Slow progress

Well it has been another slow week for building on the Sonex. Having once again spent most of the week trying to sort out issues on the Aerovee in my Aeropup,  I basically just ran out of time. I flew the pup 4 times during the week but as the temps were really high they were limited flights and each flight was after a modification to either the lower cowling or the baffles. I think this week I am going to try and concentrate on opening up the front of the cowling for more air flow as I have basically exhausted all of my ideas on the lower cowl and baffles. I am just hoping this may be the answer.

After looking at the landing gear for around a week I finally got the courage to drill the lower axle mounting bolts through the titanium landing gear legs. I had set up a tight string line and set the toe in to what I hope is correct, according to the Sonex plans. It looks okay but I'm sure I'll find out when I put it down on it's wheels this coming week. I have re-ordered the correct AN hardware for the landing gear and have only used the stainless steel bolts to hold things in place for the time being. I noticed  that the hardware kits also lacked the correct hardware to mount the new hydraulic type brake callipers to the axles assy. I have to admit it is really disappointing that when you order what you would think of as a complete braking option, you have to go out and buy more stuff. So anyway I have made a list of hardware and clevis pins and anchor nuts and so on and hopefully they will arrive for Tuesday or Wednesday. At least then when that gear arrives I can fit the wheels and lower the fuselage onto the ground and take it off those oversized stands that aren't much good.

So looking ahead now I have quite a few things I can go on with next week. I really want to carry on with the tail build but the aft spar strap is still in transit with the new canopies.  I'm sure it can't be too far away so looking forward to having that section complete. Now that I also have all the bronze bushings I need,  I can carry on installing the controls and cabling for the rudder.

On a non Sonex related topic, two of us from the local Midwest Recreational flying club recently went and picked up our National CAGIT ('Come And Get It') trophy!

It was a fantastic feeling getting our hands on the trophy as it had sat dormant for the last 12 months, due to the fact that it was located inside controlled airspace. As it turned out the trophy was moved to a non controlled aerodrome on the day of the pick up. That was fine and the only notable point was it was about 15 mins each way further.

The pick up was great and easy to do, so a flight plan to do a victory lap over Perth city was submitted.  After a small error with radio channels (require hearing check) permission was given on route and the victory lap was taken ;)

I have to admit I seriously doubt that I will forget this moment in a long time. It was one of those awesome highs you can get from flying. It was definitely up there as one of the best.