After aprox. 70 hours and $600.00, we "Got-r-Done". Thanks to my friends and Brother Bo we are back in the air. We were short A5 rivets, too. Another Zodiac builder came up with rivets over the weekend to keep us popping w/o a break in the action. I bought the angle drill attachemnt this blog recommended and we installed new Sonex rubber bushings on the Jabiru engine mount. Got a local tow truck operator to haul for us this time.

As for the upgrade, our a/c had no signs of wear or tear associated with flutter or vibration. It was interesting to investigate from the inside out. The upgrade dismantling was easy but the rebuild or new build was testy. Working new part in was a slow process. The three front wing ribs was slow going but worked out fine. The mass balance was ok work but I feel that it was unnessecary. (Continue)

*Two old birds: Roy Ertz & an AT-11, both flew during WWII. Roy was a C-46 Hump pilot in '45 in China and India.

During the five months we were down the light at the end of the tunnel was very weak during the early parts of the rebuild. This is when you got to have a little faith. My fingers pained me and I told everyone I had alumiumn poisoning. I took several weeks off a gave thought about the process. Only a few times did I get out of order on reassembly. I logged every step of the way. Got my annual in, too.

As for flying, Taxi, hoop & pattern with inspections in between. Flow slow flight, stalls and steep turns near the airstrip listening to every sound w/ interest. The aileron roll feels tighter or stiffer, not as light as before. In rough air the a/c has a solid feel. After the Phase I fly off of five hours I took her higher and farther. After ten hours I did a XC. The sonex rubber mounts took the sag out of the engine and give the a/c a firm feel. Overall, I am glad to have a 601XL-B now. The flying took the pain out of my hands and it is good to be airborne again.

*Nose ribs and center section fit.

*EAA members eating @ the dumpster (poor pilots).

*Done...........