Papa Lima Bravo

Showplanes Fastback — Lessons Learned

Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Sixty build sessions, one structural mistake, one instrument panel bent in the wrong order, and a lot of composite work. Here is what I would want to know before starting the Showplanes Fastback modification.

Two Year Anniversary!

Thu, 22 May 2025 20:01:36 GMT

I haven't barely posted since the first 6 months flying this airplane. But she has nearly 200 hours on her now and has flown all the way across the country

Sunrise Over Manhattan: Flying the Hudson River Corridor

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 20:46:07 GMT

Flying the Hudson River Corridor at sunrise delivered jaw dropping views of Manhattan—and a top tier RV 8 memory.

Cross Country by RV-8: A Farewell Flight Before Foreign Service

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 20:14:52 GMT

A 21 day cross country adventure in the RV 8, from Maryland to Zion and back, filled with friends, flight challenges, and unforgettable views.

Stall Testing

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 10:56:08 GMT

RV-8 stall testing notes from the early test-flight period.

Oil Change and Misc Maintenance

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 20:46:41 GMT

Oil change and miscellaneous RV-8 maintenance notes from July 2023.

Nose Oil Leak, Part Three: The Prop, the Paper Towels, and the Real Culprit

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 20:44:43 GMT

After months chasing a phantom prop hub leak, the real culprit turned out to be a loose NPT fitting with the wrong sealant.

Low Oil Pressure

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 20:25:46 GMT

The oil pressure has been on the low side of good since the first flight. Time to adjust the pressure relief valve.

Nose Seal: Part deux

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 23:11:14 GMT

Investigating the nose seal oil leak.

Induction snorkel & oil cooler bypass

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 22:56:13 GMT

Fiberglass relief to prevent cowl rubbing, and removing the leaky oil cooler bypass valve.

Maintenance and Tuning - First report

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 22:51:54 GMT

Maintenance and tweaks in the first 7 hours of flying.

Flying & Performance - First report

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 22:14:02 GMT

Taking a look at how the engine and airplane are performing with data analysis. Plus a few in flight photos.

First Flight!!!!

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 14:12:39 GMT

First flight of N22UP!!!!!

Airworthiness Inspection!

Thu, 25 May 2023 15:01:20 GMT

Inspection by my DAR for special airworthiness certificate ISSUED!

Final Airworthiness Inspection Prep

Wed, 24 May 2023 10:21:04 GMT

Inspecting everything one more time. Logbooks. Shop prep. Misc wrap up work.

FAA Updates to Phase 1 Testing - Task Based Testing Approved

Thu, 18 May 2023 18:04:17 GMT

New guidance allowing task based testing during Phase 1.

Airworthiness Application

Thu, 18 May 2023 16:54:28 GMT

Paperwork for the airworthiness application.

Pitot Static & Transponder Certification

Fri, 12 May 2023 16:22:20 GMT

Pitot static and transponder certification.

Weight and Balance

Wed, 10 May 2023 22:46:27 GMT

Final weight and balance for N22UP prior to Airworthiness Application!

N-Number, Inspection Panels, & Misc

Wed, 10 May 2023 15:19:51 GMT

Installing the N Number, inspection panels, and other misc wrap up work.

Dynamic Prop Balance

Wed, 10 May 2023 14:48:01 GMT

Using a DynaVibe classic to dynamically balance my propeller.

Magneto Washers & Weight and Balance Prep

Thu, 04 May 2023 10:21:19 GMT

Installing new washers for the hold down on the magneto and installing covers for weight and balance.

ELT Testing & Data Plate Installation

Tue, 02 May 2023 14:54:05 GMT

Installing my data plate and testing the ELT.

Seat belts and wing fairings

Mon, 01 May 2023 13:18:31 GMT

Seat belts, wing fairings, passenger push to talk, blue plastic removal.

Magnetometer and AHARS Calibration

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 20:35:20 GMT

Magnetic interference test, AHARS calibration, Magnetometer calibration, and AHARS vibration tests performed.

Post first start corrections

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 10:00:11 GMT

Propellor cycling test, baggage door repair, magneto timing and other post first start squawks.

First Engine Start!

Sun, 23 Apr 2023 21:00:34 GMT

What more to say? First engine start for N22UP!!!!

Misc wrap up work

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 22:08:17 GMT

Panel lights, wheel pant fiberglass, cowl foil, and other misc work.

Pre-first start inspections and corrections

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 22:29:06 GMT

Courtesy pre start inspections by fellow builders and correcting the issues they found.

Canopy Installation

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 23:38:09 GMT

Canopy installation and latch work.

Fuel flow testing and fuel tank calibration

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 21:44:46 GMT

Fuel flow testing, fuel pressure testing, fuel sender calibration, and fuel capacity calibration with G3x.

Flap calibration and brake bleeding

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 11:00:15 GMT

Fixing incorrect flap function with help from Garmin and initial brake bleeding.

Instrument Panel Finalization

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 11:12:02 GMT

Lots of small detailed and boring work on the wiring cable wraps and cleaning up loose ends. Panel wrap and finalization.

CAN BUS ERROR!!! OH GAWD!

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 11:21:04 GMT

Troubleshooting and correcting a CAN BUS short to ground.

FWF Work. Ignition wires and oil temp sensor.

Sat, 18 Mar 2023 11:34:02 GMT

Finalizing installation of the EI ignition leads, oil temp sensor installation, and wiring work.

Magneto Ignition Harness and Prop Safety Wire

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 12:02:10 GMT

Magneto harness work and ignition lead routing.

FWF Wire Routing and Termination

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 11:45:54 GMT

Multiple shop sessions routing, organizing, and terminating wire FWF and elsewhere.

Heat Muff Installation

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 18:17:43 GMT

Modification of heat muff to rotate input and output points. Stainless steal wool. Routing of scat tube.

