Transponder and Static System Checks, Final Assembly, Weight and Balance, Fuel Tank Calibration, Initial Engine Run

On Thursday, October 15, we towed the plane to the maintenance hangar at Carver Aero at Davenport to have the 24 month transponder check performed. They also checked the static system. Entries were made in the avionic log. Will have two logs for the RV-12, an airframe log and an avionics log.

Then the multitude of small jobs were completed on Friday, October 16 thru Tuesday, October 20 in preparation for the inspection scheduled for October 21.

Installed the turtledeck skin. FINALLY! Installed the rear window. Installed the N-numbers, installed the data plate, installed all covers and placed all of the access plates in their positions. Taped a plastic bag of screws over the center of each cover for the weight and balance calculation. Installed the cowling.

Then on Sunday, weighed the RV-12 with the digital scales that Chapter 75 owns. My empty weight (without final paint) was 711 lbs.

Calibrated the fuel tank gauge on Monday, adding 2 gallons at a time until I reached a total of 16 gallons. The Dynon calibration is pretty much self explanatory. Completed all of the Production Acceptance Procedures prior to the Section on Taxi testing.

On Tuesday, ran the Rotax for the first time. All parameters on the EMS/Fuel display were normal. Ran the engine for about 10-15 minutes. Then, prepared for the DAR. Final hangar checks and paperwork.

Time - 26 hours