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January 1, 2004 Day 260, 1830.5 hours On New Years Day, the sanding (for which composite aircraft are justifiably famous) begins, in preparation for the first prime coat. The wings used to look small to me. Not any more! After sanding them I realize they are HUGE! |
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January 5, 2004 Day 264, 1850 hours With the assistance of Frank Ware, the first coat of primer is applied to seal the aircraft in preparation for final assembly. The paint used is mixed in two parts like epoxy, and cures overnight to a hard, durable finish that sands easily. |
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January 6, 2004 Day 265, 1856.5 hours After painting, the various parts of the aircraft were finally assembled. Inspection hatch covers were secured, the aircraft was weighed, and a manufacturer's data plate was engraved and installed in preparation for FAA inspection.. |
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January 7, 2004 Day 266, 1868 hours The N-number of the airplane was attached with vinyl letters which will serve for the testing period. Lights and radios were tested and found operational. Lots of small details were attended to at the last minute for the FAA inspection scheduled for the next day. |
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January 8, 2004 Day 267, 1875 hours The FAA inspection went well. The inspector had no suggestions or concerns, and an airworthiness certificate was issued on January 8. The afternoon of this day saw the first brief flight over the runway which also took place without problems. |
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January 9, 2004 Day 268, 1880 hours The remaining major tasks are now flight testing, paint and upholstery (in that order). There are also hundreds of small details yet to complete, but the aircraft is now operational, insured, and certified for flight. To this point, the project has taken about 3 years.
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FIRST FLIGHT, January 8, 2004
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