Page 5 - January 2019

The fuel tank mounting brackets were installed on some
of the spars late in the quarter. This was required prior
to similar brackets being attached to the tanks. Once in
place, the precise location of the fuel tank brackets will
be determined relative to the spar bracket locations and
the top wing skin. This process and the final fuel tank
fitting into the wing structure, complete with location
bolts and cushioning, will be completed before the wing
is attached to the fuselage. (See “Fuel Tanks” below.)
Undercarriage progress: Two boxes were constructed to
precisely fit the main undercarriage openings in the wing.
These will be used to confirm the mounting points for the
undercarriage systems prior to ordering the metal work The second engine mount strengthener
and undercarriage components late in the coming installed on the inside of the fuselage
quarter.

Fuselage:
The fuselage underside continued to receive finishing Fuel Tanks:
sanding, aided by the unit being rotated on its stand
exposing the ‘other’ side. There was some surface Inspection hatch openings were cut into the four
sanding just ahead of the hatch openings during the fuel tank lids and carbon fibre hatch covers were
quarter preparing for the underside access hatch to be also cut to fit. In the future, the hatch covers will
fitted in place in the coming quarter; other areas under be cut to accept fuel and temperature gauges for
the fuselage will receive final surface finishing – both each tank. The foam board was removed around
these tasks to be completed before the fuselage is each of these openings on the inside surface,
‘righted’ to allow joining the wing to the fuselage, most smoothly shaped before two double layers of
likely before our January 2019 year-end. fibreglass are applied for strength. The hatches
were pre-drilled for bolts every 1 ½” around the
The second engine mount support was installed –
perimeter and the nuts were riveted in place on
another task required to be completed before the wing
the inside of the hatch openings.
can be mounted permanently on the fuselage.

The “boss’ working up a sweat sanding the area in
front of the hatch Fuel tank inspection hatch complete and
installed on the fuel tank tops