One of the things that I'm really enjoying about being in the shop working on airplanes is it gives me a great way to decompress from work as a 911 dispatch supervisor.

With new technology arriving every day at work, it becomes very difficult to champion change as a team leader in the communication centre.  We're all feeling a bit overwhelmed and morale at work isn't the greatest right now.  I think too that we all feel we were robbed of the  summer as the leaves are already changing here in our part of northern Ontario.  Winters tend to be fairly sedate (we don't use the "Q" word - that's how you summon death and mayhem in emergency services) and as a result nightshifts feel longer.  It's no fun going to work in the morning when it's dark and coming home when it's dark.

Going to the shop for some plane therapy helps, so that's where I headed tonight.

I made working on the 701 wing extension a priority tonight as Ron wants to get that finished up so we can concentrate on both my 750 build and finishing off his Scout.  Once they are complete I'll be able to get some stick time in both while we fly off the required post inspection hours.  We're aiming for spring and that should be around the time I'll need use of the workbench for my wings and fuselage.

I've been working on the wing tip extensions.  We decided to extend them by 18 inches and this requires extending the wing spar caps as well.  These will be extended out to the tips, giving a much stiffer extension that what the plans call for.

Here I'm using the rivet pitch guide to centre punch mark the rivet hole locations.

After marking, and using the drill press to make the  holes in each of the upper and lower cap angles, I backdrilled each of the spar cap extensions through the spar web extensionm adding clecos as I went to ensure the spar web cap remained in the correct place.

Take it all apart and debur all the holes on each piece (my new tool works great for that!).  Then reassemble with clecos and test fit in position at the end of the wing spar.  Perfect fit, tight and level!

Fit the front side spar web extension doubler and back drill through the web.  Disassemble, debur, reasemble for final fit:

I've made the spar caps match the angle of the spar tips.  Really like how they look and how they will secure the tip skins:

Great progress tonight...... not bad for 3 hours of therapy :)

Those that know me also know that I tend to stew on things.  It's a trait I've always had and as I grow older, I've tried turning the energy that is wasted away worrying about the little things and more towards solving the problem or fixing the mistake.  It doesn't always work, but sometimes, with a little thought and time to ponder it does.

I got to thinking about the Rear Wing Root channel that I made the "oops cut" on last week.  Looking over the plans, not all is lost.  I'd already made the flange end longer than what the plans called for.  Beefing things up in this manner is an accepted practice.  This larger flange means that I still have room to correct my mistake and salvage the piece.

Here is the damage I did.  You can clearly see where the cut extended beyond the relief hole:

By trimming the flange end a little bit narrow and creating a new relief hole, I eliminated the bad cut and still met the requirements for size on both.  The corrected mistake is shown on the top in this picture and my second proper length "no damage beyond the relief hole" cut at the bottom:

Once I dressed and deburred the edges of the entire piece, off to the bending brake we went.

Unfortunately, I went a bit far with the lower edge.  It ended up with a full 90 degrees of bend, but needed to be less than 90 to match the curvature of the wing skin.

No big deal, I just made up a jig to bend it back a bit (you can't undo bends in the brake).  The key is to bend it all at once to maintain a consistent edge on the flange.  You can see in the next picture that I placed the channel on the workbench and used a two-by-four and C-clamps to secure it.  Ron has an excellent flanging tool just perfect for adjusting things (painted red):

Worked like a charm... my oops is no more!

Fit up seem good.  Plenty of room for new rivet location and flange matches top of the rib:

Next I worked on making a new wing root attachment bracket to replace the damaged original.  This required cutting thick aluminum with the band saw, a new experience for me (although I've cut wood many times on the bandsaw).  It went well.  The secret is to cut the piece out slightly larger, allowing room to sand/grind the piece smooth to it's final dimension:

Next up will be to make a replacement forward wing attachment bracket and the new wing root spar doubler that we discovered was missing on the original build.  Luckily we have a traceable template for this:

With each repair and new fabrication I'm making, I'm getting the courage up to start bending and shaping metal for my own plane. I CAN do this!

​Happy :)

Yesterday, I called Zenair HQ to inquire if my plans had been shipped yet.  I spoke with Kaitlyn who confirmed my package left their facility via U.S.Postal Service Air Mail on Friday afternoon.

