Work starts at last on the X-Air

These last few days we’ve had some rather chilly weather, not as cold as in the UK but cold enough in the wind not to want to be working outside. So I’ve busied myself putting up a coat hanger on the loo wall, a new light in the kitchen, stuff like that. But today, although there was still a little bit of a chilly breeze outside, I decided that I really must get going on the X-Air.

I replaced the front wheel bearings a few days ago but didn’t re-fit the wheel at the time because the Loctite needed to cure, so that was the first job. Then I got started on fitting the tail. It was pretty straightforward because the X-Air is more or less the AX3’s big brother so goes together pretty much the same. I had thought about replacing any corroded nuts and bolts but haven’t been able to do an inspection because of the weather to find out what I need to order. But luckily I haven’t found any that are that bad so far, so maybe I’ll either put the aircraft back together and then go back and replace just the worst ones or even leave it to next year. I’ve got plenty on my hands just now and don’t really need the work.

The tail went back on pretty smoothly as Bertrand had left all the fixing bolts and pins in situ as I’d asked, so it was easy to see what was what. There was however, one thin curved batten taped to the horizontal stabiliser struts which for the life of me I can’t fathom for the time being, so I just put that to one side for now. Here are some pics I took at the end of the job around 5.25pm, when it was just beginning to get quite cold outside.

I didn’t find anything major needing attention while I was doing the job and everything went together pretty well actually. I reconnected the rudder and elevator controls but didn’t connect the elevator trim cables as they are a bit rusty and I have replacements for them. So tomorrow I should be able to get into the cabin and fit those and also the replacement brake cables that I already have. And when I fit those, I’ll also be able to inspect the brake shoes and check and lubricate the main wheel bearings. Then it will be time to start on the new panel, which I’m really looking forward to.

The wind will be southerly tomorrow with a maximum temperature of around 14 degrees Celsius, so it will be a bit more pleasant than today. Hopefully in that case I should be able to get a good bit done 😉