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June 30, 2001 Day 55, 417.5 hours Preparation for closing the fuel tanks involves creating ports, connections and flanges. This picture shows the air vent (with the blue fitting) and the port for the fuel quantity sender as seen from inside the fuselage. |
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July 2, 2001 Day 56, 424.5 hours The inside of the fuel tank is coated with Jeffco, a sticky nasty fuel-resistant epoxy sealant. It sticks to everything except where you try to apply it. It will leap onto your hands, into your hair, and onto every surface within a half mile. It sticks tenaciously anywhere it is not supposed to be, but if you paint it onto a surface, it will run off like water! You do not want to experience Jeffco. If you build an airplane, offer someone your first born child to do this part for you. If that is not sufficient, consider making a better offer! |
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July 5, 2001 Day 59, 447 hours After doing battle with the Jeffco, the tank is finally closed and duct-taped in place for the epoxy to cure. |
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July 6, 2001 Day 60, 449 hours The strake is now permanently closed and tape-glass has been applied to attach the strake top to the fuselage. The tip of the strake is cut off and attached to the door. It opens along with the gull-wing door, and makes an inner recess that provides elbow room in the cabin. |