**   It's now been over 3 years since the kit was delivered. In some ways it seems like a long time, and in another sense it seems short. I've learned a great deal and have had fun (mostly). The major delays I've described in previous entries have been frustrating, but I think the plane is coming out exceptionally well. I recently had the firewall forward inspected by 2 tech councilors and an A&P. There were only extremally minor comments about securing a few wires in one more place, just to be sure.

**  With the help from 2 tech councilors and the loan of some very nice scales, the Lightning got weighed. The plane is within limits.

**  The next day with the help of a tech councilor, a fuel flow test was conducted. We got 3 1/2 gal per 5 minutes (42gal/hr) in both level and 3 1/4 gal per 4 3/4 min ( 41 gal/hr) 15 deg elevation. The unusable fuel is 1/2 gal (level), and 1 1/2 gal elevated. The results should be the same, nose low, since the tank pickup is centered on the end of the tank. The goal was 2 gal/5 min. This is 150% of what is needed for a 180 hp Titan engine.

**  As you can see, It has been snowing a lot. 20" in one night. Doing work with fuel in a hangar requires lots of precautions. Obviously propane heaters are not allowed. It gets pretty cold.

**  The next day I did fuel sensor calibration, 1 gallon at a time. Part way through the battery went low and the calibration isn't too good. I'll have to do it again.

**  I purchased the EAA Flight Test Manual with Test Card Book. I recommend it for anyone building an airplane or wanting to know more about their plane. Especially for legacy planes like my Tri Pacer, where performance figures are hard to come by.  

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