Check Six Aviation

Proving that ANYONE can build an airplane.

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Welp… looks as if I’m ordering more parts from @vansaircraftinc. I was trying to trim the trim tab ribs that set too far back after ProSealing and, using a Dremel cutting disc, accidentally cut into the skin.

I may have to put Section 9 on the back burner until I can afford to order the replacement parts I need (it’s much more than this trim tab assembly).

Mistakes are frustrating but they also make it worth it when the entire project is complete.

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Building My Airplane: progress was made yesterday after confirming that the parts to be assembled were primed to satisfaction. We went from a slightly organized pile of #airplane #parts to a mostly finished product portion.

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For so long, I’ve dreamed of getting to this point where I’m installing parts onto the #RV10. Now, that time is finally here. Dreams come true for those who plan how to make them a reality!

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Now, if only I can find where I put that #rudder counterbalance weight…

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#vansaircraft #vansaircraftrv10 #builtnotbought #vansairforce #airplanesarecool #airplane #airplanebuilder #avgeek #avgeeks #aviation #avporn #experimentalaircraft #eaa #aopa #builtathome #experimentalaircraftassociation

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Cover me. I’m going in!

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This is the first time I’m using my #spraygun and the #first time using #akzonobel #primer. Most of these are effectively test pieces but some of them are still usable and will get installed on the #RV10 kit from @vansaircraftinc.

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The reason there are test pieces is because I bought my primer before I was ready to use it (something I don’t recommend) and it sat around for a little over the 2-year shelf life. I did have to buy a drill-driven mixing auger to get the base back to a usable state. I’m crossing my fingers and thankful that I only mixed up a small batch.

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I’m crossing my fingers that this works.

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Thanks to @buildflygo for his video on priming and preparing for primer.

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#primetime #vansaircraft #vansaircraftrv10 #vansairforce #test #builtnotbought #avgeek #pilot #experimentalaircraft #homebuiltaircraft #homebuiltairplane #vansairforce #vansaircraftbuilders

