Color Samples for Instrument Panel

I found an online vendor, Prismatic Powders, that offers powder coat paint in a large variety of colors. My goal is to find a color that will complement the upholstery color, so in this case, something of a dark gray tone. This color will be applied to the throttle...

Side Skin Install Part 3

After working on a lot of small prep tasks the last week or so, I’ve been anxiously looking forward to riveting the side skin to the fuselage. Today, my patience was rewarded and I was finally able to pull some rivets! The last of the small tasks I had...

Side Skin Install Part 2

I was only able to log about an hour on 14 July. I started to install the long side rail angle (CF-ANG-010-R-C) that runs the length of the side skin, as well as a number of gussets that connect this rail to the uprights. The gussets share a number...

Side Skin Install Part 1

I’ve been falling behind on regular posts, but I intend to return to a regular rhythm — if not daily, at least on the days when I work on the plane.. So, this post is a little longer as it captures work performed 8 – 13 July. I’ve started...

SB 0017 Modification

Sling Aircraft issued Service Bulletin 0017 earlier this month, indicating that the elevator torque tube may have been incorrectly assembled at the factory. The issue is that the elevator control stop plates may have been incorrectly attached with aluminum rivets, whereas stainless steel rivets are required for the shear...

Starting Side Skins and Insulation

Per a suggestion from Craig M’s fuselage build order (link), I’m starting the side skin installation by installing the forward interior wall skins first. I’m glad I did, because I had to drill out some rivets in the floor skin that are shared with the wall skin, and it...

Searching for Hangar Space

I’ve started searching for a place to do final assembly. My two leading choices right now are at Nashua Airport and Fitchburg Airport. Both have larger “community” hangars. In my mind I pictured getting a private T-hangar, but I guess those are pretty rare, and even then, they are...

Rear Seat Belts Part 4

This weekend, I took a break from working on my heating system to complete the seat belt mods for the rear seat. Both seating positions now have a retractable 3-point belt. The second one went a little easier than the first, thanks to a few new tricks along the...

Custom Heating System

I’ve been busy designing a custom heating system for my plane, which is why I haven’t posted in a little while. My Sling 4 kit would normally include a cuff-style heater, which heats air by passing it over the exhaust pipe. It’s a basic system, but many small airplanes...

Rear Seat Belts Mod Part 3

When I first wrote about my rear seat belt modifications, I initially planned to mount the inertia reel below the floor, and then cut a slot in the floor to route the belt up to the shoulder anchor point. However, the more I thought about it, the more I...