Day 30 - June 7, 2014 & Day 31 - June 14, 2014

For the next two sessions, the majority of students continued with the same projects.

The right gear leg was installed into the fuselage, allowing the wheel and brake assemblies to be attached. Meanwhile, the upper and lower cowlings were temporarily attached and fitted to the front of the plane, in order to be marked up for hinges.

Pro-seal work continued on the fuel tank. The students helped fabricate fuel return lines and the float arm, attach the mechanical fuel gauge, as well as installing the fittings for the tank vent. After that, a little cleaning was done with rubbing alcohol and acetone to remove any excess sealant left on the surfaces. Never hurts to practice good aesthetics!

Regarding the tail section, fairings were the objectives. The tailcone upper and lower, as well as the rudder and vertical stabilizer tip fairings, were all trimmed, deburred, and fitted in their respective places. 

With schools out of session, that means the summer break has officially begun! TF3 will be taking a temporary break, however there will be some optional sessions throughout the hiatus, which students are encouraged to attend. Production will slowdown for a few months, but please stay tuned for any summer progress and achievements! Enjoy the sun and rack up some flight time!

Day 29 - May 31, 2014

No more sharpie ink, or shiny, reflective aluminum surface is inside the fuselage, there's now a nice, smooth coat of pale gray covering the plane's interior.

Continuing work on the rudder consisted of completing the skeleton assembly before the skins were finally laid and riveted on, completing yet another piece of the empennage. With all components now completed, empennage attachment awaits.

But before that step, a few of the students began the process of tailcone attachment. With a little shuffling and rearranging of obstructions, the tailcone itself was shifted and clecoed into place behind the baggage compartment. Students clecoed the shoulder lugs and deck skins before fastening the assembly with rivets.

In regards to the landing components, the left gear leg was attached, which took some effort and patience, torquing those bolts through those doubler plates wasn't an easy task.

The fuel tank was brought to attention again after a little break. Work resumed on scuffing and riveting a few pieces on the outside of the tank, which of course implies pro-seal! The powerful aroma of the thick, gray mixture returns! More in store next week!