To better fit the skin of the parachute cover, ribs 3 and 2 need to have a bunch of holes dimpled. For dimpling we use the DRDT-2 from ExperimentalAero. We dimpled the parts prior to cleaning and priming to have a better fitting of the primer. After some more cleaning and priming, the parts came together quite nicley. We did not have any issues with rib 3 but with rib 2 as the construction manual shows 4x 3....
During the last days, we took quite some time to prepare, prime and rivet the next bunch of ribs. Starting with rib 6 which includes some parts sliding through a slot of other parts. Besides the construction manual only showing 7 rivets to connect the parts 1 and 4 after sliding the parts together, we shot rivets in all 9 holes. The next step would be to combine the first set of ribs together....
Today, I took the time to clean, prime and cleco the first two ribs together. As the parts for rib 9 are still on backorder, I started with ribs 8 and 7. I use 3M Scotch-Brite Pads (red) to prepare the surface for priming. Once the surface is a brushed, I use Aceton to clean of any grease traces. As soon as the parts are dry and the Aceton is vaporized, I apply FINIXA Etch Primer to the parts....
Today, I recieved a call from a forwarding agency from the Netherlands. The truck driver told me on the phone that he had unloaded the two packages and placed them besides my garage. I was a bit confused, as I didn’t even know that the parcels were handed over to a shipping company in the Netherlands. The next step is checking the delivery against the packing lists and checking all parts arrived in a safe manner!...
I’ve completed the first order of parts from Aircraft Builders Europe, the European distributor for Sling. I will start with the Fuselage Kit (STSI-003) which contains the complete forward, mid and rear fuselage. Including the assembled centre spar, the rear spar, the front and rear seats, all control mechanisms (throttle, stick, pedals etc), the firewall, the engine mount, steps and a copy of the construction manual. Additionally, I ordered the Canopy, Dash, Final Assembly and Finishing Kit (STSI-005)....