Its an airplane...offically!

[n502pd]

Well, N502PD has its birth certificate! 'Sirpeedee" passed his inspection on Sunday morning at the hands of one Mel Asberry, DAR, at Finney Field, near Howe Tx. Birth weight (empty) was 686.2. Daddy was pleased to say the least! What a GREAT day! Phase 1 preparation is under way and will begin as soon as 'Daddy" can nail down the TD landings a bit better in the Kitfox and complete the first hour oil change and retorquings.

And, thanks for all the help from you guys over the years! It is appreciated to no end!

More as it happens!

[Bruce593SX]

tell me about the inspection, I am close and need a DAR, near San Antonio... who did you have inspect?

[Bryan Cotton]

Congrats Joe! I am nearing the end of my self-imposed exile from aircraft building and still hope to join you this year. Good luck on the first flight!

[eppre]

Congratulation - I know it will be a kick in the pants.

Fun airplane to fly!!!

[n502pd]

thanks very much guys! and Gals! I have been educated to no end while building, and everyone has done a great job keeping me sane!!

[n502pd]

tell me about the inspection, I am close and need a DAR, near San Antonio... who did you have inspect?

The inspection went very well and was a no brainer if one one can get around the shade tree mentality and into the aviation mentality, which isnt hard. I had some very picky teachers years ago when I was assisting in the annuals of the 172, learning acceptable methods as well as the proper book to consult (43-13b). With that in mind, the inspection was a breeze. Worst thing was two bolts not protruding a full one thread past a nut...due to using two std thickness washers. Replaced then with the lite ones and problem resolved. Controls great, engine run up great, fuel system great, wires and pannel great, as was the rest. And I sort of knew that it would be. I am just picky I guess! If I didnt know I asked the source...Kerry...and got other opinions here. I found everyone was almost 100% spot on in their answers. The final decisions were up to me.

All covers were off as for a condition inspection. Wheels were not off. Cowling off. engine ready to run. He did ask if I had run it before. I had 0.8 hours ground/taxi runs on it, so I knew no leaks good control activity and etc. Instruments functioned properly. I built a manometer test rig to check pitot/static system, and a week before found that stuff had relaxed since install a year ago and there were some leaks, fixed at the last minute. The pitot system held 90 mph on both the gauge and the manometer for over 30 hours. He climbed inside and looked around and used his 3..4..page check list and kept checking OK!!

The dar I used is well known country wide and does publish articals in another magizne. He is Mel Asberry and he does travel a bit from near Greenville, Tx. PM me and I will send his phone number and let you and him work out the details.

Have fun above all else!!

Joe

[Sonex1517]

Congratulations Joe!!!! Fantastic news!