John's Build

[jrevens]

...

So when's first flight John !?. I know there'll be many people on this site excited for you when that happens .... including me. It'll be a good day.

Thanks again, Dave. I don't think it'll be too long now, but you're reading that from a guy who thought he'd be flying this airplane 4 years ago. Other things in life REALLY got in the way! It will be a very good day for me. I believe I've expressed this before on this forum, but the first test flight of my first homebuilt, 27 years ago, was the most exciting accomplishment as a pilot in my life... much more so than my first solo. I earned my Private in 2 months in 1974, and test flew the Thorp in 1990, after 15 years of building. A lot more blood, sweat and tears went into that airplane... it was very emotional, and I think of that when I read of others accomplishing their first flights.

[David47]

Hey Lowell
.......That device is the sweetest thing in my opinion. Really interesting. Best wishes in your experience ahead.
Eddie

Lowell/Eddie,

....Cochlear - Designed and manufactured in Australia (had to give that a plug).... if you go ahead with it Lowell, your hearing will take on a distinctive Aussie twang ..... !!

John, another exciting and memorable day approaches. One of life's joys for those of us involved in Aviation. Go well.

[HighWing]

Thanks For all the Thumbs Up. Eddie, When I get there, I will definitely give a smile to the guy managing the sleepy stuff. I look to him to be sure I keep breathing through the procedure and beyond. John, I agree regarding the time in which we live. A little research shows that the final development of the "Successful" Cochlear Implants coincides very well with the development of our Special Little Airplanes - mid 80s and ongoing. The prayers are more than welcome. David, Cochlear is definitely on the list. Lots of good reports. The Aussie Twang would be OK too. I've been there twice with fond memories. Once on our way to Lyttleton, NZ - near Paul's (Dusty)"s home Hearing like a native of either place would be OK for me. Lots of great memories both places. One question, though. Given that both of you drive on the wrong side of the road. With Cochlear, when I hear a voice with my right ear, would I turn my head to the left?

[jrevens]

My project plods along as usual, but getting ever closer to flight someday before long. Wings on and folding checked... trailing edges line up pretty well when folded - one just a tiny bit higher than the other. Good clearances. Rigging - dihedral, washout, etc. all good. Flaperons rigged and adjusted to specs.


I got my baggage compartment/sack installed also. I had installed 3 zippers to give access for inspections and/or loading lightweight, long cargo. I had to order a new ELT battery, replaced that and installed the ELT also. It's a real shame to replace a battery that was almost certainly still very good, but just past the "replace by" date. The battery for the ACK E-04 disassembles very easily, and the replacement 3v size "D" cells (Li-SO2), same model from the same manufacturer as the originals, can be had online for about $60 (for 4 of them). There is no soldering involved, and contact is made with strong gold-plated springs... piece of cake, but if the battery is opened (according to the statement on the battery), it is un-airworthy according to the TSO. A guy could save $100 if he could do it himself. The voltage I measured on the old (5 years) battery pack was almost exactly the same as the new one - 12.1 volts.

[David47]

John, It looks like the "Remove Before Flight" tags are bought but did you make the actual plugs for the pitot and fuel cap vents ?

[rosslr]

I use old stockings to cover the fuel tank vents in case I leave them on - in that case the pressurising/venting function will still happen. I haven't left them on yet though!

r

[Geowitz]

The remove before flight tags look like what I used - a novelty key chain/ring that you can get from aircraft spruce. I (and it looks like John) just used an appropriately sized hose for the corresponding tube with a bolt through the smaller link of the key chain (key ring removed) and threaded into the hose. Works great and looks the part too!

[jrevens]

Yes, that’s exactly it. The hose I used is some silicone rubber tubing that I had. In the ends of mine are plastic automotive trim attachment “screws” from the local auto supply store.

[ken nougaret]

Could there be an issue with pressure building in the tanks from heat with the vents being closed off? Just wondering.

[Esser]

Even if it was that tight is a seal, it would push the tube off before it damaged the tank.