DR-1 (Sands): Builders Group - Page 222

baldeagle · 19 May 2008, 08:53 AM

Don't know what dia. and pitch the prop is, it's a metal one, I'll see if I can find out the dimensions. The aircraft is a 30 year old replica built from Sands plans, all diagonal tubing bracing in the fuselage, no wires, and a push/pull system for the ailerons, which works very well. Only flew if for about 15 minutes at a time, but don't believe it has any cooling issues.

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Dogtail2 · 19 May 2008, 02:44 PM

Thanks Baldeagle,

It probably has a metal prop to help with CG issues.

Ive started on the sheet metal forward of the cockpit.

The metal will have to be 'bumped' to clear where it sits over the spar brackets. At the moment it touches them.

I made card/paper templates to get the right shape.

I have no sheet metal slip rollers or folder, so it will all have to be shaped by hand.

Fokker210 · 21 May 2008, 08:06 PM

Outstanding work Dogtail2 !

I know the following question has been answered before but I'm finally ready to close up my spars with the top plates. Am I correct that no FAA inspection is required nowadays before I close them up ? I am having my local EAA technical advisor come out to have a look before I do but just want to be absolutely sure before the final piece goes on.

Due to pure laziness on my part, I haven't sifted through the regs yet (but I plan to, don't worry), just wanted a quick answer from you guys first.

I know I haven't posted many pics lately but repetitive shots of spars can get awfully boring - I know I'm getting tired of looking at them

. But don't worry, this GA tripe is still plugging along !

Many thanks !

fighterjock44 · 22 May 2008, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fokker210

Outstanding work Dogtail2 !

I know the following question has been answered before but I'm finally ready to close up my spars with the top plates. Am I correct that no FAA inspection is required nowadays before I close them up ? I am having my local EAA technical advisor come out to have a look before I do but just want to be absolutely sure before the final piece goes on.

Due to pure laziness on my part, I haven't sifted through the regs yet (but I plan to, don't worry), just wanted a quick answer from you guys first.

I know I haven't posted many pics lately but repetitive shots of spars can get awfully boring - I know I'm getting tired of looking at them

. But don't worry, this GA tripe is still plugging along !

Many thanks !

Contact your local FSDO and they will send you a package with guidelines and regulations concerning amatuer-built aircraft. The information you're asking about is contained in Aircraft Circular 20-27F paragraph 11 section 2. It states, "The FAA inspector cannot be involved in the building process and will not perform any progressive or in-process inspections during the building process."

Good luck with the build. I'm two years in on my Dr1

Jim Bruton · 26 May 2008, 05:58 PM

Here are some photos of my recent work. Brought the project home for a little while...

Jim

Maxim08 · 27 May 2008, 04:24 PM

Jim,
Your aircraft looks great.
Perhaps next summer you can meet up with ours at Geneseo.
Regards,
John

Jim Bruton · 27 May 2008, 04:38 PM

Thanks John!

One bolt at a time, one wire at a time...step by step I'll get there. I would love to see you and your team up there- fingers crossed!

All the Best,

Jim

Dogtail2 · 27 May 2008, 11:27 PM

Jim, looking good !!

I see, as per original, you are not using the tube reinforcement for the cockpit opening.

Jim Bruton · 28 May 2008, 05:25 AM

Hi Pete,

And thanks!

Actually, there are a few places where I am deviating from the plans to favor the original design- the middle wing rear cut-outs, landing gear and cabane rigging, tailskid and the curved tubes directly in front of the cockpit (machine gun mounts). The fatboy ring is another point of departure. I actually do have the pieces cut, just waiting for Ed to come over and weld them in for me (his job gets in the way of my airplane building! lol). The version of fatboy ring Ed and I will build goes around the rear half of the cockpit only- not continuing to the curved upper tubes in front of the cockpit. We might kick ourselves later on for this, but it's the way we're doing it for the moment. That also includes the center strip on the turtle deck, rather than 3.

If Ed makes it over next week, we should be able to get a lot of this small welding done and I'll update with some more photos.

Actually starting to look like a plane.

Pete, your progress is so rapid- did you quit your job to build airplanes?

Have a great day everyone.

Jim

Dogtail2 · 3 June 2008, 01:34 AM

Does anyone know what thickness aluminium is used for the ammo boxes and is it the same for the shutes?

Thanks.

I'm having the same trouble Jeff had in making these things. Top one is from .020" sheet. It split. Lower one is from .050". Better, but still no good.