Baffle Seals

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 12:44:47 GMT

Multiple shop sessions to get baffle seals cut, fit, and sealed to baffle. I really did not enjoy this work.

Oil Lines, Baffle Shrouds, and Other FWF

Sat, 18 Feb 2023 18:19:20 GMT

Routing of oil lines, control cables, various wires, oil cooler scat and misc baffle work.

Fuel Line Fittings

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 18:21:07 GMT

Finalizing and torquing fuel line fittings at the fuel pump and fuel selector valve.

Finalizing Baffles

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 12:53:38 GMT

Finalizing baffle fitment and preparing to install baffle seals.

Interior Paint 7

Sat, 26 Nov 2022 12:32:10 GMT

Finally painted the remaining interior parts after paint SNAFU.

Sniffle Valve and Ignition Harness

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 13:27:14 GMT

Installing the sniffle valve and investigating how to finish the custom magneto harness for the Bendix.

GEA24 Wiring 2

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 13:28:36 GMT

Final wiring of GEA24 primarily fuel quantity converters and position sensors.

Radio Transmit Troubleshooting

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 13:30:21 GMT

Radio receive was working for both the GNC255A and the GTR20, however transmit was not working. Troubleshooting and solution.

Service Bulletin 16-12-16

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 13:25:21 GMT

Compliance with this service bulletin was needed for missing wing spar bolts.

Headset wiring

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 13:18:58 GMT

Wiring the headset jacks for pilot and passenger.

GEA 24 Wiring

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 13:12:50 GMT

Building harness connections for the GEA 24

GNC Setup

Sun, 13 Nov 2022 13:32:59 GMT

GNC was not communicating properly with the G3X system. Troubleshooting and solution.

Initial Panel Power Up!

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 13:20:29 GMT

Final power checks and connections followed by firing up the full panel for the first time!

Pre-power wiring

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 13:02:32 GMT

Primary Power Panel Wiring

Sat, 15 Oct 2022 13:36:45 GMT

Wiring up the right hand primary power switches and other wiring.

General Wiring Work

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 13:46:42 GMT

Miscellaneous wiring work to include fuel converters.

GMU11 Install

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 13:53:53 GMT

Installed the magnetometer in the left wing.

Panel Switches

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 13:57:52 GMT

Finalizing switch placement for instrument panel.

Cabin Lighting Testing and Installation

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 13:23:47 GMT

Testing the red led cabin lights to ensure they do not exceed the max 500mA of the GAD27 and installation.

Panel cutting & fitment plus lots of wiring

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 13:27:25 GMT

Cutting the panel, testing fitment with trays, routing of FWF wires, routing of aft wires to instrument panel.

Capacitive fuel sender, nav/strobes and other aft wiring

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 13:37:38 GMT

Fuel sender wiring. Nav/Strobe controller wiring. Aft wiring.

Starter solenoid wiring, pitot wiring, fuel vents.

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 13:49:52 GMT

Routing lines for the pitot heat. Connecting the starter solenoid.

Removal of stall warning, switch panel, fuselage wiring

Sun, 12 Jun 2022 13:57:27 GMT

Lots of things here. Wiring the wings and aft fuselage has begun. Removed the stall warning (as I have AOA) and building right hand switch panel.

Tailwheel Steering Link

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 14:08:29 GMT

Installation of tailwheel steering linkage.

Elevator Trim Installation and Wiring

Sat, 12 Mar 2022 14:12:08 GMT

Installation and wiring of the elevator trim servo.

Harness Building on the Bench

Sat, 22 Jan 2022 14:14:12 GMT

Building the harness on my home work bench.

ELT Installation

Wed, 29 Dec 2021 14:38:52 GMT

Installation of the ACK ELT in the tail of the aircraft.

Gear Intersection Fairings 1

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 13:48:16 GMT

Shaping the gear leg fairings.

Wing Tips

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 13:17:50 GMT

Installing the archer VOR antenna, and installing the wingtips with hinge pins.

Wing Intersection Fairings

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 09:14:28 GMT

Installing the wing to flap fairings.

Nav & Strobe Lights

Sun, 07 Nov 2021 13:20:42 GMT

Installing the FlyLEDs wingtip nav and strobe lights.

Antennas 1

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 15:20:08 GMT

Installing the GPS, COMM 1&2, and Transponder Antennas.

Wing Attach

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 09:11:08 GMT

Initial wing mating to enable finalizing incidence.

Avionics 1

Sun, 04 Jul 2021 14:53:09 GMT

Initial fabrication of a mock instrument panel. Testing panel layout. Electrical system design.

Electrical System Planning

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 11:10:38 GMT

I spent an enormous amount of time pouring over the Aeroelectric Connection book and associated diagrams. The closest diagram to what i wanted to achieve i

Landing Lights

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 11:56:01 GMT

Installation of the FlyLEDs Seven Stars landing lights. These babies are bright!!!!

Roll Bar

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 11:50:58 GMT

Roll bar welding and powder coating.

Bottom Wing Skins

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 09:05:18 GMT

Installed the bottom skins on both wings with the help of my buddy Mike.

Snorkel and Air Filter

Sun, 17 Jan 2021 14:48:00 GMT

Fitment and fabrication of the horizontal induction snorkel.

Baffles 1

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 13:33:54 GMT

Initial fitment of the baffles to the cowling.

Baggage Door

Sun, 03 Jan 2021 12:00:02 GMT

Fabrication and installation of the baggage door.

Cowling

Sun, 27 Dec 2020 11:27:05 GMT

Fabrication, fitment, and installation of the cowling. Post covers multiple shop sessions.

Oil Cooler Install

Sat, 19 Dec 2020 14:45:18 GMT

Installed the oil cooler and experimented with scat tube routing to baffles.

Red Cube Fuel Flow

Sat, 26 Sep 2020 11:44:15 GMT

Installed the FT 60 fuel flow transducer the Red Cube.

