Yesterday I spent about an hour taking the airplane apart. The inspector wanted the airplane to be in a condition to fly and then for me to remove all cowlings, inspection plates, seats and pretty much anything removable.

I went back out this morning and by the time I was done, N90HS looked like this. By having everything off the inspector was able to really look things over and determine whether the aircraft is airworthy. Actually, in the case of experimental aircraft they are never really considered airworthy by the FAA. Instead, they are considered in a condition for safe operation.  A subtle difference but since my airplane does not have a type certificate that has been determined airworthy it will never be considered as such. Like I care, I just want to go flying!

This is the collection of cowlings and covers that were removed from the airplane. Along with the seats and the cargo pod. Several other items are in the back of the hangar. When this is over it will take a few hours to put them all back on and make N90HS airworthy again. Well, actually not airworthy but in a condition for safe operation!

All went well and I was complimented on my attention to detail and I received my “Special Airworthiness Certificate”. I had a lot of help and encouragement over the past month while my airplane was at the airport. I want to thank Stephen, Dave, Margaret, Robert, Jerry and Tim. In the months leading up to moving N90HS to the airport there were a lot of jobs that required help and some additional friends came to my garage to help with these jobs. I want to thank Marc, Robert, Kimberly, Doug, Estevao and Rusty. I am sorry if I have forgotten anyone. On the final page of my builder’s log is the number 1977. That is the number of hours I logged building her. That does not count the time I spent thinking about how I was going to solve some problem or the time worked by those who helped me. But it’s done!

So, have I flown her yet? Well, not yet. I did not leave the airport until 6:30 this evening and I have not gotten everything put back together yet. I was tired, the winds were a little gusty and I figured I can fly another day. Maybe tomorrow!