Today, using the tracking number she provided me, I logged into the USPS web-portal and discovered that as of Monday morning my package was somewhere in the bowels of the USPS International Service Center in Chicago.  Further reading reveals the ISC where all outbound mail from the U.S. goes to be sorted for distribution.  I also read that it can be a bit of a black hole and there are many reports of stuff going missing, never to be seen again.

Thankfully when I checked a couple of hours later and my package was showing as of Wednesday morning as being in Canada Customs.  I'm normally more patient than this, but Canada Post and their postal workers union are deep into a nasty labour dispute with both sides threatening strike/lock-out action by midnight tonight!  At this point I hoping my plans wouldn't end up stuck on some conveyor belt or parked truck.

Knowing that web-portals are sometimes slow to update, I took a chance and called my local Post Office (love small towns).  The lady there confirmed for me that I indeed had a package awaiting pick-up!

Brenda was kind enough to drop by and pick it up for me (I was stuck at work).  When I got home, it was waiting for me.  To be honest, I kinda thought it would be a bigger box, but happy nonetheless it has arrived safe!

Opening the box explained a lot.  The plans are curled a bit on one end to fit a standard shipping box:

A fully numbered and complete set of plan drawings and folder with builder resource information including a CD of assembly photos. Really nice stuff.

Who's a happy guy?

Today was supposed to be about cleaning.... but I also managed to get past a recent roadblock that has been keeping me awake at night!

Today's first step was to remove the oil gallery plug from each side of the engine block.  I've read that on 50% of engine cores these never come out, but both of mine came out easy with a 1/4 inch extension on a ratchet:

Next, I filled a tub with hot water and Simple Green (just like the head studs a few days ago).  This is the case half that didn't have any studs remaining.  I wasn't sure I'd be able to fit the second case half in, but at least I can get started on this one:

While this was soaking, I decided to have another go at those two stubborn head studs.  So far no amount of PB Blaster or gentle persuasion has convinced them to move even the slightest.  A couple of days ago (see my last blog entry) I added a little of "home brew" mix to the studs.

I had the time today to give another try at removing them.  I didn't expect 48 hours would be enough time for it to soak in the ATF and acetone "home brew" mix but WOW!  They came out very easy with very little wrenching!  The "home brew" worked AMAZING!

Now I've got the best chance to install all the head studs even and properly and stop worrying about two that were only partially into the block. Very cool!

​By this point, I was ready to get started on cleaning the case halves.  Just to prove that I'm actually doing something, Brenda took some photos of me scrubbing away some grime:

Both halves somewhat complete, a quick pressure wash to rinse off the dirty water and drying in the sun:

They look great, but as they dry I notice some spots that will require some more cleaning attention.  Lots of spots that are hard to get at with a scrub sponge, I'll have another go with a toothbrush and maybe the Dremel tool and a 3M wheel.  I also see a bunch of casting flash from the factory that needs to be removed to improve oil flow.  It's surprising how little GM did in this regard.

I have some rusty spots that will also require some attention.  I'll do some research on the best way to address this.

​Good progress today, especially the last two head studs.  Moving on!

Completed a milestone today with inventory.  All parts catalogued, numbered and tagged using the numbering system from the conversion manual.  Similar items placed in totes, totes numbered accordingly.  All stacked and awaiting cleaning, measuring and disposition:

From top to bottom:

• 30 bin wallmount storage rack purchased at Princess Auto on sale - already storing loose hardware
• 110hp bare engine block - this will mounted on my engine work stand once I purchase some longer bolt hardware
• 4 stacked bins at the back contain parts needed for the conversion, or to be sent as core pieces for re-work.  It also contains "8888" group numbers.  I used this number to represent parts and assemblies that I've yet to identify as either needed for the conversion or transferable to the "9999" group.
• large bin in front contains parts from the "9999" group.  I used this number to represent parts and assemblies that are good items to be traded and sold, but not needed for the conversion.  This includes the carbs, top engine shroud and other items.  Should bring good value.

I've also got a bin full of associated hardware bolt, nuts, old gaskets etc.:

All of these were loose items in a pail and are typically filthy and rusty as to be expected from a 50 year old engine.  They will need to be cleaned and assessed before making a decision on keep or toss.

Next step will be to build a parts cleaner.... stay tuned :)

What used to look like this:

Now looks much, MUCH better:​

The biggest change is floor space.  I'm no longer tripping over stuff to work on other stuff.  Most of that is from better organization and better work surfaces.  And a personal commitment to put stuff back where it belongs.... HA!

