Project Update

Hi Folks,

I’m slowly backing my way out of the rabbit hole on my front seat throttle and mixture cables and LEFT sidewall component installs, with all the left front sidewall components, electronic gadgets & wiring either installed and/or accounted for.  In addition, the painting of the left front armrest is complete. 

I now plan on commencing to work my way back, via the GIB throttle install, to the engine install and compartment tasks.

Again, this multi-week detour I just made leaves pretty much just the panel forward to install & wire up as well as some nose components final install/configuration (nearly all done already).  Beyond that, we’re talking a week to tweak/finish the canard, and then final micro finish and paint. 

That of course is after I focus on my true strategic target: the exhaust pipes… still relatively just around the corner.  I have some surgery to do on the exhaust pipes, and wanted some of the low hanging fruit involving the engine off the plate before I dig in on the exhaust pipes.  After the exhaust pipes I’ll work full bore on the cowlings and the strake-wing intersections.

I’m still intent to focus solely on the plane for the next however long it takes to finish this bird… ASAP!  

11 thoughts on “Project Update

  1. Hi there!

    I’ve been following your long-ez build for quite awhile now! congratulations for coming this far. I’m sure we’ll be able to see a new ez in the sky in the next 2 years. One day i’ll build my own ez too;) I’m still building small stuff like diy bikes, CNC and violins. Keep believing and finish strong!

    Sheng Chuan
    Singapore, National University of Singapore
    Faculty of architecture, Year 3 student

    • Hi Sheng!

      Thanks so much for your kind words. I’m sure you know that if you can do the small stuff, you can easily build an EZ. Let me know when you start!

      Good luck in school.

      Regards,
      Wade

  2. Hi Wade,
    Thanks very much for detailing and documenting your build experiences. I’ve bookmarked your site and will be poring over it in detail as I get geared up for my own project.
    I’ve got a bit of a way to go yet (as in, I think I should at least be on my way to getting my Recreational Pilot’s License 1st, before I commit to buying parts :-) ), and am still deciding on the best option (Long-EZ v. E-Racer v. Berkut (if that’s even remotely possible) v. Europa XS ). The heart is saying “canard” while the head says “Europa” will offer a little more utility (may need to use a grass strip) . I’m also keen to re-read and process your notes about the Feather Light Strake Leading Edge Kit (something I’m thinking I’m going to wish I had, and may lament the fact it’s no longer available) and vacuum bagging experience. Vacuum bagging was something I was thinking about to improve the quality of build, but it seems it might involve more effort and tears than you get in pay-off.
    Good luck with your build and keep that momentum up, my first flight lesson is this week!
    Regards,
    Peter
    Canberra, Australia

    • Hey Peter, Dave here in Melbourne.
      We have a strong canard community in Australia. Plenty of local support if you want it. I have operated a Long-EZ out of a grass strip… but it needs to be a good long one, nice and smooth, short or no grass and you want 5×5 tires. Some of us follow our hearts before our heads, you choose. ;)

  3. Hmmmm I’m looking for the canard cover pages? Latest newsletter from David Orr has a Berkut style on a LE. The cover extends to the top of the IP. Great for access here which believe me is needed. Good look at the bus master lll be using to go with the efii stuff….

    Really good to see your progress!!! Keep up the great work!

    I’m just finishing off the aileron click bonds and wing completion is close. Please keep the pace up …l need your blog to remain ahead of my build 😉

    • Hey Dave!

      I guess we’re in a bit of a pickle because I intentionally slowed down so I could use YOUR blog to remain ahead of my build! haha!

      Canard cover is still a couple of months out. I have to catch up to you and get the spar/firewall mounted so I can then work on the canopy… at which point the canard cover will get completed.

      Good to see your progress too! Man, you’re crushing it!

      As always, ROCK ON!!

      Cheers,
      Wade

    • Hey You! I’m hoping to be done with all the airframe stuff by New Years. Then finish, paint and small stuff from there on out. Really hoping for late February to March first flight. After all the requisite hours are flown off and she’s officially airworthy, you of course deserve a ride! ;)

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