Van's RV-9A in Aurora

The Big Picture

The Big Picture
Flying! 8/28/2011

Thursday, October 1, 2009

1.5 hrs
Wow. October already. Aren't there a couple more days in September?

Started by doing some final cleanup on the longeron slots on the aft fuselage bulkheads. Some of them were just a bit too tight, and I don't want them wearing a hole in the longerons.

Then started prepping the longerons. Deburred the insides, then got about a third of the way countersinking both of them. Should finish tomorrow.

Looks like it's going to rain for the next few days.

I've been starting to research the electrical system. Spending a few hours a week (not logged) enumerating the airframe wiring needed. Trying to get a feel for how much and what kind of wire will be needed. One estimate is for 90 feet of RG-400 coax. Figure it's a 20 foot run from the instrument panel to the wing tip. Then factor in 2 nav antennaes, (planning on 1 Bob Archer, and prewiring for the second), 2 comms (inboard inspection panels), ELT (already have that cable), transponder (left rear center section floor), 2 GPS pucks (short runs). Add in some extra for the whatever's, and I'm at 90ft.
Was advised against the Van's wiring kit, and it looks like good advice. Probably should go with a modified Stein Air kit ($500), but I might just buy it all separate. The SteinAir harness that came with the TruTrak I bought is a work of art. I aspire to match that quality when putting together my harnesses.