Justin's Raven

[justin.schoeman]

My ship has finally come in!

...


OK - I wish that meant that I just received a shed load of money, but unfortunately it doesn't. What it does mean in that the Aerovee parts I had containered from the states are finally here. Or close to here, at least - they should be unloaded at FAKD today. Still trying to make arrangements to pick them up though.

I need to finish with my aluminium work ASAP now, so that I can get the workshop spotless to begin the engine work.

One of these days I will be airborne!

[Tailspin]

Strongs Dude.
Looking forward to Seeing you in the Air.

[Wallaby]

These Aerovee motors are very popular in the states. Just look at the number of Sonex and Zodiacs and other makes flying with them. So, I don't think they are quite the boat anchors we make them out to be.

I hope the motor comes together quite good and that you get the performance you want, out of it.

[Rudix]

My ship has finally come in!

...


OK - I wish that meant that I just received a shed load of money, but unfortunately it doesn't. What it does mean in that the Aerovee parts I had containered from the states are finally here. Or close to here, at least - they should be unloaded at FAKD today. Still trying to make arrangements to pick them up though.

I need to finish with my aluminium work ASAP now, so that I can get the workshop spotless to begin the engine work.

One of these days I will be airborne!

Great news Justin!

I am looking forward to seeing/hearing that Aerovee run, I have only read good things about them!

Who knows, I might find an airframe somewhere to fit one, I like the idea of building my own engine.

Regards,
Rudi

[justin.schoeman]

One of the last bits of the panel:

I needed a simple latch for the cubby hole, but as usual, I couldn't find quite what I was looking for at any of the hardware stores. I had some 10mm thick alu plate left over, so I thought 'why not?' and had a bash at making one myself. 6 hours, a hacksaw, a couple of files, a drill press, a die, some blood (not much, but just enough to make the work piece slippery - and add some aggravation to injury), lots of sweat, but no tears later, this is the result. (For some scale, that is an 8mm thread on the shaft.)

Not much, but I really like it - for a man with two left hands, it almost feels like I have created a work of art. I really do enjoy working with aluminium!

This weekend should see the latch fitted, and the last fuse holders and switches installed in the panel. Panel should be ready for wiring next week (when I get the wire).

[justin.schoeman]

As usual, I didn't get as much done as I intended... Somehow my weekends always seem to disappear before I can even blink.

Did get most of the panel finished. Decided to be kind to the neighbors, and not fire up the Dremel to cut out the last fuse holders (you can see them on the right of the cutting/drilling template).

Starting to look vaguely like an aircraft instrument panel now:

[justin.schoeman]

And, the (nearly) finished panel:

Just needs two LEDs and the co-pilot's PTT fitted. Doesn't look as good as I thought it would, but functionally it is great.

[justin.schoeman]

Spent the past two days fixing a mistake... Just about the only welded piece on my plane is the the fuel filler neck, which is already trimmed for a flush fitting cap.

Unfortunately, what I didn't realise at the time was that the standard tank position does not leave enough space at the top for the fuel level sender. Instead of trying to move the tank, I decided to try and put the sender on the side of the tank instead. This required the fabrication of a new bracket and flange.

DSC00288.JPG (34.16 KiB) Viewed 1996 times

DSC00289.JPG (19.86 KiB) Viewed 1996 times

Unfortunately, in a fit of idiocy, I did not know know how much torque I could get out of each bolt, and how well the flange would spread the torque. So I just put the bolts as close as practical - and ended up with 22 of them! Required an entire evening to drill, tap and clean all those threads.

Seems to work quite well though, as it produces a water tight seal, even without a gasket.

[Tailspin]

Unfortunately, in a fit of idiocy

Hello Justin

Welcome to Our world it is these little things that make SCRATCH building so much FUN
(I know you are building a semi complete Kit - but it is the little things in life that tickle us so)

[justin.schoeman]

:D Thanks Tailspin.

I am finding that actually building things is hugely rewarding. I am keeping my eyes open for plans for my next project - probably a wood and fabric plane. I think once you have started building, it can almost be more addictive than flying!

[Maybe]

And, the (nearly) finished panel:

DSC00284.JPG

Just needs two LEDs and the co-pilot's PTT fitted. Doesn't look as good as I thought it would, but functionally it is great.

Justin, its looking GOOOOOD!!

Just as a matter of interest....Why is your panel set up for PIC on right hand side. ? Are you maybe left handed and prefer to fly from the right side....seeing the Raven have center stick?? (Maybe you have mentioned this previously and I've just missed it?)

Also, would your throttle position then be on the right hand side? or middle?

All the best!!

[justin.schoeman]

And, the (nearly) finished panel:

DSC00284.JPG

Just needs two LEDs and the co-pilot's PTT fitted. Doesn't look as good as I thought it would, but functionally it is great.

Justin, its looking GOOOOOD!!

Just as a matter of interest....Why is your panel set up for PIC on right hand side. ? Are you maybe left handed and prefer to fly from the right side....seeing the Raven have center stick?? (Maybe you have mentioned this previously and I've just missed it?)

Also, would your throttle position then be on the right hand side? or middle?

All the best!!

I am right handed, but I am setting up the plane for cross country flying. This means I want my right hand free for map work, and notes. Since I have a center stick, the only way I can do this is by flying from the right hand seat. There will be two throttles, one on each bottom corner of the instrument panel - although only the PIC one (RHS) will have a friction control.

Trim control is going on the centre console, and brakes on the stick, so the plane is fully controlable from both seats.

[Maybe]

Cool....it makes sense!!

Happy flying!!

[justin.schoeman]

Cool....it makes sense!!

Happy flying!!

Thanks - you too - although you will be flying a lot sooner than me!.

Would you mind posting some interior pics on your thread - what I can see of the interior looks excelent, and I would like to steal some ideas .

[Maybe]

I've just uploaded a couple of pics (two to be exact) of the interior!.

Have a look at

viewtopic.php?f=23&t=11689&start=15

But when I get to the airfield again I will take some more pictures....post some of them and email(bit higher quality) you the rest!

Yes, it came out well. A lot of design and re work and re design and rework....but OLD Daniel, the guy who did the work (cutting & stitching and fitting) for us was quite patient!!

Will send you the pics....you are more than welcome to steal some ideas there!