Welp, I'm at that point when all this work (assembly to some:-) is starting to take on the look and feel of an airplane.
This is a pic about two weeks ago http://rvflying.tripod.com/canopyinitial.jpg Since that time I have been able to: rivet on the two upper aft fuselage skins, install shoulder harness brackets, install static system, install both fuselage fuel vent lines, install dual fuel lines including selector valve, permanently install rudder pedals, attach brake lines and master cyl. lines, install gear with Cleveland brakes installed, Imron paint canopy frame, forward rollover bar, upper brace, canopy release handle, and interior panels. Yesterday I was able to permanently attach the canopy to the canopy frame and start on the aft canopy lockdown in addition to initial fitting of the canopy skirt. I've also got to play around with some fun stuff: http://rvflying.tripod.com/panel.jpg The only things I have left to install in the panel are a Garmin 327 transponder, autopilot head, maybe a turn coordinator and switches. With the EIS 4000 system and Garmin 430 I've been able to downsize and unclutter the panel. The EIS system has been expanded to include the basics plus, carb temp, fuel pressure, fuel level, OAT, manifold pressure and fuel flow. The Dynon, which is flying with great reviews, is my artificial horizon, TC, VSI, DG, AOA, G-meter, volt meter, altimeter and airspeed indicator. The three steam gauges are installed against my better judgement but they're there, I'm sure that 60 year old technology will go TU in two years and I'll have to crawl under the panel and remove them. I stell kick myself for putting them in. The Garmin 430 will couple to the autopilot head mounted on the upper left of the panel. The 430 will also serve as my NAV/COM/GPS. Since I will only have the 430, with progessive standby frequency selection, I have no need for an audio panel. Since marker beacons are not required (and I never use them for IFR anyway) those are not being installed. Since I have all that space on the passenger side..........it's time to play. I am installing a 7" liquid cystal screen tied to a CD/DVD player with in turn will be tied to the panel mounted stereo PS Engineering intercom located the the left of the EIS head. Now it I could just find a place to mount that tray table so I say, "please turn off the inflight movie and place your tray table in the upright position":-) The lower center section reserved for switches is also the same size as the cutout for the 430. If I do decide at some future date to go with the Grand Rapids Technology graphic engine moniter screen, I can just reposition the switches, move the 430 over and place the screen where the 430 is presently mounted. Time and money will tell the story:-). BTW...........my fuel is located............................well, better not go there........... Dana Overall 1999 & 2000 National KR Gathering host Richmond, KY RV-7 slider, Imron black, "Black Magic" Finish kit Installing Instruments. Hangar flying my Dynon. http://rvflying.tripod.com do not archive _________________________________________________________________ online games and music with a high-speed Internet connection! Prices start at less than $1 a day average. https://broadband.msn.com (Prices may vary by service area.)
