The aesthetics of the stock door handle leave a lot to be desired. The powder-coated handle is open at both ends and the gearbox mechanism remains fully exposed. Aftermarket options are available for dressing up this area but I decided… Read More »Door Handle and Gearbox Covers
I am installing Heat Shield Products Lava Mat on the firewall to help mitigate heat in the tunnel. I don’t know how much it actually helps but it adds a layer between the heater bypass valves and the tunnel and… Read More »Firewall Heat Shield
I ordered my finish kit in August 2021 and the front seats finally arrived. The seat foams are still on back order but at least I have the frames. Unlike the old seats, these require assembly. The box had unfortunately… Read More »Front Seats
I chose to delete the Van’s Grove wheels and brakes from the kit and upgrade to Matco I Series wheels and brakes. I also deleted the tires and tubes and purchased Desser retreads. The complete list of parts that were… Read More »Matco Wheels
I debated back and forth between using the stock cowl-attach hinges or quarter-turn fasteners and I decided to proceed with the hinges. I like the clean look and the simplicity of the hinges. I’m planning on using a 1/8″ stainless… Read More »Cowl Attach Hinges
I am using McMaster door seals which require that the hinge attachment areas in the door be covered to complete the seal. I didn’t like the idea of burying nutplates here (as used by one after-market option) but I liked… Read More »Door Hinge Pockets
With the interior painting complete it was time to permanently attach the cabin top. We mixed up flox per the plans to fill the areas around the door opening and lowered the top into place. We had to work quickly… Read More »Cabin Top Attached
I had previously prepared the fuselage flap system parts but I hadn’t installed them as I wasn’t sure what I needed to paint at the time. I primed the interior of the torque tubes and installed the parts. This section… Read More »Flap System
I am painting the interior before permanently attaching the cabin top. I am using an Aerosport interior so I don’t have many surfaces that need paint. I am going with a dark interior on the lower portion of the cabin… Read More »Interior Painting
The opportunity to build my engine at the Aero Sport Power was too good to pass up and I have been looking forward to doing this since I started building the airplane four years ago. I placed an engine deposit… Read More »Engine Build at Aero Sport Power