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I am learning the first set of challenges with a partially completed kit. Not having started from the beginning, I am not sure where to assess the current build. Not being a builder, I am struggling to read the plans correctly. I am even more impressed and appreciative of all the builders out there; something I will probably never achieve proficiency at.

I was going to install my controls rods last night and noticed a lot of rivets missing from the main fuse. Another sonex builder was not sure why they were missing. He thought it might mean the wings have not been rigged, but the box is closed off and the holes in the wing are drilled out.

Any ideas why these are still open or can they be closed off so the control rods can be mounted?

I guess I am just a little overwhelmed being that 2 weeks ago I was searching for a completed plane and now I am thrust into the world of finishing a build.

Any local builders interested in extra cash to come by for an evening/day and help me learn how to read plans, get started?

The first and second pictures make it look like the under-seat structure hasn't been riveted in yet. I didn't rivet mine or rivet the bottom skin on until after rigging the wings, because I thought it made rigging the wings easier. If the builder was working along the same sequence as me, it looks like he just finished rigging the wings. I think you'll probably need to remove the control stick assembly to install some of the circled rivets in the second picture.

In the first picture, I can barely make out the rear spar channel (a little behind the seat riveted to the aluminum angle on the fuselage side). It looks like it has been completed which is a pretty good sign the wings have been rigged. There is a row of rivets at the bottom edge that I'd double-check have been installed that you can't see from this camera position.

There should be a piece of sheet metal bent into an angle to fit the holes in the third picture.

The fourth picture seems fine. The bottom rivets are tricky to reach so might require a little creativity.

I'd probably run the 3/8" bolt through the main spar bolt hole shown in the 4th picture to convince myself that the hole was drilled well with no/little slop (and do the same on the holes in the spars).

Josh,
Where are you located? I will come by if you are close enough. I'm north of Los Angeles.

Thanks for the input. Maybe they do just need to be closed up.

I wish I were near LA, such incredible weather. I'm located in Chicago.

Hey Josh,

Judging by your pictures, I agree with Chris. It looks like the previous builder had finished the wing rigging (I'd check to make sure though) and was in the process of working on the sub assembly underneath the seat pan. There's a lot of parts down there ranging from the lower seat attach angles to the control attach fittings, among others.

It's never easy to jump into a project that you've never seen so you really need to take your time. I don't suppose the original builder is nearby so you can ask him for some guidance? Otherwise hopefully someone local can help you out here.

Before you start riveting stuff together, I'd say your best bet is to really study the plans and start comparing them to the current status of your project. Have you looked over the guidelines pages at the beginning of the plans at all? That will help with symbology. Afterwards, follow the drawing tree and pretend you're building the entire fuselage. Look at the plans, see what needs to be done, then take a look at your project to see if it's there. If you spend some time now to familiarize yourself with the plans and your project you'll feel a lot more comfortable when you get started.

What part of Chicago are you located? It's sort of a drive from Columbus, OH so I hope some locals are willing to assist. Please let me know!

Josh,
Mike gives good advice. This week is bad for me, I have company coming. I haven't rigged my wings yet either so I am a little behind where you are.

Josh. If you can make it down to the Aurora area I can show you my project which has been rigged.

Alternatively I can try to come up and see it.

Drop me a PM

Mike - Great advice. Thank you. Unfortunately, the original owner passed away, thus my acquisition of the plane with little history other than a wish from the family to see it completed in his honor and a promise from me to fly it to Florida when it is finished so they can see it. I am looking to review the build, the challenge for me is I have never see any kind of plans in my life before, so it is Greek to me. Once I get an overview how to read and follow them, I think I can get a stride going. I also need to figure out what pieces are missing. I am sure there is plenty not here.

Bryan - Thanks for the input. I'd love to come out and see your plane sometime.

Robbie - I would love to come to Aurora. If you have the time, perhaps I can fly down in the Archer, we can check out your plane and then fly up to mine, then fly you back home after a fun day of planes, food and plans. I'll send you a PM shortly.

Excellent Josh. I think a visit to see my Sonex and to check your new project out is in order


Robbie Culver
Sonex 1517
Chicagoland
Tails and Wings complete - finishing fuselage.
N1517S reserved

Do you have a complete set of plans for the airplane you bought unfinished ? A lot of holes you may find without rivets could be that they were not due to be riveted until some components, yet to be installed, will use those holes. Try to find the page that corresponds to that part of the airframe, to see if they were to be left unriveted for some reason.

AL Roberts