Belite Avionics / Instrument Panel Coming Along

We've gotten a lot done in the last couple of weeks.

Engine installation; test run; aircraft weight; cg analysis.

One of the things I'm most pleased with is our panel.

It's a really cool little panel -- everything you need; a little steam; a little digital. A gizmo dock for a Garmin 496.

I'd really appreciate feedback on the layout. We can move a few things around before our rollout next week; we may cut another panel prior to Oshkosh.

Switches are as follows: magneto on/kill; momentary starter (left side).
The four switches are: avionics power; nav lights; landing light; extra switch.

The demo unit has a MicroAir transceiver and a Becker transponder.

Note the fuel gauge as well! :-)

I think I'll add a voltmeter as well.

This panel was cut from birch plywood and will be stained and finished in the next few days.

Interviewed by TV reporter; video on Belite posted

I was interviewed by KAKE TV yesterday on the Belite aircraft.

While the video is a little distilled, it still is a great overview.

The man at the rear is Dave Franson, our publicist.

Here's the story and video.

A picture of a wing for the upcoming Belite Aircraft

Here's a sneek peak of the new wing design for the Belite aircraft. Notice: carbon fiber spar tubes, carbon fiber ribs, carbon fiber false ribs. Also note plywood veneer (0.4mm) which is bonded on top of carbon fiber rib cap strips for purposes of bonding to ceconite covering. Some of the glue joints have been made (EG: rib to spar) while others haven't yet been made. (EG: front false ribs). The entire weight of everything you see here is less than 14 pounds. (Not counting sand bag and level. :-)

Also note the really cool wing work benches we made. The stripes are exactly 6 inches apart, and the entire work surface has been leveled.

The end ribs have a solid sheet of carbon fiber bonded to them, for appearance. They are beautiful and they are completely visible, even after the ceconite covering has been finished.

I will have a completed aircraft, along with a completed airframe/wing without covering on display at Airventure. Come take a look!!