Netters,

This is the latest episode of my story of a South-African built KR2 that I
am now trying to register in France. This piece will come with a word of
warning: guys, make sure your WAFs and wings will remain inspectable in the
future!!

I went to Orleans this week-end, and spent a few hours working on my plane,
with the aim of preparing it for the inspection of all critical areas, as
agreed with the local inspectors. Let's say I had no success.

- First of all, my attempt to drill inspection holes along the spars was a
mess.  I used the wrong drill, it hadn't got a variator; the spar end
surfaces were not flat either... oh well, never mind, I'll find a better
idea for next time.

- Second, I got a very bad surprise while I was trying to drill inspection
holes for the WAFs nuts and bolts. Not only had they been painted over, but
also, some of them had been epoxied over!

I suspect the reason is when long range aluminium fuel tanks were installed
in the leading edge of the stubwings, the guy who did it found it convenient
to repaint the bolts, ; then, he moved the stringer, and epoxied it in place
without bothering about the bolts...

Now, this is bad, because it is now impossible to check the bolts for
corrosion, let alone to check their torque, which is what the inspector
requested.

So, I'm back a few steps. I guess I will have to find a way to remove and
replace those bolts!

On the bright side, the experimental club has got a Jodel D18 for hire, at a
bargain proce, so that will keep me busy!

Serge Vidal
KR2 ZS-WEC
- Taildragger, VW powered (2.4 liter, dual electronic ignition)
- Total aircraft time: 390h
- Aircraft hangared at: Orleans, France
- Pilot moaning in: Tunis, Tunisia
E-mail: serge.vi...@ate-international.com
<mailto:serge.vi...@ate-international.com>



Reply via email to