The Velocity Project - Page 22

This is the fuel shut-off valve near the sump tank, which collects fuel from both main tanks.  It is operated by a flexible cable attached to a knob near the pilot's left knee.

This valve is for emergency shut-off of fuel in the event of an engine fire, and for maintenance of the fuel system, such as cleaning the fuel filter.

The ventilation ducts, reading lamps and switches are installed in the overhead ducts.

These were prepared some time ago, but they are now fully installed and connected for testing of the electrical system.

They will have to be removed again when the upholstery is installed.

Another necessary step for the testing of the avionics and electrical system was the installation of the headphone and microphone jacks.

The aircraft also has a cabin speaker for backup use.  It has not yet been installed.

At long last, the final connector has been installed, completing the connection of all the wires to the panel.

The only remaining electrical connections are the various antennas.  The loop of brown wire hanging loose in the foreground is the cable for the GPS antenna.

A small sub-panel is mounted at the center of the panel.  It contains a navigation clock and timer unit and three buttons.

The buttons are an auxiliary push-to-talk switch for the pilot, another push-to-talk switch for the copilot, and a remote button for the radar transponder "Ident" function.

June 15, 2003
Day 232, 1671.5 hours

In preparation for engine start, the propeller (that "twirley thing" as a friend of mine put it) has been installed!  Velocity personnel went over the engine installation, and we prepared a checklist of items to complete.

The aircraft is now ready to begin actual testing of the various systems.  The necessary components are now in place to start the engine.  However, there are still many details left to complete before flight testing.