INSTRUMENTS and PANEL

"Instrument flying is when your mind gets a grip on the fact that there is vision beyond sight. — U.S. Navy 'Approach' magazine c. W.W.II

When we began to work on the instruments and panel, deciding on what instruments to put into the plane was the initial, and most difficult task. Once an inventory of instruments was selected, a layout on paper was done to make good use of panel space and insure proper space behind the panel was available. The overall layout was done to maintain consistency with common airplane design practices. (It makes little sense to deviate from proven approaches.) It was decided to veneer the panel rather than paint it. The wood used was Brazilian Walnut (Imbui). This was chosen to blend with a sandstone interior and seat fabric selection.

1:1 scaled paper layout of proposed instruments and switches, etc. Several iterations were made to arrive at the final product. The next step was to have a competent machinist cut the holes in the panel.(Picture not shown)

A number of small rivet-sized holes were drilled into the panel to aid in binding the veneer to the aluminum. In the absence of a precision press, find all the weight you can to flatten the veneer against the aluminum surface, both of which were coated with epoxy.

Another view of our "press". Saran Wrap or any suitable plastic can be used to serve as a release for the epoxy.

Veneered panel after multiple brushed and sprayed coats of polyurethane varnish. We later learned a better finishing technique is to accurately level the panel and pour an even layer of varnish over the panel and let it drip over all sides. Surface tension will give a flat mirror finish.

Panel mounted in plane. The attitude indicator and a number of switched, breakers, and the labels are missing.

The three instruments defining the "aaa" of "aaah - contented flight." For h we have the magnetic compass. In the event of a glass panel failure, we have airspeed, attitude, altitude, and heading indicators to get safely to the ground. Advisory/warning lights above indicate auxiliary fuel pump on, flaps engaged, and canopy unlocked.

Avionics stack includes Garmin 240 Audio Panel, 430W radio/GPS system, and 327 Transponder.

Engine and propeller controls. Smaller knobs control a bypass for the engine air filter and cabin heat. Secondary circuit fuses are shown below the control knobs. The four green lights above throttle and propeller controls indicate flap deployment angle.

Current panel. Map box and Hobbs meter located on right end of panel. Labels are gold print on black background.

1:1 scaled paper layout of proposed instruments and switches, etc. Several iterations were made to arrive at the final product. The next step was to have a competent machinist cut the holes in the panel.(Picture not shown)	A number of small rivet-sized holes were drilled into the panel to aid in binding the veneer to the aluminum. In the absence of a precision press, find all the weight you can to flatten the veneer against the aluminum surface, both of which were coated with epoxy.	Another view of our "press". Saran Wrap or any suitable plastic can be used to serve as a release for the epoxy.
Veneered panel after multiple brushed and sprayed coats of polyurethane varnish. We later learned a better finishing technique is to accurately level the panel and pour an even layer of varnish over the panel and let it drip over all sides. Surface tension will give a flat mirror finish.	Panel mounted in plane. The attitude indicator and a number of switched, breakers, and the labels are missing.	The three instruments defining the "aaa" of "aaah - contented flight." For h we have the magnetic compass. In the event of a glass panel failure, we have airspeed, attitude, altitude, and heading indicators to get safely to the ground. Advisory/warning lights above indicate auxiliary fuel pump on, flaps engaged, and canopy unlocked.
Avionics stack includes Garmin 240 Audio Panel, 430W radio/GPS system, and 327 Transponder.	Engine and propeller controls. Smaller knobs control a bypass for the engine air filter and cabin heat. Secondary circuit fuses are shown below the control knobs. The four green lights above throttle and propeller controls indicate flap deployment angle.	Current panel. Map box and Hobbs meter located on right end of panel. Labels are gold print on black background.