Wrote the letter of intent to the MD-RA

Wrote the letter of intent to the MD-RA. In the letter of intent, I have set the Max takeoff weight (gross weight) at 1800lbs. After reading into the forums on weight and cg measurements. I see that some folks increase gross weight rating and extra 100 lbs or so. I thought about doing this....but it would mean that I have to correct and resend in my letter of intent. Also I understand that flight testing with the increased weight is a bit of a pain as you need to prove that the increase in weight is still safe. I have made up my mind that I will stick with the 1800lb rating and concentrate on building a light RV (The plane is supposed to fly much better when light).

The correct empennage arrives and inventory - 3.5hrs

The empennage kit (the proper one this time) arrived from Van's. There was some damage on the corner of one of the boxes, but after inspection everything was ok. The only item that was sitting next to that corner was the bottom rudder fibreglass piece. I started to take inventory of all parts and sorted all hardware into containers. The duct tape holding the skins is extremely sticky and it was a very difficult task to try to take it off without removing the blue plastic film. It pulled up the film on some pieces. I also noticed there was some fairly decent scratches on the VS-707 rib. They appear to have been there before the part was formed as the scratches follow the bends of the aluminum. The scratches have some depth when I use my fingernails. Considering that this is a rib in the middle of the Vertical Stabilizer, there is some structural stresses on it. I will send an email to Vans to confirm all is ok with the part. Its only an $11.00 part. Might be wise just to order a new one with some other needed tools.

Now that I have the Van's Invoice, I need to contact the MD-RA to write my Letter of Intent and pay the fee's .  I still don't have my tools yet, so I am in no rush to get started. I might as well plug away at the red tape for now.

Im trying to update the log book and add pictures but its just not working.  I think its time to dump MS Word for trying to log and document everything. Its just not easy to use.

Getting set up in the basement

Set up the basement with the table, the backplate and the practice kits. Still waiting for the tools to arrive before I can start.

The practice kits arrive!

Took the empennage kit back to FedEx to ship to Van's.  When I got home from work the Van's Accessories arrived (From Aug 22 order, Two practice kits, and tool box kit, Boelube, etc...) I took the inventory from the box and set up the table in the basement. Now...I just have to wait for my tools to arrive before I can start.

Just a quiet day

Picked up a drill press today at home depot. Also picked up carpet underlay for the work table. it should be the same thickness as the back rivet plate. Looked into the invoice that was sent with my Emp kit in hopes that I can submit it to MD-RA. Nope....The invoice states RV-8. Going to have to wait till I get the right kit.

Yeah!!!..Wait forget it

When I got home from work I cleaned and polished the back rivet plate. I'm very pleased how nice it turned out.  I was careful to grind down the corners so that it did not gouge the aluminum when it is pulled over top.

                                                                                                                                                                          I went for lunch and then took trip over to home depot to pick up some sandpaper and a 220V extension cord. When I got home I had a big surprise. The Empennage kit arrive from Vans!! But the joy was short lived. When I opened the box and looked at the inventory sheet...They had sent me an RV8 kit and not the RV7 kit :( After a quick phone call Vans told me they would ship out the right kit and contact FedEx to pick up the RV8 kit.

More tools and primer investigation

I submitted a questions to the Vans AirForce Forum on a back rivet plate. I asked about cold steel vs stainless steel. I also asked how to keep the cold steel from rusting. Everyone came back with a recommendation for cold steel, and most said a light coating of WD-40 prevents rust.  So I ordered 3/8" x 6" x 24" cold rolled steel bar from Metal Supermarkets and picked it up on my way home from work. Had an interesting phone conversation with the owner of Anderson Anodizing in St. Albert. I called him looking to see what the charges might be to have the aluminum alodined for me (I have serious concerns of my abilities to alodine the parts at home....both during the winter time, and in safe handling/disposal of the Alodine) His recommendations to me was that he did not feel that the alodine was necessary. His concerns were more for the proper cleaning of the aluminum so as to allow good adhesion of the primer. He agreed that the 2 part epoxy was a great choice and that it would help prevent corrosion.  After reading Vans recommendations on priming  coupled with my recent conversations. I have decided that MY best option for priming the interior is a very careful prep and clean of aluminum parts followed by two thin coats of epoxy primer (the overall weight of 2 part epoxy being a concern too). I'm glad that I have finally come to a consensus on the primer....It has been haunting me for the last week!