Throttle Quadrant

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 11:46:39 GMT

Installation of the throttle quadrant and control cables.

Whirlwind 74HRT Prop Install

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 13:23:07 GMT

Fly EFII Fuel Pump Installation

Sun, 26 Jul 2020 11:41:56 GMT

Hanging Engine

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 11:07:56 GMT

Hung the engine on the airplane!

Wheels & Tires

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 11:13:42 GMT

Installation of wheels, tires, and brake lines.

Engine Mount

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 11:03:39 GMT

Mounting the engine to the engine mount.

Brakes 1

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 09:59:07 GMT

Empennage Fairings 5

Sat, 30 May 2020 21:00:18 GMT

Empennage Misc Old

Mon, 25 May 2020 10:54:26 GMT

I started off the night adding some additional fiberglass to the vertical stabilizer tip. Unfortunately with my hands messy with resin I didn't grab any ph

Empennage Fairings 2

Sun, 24 May 2020 22:17:15 GMT

Continued work on empennage fairing fiberglass.

Empennage Vert Tip

Fri, 22 May 2020 22:18:38 GMT

Migration sample for Empennage Vert Tip.

Rudder Fairing

Wed, 20 May 2020 22:19:26 GMT

Migration sample for Rudder Fairing.

Vertical Stab Tip

Thu, 14 May 2020 22:20:09 GMT

Migration sample for Vertical Stab Tip.

Empennage Misc

Wed, 13 May 2020 23:43:29 GMT

Empennage fairing trimming, vertical stab tip fiberglass, and rudder bottom fairing work to include strobe installation.

Empennage Fairing 4

Wed, 13 May 2020 00:22:25 GMT

Checking the fit of the empennage fairing with elevators installed.

Bullock flies the R-44!

Sun, 23 Feb 2020 20:32:12 GMT

Mike Bullock gets his hands on the controls of a Robinson R 44 helicopter followed by a flight to Easton and the first RV grin for CFI Sean!

Helo lunch with Maja

Fri, 21 Feb 2020 14:29:19 GMT

Wifey and I go to lunch at KLNS in the Robinson R 44

Dad and Uncle Joe

Sun, 09 Feb 2020 14:09:18 GMT

My Dad and I take my Uncle Joe for his first helicopter flight.

Solo over York County

Sun, 26 Jan 2020 20:51:56 GMT

Solo flying the R 22 around York County PA.

Yard Hopping

Mon, 30 Dec 2019 14:10:54 GMT

Flying around to multiple locations with multiple friends and family.

Ski Whitetail in the R-44

Mon, 23 Dec 2019 20:54:16 GMT

Tom and I fly the 44 over the local ski resorts, an abandoned cold war communications facility, and a still operating facility.

The Snyder Family

Wed, 16 Oct 2019 14:12:01 GMT

Taking the entire Snyder clan for rides in the R 22 at KDMW.

Eastern shore R-22 with Steven

Sat, 05 Oct 2019 14:12:42 GMT

KFDK to pickup Steven at KFME and then onwards to lunch at KESN Easton and Sugar Buns Cafe.

Empennage Fairing 3

Fri, 27 Sep 2019 20:31:30 GMT

Final work on the fiberglass empennage fairing and the aluminum fairing for under the horizontal stabilizer.

Canopy Work and New Toys

Thu, 26 Sep 2019 20:44:49 GMT

Basic canopy hinge work and a number of new purchases.

Empennage Fairing 2

Fri, 20 Sep 2019 20:37:25 GMT

Body filler, primer, and sanding fairing. Tinnamen washer installation. Prep for access panels.

Triple Tree Fly-in

Sun, 08 Sep 2019 20:38:08 GMT

Mike Bullock and I flew in his RV 7 to the Triple Tree Fly in. This was our first time to the event and its a great one!

Helicopter Intro for my mum

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 20:39:47 GMT

I took my mom flying over many of the farms and homes we've had over the past few decades in the Robinson R 22 Helicopter.

Empennage Fairing 1

Sun, 25 Aug 2019 20:34:36 GMT

Initial cutting, shaping, and glassing the stock Van's empennage fairing to fit the show planes fastback.

Shop Update

Sun, 21 Jul 2019 20:32:55 GMT

Building shelving and storage for the shop.

McLean Clan Visit

Sun, 09 Jun 2019 14:13:18 GMT

My buddy from the Marine Corps, James, brought his family up for the weekend for some helicopter flying and good times.

Flight to John's

Sat, 01 Jun 2019 23:20:40 GMT

Flying with the wifey to my boss's farm for his annual summer pancake breakfast in central PA. Fantastic day!

Instrument Helicopter Add-On

Tue, 21 May 2019 21:42:01 GMT

Quick synopsis of my experience getting my helicopter instrument add on.

Trip to Pittsburgh

Tue, 14 May 2019 21:00:06 GMT

I flew a Cessna 172 to Pittsburgh for work and to spend the weekend with my buddy Zack. Includes flying over Seneca Rocks in WV.

Recent Helicopter Flights

Tue, 14 May 2019 20:58:13 GMT

Recent helicopter flights compilation. Harper's Ferry, my buddy Dusty's house, flight for the wifey.

Helicopter Private Pilot Add-On

Tue, 04 Dec 2018 20:02:15 GMT

Photos from training and shortly after earning the helicopter private add on.

Multi-Engine Instructor

Tue, 20 Mar 2018 20:03:03 GMT

Check ride synopsis for my multi engine instructor (MEI) rating.

Helicopter Intro

Thu, 15 Mar 2018 20:01:03 GMT

Getting ready to start instruction for my helicopter ratings!

Fastback 62

Fri, 15 Dec 2017 20:06:35 GMT

More work today on the fillets that attach to the instrument panel cover and prevent airflow into the cockpit.