It's certainly not perfect.  I still have some decisions to make on some of the smaller items and some stuff to get rid of (bonfire anyone?)  I doubt it ever will be perfect, but it's a darn sight better than what it was!

On another note, I picked up a digital calliper on sale at Home Hardware during their no tax sale this weekend:

Like the dial indicator I bought a couple of weeks ago, this will be an invaluable tool to measure the engine components as I pull apart the core engine.

Off tomorrow to look at 2 cores that should be acceptable for conversion!  Now I have space to work.  Very motivating :)

The conversion manual I ordered is finally in my hands!

254 pages of information, knowledge and wisdom on converting a Chevrolet Corvair automobile engine into a reliable, powerful and economic to operate aircraft powerplant.  Manual #801.  I'm entering the arena!

Much to read and digest, but so far the instructions don't seem that complicated.  I can do this!

I really like how the author William Wynne thinks and writes.  Lots of motivational anecdotes and examples that speak to simplicity without compromising goals.  Very cool!

Back to work on cleaning up the shop.... :)

Merry Christmas everyone!

My conversion manual arrives in my hands this week!

If I'm going to be working on this project (or any other one that comes up) I'm going to need to make some space.  Wait, I have space.  So I guess what I'm saying is I'm going to need to make better use of the space I have.

Well past time to tidy up!  Here is a somewhat embarrassing photo from a couple of weeks ago:

What a mess.  Unfortunately I've been using my shop as a dumping ground for stuff that either should be thrown out long ago or put away properly,  but it's a personal fault I am working on. 

I started today cleaning up and purging some of the crap I've gathered over the past 15 years we've been here.  A good portion of it will be going to thrift stores, some to recycling and a bunch to the dump or burn pile.  The stuff I'm keeping must meet two strict rules..... either it's needed or I will actually use it.  Everything else is on it's way out.

More learning I guess 😊 And more pictures to come of my clean workshop.  Stay tuned.

For those following my blog, you will recall that my mentor in aviation passed away and we attended the memorial service for him.

His wife Linda delivered a wonderful eulogy and I got permission from her to share it here.

Feel free to read it or not, the choice is yours.  But do know that everyone should live life doing what you love.

​Linda Morris Speech at Barry Morris Celebration of Life Sept 26/2015

On behalf of my extended family, I want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who could make it here for Barry’s Celebration and for all the support we have been given by all of our friends, old and new here at Sandycove during this very difficult time.  It has been truly amazing.
There isn’t anyone in this room who would have enjoyed this Celebration more than Barry If it weren’t for the circumstances we find ourselves in here today.  He was a loving husband, best friend, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. 

He… loved… life.

In his career, he had many “adventures” as he called them.  He flew Kings, Queens, Princes, Mayors, Members of Parliament, industry elite, actors and singers such as Louis Armstrong.  And the list goes on.

He once spirited Prince Charles away from his security detail during a trip Charles took to the High Arctic.  Being a pilot himself, Prince Charles wanted to see how the Twin Otter operated.  So they hatched a plan.  Barry would keep the engines running beside the terminal and the Prince would escape via the side door.  Their plan being set, the Prince escaped out the side door hopped into the aircraft and away they went.  They continued their short flight all the while ignoring repeated transmissions from the angry security detail to return to base.  Prince Charles would have been unscathed no matter how furious the security detail was, after all who is going to give a Prince a hard time?  I’m sure they would have strung Barry up if they caught him.  The security detail was on his heels for some time after this incident.

Some of his adventures were not so pleasant and landed him in third world countries in severe and nasty living conditions as some of his fellow deHavilland pilots can attest to.  He lived, breathed and dreamt all things aviation. 

He always felt honoured he was able to be a part of this magnificent industry. 

His last trip before he “hung up his goggles” was in an Embraer Phenom 100 jet from Zurich to North Bay with David Anstett, his friend, at the controls.  David and his family are here with us today.

Before the Phenom trip, Barry was on a highly secretive U.S. Military Mission to deliver a Dash 8 to Baghram Air Force Base in Afghanistan under the code name “CARDSHARK 78”.  He flew this mission with his friend and pilot from deHavilland days, Bob Gumbinger.   As timing would have it, they were at Baghram at the same time the US Navy Seals caught Osama Bin Laden.

Barry always strived to help the underdog and when he felt an injustice was being done, he fought to correct it.  He championed the aviation industry he loved and would speak up and lobby to whatever levels of the Federal and Provincial Governments were necessary when he felt it was derailing itself.

