Last updated - 9/1/06.

This section contains links to some of the "special projects" that I am working on for extra credit. Ok, so you don't get extra credit for doing things yourself. In fact, it appears that the airplanes that have the best chance of being a "show plane" are not built or painted by the actual owner. However, being able to do these types of experiments is one of the things that makes building your airplane worth it. You can hardly change a screw on a production airplane without breaking an FAA regulation. Just think what they would say if you installed your own experimental lighting system.

Some of these projects, such as the panel labels and upholstery, are just "skill building" projects that I am working on prior to actually performing the required tasks on the airplane. Some of the other special projects, involve designing boards or devices to use on the airplane.

• Instrument Panel Labels.
  This project describes the different processes and techniques that I have experimented with for creating instrument panel labels.

• Interior upholstery.
  Since I want to do my own seats and side upholstery, I have to learn how to sew upholstery and make side covers. This project shows some of the test pieces that I have made before actually trying to sew a real seat cushion and seat back for the airplane.

• LED Nav/Strobe Light Project.
  I have designed my own LED Nav lights, and am looking at possibly doing my own LED Strobe lights, also.

• Landing/Taxi Light Project.
  Describes my progress on building wing tip landing and taxi lights.

• Fuse Status Project.
  Since I am going to use fuse boxes instead of circuit breakers, I would like to know the status of each fuse at all times. This project satisfies that requirement.

• Capacitive Fuel Gauges Project.
  I am using capacitive fuel senders, but most fuel gauges and EIS monitors do not support capacitive fuel senders. So, I can either buy expensive gauges, or expensive converters, or design my own. I think you know what I plan on doing. Besides, other builders have complained that the capacitive senders do not work right if you use mogas instead of avfuel, so I plan on fixing the problem.

• Adventures in Fiberglass.
  Ok, I know we are building a metal airplane, but sometimes it's just easier to do some things in fiberglass. How about an arm rest, or a center console, or even wing fairings (ok, not yet, but maybe later).

• Soldering Aluminum.
  For the engine build, I expect to have to build an intake manifold. This will be either fiberglass or aluminum. All of the books that I have on welding aluminum say it is very difficult to do. However, I have found an alternative to welding ...