I GOT IT!!!
Well, it has been a very good day. I met my DAR Adam Valdez at 12 noon today. Today was also a performance review for him so an inspector for the Fresno FSDO came out to over see the process. Adam came highly recommended from some of my friends that have used him on their builds. The major difference in having a DAR especially Adam is that he goes over the entire airframe and engine checking for anything that may have been missed or done incorrectly. It is my understanding that the FAA is only legally required to make sure the paper work is in order. I am happy to report that the only thing he found was a slight rubbing of the aileron control rod near the bell crank. All I needed to do was bend the flange a little to get clearance. Both of them commented on the quality workmanship. I am very proud that they said that and it also relieved some stress for my question “ Is this how it should be done?” Part of what he has done for years is to sign the airframe. Some people remove it. But I am glad to see it there. I think I will keep it.
The second part of my day was to meet with Gary Aldrich from the EAA flight advisor program. We went over all aspects of my first flight including an assessment of my skills and my plan of action and “what if’s”. Since I am in the Antelope Valley very close to Edwards Air Force Base many of the people that work there are EAA members. Gary also works at the base for the Test Pilot School. I am thankful for him volunteering his time to EAA’s program.
If the weather improves I will try to get the first flight done in the next week.