Shirley Harding
December 2006

With the able assistance of Shelley Cruden, I have installed one gear leg fairing!

Shirley Harding
May 2005

We did our first taxi trial on 5th Feb - VH-ASF ventured out of her hangar and taxied across the grass onto the runway.  I found that I need rudder extensions as I just can't get full travel the way the seat is set up at the moment. 

I've spent the last couple of days trying to get the seat  positioned so that the cushion doesn't interfere with the control column, but still allows me to attach the 5th point harness.  Vans designed this aircraft for taller people than me!  We've decided to position the seat according to the plans and install brake and rudder blocks that I can reach.  More re-work!! 

Any one who is still building an RV6 be warned - you can't fit a 5th point harness if you are short in the leg!!

Shirley Harding
March 2005

Hello All

First engine run this morning - I was so excited I cried.  Bill Keehner and Zak politely pretended not to notice.

Shirley Harding
January 2005

We have just installed our Mick Dye wooden prop on the RV6 - and today we registered the aircraft - please welcome to the register Vans RV6 VH - ASF, which stands for Andrew & Shirley's Flying machine :-)

Shirley Harding
August 2004

The RV6 is now sitting on its wheels - thanks to David Bryant who helped to drill the gear legs to the engine mount. The wings were fitted for the first time a couple of weeks ago - thanks to Bob Tarrant and Andrew Pye for their help. Wings now removed again to fit fuel lines and other plumbing.

The tail is on, and the engine should arrive in the next week - very exciting! We've ordered the Superior Airparts 0360, and a wooden prop from Mick Dye. It's really going to look like an aeroplane soon!

Shirley Harding
January 2004

I've got something to be proud of this time - we riveted the two aft top skins on the RV last week - it looks much more like an aircraft and a bit less like a boat now!

Shirley Harding
July 2003

I've got my rudder and brake pedals assembled this month - even got to sit in the fuse for the first time and waggle the control column around!

Shirley Harding
June 2003

I've just constructed my seat backs and seat back braces for my RV6 - a small step but at least a step forward!

Shirley Harding
April 2003

My RV 6 QB is progressing slowly, but I have high hopes of devoting much more time to it over the next 6 months. I built the tail about 3 years ago. The fuse has it's top rear skins fitted but not yet riveted, and the floor skins fitted. The wings are almost done - only one skin to attach on each. Flap braces and aileron gap fairings are done.

I have been deliberating for some time on fitting modified seats - Sue Ball is developing adjustable seats for the RV 6 - though progress is apparently slow. Van's are now supplying ConforFoam seat cushions plus a pattern for making the fabric upholstery - I think I'll go that way. (May be mine will be the first RV upholstered in home-grown alpaca fleece?!)

Hope to be collecting the cushions and fuel senders etc in person at the Vans factory in August - should be able to bring home some pictures of the Vans Homecoming fly-in, too.

Shirley Harding
February 2003

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