Commercial Multi-Engine Add-On

Tue, 05 Dec 2017 20:03:36 GMT

Checkride and training synopsis for the commercial multi engine add on.

Fastback 59

Tue, 10 Oct 2017 20:11:23 GMT

Sanding and adhesive correction.

Fastback 61

Tue, 10 Oct 2017 20:07:32 GMT

A ton of work on the cleaning up the canopy bonding, sanding, and instrument panel cover work. Multiple shop sessions covered.

Fastback 60

Fri, 25 Aug 2017 20:10:05 GMT

Canopy adhesive rivet finishing.

Fastback 58

Tue, 22 Aug 2017 21:51:24 GMT

Preparing the canopy for fiberglass layups around the bond.

Wings 43

Mon, 21 Aug 2017 21:52:07 GMT

Working on the landing light opening on the wing with Steven and Steven's first RV 7 flight with Mike.

Fastback 57

Sat, 19 Aug 2017 21:18:13 GMT

Tack welding the canopy latch to the roll bar frame. Bonding the canopy to the canopy skirt. Big day!

Fastback 56

Fri, 18 Aug 2017 21:49:18 GMT

Work on the front canopy skirt to canopy fairing.

Fastback 55

Thu, 17 Aug 2017 21:48:14 GMT

Work on the canopy skirt to canopy front fairing.

Fastback 54

Wed, 16 Aug 2017 21:10:56 GMT

Flox fairing for skirt to canopy mating at front. Canopy prep.

Fastback 53

Tue, 15 Aug 2017 21:10:02 GMT

Two primary projects in this session – continued work on the front canopy fairing / filleting, and drilling the canopy.

Fastback 52

Sat, 12 Aug 2017 20:29:50 GMT

Canopy drilling and mating prep.

Fastback 51

Fri, 11 Aug 2017 21:07:21 GMT

Final trimming of canopy and taper prep.

Fastback 50

Wed, 09 Aug 2017 20:21:54 GMT

The big canopy cut!

CFI-I Add-On Practical Exam Notes

Wed, 02 Aug 2017 20:55:50 GMT

The double i add on!

Fastback 49

Wed, 02 Aug 2017 20:21:06 GMT

Basic fiberglass for tonight.

Fastback 48

Sun, 23 Jul 2017 20:19:52 GMT

Canopy skirt priming and pin hole filling.

Fastback 47

Sat, 22 Jul 2017 20:19:09 GMT

Canopy latch and skirt work.

Fastback 46

Fri, 21 Jul 2017 21:47:17 GMT

Canopy latch setup.

Distractions

Wed, 05 Jul 2017 20:05:07 GMT

Things that have distracted me from working on the RV.

Fastback 45

Tue, 04 Jul 2017 21:45:51 GMT

Canopy latch and lock work.

Fastback 44

Sun, 02 Jul 2017 21:16:46 GMT

Canopy latch points in instrument panel and rear bulkhead.

Fastback 43

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 21:43:47 GMT

Canopy latch preparation.

Fastback 42

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 20:17:40 GMT

Instrument cover, filets, and latch bushing blocks.

Fastback 41

Sun, 11 Jun 2017 20:16:46 GMT

Instrument cover and carbon fiber work to canopy skirt.

Tailwheel Endorsement

Sun, 07 May 2017 20:31:25 GMT

Tailwheel endorsement training in a Super Decathlon at Freeway Airport.

Fastback 40

Tue, 11 Apr 2017 21:07:38 GMT

Beginning installation of canopy skirt latch mechanism.

Fastback 39

Sat, 25 Feb 2017 22:30:23 GMT

More canopy skirt work and Rage Gold. Installed engine desiccant inserts.

Past 6 Months

Sat, 25 Feb 2017 08:00:48 GMT

Where have I been hiding for the last 6 months? Doing all of this!

Fastback 38

Fri, 24 Feb 2017 23:56:28 GMT

Finally trying to start working on the plane again. Sanding and Rage Gold work.

CFI Practical Exam Notes

Mon, 20 Feb 2017 12:34:27 GMT

Notes from my CFI Practical Exam with DPE Mike DeRuggiero.

Engine Purchase

Tue, 17 Jan 2017 19:31:47 GMT

Purchase of a IO 360 A3B6D Angle Valve Lycoming. 0 hrs SMOH.

Fastback 37

Sun, 21 Aug 2016 12:22:33 GMT

Sanding and more sanding. Tired of sanding.

Fastback 36

Fri, 19 Aug 2016 12:20:55 GMT

Sanding. Sanding. Sanding. Oh, and Rage Gold application. Yay!

Fastback 35

Mon, 15 Aug 2016 12:19:27 GMT

Fill, sand, repeat.

Fastback 34

Mon, 08 Aug 2016 14:57:45 GMT

Completing fiberglass application, sanding, and first application of Rage Gold body filler for smooth transitions in the canopy skirt.

Fastback 33

Sat, 06 Aug 2016 12:16:03 GMT

Installing more fiberglass reinforcement.

Fastback 32

Sun, 31 Jul 2016 11:56:09 GMT

Applying fiberglass to rear bulkhead.

Fastback 31

Sun, 17 Jul 2016 11:51:12 GMT

Micro balloon fillets and edges.

Fastback 30

Sat, 09 Jul 2016 19:01:12 GMT

Canopy skirt Cleaned and sanded flox filets. Began laying micro balloon filets.

Fastback 29

Fri, 08 Jul 2016 23:52:51 GMT

Cleaning up flox fillets. Ensuring proper alignment and adhesion for stiffeners and bulkheads on canopy skirt.

Fastback 28

Tue, 05 Jul 2016 23:46:50 GMT

Affixing the lower skirt reinforcement rails.

Fastback 27

Sun, 03 Jul 2016 20:09:32 GMT

Trimming the canopy skirt for canopy installation and installing the center bulkheads aft of the roll bar.