He loved his family and a missing portion of that family was reunited with him in the way of his eldest daughter, Karen and her children Brandon & Ashley (who are here today) and Ashley’s children (Barry’s great grandchildren, Devlon, Braylon and Bryson.  They are here with us today because they still need to be with their Mom.  Brandon & Amanda are having their first child soon which makes another great grandchild.  They round out our extensive family with his son Christopher, daughters Michelle (who is here today) and her son Jack, Nicole and her daughter Laura and Tammy and her daughter and son Alex and Ethan.   That rounds out our extensive family.  In case anyone has lost count this makes 5 children, 6 grandchildren and 3.5 great grandchildren.  He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Isabel & her family: daughters Laura and her son Wyatt, Tanya and her children Eva and Dillon and sons Michael & Rodney.  Also a sister, Irene & her husband John and his niece, Jenny and her family.

Barry served as Aviation Technical Consultant on Omni Productions television show “Arctic Air” for CBC for the run of the program.  He also wrote monthly stories for the Great North Arrow newspaper on his lifelong “adventures”.

Barry was writing a Trilogy “Just a Farm Kid from Ontario” which highlighted what it was like living on a farm before mechanization, inside running water, inside toilets, television or telephones to becoming a member of an elite group of Canada’s aviation test pilots.  The first book has been done and in rewrite.  The second needs to be inputted into the computer.  However, the third book about his days at deHavilland/Boeing/Canadair/and his multitude of work after unfortunately has not been written.  Therefore, I want to finish Barry’s third book as a “memorial”.  But, as my mother has noted, I need the help of his friends and colleagues.  I am asking his friends, colleagues, associates especially the people he worked with at deHavilland if they could take the time to write down some interesting stories they and Barry would have been involved with during this time so I can complete his dream on his behalf.

In 2011 Barry was presented the Canadian Owners’ and Pilots’ Association Award of Merit which is presented annually if a person is recognized as doing something special to further COPA'S aims over a period of time and recognizes individuals demonstrating an outstanding record of support for personal aviation in Canada and to aid in the promotion, growth and prosperity of aviation in Canada.

He received a Commendation from Department of Transport for his continued emphasis on aviation safety. 
He was extremely proud of these awards as he should have been.  It signified to him he made a difference.  All his hard work, efforts and sacrifices had meant something in the industry he loved and fell in love with as a child.
Barry’s aviation career spanned 55 years of flying, over 23,000 hours of flight time with zero infractions.

He was privileged to travel the road most of us only dream of.

And I’m sure if there is a heaven, he is now arranging flight plans to some faraway place.

God has given him wings.  He will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.

Till we meet again.  Your loving wife, Linda 

Today was everything I expected and more.

Tears...  laughter.... love and friendship.

Brenda and I attended the Celebration of Life for Captain Barry Morris, my mentor.

I've been dreading this afternoon for weeks.  I'm the type of person that wears his heart on his sleeve and never have gotten through funerals, deaths or other emotionally charged life events without shedding tears at the drop of a hat.  Today was no different in that regard.

What was different however was the realization that as well as I thought I knew Barry, I only knew a very small part of his life.  From every one of the people who spoke at his Celebration today, we all probably learned something new we didn't know about him before.  Some of it familiar, some of it surprising, most of it smile invoking.  For that I am extremely thankful.

One thing that was obvious is that he lived an incredibly diverse life.  His flying career took him all over the globe where he rubbed shoulders and broke bread with heads of state, celebrities and industry leaders.  He was a bush pilot, test pilot and salesman to name a few.  He shared his enthusiasm for life and all it has to offer with anyone he met.  Carpe diem in every sense of the word.

If I tried to relay even some of the stories he shared with me over breakfast or lunches at the airport, I wouldn't do them justice.  I could never hope to capture the essence in the same way he could tell it, so I won't attempt to try.

In the last couple of years he was working on a trilogy of his memoirs that sadly he will never get a chance to complete.  His wonderful wife Linda has taken up the charge to complete them with the help of some of his former co-workers and friends.  I hope one day to read them.  There is so much more I want to learn from this man.

When we worked together on the airport committee there were many times I got discouraged.  He had a way of seeing the "runway through the fog" and always insisted I run with my ideas "full throttle".

I promise to do just that Barry.  You are cleared direct my friend.