I decided to ask Vic Syracuse to do my inspection, as he is renowned for his RV-10 knowledge and experience not only by building several of them as well as maintaining them with his business, but also by inspecting hundreds previously as a DAR. This inspection is performed on behalf of the FAA and results in an airworthiness certificate allowing first and subsequent flights. Basically, it’s the final exam of the building process. One that you should study hard to be ready.

One of the ways I’ve been studying is getting other people to look and help lately. Dan Olson who flies a Glassair and is an A&P has been a huge help in hanging the engine, brake bleeding, and final support before inspection. I’ve also had countless others stop by poke their heads in and ask questions which helps me look at things with fresh perspective. I also decided to host a little gathering of my EAA chapter one evening for a show and tell as well as find something wrong!

We had a great turn out and lots of discussion about the plane and other projects. A handful of little things were discovered, but it turned mostly into a social event, which is half of the fun! Pizza filled everyone up and the night was over after a lot of enjoyment and good conversation.

My dad came up from Florida for a few days to help with final prep and to be my ground crew during first flight. While his intentions were always good, Dad loved smacking his head into the horizontal stabilizer. Three times. Once was so hard I swear he dented the damn thing. In the end, Tess scored three times and dad zero. He was banished to the corner of the hangar with a bloody forehead and a headache. I still love ya Pop. We tested out the back seats just for the fun of it.

The last task was to rivet my data plate on and apply the registration. It’s almost an airplane!

Okay, so if you really pay attention, the pictures and story isn’t exactly in chronological order. So sue me.