RV 10-23

The big day for the Cub finally arrived. We first pulled the plane out into the sun then used a heat gun and a blanket to warm the engine on this chilly February morning. A good crowd arrived to see the Cub’s first flight after a nearly four year restoration by the chapter. Among the many folks was the son of the original owner of the Cub who found it to be something of an emotional reunion. Tom Young arrived around 10:00 and did a close inspection of the plane and log books. Then he and Jerry started it up and headed out. Because of the wind, they ended up taking off from runway 30 which was far from our vantage point, so I didn’t get any good photos of the first takeoff. (If anyone did get good photos, please send them to Ernie or Mary Ann.) They flew the Cub out to Middletown Valley and checked it out. They then returned to the airport and did several takeoffs and landings. When they finally returned, they reported that the Cub flew well. Several minor “tweaks” will be dealt with in the coming days, but as of now the Cub is operational. Meanwhile, with apologies to Steve Gross for the interruptions, progress continued on the RV-10 project in spite of the commotion with the Cub. The biggest project today was working on the complex routing of conduits for the many wires and hoses that connect the many systems, including air-conditioning, on the plane. Steve demonstrated a really neat tool that cuts precise holes in sheet metal. The rear passenger floor panels were also prepared for riveting and the rudder pedal assembly was safetied. Priming of some of the completed parts was also done. The next work session will be Wednesday, February 26th at 9:00.