Fastback 26

Sat, 02 Jul 2016 15:47:39 GMT

Installing the rear bulkhead on the canopy skirt.

Fastback 25

Fri, 01 Jul 2016 22:00:08 GMT

Preparing the hinge cover plate and installing the forward canopy bulkhead.

Fastback 24

Thu, 30 Jun 2016 19:55:15 GMT

Canopy skirt minor repair. Rear seat back top installation. Preparing canopy skirt bulkheads.

Fastback 23

Fri, 24 Jun 2016 21:33:05 GMT

More canopy skirt work, including hinge installation and additional trimming.

Fastback 22

Thu, 23 Jun 2016 21:24:01 GMT

Further work on the instrument cover, and the initial work on the canopy skirt.

Fastback 21

Mon, 20 Jun 2016 21:18:25 GMT

More work on the instrument cover and fillets.

Fastback 20

Wed, 15 Jun 2016 21:13:46 GMT

Joining fillets to instrument panel cover & other panel cover work.

Fastback 19

Sat, 11 Jun 2016 21:00:56 GMT

Installing the custom instrument panel, panel frame, and instrument panel cover.

Empennage tips 5

Fri, 10 Jun 2016 11:08:50 GMT

Completion of the remaining sides for the empennage tips. The only remaining glass word to do is the rudder bottom which I will do at a later date.

Empennage Tips 4

Sun, 05 Jun 2016 19:56:11 GMT

Rudder tips and fiberglass work.

Empennage Tips 3

Fri, 03 Jun 2016 23:55:53 GMT

Fiberglass 101 with Mike Bullock and fiberglass work on elevator and horizontal stabilizer tips.

Fastback 18

Mon, 30 May 2016 21:43:56 GMT

Fabricating the fiberglass instrument panel cover and custom instrument panel.

Empennage Tips 2

Sat, 28 May 2016 21:12:26 GMT

Began installation of the fiberglass tips for the rudder.

Fastback 17

Sat, 28 May 2016 17:38:41 GMT

Began riveting the modified forward front deck on the fuselage.

Empennage Tips 1

Fri, 27 May 2016 17:14:52 GMT

Fitting, drilling, and reinforcing the fiberglass tips for the horizontal stab and elevators prior to installation.

Fastback 16

Thu, 26 May 2016 23:12:21 GMT

Setup of instrument panel and instrument panel cover.

Fastback 15

Sun, 22 May 2016 23:30:23 GMT

Filling pinholes in the rear seat back top.

Interior Paint 6

Fri, 20 May 2016 00:18:07 GMT

Trailering fuselage to the hangar. Cleaning paint booth. Painting remaining cockpit parts. Painting the inside of the forward upper skin.

Interior Paint 5

Thu, 19 May 2016 00:00:09 GMT

Removing paint tape, inspecting the work, and preparing the fuselage for its return journey to the hangar.

Interior Paint 4

Sat, 14 May 2016 18:07:53 GMT

Sanding, preparing, and painting another coat after last coat was contaminated.

Interior Paint 3

Mon, 25 Apr 2016 19:36:01 GMT

Second session painting the interior of the fuselage / cockpit. I applied a second coat to the upper bulkhead for the rear passenger, and painted a number

Interior Paint 2

Sun, 24 Apr 2016 19:38:36 GMT

Preparing rear bulkhead for a second coat of paint, body filler, and parts prep.

Interior Paint 1

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 19:17:12 GMT

Preparation, priming, and painting the interior of the fuselage / cockpit. Additionally I made an in line air dryer utilizing re usable desiccant.

Sun 'N Fun - 2016

Tue, 12 Apr 2016 22:48:56 GMT

Mike Bullock and I made a trip to Sun N Fun International Fly in at Lakeland Airport Florida. Sun N Fun is awesome! Even better than OSH!

Interior Paint Prep

Sun, 03 Apr 2016 20:39:10 GMT

Moving the fuselage to the paint booth.

Behind the firewall at papalimabravo.com

Tue, 29 Mar 2016 14:48:20 GMT

This post details the software, plugins, and services used to maintain the blog at papalimabravo.com

Fastback 14

Sun, 13 Mar 2016 21:46:37 GMT

Fitting the fiberglass top for the rear seat and other misc fuselage work. Plus hangar wifi!

Service Bulletin 14-01-31 (8)

Wed, 09 Mar 2016 22:29:17 GMT

Completed! Finished the HS 0002 rib and angle attachments and riveted all four ribs in place.

Service Bulletin 14-01-31 (7)

Tue, 08 Mar 2016 22:39:23 GMT

Riveted the spar doublers and reinforcement angles to the front spar. Began match drilling HS 0002 angles for connecting the HS 405 ribs.

Eastwood Paint Gun

Mon, 07 Mar 2016 11:01:28 GMT

Road trip to Eastwood in Pottstown PA to buy a new HVLP paint gun. Spring painting is around the corner!

Service Bulletin 14-01-31 (6)

Sat, 05 Mar 2016 22:36:22 GMT

Match drilled the spar doublers, spar, and reinforcement angles. Fabricated the rib attachment angles, and primed parts in preparation for riveting.

Service Bulletin 14-01-31 (5)

Tue, 01 Mar 2016 23:11:22 GMT

Prep work on the spar doublers and HS 405 ribs.

Service Bulletin 14-01-31 (4)

Mon, 01 Feb 2016 13:01:03 GMT

Made relief notches and removed spar corners for the horizontal stab front spar.

Site Update

Fri, 22 Jan 2016 10:48:58 GMT

New website format implemented including mobile friendly responsive layout and multiple other new features and customizations. Amazon a store started.

Service Bulletin 14-01-31 (3)

Mon, 18 Jan 2016 16:43:14 GMT

Final rivet removal for the horizontal stab's front spar splice angles.

