We have spent a great deal of time fault finding and getting the lift and thrust engines to be reliable. We have replaced many original elements. We discovered the engine mounts were very much in need of attention, the lift engine was only just attached to the craft and the thrust engine mounts were quite loose and the exhaust had several holes in it.
We struggled to work out why the lift engine kept failing and eventually traced the fault back to a split in the fuel hose inside the fuel tank.
Finding a fault like that, prompted us to rebuild the fuel system complete with water separator and a better fuel filter, we also repaired the unserviceable fuel gauge.
We have started work on the skirt. Out of the 80 segments, we need to either repair or replace 66 of them.
Some of the skirt segments that need repair What the underside of the hull looks like without the skirt
My sewing machine is going to need to stretch her legs a bit.
The next task is to work on the electrics. We are going to replace the existing arrangement with a panel that is better suited to the job. Install Nav lights and the very important beacon. Then install two deck cleats at the rear rather than rely on the grab handles to moor up.
Watch this space for more on LOE in the coming weeks.