Sun n Fun 2018

So we took off for some sun and some fun down south! Had a nice chat with Dr.Glen, the proud owner of the prototype CX5. I saw the 5 for the first time, went to the seminar, and got a free T-shirt! Purchased a couple specialty tools to start my build, mainly riveting and sheet metal tools. Was ready to form my first rib, but I have a question regarding the forming block dimensions. Answered: I will be remaking my rib form block as it came out to small, the finished product should come out to 7.5" on the ends that join the spar.

Here's a pic I took of Glens CX5 sitting at the alternative engines hanger. I was hoping to try it on but I missed Glen and his engine startup demo.

4 hours; templates, forming blocks.
Maybe setting goals actually works, lol, i made 2 wing rib templates and started forming blocks. I've also been working on an order with a local supplier for material. Not much but a start none the less! Yay!

plans

For those not in the know, Dave Thatcher had designed and built a single seat airplane he called the CX4. Its a nice looking proven design, demand for plans and a 2 seater version quickly followed. I've been a big fan ever since he started his second design a tandem 2 seater called the CX5. And as luck would have it he is now designing and building a side by side 2 seat version called the CX7, this will be my epic build!...lol. So to get a head start before he has finished the airplane, proven the design and releases his plans, I have decided to start on the wings which are similar in design to the CX5.

I think this is where most people fail, they do hours of research, day dreaming, soul searching, pick a design, some even order the plans and poor over them.....and then.... nothing. Ive heard that the hardest part is the first cut you make. I've been ready to go for 6 months now, and ....nothing! 

Here's my plan then, start some templates, cut some form blocks, and have an order for material placed and ready for pick up in 2 weeks!