Service Bulletin 14-01-31 (2)

Sat, 16 Jan 2016 17:37:39 GMT

Performing the service bulletin required for the front spar on the horizontal stabilizer of a Van's Aircraft RV-8.

Service Bulletin 14-01-31 (1)

Thu, 14 Jan 2016 22:08:46 GMT

Prepped the shop for performing the service bulletin and began removing the rivets connecting the ribs to the skin.

Fuselage 40 - Battery tray

Tue, 12 Jan 2016 21:49:36 GMT

Constructed the battery tray for mounting in the rear of the fuselage. Prepped the empennage access plates.

Fuselage 39 - Rear rudder pedals

Sun, 10 Jan 2016 18:55:06 GMT

Working on the rudder pedals and empennage of a Van's Aircraft RV-8.

Fuselage 38 - Rear rudder pedals

Sat, 09 Jan 2016 21:50:46 GMT

Installation of the rudder cables, rear rudder pedals, and fairings on a Van's Aircraft RV-8 build.

Fuselage 37 - Conduit & Misc

Tue, 05 Jan 2016 21:42:40 GMT

Installation of fuselage conduit, static lines, and rudder cable fairings for a Van's Aircraft RV-8 Build.

Fuselage 36 - Rudder cables

Sun, 03 Jan 2016 21:55:43 GMT

First task for today was to drill the rudder cable routing holes through the center section. I used a step bit (unibit) for the forward holes, but because

Fastback 13 - Riveting turtledeck

Fri, 01 Jan 2016 20:02:02 GMT

Riveted the aft upper skin (turtledeck) to the fuselage and other misc work inside the aft fuselage.

Fuselage 35 - Fwd elevator stop

Thu, 31 Dec 2015 20:51:58 GMT

The first task for today was to remove the horizontal stab and elevator so that I could file down the forward elevator stop. The down travel of the elevato

Fuselage 34 - Aft elevator stop

Tue, 29 Dec 2015 21:01:35 GMT

First, an update. After the last post, I was very concerned with a slight discrepancy between the alignment of the elevators. I posted to and contacted Van

Fuselage 33 - Rudder & Elev Travel

Mon, 28 Dec 2015 20:59:32 GMT

Two projects for this evening. First, I wanted to check the travel of the rudder. The best way I could figure to do with was with a couple of plumb bobs an

Fuselage 32 - Control System

Sun, 27 Dec 2015 20:36:19 GMT

Today was a relatively slow day. First I needed to interrupt my session for both a Lowes run, and a run out to my paint booth. Additionally, I was signific

Fuselage 31 - Elevator and rudder attach

Sat, 26 Dec 2015 22:27:11 GMT

Lots of tasks for today. First up I needed to finish the elevator installation. This required three tasks; trim / notch the rear spar to allow full travel

Fuselage 30 - Mounting the elevators

Thu, 24 Dec 2015 22:15:24 GMT

Mounting the elevators on a Van's Aircraft RV-8

Fuselage 29 - Vert Stab Attachment

Sun, 13 Dec 2015 16:21:00 GMT

I didn't have too much time today. The first step was to remove the tail feathers so that I could rivet my new spacers / reinforcement plates. Here's the e

Fuselage 28 - Vert Stab Attachment

Sat, 12 Dec 2015 21:26:06 GMT

Today it was time to match drill the front spar of the vertical stabilizer to the angle attachment mounting to the horizontal stabilizer. To do this, you u

Fuselage 27 - Mounting the Vertical Stab

Sun, 06 Dec 2015 20:09:02 GMT

Yesterday I began the installation of the horizontal stab but I ran into an issue with the edge distance on the right longeron. After doing some research,

Fuselage 26 - Mounting the Horizontal Stab

Sat, 05 Dec 2015 20:06:58 GMT

Today is an exciting, and somewhat nerve racking day. Its time to begin attaching the horizontal stabilizer to the fuselage. A few of these bolts require a

Fuselage 25 - Prep for empennage attachment

Sun, 29 Nov 2015 18:53:15 GMT

My hangar mate's plane is out for its annual inspection, so I have a few weeks where I have extra room. I decided this was the perfect opportunity to get s

Fastback 12 - Vert Stab Modification

Sat, 28 Nov 2015 21:56:49 GMT

The Showplanes Fastback is slightly higher than stock at the intersection of the turtle deck and the vertical stabilizer. As a result, the front of the ver

Fuselage 24 - Rails, rudder pedals & more

Thu, 26 Nov 2015 22:30:17 GMT

I've done a lot of traveling in November, and I've not updated this blog accordingly when I have had time to get to the shop. This post comprises several s

Fastback 11 - Cockpit rails

Thu, 05 Nov 2015 11:31:37 GMT

Today I set about installing the rails for the ground adjustable rudder pedals. I immediately noticed that I had drilled every hole to the wrong size. The

Fuselage 23 - Misc Work

Sun, 01 Nov 2015 20:23:14 GMT

Miscellaneous tasks for the construction of a Van's Aircraft RV-8.

Fuselage 22 - Seats and Floors

Sat, 31 Oct 2015 22:34:27 GMT

Riveting and installation of the cockpit floors for a Van's Aircraft RV-8

Fuselage 21 - Return from priming

Sun, 25 Oct 2015 20:30:10 GMT

RV-8 build log post detailing the riveting of seat backs.

