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Not so new second builder

PostPosted: Wed Jul 03, 2024 5:57 pm
by ampzapper
I've been building a Sonex legacy kit that I purchased the tail and a few wing part completed. After about 18 months of building I'm almost finished with the second wing. I'm starting to think and plan for what/when to purchase all the avionics, engine and other items not part of the kit. As for timing, does anyone have a general idea of how long it takes to build the fuselage as a proportion of the time it took to complete the wings? Are there any items like antennas/ELT that are easier to install in the turtledeck area before it's all riveted together?

-Andrew
Sullivan, WI

Re: Not so new second builder

PostPosted: Wed Jul 03, 2024 6:06 pm
by Bryan Cotton
Welcome to the forum! I've flown into Sullivan before.

Hard to answer time questions, but don't rivet the floors on until the inspector is on his way to issue an airworthiness certificate.

Re: Not so new second builder

PostPosted: Wed Jul 03, 2024 6:48 pm
by GordonTurner
Fuselage itself builds pretty quick, but it’s the little box that holds all the systems, that part maybe not so quick.

Re: Not so new second builder

PostPosted: Wed Jul 03, 2024 7:53 pm
by Bryan Cotton
Some other A model notes:
1) Check out my recent post on main landing gear bolts. If I built another A model I'd put then through the firewall from the start. Although I'm assuming a tailwheel here...
2) Search for instrument panel access. Really a great idea to make it maintainable. I really like what Mike Smith did, he has links to it in his build log in a recent post.

Edit:
viewtopic.php?f=58&t=7803&p=59349&hilit=instrument+panel+access#p59349
viewtopic.php?f=21&t=7814

3) Definitely do Oops fittings proactively.