Met the Guys at EAA Chapter 723

This morning I went to my first meeting of the EAA local chapter 723.  I was introduced to everyone and met a number of RV builders.  I’m told there is a member that built an RV-12 in a few months and another member that is building one a few miles from my house.  I hope to meet them both soon. 

Then it was off to fly the Cutlass for an hour or so.

This afternoon I went to work on the parts that I had trashed last weekend.  I built two new uppers spar caps and they came out great. 

Then I went on to drill out some bad rivets I put in last weekend and replace then.  Again it all came out great.  

My neighbor Ed has signed up to help me with this build.  Here he is deburring some ribs

We got all the ribs deburred, fluted and primed.  Tomorrow we can put it all together

High Dollar Aircraft Parts

I got good news today.   Federal Express called and they have approved my claim for the damaged parts.  They sent out a check this afternoon.

Then I went out my front door and what did I see.  A box that said “High Dollar Aircraft Parts”.  Checks on the way and the parts are sitting on my doorstep. 

Lower Spar Caps

Today I got the lower spar caps cut and match drilled to the spar.

Then I went on to do the upper spar caps.  Not being able to tell the difference between 5/16 of an inch and 7/16 of an inch (don't ask) I buggered them both up.  Off to Vans for a new spar cap.

Upper and Lower hinge assembly

I started out like everyone seems to...building the upper and lower hinge assembly.  All went well. 

Cutting.. 

Fitting..

Priming..

Finish..

Damage to the Stabilator Skins

Yesterday I inventoried all my parts.  Everything was in the kit.  The only problem I had was some damage to the Stabilator Skins.  It looks like a forklift went through the wood of the crate and jammed up the skins.  Since both the skins are packed together the damage was done to both the left and right skin (HS-1201- R & L).  I will send pictures and see what Vans has to say about this.  I don’t know if they will send new skins or want me to work with these

The Empennage kit just arrived.

The Empennage kit just arrived.  On Friday I plan to inventory the shipment and I will be ready to start my build. 

Time to build an RV-12

For Christmas this year I decided to build an RV-12.  Two weeks ago I sent in my order for the Empennage kit.  Last week Vans said it was in crating and should be shipping soon.  I hope to see it before the New Year.

Last week I ordered the RV-12 tool kit from Cleveland Aircraft Tools.  In addition, I ordered a new Band Saw and a new corded drill.  All this has arrived and I am ready to start as soon as I get my kit.

Tools from Cleveland Aircraft Tools:

Power Tools:

This is the first airplane that I have built.  This blog is just for those of you interested in watching my progress.  Please do not assume that I know more about this than the experts.  I don't want to be responsible for your mistake.