Little bites

Now that the big pieces are together there's a lot of little steps.


The stock LSX uses a pull cable for tailwheel extension working against a large spring for retraction. Eric Batterman came up with a pull-pull system I'm putting in my bird. I've mocked up the system with string to get the measurements and see how it goes together.

I unmounted the fuel tank, taped the blower side of a vacuum hose to it and sprayed some soapy water on the welds to check that they were ok.

My buddy Einar worked on the main tires.

There was a revision to the Hagar wheels for some softer brake pads.

While I worked on the rudder pedals 

I quit before I permanently mounted them. Knowing when to stop for the day has been something I've learned the hard way.


Here's an example of the "Law of Unintended Consequences". It all started when I didn't like the stock LSX panel because it's molded for the Garmin GPS, so I decided I wanted to make my own flat instrument panel. But the LSX center console fits into the LSX panel, so I need to make my own center console. This is good and bad, because I found the LSX center console to be a bit high for my bad shoulder.  It also means I'll have to come up with an alternative throttle arrangement. I'm thinking of going back to the SeaRey Classic throttle and center console.

Bon journey, Bruno

It's funny how you can become attached to someone even if you've only met them over the internet. Bruno Grondin was a large presence in the SeaRey community, always posting jokes on the websites in addition to excellent technical advice.

Tragically, we lost Bruno over the weekend in a mishap.

Godspeed, Bruno

Catching up

It's been a busy spring with Sun n Fun and the Shuttle trip. You can read all about my adventures in Shuttleland here: http://sts134launch.blogspot.com/ And Yes, it was incredibly worth it. If you have any opportunity to go see the final shuttle launch STS-135, DO IT!!!

I forgot to mention that in addition to going to Sun n Fun I attended the Garner's Landing SeaRey fly-in the Sunday before SnF. A greater group of people you'd be hard to find.

But enough about that. The weather finally sorta broke and I've been working on the SeaRey as I can.

I've been slowly going back and adding castellated nuts to any bolts that rotate. Probably added a couple where I didn't need to, but if in doubt....

The standoff for the rudder pedal/cable is on of the few that won't get one. No room to get a cotter pin in.

Next will be to start the installation of the new aluminum fuel tank, and the Batterman tailwheel mod.