periodically though. I think I've had three to this point, and they get recorded in my log. The DAR will like to see that.

Have fun!

[Spike]

Don't sweat it. One thing I have definately noticed, as you progress on the kit, you get a much better sense of what is acceptable and what isn't. The level of paranoia goes down wrt little bobbles here and there.

Have the TC come over and take a look. They never say this is bad and stop. If something needs attention, they will tell you why, and, generally how to do a better job. At a minimum you will learn good stuff.

John

[tmbg]

haha I guess I just keep expecting someone to go 'jeez, look at all these dents and skin creases and smilies and screwups, you obviously suck at this. Quit while you're ahead!'

I hurt my right elevator skin pretty goldarn badly, and I talked to vans, and it's not an issue. In my mind, it'll fly, and I'll just keep an eye out for cracking and expect to have to build another elevator if necessary.

I will probably build another elevator before I finish the project, but I really REALLY don't want to build one right now I guess I'm mostly concerned about showing it to anyone and having them look down on me because my work has some defects :/

[cjensen]

Dude, if you didn't have any defects, you'd be the FIRST! Perfection just doesn't happen, ESPECIALLY for first time builders. Come to my house sometime, and I'll show you all the dents and dings that I have...

[tmbg]

I'm about to get started on the wings, and I sure as crap don't want to screw those up!

[Brantel]

I'm about to get started on the wings, and I sure as crap don't want to screw those up!

The wings are not hard, just repetitive and time consuming. Make sure you do a good job identifying parts as there are some brain teasers when it comes to left and right etc. Also take the time to do a good flutting and flanging job on all the bazillion ribs. This will make life easier on you as you get to the skins.

The tanks are the worst part and they ain't that bad, just take your time and be patient.

Chad, Brad and others have taken the time to document their experiences and I can tell you that their websites are great for preventing the "Oh Crap" syndrom. Look at these sites and look ahead and it will give you a good idea of what is coming.

Good luck!

[rv8or]

Dents and dings???

I prefer "Character" and "Personality"



Joe

[tmbg]

well my plane will certainly have a lot of character and personality!