The build has finally begun! After all this time, I can’t believe I’m finally building the plane I want to fly around the world. It’s a surreal (and slightly daunting) feeling!

I picked up my kit from Flylight in August. The first (and wonderfully painless) step was to register my build with the BMAA. With this completed, I’m now able to register my future aircraft with the CAA, and reserve my registration. I’ll admit that this is something I haven’t really thought about before, and I’ve found myself completely undecided on what I want. Should I see if I can secure my name, or should I try for an acronym with symbolic meaning…?!

Whilst I sorted out my Stage 1 inspection (kit and workshop approval from my BMAA Inspector (none other than Flylight’s Paul)), I took his advice and coated some of the main airframe components with the anti-corrosion compound, ACF50 – just to give it as much protection as possible.

Finally, this week – and with a nice block of days off work – I’ve managed to really get cracking. Whilst coating everything (including myself) in ACF50, I’d arranged the first set of tubing to help me get orientated with the first steps. This really helped as I started putting everything together. As per the build manual, everything is being loosely connected for the time being; when all the struts and braces are attached, I’ll systematically tighten everything (and apply Loctite), which will hopefully keep everything in perfect alignment.

Thus far, I’ve formed the lower and upper cabin triangles, attached the rear vertical supports, and added in the braces and support struts which will help with the alignment. As the end of my first build week comes to a close, I’ve started tinkering with the engine mounts, which will be different on my aircraft as I’m fitting a Rotax 912iS – instead of the usual 912ULS. 

It’s been a fab first few days. I’ve learnt that ACF50 gets everywhere (yes, I know that’s the point), and I’m very glad that I managed to spot that I’d fitted the nose gear guide strut upside down before I get too far into the build. I’d also like to say an enormous ‘thank you’ to my wife, who’s helped me carry endless bits and pieces around the garage, stopped me from sawing my finger off, and saved me from dropping the upper cabin triangle on my head. Several times.