Completed the main spars by attaching the tie-downs and aileron bellcrank brackets. Tapped the tie-downs successfully as opposed to my first attempt on the tailcone tie-down. Used a lubricant given to me by a fellow builder which helped.

The next step in the plans calls for finishing up the main wing ribs, skins, tanks and leading edges. I am going to skip ahead instead and do the ailerons and flaps. That way I will be able to have table space to do them without the main wings taking up all my precious space.

Total for Spars: 15.5 hours

More work on the wing spars. Spent a few hours countersinking the spar flang holes. Also finished up the fuel tank attach and access plate nutplates. Soooooo many holes to countersink. I think I need to see the Dr. about possible countersink-itis.

The garage is getting hot!

Back in action. First step is to attach the spar extensions. Why are there extensions? I don’t know. I guess it has something to do with raw material length, cost, etc.

I’m just glad to be back at it. Even if the garage gets pretty dang warm in the summer.

The wing kit arrived today. Four weeks late, but here none the less. The FedEx Freight guy was curious about the plane, so he hung out for about a half hour asking all kinds of questions. This kit seems to have less parts than the tail kit, but the parts are bigger. And heavier too!. The spars are not light by any means.

Here’s a shot of the spars. They are gold anodized for corrosion protection. They are about 12 feet out of the box. These things are heavy. The center section of the spar came with this kit also, but it is installed in the fuselage later.

I finally get to build again. I’ve been going a little crazy for the past few weeks.

Called Van’s today to ask the scoop on my wing kit. It’s being sent out today (5-25-05). I guess there was a delay getting wing spars which was the cause of my kit delay.

Finally ordered the wing kit yesterday (March 17th, 2005). I wanted to wait to make sure they arrived after the last weekend in April, as we’ll be out of town. They should take 8 weeks or so to get here. Hopefully I’ll have the emp fairings done by then and in storage.