The first month...

Well it's been just over a month since my Searey has arrived and I am quite pleased with the progress. It is actually starting to look like an aeroplane and I am getting used to how everything works. If you are interested in more information and to see what a completed Searey looks like, go to the manufacturers website at http://www.searey.com/

The first thing that goes together is the main bulkhead which is the integral part of the fuselage that everything else bolts onto.

The next bit is assemble the forward cockpit including rudder pedals....

..... and attach it to the bulkhead.....

The root support (where the engine will eventually be bolted onto) is then fitted.....

Next is the boom that makes up the rear section of the fuselage.....

See I told you it is starting to look like an aeroplane!

Next I flushed out the fuel tank to remove rubbish as a result of the manufacturing process and painted it with aviation grade etch primer.

then upholstered the console.......

fitted a heavier duty forward fuel tank support angle......

and made and fitted a bracket for the inline fuel filter. Because the fuel tank is an Australian modification, it means that I have to manufacture some parts as they are not included in the US kit.

Next step was to fit an electric fuel pump. Even though the engine I have chosen, a Rotax 912S, has an engine driven fuel pump, I have fitted a back up electric type for take off, landings and in case of the engine driven one failing.... always nice to have back up systems! I made up some brackets and fitted it to the lower bulkhead making sure to fit some his density foam between the pump and the mounting point to stop vibration.

I was going to fit the fuel tank now however I thought that it would make it more difficult to fit the electric undercarriage system with it in situ so I have decided to fit the gear first. The electric gear that I will be fitting is the third generation for the Searey. The first Seareys had a manual system, then they went to an electric/hydraulic and now the electric type. Because it is quite a new system the manufacturers, Progresssive Aerodyne in Florida US, haven't got around to updating the assembly manual so I am relying on photos from Rob Loneragan (Australian Distributor and now building his 4th Searey) and his verbal advice. I have found it OK however I have to guess what bolts to use and some don't seem quite long enough as all bolts use nyloc nuts and ideally there are supposed to be a couple of threads showing when tight and some don't so I may have to buy longer bolts for some parts. Because I live 150kmh from a major centre that sells aviation grade bolts it holds production up sometimes and can be frustrating.

I have loosely assembled the gear to fully understand how the system works and to make sure I have all parts required.

I have some concerns regarding the "over centre" position as I believe there is not enough of it! There is quite a simple way to adjust it so I will fill you in on the results next month.

I know this looks all very quick and easy however it has taken me just over 31 hours to get to this stage.

See how we go next month.