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Inventory of the #rv10 #empennage #kit is in full swing… 2 years after receiving it! . I’m told that #shop #organization is super critical when #building an #airplane. I’m thinking this #system might work well. But, I could be wrong. . . . #backtowork #avgeek #builtnotbought #homebuiltaircraft #homebuilt #experimentalaircraft #eaa #aopa #vansaircraft #vansairforce #rivets #storage #drawers #storagecabinet (at Abilene, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqTRmIeOAnb/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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What’s cooking in the new #workshop? . The #vanslightbox, of course! . After all, I need to make sure everyone knows what my favorite airplane (#kit) manufacturer is. 😂 . . . . . #avgeek #avgeeks #airplane #airplanekit #airplanebuilder #studentpilot #airplanesarecool #vansaircraft #vansaircraftrv10 #vansairforce #flying #flyingvideos #eaa #aopa #airplanebuildvideos #checkyoursix #aviation #aviationathome #texasaviation #texasaviator (at Abilene, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqN5gdks3da/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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The #collapsible #paintbooth construction has begun. This is going to be interesting to see how #God guides me through this process. . I still have to make another one of these at the same dimensions (48”x55”). . I’m #grateful for having friends at @evokeaviation because of this. Jonathan has been instrumental with his #advice on what I’ll need for great results when it comes to #priming my #vansaircraftrv10. . . . . #vansaircraft #vansairforce #airplanes #experimentalairplane #experimentalaviation #avgeek #rv10 #rv10build #rv10buildprep (at Abilene, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqGlrkVO5Wq/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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This is something I should have done last time I sunk #power #cables but didn’t. Burying #yellow #caution #tape will save a ton of headaches in the future if anyone needs to dig through here. . The upside is that I’ll #hopefully have #electricity to the #AirplaneFactory v1.0 this #weekend! . In the meantime, it’s #backtowork! . . . . . . #avgeek #construction #constructionlife #digging #digger #aviation #rv10buildprep #buildingaworkshop #vansaircraft #vansairforce #studentpilot (at Abilene, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp2w1VZOWsN/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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This is what you call #dedication to getting a #job done. . The next major step in completing the #AirplaneFactory v1.0 is connecting the #electricity to the power box 45 feet away. . This involves (re)digging a trench 2 feet deep (although my 1st attempt was only an average one one foot) and using 1-1/2” conduit this time for all 3 cables (I mistakenly had only one before). . Working until the light’s battery died, I was able to get almost all of the old conduit uncovered. The rest will be done after church tomorrow. . With any #luck, I’ll be flipping the light switch and seeing my shop lights come on and firing up the air compressor for the first time in its new home. (at Abilene, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CprNajdsTjj/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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Remember that #wasp problem I had last year when it seemed I had been invaded by them? . Well, it turns out they hate #minty smelling stuff! . A soap and water solution with a few drops of #spearmint oil and they left like being driven out by #StPatrick! . The upside is my #workshop smells like a @wrigleysgum factory! I’m going to enjoy building my #airplane in here!! . . . . #sweetsmells #sweetsmell #instagood #naturalremedies #nontoxic #insectrepellent #wasprepellent #avgeek #instapilot #studentpilot #environmentallyfriendly (at Abilene, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpqaNk5PFE5/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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After an after-work marathon of finishing up the #flooring #installation, moving day finally came. . I just need to get a toolbox to organize this shop and clear off the #workbench. . Now, I can focus more on digging the trench for the electrical cables and finally connect this place to power. . . . . #construction #constructionlife #airplanefactory #avgeek #vansaircraft #vansaircraftrv10 #vansairforce #building #buildingaworkshop #workbench #chair #barstool #buildanairplane #airplanesarecool #checkyoursix (at Abilene, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpi_BGWMemj/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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#Floor #redo part 2! I wasn’t happy with the results I was getting, partly due to not being experienced nor having the proper tools. . At first, I was relying on the Al self-stick backing; which turned out to be a huge mistake. I was having issues with tiles bowing out and just not sticking to the floor entirely. . After a gallon of VCT Floor Adhesive, a flooring trowel, and a heat gun, I launched off to the races! . This time, I’m doing the brick pattern that I should have done in the first place. In some ways, it almost feels like @therealjimmysworld around here because of needing to do this twice. 🤣 . The #adventure continues! . . . #construction #constructionlife #building #buildingmaterials #avgeek #buildingaworkshop #workshop #buildanairplane #workinprogress #wip #diy #diyairplane #airplanefactory #experimentalaircraft #vansaircraft #vansrv10 #doingitright #studentpilot #vansairforce (at Abilene, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpb5NcPsj2d/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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Amy has been overjoyed by the amount of room we have available in the house now that moving some of the #shop #tools to their new home has begun. . Found out that I didn’t need as many boxes of #flooring #tiles as I thought. It’s a good thing I didn’t buy more yet. Only one more box will finish up the #interior and allow me to move more stuff into the #workshop. . While I was hoping to be starting to pound rivets today, I know it will be sometime during this month before this dream will become a reality. . At least I have my chair to sit on (the box closest to the door) while I’m #building my #RV10 #tail #kit. . . . . #excited #projectalmostdone #construction #constructionlife #cantstopwontstop #followyourdreams #avgeek #studentpilot #amateur #amateurairplanebuilder #keepitgoing #airplanesarecool #buildingaworkshop #rv10buildprep #vansaircraft #vansaircraftinc #vansaircraftrv10 #vansairforce #builtnotbought #checkyoursix (at Abilene, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpQ5VFpr4Mo/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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With the painting completed, except for a few minor touch-up areas, it is time to start laying down the #floor. . As I installed each plank, I had @thealabamaband playing “Lay Me Down” in my head. Any #tile #installers have this happen? 😂 . Anyway, the first piece of #shop #equipment is in its new home! My wife is overjoyed about this! #HappyWifeHappyLife . . . . . #avgeek #construction #constructionlife #eaa #aopa #rv10buildprep #vansaircraft #vansaircraftinc #vansairforce #floorinstallation #studentpilot #experimentalaircraft (at Abilene, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpN5h0_u1_k/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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I have to imagine that this is what @evokeaviation somewhat goes through when they get ready to #paint #airplanes. . All #walls have been #masked off and we’re ready for primer on the top half. . And, yes… Serena was a HUGE help! . . . . . #construction #constructionlife #interior #interiorpaint #interiorpainting #priming #paintprep #avgeek #experimentalaircraft #buildingaworkshop #rv10 #rv10build #rv10buildprep #eaa #aopa (at Abilene, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpJA-nrveTm/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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After about 4 coats of Cut #Ruby, the #red is finally showing even saturation on all 4 #walls! . Tomorrow brings taping #lines for the top half in preparation for the lighter #shade I’m using on top. This is going to look #amazing! . And, yes… I’ll cover the red with plastic to the floor to protect from drips.. . . . . #building #build #buildaworkshop #buildinganairplane #rv10 #rv10build #rv10buildprep #vansaircraft #vansairforce #construction #constructionlife #paint #painter #interior #interiordecor #avgeek #studentpilot #eaa #aopa (at Abilene, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpG71DNOP7D/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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And now, a #preview of the #flooring choice for the #AirplaneFactory v1.0! . It’s supposed to rain this weekend (2-26-23), so I definitely need to get these walls painted the rest of the way before Sunday so I can start making the wife happy by moving all the hardware out of our bedroom (finally). . . . . #avgeek #experimentalaircraft #build #building #buildingaworkshop #construction #constructionlife #vansaircraft #vansairforce #checkyoursix (at Abilene, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpBfL0Xrogn/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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@davenportofficial was on target! 🎯 . Red (and darker colors in general) cover like crap!💩 . I used two quarts of paint on the same wall attempting to even out the color saturation. . Lessons learned! A trip to @loweshomeimprovement to get a gallon this time and I’m on to finish the rest of these lower half of the #interior walls. . I’m guessing it’s going to take at least 4 coats total on each wall to make everything look even. . The first picture is from yesterday. The second picture is today after the second coat of #paint . . . . . #painting #paintingwalls #red #vision #visionary #youcandoit #diy #construction #constructionlife #amateur #eaa #aopa #experimentalaircraft #vansrv10 #vansaircraft #vansaircraftinc #vansairforce (at Abilene, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/Co-V3l3LTQn/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=