At this point in the build, I am pretty much done with the plans, and everything from this point on is getting the airplane through its final assembly steps, testing, and finally, a airworthiness inspection.

My photo taking has very much suffered as a result, and I have fewer to share.

I have spent the last two months working on various things like:

• Install tail fairing
• Install elevator pushrod
• Attach Ailerons and flaps, test for actuation
• Install aileron trim
• Check out all the lighting including strobes, nav lights, landing lights, and Wig Wag
• Remove all interior parts and flooring in preparation for the inspection
• Install fuel lines between wings and fuselage as well as the fuel vent lines
• Secure all engine wiring and attach the EGT and CHT wires (this took a ton of time)
• Improve the sealing in the top skin and canopy area
• Add brake fluid and bleed the brake lines
• Drain preservative oil from engine and add mineral oil for the break in period
• Install sniffle valve
• Perform magneto timing procedure (easy)
• Check for proper spark on the spark plugs

Finally, some final steps for the initial engine run:

Add fuel to wings and calibrate fuel senders and do the fuel flow test. The latter consisted of raising the nose off the ground and test for fuel flow in a climb attitude. I got about 49.5 Gallons per hour which is well in excess of the 13 gph or so needed for actual climb.

A weight and balance was completed and high tech notes were taken,

And finally, the first engine start:

All initially went very well. The engine started right up. The mixture was very rich so we decided to adjust it immediately. However, the repeated starts probably contributed to the EarthX battery having an issue so a new one is on its way.

I am pretty much at the point where I need to schedule a Airworthiness Inspection which will be followed by the first flight. Stay tuned…