Day 25 - June 17, 2017

The projects from last week continued and are looking good.  The fuel tank was a little messy this week with the application of Pro Seal in order to make it fuel/air tight.  This process consists of applying the solution to each edge and rivet before final assembly.  So far, the fuel gauge, fuel neck flange, and the main skin have been sealed and riveted.  Once the sealing is completed, the tank will be checked for proper functionality.  The wing team also underwent the tedious process of deburring.  Each wing consists of many intricate pieces that form the structure of the wing, called ribs.  Many of these ribs have been completed; however, many more remain.  The engine cowling was also continued and has been trimmed to size.  Match drilling was worked on to ensure the proper fit to the hinges that hold it on.  After being delayed for the fitting of the canopy, the wiring resumed.  This consisted of a few hours in the airplane routing wires and installing brackets.  

Stay tuned for next week!

Day 24 - June 10, 2017

This week, TF5 continued to work on many tasks including the fuel tank, the forward fuselage, the wing spars, and the wheels.  As for the fuel tank, the body was clecoed and match-drilled in preparation for riveting soon.  The mechanical and electrical fuel gauges were also temporarily attached for proper adjustments.  The upper engine mount was torqued down to the proper tightness and will eventually have an engine attached to it.  As for the wings, the flaperon hinges were riveted to the doubler plates and rear spar webs.  Also, the wheel tubes were installed and underwent the process of inflation and deflation to ensure there was no binding against the tire.  The wheels are now almost completely assembled with the proper fit.      

Stay tuned!

Day 23 - June 3, 2017 and Day 22 - May 27, 2017

Currently at the TF5 hangar, progress is continuing on various fronts including the canopy, the landing gear assembly, the engine cowl, and the wings.  As for the canopy, it has been fitted and drilled to the frame.  The fiberglass work is set to start in the near future.  The engine cowl has also been trimmed to ensure a proper fit to the firewall.    

In addition, the wheels and landing gear struts are closer to completion.  The hubs and brake pads are currently being aligned.  Regarding the wings, work on the flaperon spars such as deburring and trimming has also started.  

Stay tuned for more progress in the coming weeks!