Major Progress

ptrotter · Post by **ptrotter** » Fri Jul 13, 2007 8:31 pm

I took a day off this week and got some major work done on the 8. With the help of RV-7 builder Pat Ray and RV-8 builder/pilot Scott Jordan I installed the landing gear and wheels and riveted the aft top skin on. It is really beginning to look like an airplane.

If it looks a little unusual it is because I have 6" wheels rather than the standard 5" wheels. That puts it about 3" higher than normal at the firewall. I am also using an Aviation Products tailwheel rather than the Van's tailwheel. As soon as I get back from Oshkosh I will start the canopy.

Post by **Spike** » Fri Jul 13, 2007 9:51 pm

Fantastic Paul. Keep it up. You are definately one to watch. Keep up the pictures.

JohnR · Post by **JohnR** » Fri Jul 13, 2007 10:58 pm

Very nice Paul, thanks for the photos! There sure are a lot of us in that fuselage/finish kit area of our planes around here right now.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Sat Jul 14, 2007 5:24 am

Paul, AWESOME!

3" higher at the firewall, huh?

Hmmmm, a 76" Prop would be cool!

CJ

Cherokee Driver · Post by **Cherokee Driver** » Sat Jul 14, 2007 10:33 am

VERY, VERY...

Looking good!

CD

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Sat Jul 14, 2007 11:03 am

Paul, aren't you the one with that BEAUTIFUL AeroComposite's 3 blade??? What's the diameter on that thing?

Great pics BTW...looking foward to seeing you a Oshkosh!

ptrotter · Post by **ptrotter** » Sat Jul 14, 2007 8:50 pm

Chad,

Yep, it's getting the ACI 3-blade. 68" in diameter which seems to be optimal for a 3-blade. I guess I should have enough ground clearance:-)

Wicked Stick · Post by **Wicked Stick** » Sat Jul 14, 2007 10:10 pm

Nice progress Paul,

Don't forget to take some time off and start getting flight current again.... So I can catch up to ya

I did manage to get the canopy frame rails and mounts placed and mounted today after the fly-in.. mmm.. great strawberry pancakes..

ptrotter · Post by **ptrotter** » Sun Jul 15, 2007 10:02 am

I finished the canopy frame rails yesterday as well. The frame slides quite nicely at this point.

Wicked Stick · Post by **Wicked Stick** » Sun Jul 15, 2007 5:59 pm

Looks like it's about time to move to the hangar so you'll have more room to work. Especially with those big tires

dons · Post by **dons** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 10:59 am

Great progress Paul! I will be interested to see how much work you say it is to have those larger tires, after the wheel pants. Keep it up.