Fuselage 20 - More Priming

Sun, 27 Sep 2015 23:03:14 GMT

That pile of parts waiting to be primed was larger than I thought! I had to do 3 more sessions today to finish priming all of them. I forgot to take pictur

A few website changes

Mon, 21 Sep 2015 18:31:05 GMT

Recently I made a few changes to the website, that I had been meaning to do since day one, but I was either too lazy, or stumbled in figuring out how to ma

Fuselage 19 - Priming multiple parts

Sun, 20 Sep 2015 23:24:27 GMT

I have a substantial pile of parts that are awaiting priming. The first three photos are all the parts I brought to the paint booth to paint. Both the forw

Finish Kit Arrives

Fri, 18 Sep 2015 23:21:54 GMT

On Monday of this week, my finishing kit arrived. Unfortunately, I was so busy at work, I wasn't even able to meet them at the airport. I had to send my wi

Sportair Electrical Systems & Avionics

Sat, 12 Sep 2015 12:26:23 GMT

I signed up for the Sportair Electrical Systems & Avionics course awhile ago, but gave serious consideration to canceling. I have a degree in electrical en

Finishing Kit

Sun, 06 Sep 2015 17:38:43 GMT

I received notice that my finishing kit has shipped and should arrive this Friday, September 11th. This is my final "kit" purchase from Van's although ther

Fastback 10 (5.0 hrs)

Mon, 31 Aug 2015 16:39:41 GMT

Lots of miscellaneous tasks in this post. First, I had been unsure how to position the nut plates shown in the first photo here. The instructions from Show

Fastback 9 (4.0 hrs)

Wed, 26 Aug 2015 19:02:16 GMT

Not a lot to report in this post. I deburred and dimpled both the forward and aft fuselage skins, and any miscellaneous parts associated with both that had

Fastback 8 (5.0 hrs)

Tue, 25 Aug 2015 20:08:04 GMT

First on today's agenda was to do a little practice for the double flush rivets I would need to set for the forward fuse skin to F 821afb. I did this by dr

Fastback 7 (4.0 hrs)

Mon, 17 Aug 2015 23:01:58 GMT

When I attached the forward skin yesterday there were a few items I ignored in favor of focusing on the skin modifications. First among these were the bagg

Fuselage 18 - Rudder pedals

Sun, 16 Aug 2015 23:47:23 GMT

Build log post detailing the installation of ground adjustable rudder pedals for a Van's Aircraft RV-8.

Fastback 6

Sun, 16 Aug 2015 23:44:23 GMT

RV-8 build post detailing the installation of the forward skin on a Van's Aircraft RV-8 with a Show Planes Fastback conversion.

Fastback 5

Sat, 15 Aug 2015 21:51:09 GMT

RV-8 build log detailing the deburring and preparing of aft fuselage bulkheads.

Fastback 4

Sun, 09 Aug 2015 20:33:11 GMT

RV-8 build post detailing the installation of cockpit rails for a Show Planes Fastback conversion.

Fastback 3

Thu, 06 Aug 2015 20:35:12 GMT

RV-8 build detailing the installation of a Show Planes Fastback conversion. In this post I remove the after fuselage skin and bulkhead for further prep.

Fastback 2

Sun, 02 Aug 2015 22:12:09 GMT

RV-8 build post detailing the installation of the aft fuselage upper skin for a show planes fastback modification.

Fastback 1

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 19:32:45 GMT

RV-8 build blog post detailing the arrival and inventory of a Show Planes Fastback kit.

Fuselage 17 (5.0 hrs)

Sun, 26 Jul 2015 18:57:12 GMT

RV-8 build entry detailing the priming of interior parts for a Van's Aircraft kit built airplane.

Paint Shop - Completed

Sat, 25 Jul 2015 22:50:17 GMT

Final work on a paint booth for a Van's Aircraft RV-8 build.

Fuselage 16 (4.0 hrs)

Sun, 19 Jul 2015 21:12:42 GMT

RV-8 build entry detailing the installation of ground adjustable rudder pedals and rear rudder pedals for a Van's Aircraft kit built airplane.

Paint Booth

Sun, 12 Jul 2015 22:45:20 GMT

Building a paint booth for a Van's Aircraft RV-8 in a old barn!

Finish kit + cowl and extras

Sat, 11 Jul 2015 22:50:18 GMT

Purchasing spare parts and a finishing kit from Van's Aircraft.

Fuselage 15 (3.5)

Thu, 02 Jul 2015 13:56:45 GMT

Detailing the construction of control rods for a Van's Aircraft RV-8 Build.

Fuselage 14 (2.0)

Mon, 29 Jun 2015 21:44:13 GMT

Tonight I began working ahead in the instructions in order to have as many parts for priming as possible. Here is the pile of parts I have so far.

Making a home paint booth

Sat, 27 Jun 2015 19:24:50 GMT

Since I began this project I intended to paint the entire aircraft myself. I'm confident with all the experts around that I can do it successfully. To that

Fuselage 13 (3.0 hrs)

Fri, 26 Jun 2015 20:20:19 GMT

RV-8 build detailing work on the cockpit interior.

Fuselage 12 (3.0 hrs)

Thu, 25 Jun 2015 23:12:57 GMT

After a ton of deburring and cleaning up in the last shop session it was time to dimple many of the parts for the floors of the cockpit. For the floors I n

Fuselage 11 (2.0 hrs)

Mon, 22 Jun 2015 22:20:02 GMT

RV-8 build detailing work on the fuselage.

Wings 42 (0.5 hr)

Mon, 22 Jun 2015 21:15:34 GMT

Not much to report. I riveted the spar to the ribs under where the fuel tank will attach to the spar. These were the only remaining rivets in the structure

Fuel Tanks (0.5 hr)

Mon, 22 Jun 2015 20:13:47 GMT

RV-8 build detailing the leak testing of a fuel tank for a Van's Aircraft RV-8 kit built airplane.

Fuselage 10 (4.0 hrs)

Sun, 07 Jun 2015 23:14:34 GMT

RV-8 build post detailing the installation of cockpit floors and setbacks in a Van's Aircraft.

Fuselage 9 (1.5 hrs)

Wed, 03 Jun 2015 21:24:14 GMT

Today I set about match drilling the flap bearing blocks in order to install the forward nut plates.

