Constructing an RV-12 Fuselage
January 2017 - June 2017
This page is under construction. Please return at a later date for the finished revisions.
The overall goal of this last engineering project was for students to specialize in a project of their choosing to learn more about an area of study they are passionate about. As an entire STEM class, we have endured physics designing, biotechnology labs, chemistry experiments, and various alternative science electives. Now, we were given the opportunity to explore a more specified field provided we could find reliable mentors. Luckily the partnership with Gnoss Field Air Association* gave us the chance to learn and participate in constructing a two-seater airplane.
Learning the basics processes through starter projects: work bench construction, OP-51 sheet metal training, and Vans Aircraft Tool Box building
Before we could even receive the fuselage kit, we needed to know everything that went into building a flyable plane. This includes reviewing safety techniques, reading the construction plans, working with basics tools, understanding
Overall, we learned how to communicate among sub groups, how to delegate tasks, how to assist each other in teams... The most important thing I learned was how to ask questions. For me, most of school came relatively easy for me. I would understand math concepts without studying, could review less than an hour and pass a test, and organize my notes properly, but I have rarely worked with tools before. Typically, I could rely on my other team members to handle the more complicated processes in building but with every build team being an important asset on this project, I was forced to face power tools, and more, head-on.
Safety Set-Up |
Deburring |
Reading Plans |
Tools of the Trade:
Riveting Rivets:
*I would like to give a special thank you to the association for helping sponsors our project and to the wonderful mentors we have had the chance to work with. Thank you specifically to: Rich Gaines, Ron Jagels, Clay Lingo, John Long, Dave McConnell, Tom Ryan, Phil Simon, Jim Swanson, Carl von Doymi, Walt Wester, Roger Willis, and Frank Woolard. (Please let me know if I misspelled anyones name or left anyone off the list so I can remedy it as fast as possible. I really appreciate all of the mentors' help, time, and effort into helping our class explore such a unique lifetime experience.)