7 Sep 11
Took forever to get the AF-3400 back, but it finally arrived. It's been upgraded to a combination EFIS, Map, Charts, and Engine Monitor. So, it will become the backup EFIS and will primarily be used for moving map and engine display.
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| This is likely the display I will use most of the time. | Although the map display could easily become the most used especially if charts and approach plates are used here | The AF3400 will be the backup EFIS for the main AF5600 to be installed later. |
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Left is the panel as I begin the upgrade. Unfortunately, I committed to using Blue Mountain products some time ago. Now that the company is out of business, there is no support or database updates available. So, my plan is to replace the main EFIS with the AFE 5600 (almost the same size). The AF 3400 engine monitor has been upgraded to a full EFIS and will be the backup EFIS. Where the Blue Mountain EFIS Lite is located, I'll install the Garmin 430W (if I can make it fit). I may have to change a few other things also, but that will develop as I go along. |
18 Bep 11
| My neighbor upgraded his Lancair IV-P to the new Garmin GTN750 and no longer needed his 430W so he sold it to me for a very reasonable price. It will be a key portion of the overall panel upgrade. |  |
19 Sep 11
| Probably won't make any difference, but making the step fairing was fun anyway. I didn't like how blunt the step form is so I decided to make a more streamlined fairing to cover it. I have more refinement work to do, but it getting close to final product. The trailing edge is split and is held tight together with a piano hinge like the landing gear fairings. |  |
20 Sep 11
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| I'm using roof flashing to make a form for the fiberglass Speedy Pants. I believe it will produce a much smoother finished part that will require less finishing work. We'll see. | These photos are after the fiberglass was removed, but they show how the flashing was used to make a smooth form for the glass to form on. | The fairings will completely cover the tire and I will cut away whatever is necessary so the wheel can turn. |
23 Sep 11
I called Van's yesterday about my nutplate order. I've had the wingtip project on hold for over two weeks waiting for the nutplates to arrive. They forgot to send them. So, they overnighted them and they arrived today. I can finally get started on the wingtips again.
Decided to get after the Speedy Pants today and taped on the aluminum flashing and did the laborious 6 hour job of putting on fiberglass. They didn't turn out as nice as I had hoped, but I believe they will be usable. My original plan was to make them 4 layers thick on sides and 8 layers on the leading and trailing edges. But I ran short of fiberglass, so dropped back to 3 layers on the sides and 6 on front and rear. It should hold up fine. If needed, I can add glass later.
If these main pants work then I will make one for the nose pant also.
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Here are the pants after glass was laid. It will be interesting to see if they fit well and if they improve airflow. |  |
24 Sep 11
The Speedy Pants turned out fairly good. The fit perfectly on the wheel pant, As I trim them to final size, I will drill attachment holes. I think I'll use a piano hinge on the trailing edge, although there are several other means to pull it together also.
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After removing the peel ply, the pants look a bit rough. |  |
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Left is just after removal and before
trimming
Right shows them after initial trimming |
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Next update 28 Sep 11