Fuselage 8 (3.0 hrs)

Mon, 01 Jun 2015 23:12:17 GMT

RV-8 build detailing the attachment of the flap actuator bearing blocks.

Fuselage 7 (1.5 hrs)

Sun, 31 May 2015 21:15:27 GMT

RV-8 build detailing the installation of cockpit floors.

Fuselage 6 (3.0 hrs)

Mon, 25 May 2015 17:44:43 GMT

Build log for a Van's Aircraft RV-8. In this post, work on the cockpit floors, flap bearing blocks, and wing conduit.

Wings 41 (4.0 hrs)

Sun, 24 May 2015 18:05:10 GMT

The first order of business today was to clean up the shop from yesterday's battle with the landing gear. Today I was hoping to work on the bottom skins. M

Fuselage 5 (6.5 hrs)

Sat, 23 May 2015 20:00:22 GMT

RV-8 Build log entry detailing the alignment of the main landing gear legs on a Van's Aircraft RV-8 kit built airplane.

Fuselage 4 (1.0 hr)

Fri, 22 May 2015 21:00:30 GMT

A quick trip to the hangar to continue work on the fuselage floor. First, I needed to match drill the left and right rear floors as well as the rear baggag

Fuselage 3 (2.0 hrs)

Wed, 20 May 2015 08:00:50 GMT

Beginning of the floor installation on a Van's Aircraft RV-8.

Fuselage 2 (2.0 hrs)

Tue, 19 May 2015 20:30:53 GMT

Detailing the assembly of the pilot's (front) seat back for a Van's Aircraft RV-8.

Showplanes Fastback

Mon, 18 May 2015 21:25:34 GMT

A quick post detailing why I decided to purchase a Showplanes Fastback conversion kit for a Van's Aircraft RV-8.

Fuel Tanks 35 (1.0 hr)

Mon, 18 May 2015 20:49:04 GMT

Details on sealing an access plate in the fuel tank of a Van's Aircraft RV-8.

Fuselage 1 (5.0 hrs)

Sat, 16 May 2015 20:00:03 GMT

Detailing the initial steps to installing the main landing gear on a Van's Aircraft RV-8 kit built aircraft.

Wings 40 (2.0 hrs)

Sun, 10 May 2015 23:15:17 GMT

Build log detailing the routing of the AOA and pitot lines around the aileron bell crank with custom brackets for a Van's Aircraft RV-8 kit built airplane.

Fuel Tanks 34 (3.0 hrs)

Sun, 10 May 2015 20:13:32 GMT

Builder's log detailing the repair of a leaking fuel tank on a Van's Aircraft RV-8 kit built airplane.

Fuel Tanks 33 (2.5 hrs)

Sat, 09 May 2015 20:14:16 GMT

Today it was time to start repairing the leaking tank. I started with the dreaded task of removing the processed access plate. I've read some posts that sa

Wings 39 (4.0 hrs)

Tue, 05 May 2015 19:09:19 GMT

A couple of projects for today's shop session. My buddy Jimmy gave me his motorcycle lift which I plan to use to support the center of the fuselage. Yes, i

Multiple Sessions (12.0 hrs)

Sun, 26 Apr 2015 20:00:11 GMT

A builder log detailing multiple projects on the wings of a Van's Aircraft RV-8 kit build plane.

Fuselage Rotisserie 2 (4.0 hrs)

Tue, 21 Apr 2015 23:30:50 GMT

Mounting the quick build fuselage of a Van's Aircraft RV-8 to a rotating stand.

Fuel Tanks 32 (2.0 hrs)

Tue, 21 Apr 2015 23:16:47 GMT

Okay, first thing is first. I've been slacking on keeping up with my posts, and tonight I find myself several posts behind. I'm tired, so they are likely t

Fuselage stand / Rotisserie (5.0 hrs)

Mon, 13 Apr 2015 00:55:04 GMT

Building a rotating fuselage stand for a quickbuild fuselage kit for a Van's Aircraft RV-8 airplane.

Fuselage Inventory (6.0 hrs)

Sat, 11 Apr 2015 22:00:00 GMT

Fuselage inventory actually spanned two sessions in the shop. There isn't much to report, I am only missing three items. I had to buy some more small parts

QB Fuselage Arrives!!

Thu, 02 Apr 2015 22:00:52 GMT

Receiving my quick-build fuselage kit via ABF from Van's Aircraft.

Hangar prepped for fuselage

Sun, 29 Mar 2015 22:38:36 GMT

My quick build fuselage will be arriving this coming Friday. The way my hangar is currently organized, I won't have any room for it, so I needed to rethink

Wings 38 (5.0 hrs)

Sun, 29 Mar 2015 14:14:41 GMT

Dimpling the bottom wing skins for a Van's Aircraft RV-8 kit built airplane.

Wings 37 (1.0 hr)

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 18:07:15 GMT

Riveting the ribs to the spar for the intersection that lies underneath the fuel tank skin on a Van's Aircraft RV-8 kit plane.

QB Fuselage Shipped!

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 18:05:56 GMT

My quick build fuselage has arrived at Van's two months early! Crating is complete and ABF has picked that bad boy up. It will be here next Friday! Now I r

Fuel Tanks 31 (8.0 hrs)

Sun, 08 Mar 2015 22:00:05 GMT

Build log detailing the final sealing of the fuel tanks for a Van's Aircraft RV-8 kit built airplane.

Ailerons 18 (2.0 hr)

Fri, 06 Mar 2015 22:00:40 GMT

Builder log detailing the installation of bell cranks and other miscellaneous tasks on a Van's Aircraft RV-8 Kitbuilt airplane.

Support Pilot's Bill of Rights 2

Mon, 02 Mar 2015 17:24:34 GMT

Be sure to support the Pilot's Bill of Rights 2, by asking your Senators and Representatives for support.