When I arrived home today two boxes containing the tail kit (empennage) had arrived. Also included was the aluminum tool box kit that I will assemble to practice my riveting skills on. The boxes were very well packed and no damage was evident during shipping. I will need to inventory all of the parts over the next few days and then get started on the practice project.
My son, Colten, helped me open up the boxes which is a milestone for the project. It is no longer just a dream, there are real airplane parts in my shop. He (I did too) thought the warning on the box was cool...."Fragile, High Dollar Aircraft Parts, Handle With Care". Some guys cut that phrase off of the box and hang it on the wall of their shop, I think I will too.
My plan is to spend the next couple months practicing my skills, building a storage area to get all of the non-airplane factory items out of the garage, and then finish setting up and organizing the shop. I ordered most of the airframe required tools so I can oogle and ogle them prior to attending the EAA Sportair workshop in Oshkosh, WI in early May. I plan to have everything set up and be fairly proficient with the tools and process before starting on the actual airplane after the workshop.
Colten cuts open the tail kit box
Open box containing aluminum skins for the tail surfaces
