Working on the Propeller

For the time being, no more work on the engine, time to take care of the propeller.
First the Pitot tube has to be installed:

One particularity of the RV-12 is that the Pitot tube goes through the spinner, a location that puts it away of turbulences that would make the measure of speed wrong.
Below the Pitot tube isconnecteed to the Dynamic Pressure tube that runs all the way through the cockpit to the ADAHRS located in the tailcone. I installed safety lines for the first time as visible on the picture (the twisted lines).

 

As the protruding pitot tube seemed threatening, I decided to put on a helmet:

 



Anyway, it's time to work on the spinner!

A Well Hung Engine!

There was no way I could do this job alone. As it is a very precise operation requiring strength and precision, I asked help from François who has the advantage of sharing the French cussing and fussing that inevitably goes with the task.

No engine hoist was used, we just secured the engine with straps tied to the ceiling's joists. We then brought the rubber blocs to the proper height using wood blocs. As everybody else I had to grind one of the big washer plates (lower right) because of  a small interference with the engine mount. A 1/8 inch notch did the job. The good news is that there is enough friction on the four AN6 bolts securing the engine to the airframe that there is no need to bloc the bolt head when tightening the nuts. Everything went well following the instructions (which btw do not mention the washer interference: thanks VAF Forum!).
Now, this is a well hung engine!

This is an important step in my build but looking at the engine, I am a bit intimidated by the quantity of loose ends on display both in electric wires and plumbing: this is going to be fun!