28 Jan 11 - Check flight - Done!

Well, the weather gods were smiling today - so thanking them for the opportunity, I decided to head down to Honington and do the check flight. I'm pleased to report that it all went perfectly; I'm not sure if it's quite the done thing but as I was up, I did a few loops to celebrate. It felt really, really good!

Now I just need to wait for the paperwork to be processed and I'll be back in business. Excellent!

26 Jan 11 Permit re-inspection - done!

Good news, KI's re-inspection was spot on (inspector very pleased) and she's now signed off ready for the check flight. If I'm lucky the weather might co-operate this weekend; if so she could be fully legal again mid-Feb so fingers crossed!

17 Jan 11 - Almost ready for Permit

Well, it's been a bit of a slog to organise all the bits and find the time, but G-AVKI, Tipsy Nipper number S102 is almost ready for Permit. The most recent task was replacing the main and nose U/C suspension rubbers which went well using the special tool designed by Neil Spooner of 'Nipper Flat Spin' fame. The rudder's ready to go back on after reaming the upper hinge, the engine's been rebuilt following head refurbishment, the ailerons are back on with no play and the sticking oil pressure gauge has been replaced. There have also been a multitude of other little jobs too which all seem to take more time than you'd expect!

Just need to chat with the inspector now and arrange a date for inspection. It'll be nice to get airborne in the Nipper again - can't remember the last time I was upside down... Should be fun!

All hoisted - ready to swap the main u/c suspension rubbers

Yours truly - looking very pleased with myself

Lifting the nose to change the nose u/c suspension rubbers