Day 34 - December 19, 2015

Today was another great day at the hangar.  TeenFlight 4 worked on the engine, the engine cowling, the wings, and the canopy fiberglass.  As for the engine, the parts were inventoried and the battery holder and cooling system subassemblies were worked on.  The left wing tip was also riveted and the wing is very close to being fully complete.

 

 

 Also, students were exposed to a new type of material and process: fiberglass.  Mr. VanGrunsven led a workshop to practice the skills necessary for this type of work.  This included the epoxy and hardener ratios, how to cut fiberglass cloth, as well as how to apply it to the desired work surface.  After some time, work began on the canopy fiberglass.

 

 

The multiple layers of fiberglass were cut to the different shapes and were then glued to the sides and top of the forward upper fuselage using epoxy resin.  After the fiberglass hardens, it will be time to sand in order to achieve the smooth contours. 

 

 

The engine cowling was sanded and drilled to align with the hinges and other parts of the firewall. 

 

 

 

Have a great Christmas and TF4 will see you in a couple weeks!   

Day 33 - December 12, 2015

TF4 is making great progress!  The main tasks that were worked on at today's class include the right wing, both sets of flaperons, and the forward upper fuselage.  

As for the wings, the forward and aft spar were riveted to the ribs, and the wing has started to be wired for the lights.

Work on the flaperons has also resumed.  The main flaperon ribs have been riveted to the flaperon spar, and the end brackets were riveted.  The counterbalance assembly was also installed.

Work continued on the forward upper fuselage.  The stack angles and the support brackets were prepared and assembled.  The support brackets were also riveted to the panel base, and the flaperon handle is starting to function properly. 

Stay tuned for next week!

Day 32 - December 5, 2015 & Day 31 - November 28, 2015

Today was another great day at the hangar.  Progress continued on the TF4 wings and flaperons, the control systems and the engine cowling.  The left wing is almost fully complete with the finishing of the wing tip that still needs to be done.  On the other hand, the right wing started its  riveting of the main ribs and the positioning of the aft and forward spar.  The flaperons also started their assembly after deburring and clecoing parts.

 

 

 

 

As for the engine cowling, the lower and upper halves were clecoed and aligned with the hinges and firewall.  They were then match-drilled to line up with the cowling hinges and made for a nice fit.  Also, the controls were further worked on and the fuselage is being slightly adjusted in order to fit the tail cone. 

 

 

See you next week!