With RV-7A transition training complete, I headed out to the hangar to begin the first of two days dedicated to getting the magnetos reinstalled and as many final items checked off as possible. Today’s accomplishments included: • Finished fitting the empennage fairing and gave it two coats of primer. • Added bolts to the lower rudder horn to serve as adjustable rudder stops. Previously, although the rudder travel was at 32 degrees per the plans, the inside edge of the right elevator was catching the rudder at full travel. I may or may not have a ding in the rudder as evidence… • Updated all Garmin databases and programmed airspeed and engine limits into the system. While I had the aircraft out on the ramp I noticed the GDL39 was doing its job and I was showing traffic on the displays…very cool! • Began the process of tidying up the remaining wiring and cabling under the panel. • Performed an initial leak test of the static system…which leaked like a sieve. That will get some attention tomorrow. • Added air to all tires and attached the wheel nut cotter pins. • Reinstalled the gears and impulse coupler on the magnetos.
