Milton Bland's RV-7A Builders Log

Pretty much the same as yesterday, except on the right side. It is amazing how much faster it was!

Today I clecoed the skin HS 601PP to the left ribs and spar. Drilled, un-clecoed, deburred, re-clecoed. Un-clecoed and checked everything. Re-clecoed.

So far the assembly seems to match the drawing. I am impressed with Van’s pre-punching. Sure seems like I should be using a jig, but Ken Scott assures […]

I spent a lot of time going over the instructions for locating the holes in HS 405. The actual process was a lot easier (and faster) than trying to understand the instructions. The holes ended up right where they belong, centered on the flanges.

Also I drilled all the rib to spar holes.

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I notched HS-404 and HS-405. I fluted and deburred HS-706 and HS-710.

I trimmed the tabs on HS 702. I probably took more time than necessary, but they appear to have turned out well. Bent the tabs six degrees. I mounted 702 in my shop vice between pieces of oak. Then I checked to make sure the bend line was “square” with the centerline […]

March 18-20, 2005

On Friday I decided to take the time to consolidate all the hardware as Ken Scott had suggested to me earlier.

I looked at various plastic parts boxes but I could not find any that I felt were the size needed for all of Van’s hardware. Then I hit the jackpot at Harbor […]

Started on the FRONT SPAR ASSEMBLY

Drilled HS 404 and 405 holes. Spent a lot of time tapering HS 710 and 714 angle pieces. I misread drawing on 714 and took off too much material. So Dick and I decided to spend some quailty time at AirParts. Purchased a length of 1x1 6061-T6 […]

Clecoed and drilled 603 and 609 per instructions.

Clecoed the elevator hinge brackets and drilled holes.

Deburred all parts, primed the bearing VA 146 (flange only), and hesitated before installing first rivets.

My friend Dick was here today. He has been a great help in encouraging me to jump in and get […]

Spent most of the morning reviewing Drawing 3 and Section 6 of the manual. Performed clean-up work on HS-603. Rounded edges of HS-609. Now I know why the tool kit purchased from Aircraft Tool Specialities includes the Vixen file. Took the HS-609 over to Gardner to ask EAA Tech. Advisor Dale Rose […]

For the last few months I have been working on converting my workshop from a basic work area into a nice place to work. What I originally thought would take a few weeks has taken a year, mainly because 1. I am in no hurry, and 2. I went well beyond my original […]