When I build aircraft I like to do one small thing a day.  This is what got me through the RV-4 build and the Rans S6 build.  So that’s what I did today.  Today’s task was to install the starter.  It’s not the final installation but just to plug the hole in the engine.

I guess yesterday was really the start of the build log for the Six Chuter P3 Lite PPC but today was the first day I put something together.  I ordered a 4-bladed prop to provide a little more thrust to help offset the bigger tires and the weight they will add.  When the prop arrives it needs assembly.  The four blades have to be installed to the prop hub along with the blocks that set the pitch of the propeller.

Assembly is super easy.  Put 8 bolts (with washers) through one of the prop hub halves, lay the pitch blocks in, lay the prop blades in, more pitch blocks, and then the other prop hub half.  Add 8 nylock nuts and washers and torque to 120 inch lbs.  Done!

I finally got around to unboxing the engine I received on Friday.  It was a pleasant distraction given the bad news I received this morning.  It is exciting in that I can see tangible proof that my powered parachute is almost ready for me to pick up and start assembling.  Luckly the folks at Six Chuter have already built the airframe up and it’s already on wheels.  So they’ve saved me a ton of work.

Here is the airframe… MY airfame. 🙂  It still has the small tires on it.  I’ve ordered turf tires for it which will be larger and make it safer to roll across rougher ground.  I’ll be driving up to the Six Chuter factory to pick it up in a few weeks.

The two boxes I received contained the engine, the propeller, the muffler, and assorted engine doo-dads like the starter, starter solenoid, and assorted engine gauges.

I did a quick inventory and everything seems to be there.  I’ll have to do a more thorough inventory in the coming days.  Still it was fun seeing the first pieces of my new aircraft on my workbench.