<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
         <<  Lancair Builders' Mail List  >>
         <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Pine asks about what additional work should be done before fitting the
bellypan...

I have the 360 fast build and did not notice difficulties associated with
having
the bellypan in the way.  Toughest part about fitting it was the pucker factor
because it's about the first thing you do after the box arrives and you don't
have any experience with epoxies yet.  The two areas I would do a bit differently though are the rear fuselage
area and
the gear wells.  The rear fuselage effectively gets closed out when the tail
goes on.  I would read though the rudder cable installation and install
antennas
before installing the tail.  You eventually get good at crawling into the tail
area later but it's a workout.   Also, once the tail goes on the plane is getting bulky and heavy and tough to
flip on it's back.  So when the plane is on it's back and you have the gear
installed, go ahead and install the hyraulic tubes and hoses, especially if
you
are thinking about the inboard hydraulic gear door option.  If you wait to do
this per the manual, you will be doing it on your back.  Likewise, I
suggest you
fill and sand as much as you can the underside of the plane early on when it's
on its back.   BTW, if you don't have the hydraulic inboard gear door option,
decide early on.  Otherwise installing it will probably force you to rearrange
the crowded space under the seat (especially if you are installing an
autopilot...)  You get the idea. Best Regards,
Ed de Chazal