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August 23, 2002 Day 154, 1131.5 hours Installation of the panel in the aircraft was a lot more complicated than I had anticipated. After cutting all the holes for the instruments, there was not much structure left in the panel. A lot of reinforcement was required to make sure that it was rigid enough to support the radios and avionics. I am looking forward to flying this panel, which is better equipped than anything I have ever flown before, but I have a stack of manuals to read that is about 3 feet high! |
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August 27, 2002 Day 156, 1146.5 hours This picture shows the brackets and reinforcements that were done to secure the panel to the airframe. A lot of thought was given to serviceability and access for wiring and repairs The modular design of the panel has worked out extremely well so far. Each module can be removed independently and simply unplugged from the rest of the panel. Some extra sub-panels were installed for future additions to the panel. Click here for more detailed information on the panel. |
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August 28, 2002 Day 157, 1153 hours Among the miscellaneous items that were installed during this session was the pitot tube. This device picks up ram air to produce the airspeed indication. The installation is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the airframe under the canard. This view is looking down from the top of the space where the canard attaches. Another device (not shown in picture) that was installed this session was the pitch servo for the autopilot that was attached to the top of the canard to operate the elevator. |
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August 30, 2002 Day 159, 1167.5 hours Another project that was begun this session was the construction of the baggage shelf in the back of the aircraft. The small bulkhead and aluminum bracket at the bottom represent the beginning of this structure. There will be a removable panel that is held on by Velcro fasteners. This panel will cover the gear mechanism, but provides easy access in the event of a gear problem in flight. |