RV-8 Build #180 | It's Finally Sitting on Its Own Landing Gear!

After months of work building the fuselage, the RV-8 has officially reached a major milestone—it is finally sitting on its own landing gear! In this episode I permanently install the Sky Designs airfoil landing gear, work through a few unexpected hardware issues, and get the airplane off the rotisserie for the first time. Some custom tooling and a little problem-solving were required to torque the gear bolts, but the installation is now complete with only a few replacement bolts still on order. I also install the tailwheel, allowing the airplane to stand on its own legs for the very first time. Along the way, EAA Chapter 302 President Joe stops by for a Tech Counselor visit and to inspect the project and offer feedback, suggestions, and ideas before the build moves into the next phase. Chris also stops by, and we take a look at progress on his project as well. To wrap things up, I share updates on the cockpit headphone jack installation, the latest instrument panel design work being sent to SendCutSend, and finally place the RV-8 on my custom-built aircraft scales for its first official weight check. Progress continues one step at a time, and this one feels like a big step forward. Thanks for following along on the journey! Newest Podcast:    • Episode 020: The Sequential Optimism Problem   👉 Builder tools & accessories I use: TFlight77.com Below are my Amazon affiliate links to several of the tools and items youve seen me use on the channel. Cerakote Kit https://amzn.to/4tnbDTG Filters https://amzn.to/4tnbDTG Paint Shaker https://amzn.to/4tnbDTG Paint gun regulator https://amzn.to/4tnbDTG acetone bottle https://amzn.to/4tnbDTG Brother P Touch Cube Plus Label Maker https://amzn.to/45q5WK4 Wire Labels https://amzn.to/4jdp8Rf Zip Tie Install Tool https://amzn.to/3LJz2gE Electric Screwdriver (deburr) https://amzn.to/48vEkWq Milwaukee Right Angle Drill https://amzn.to/3KzTFeE Milwaukee 3/8 ratchet https://amzn.to/4ploPFV Machine Square https://amzn.to/42nHzeM File Set https://amzn.to/3VNnJ8Z Debur Tools https://amzn.to/48NJzRj Articulating Borescope https://amzn.to/4hdYAyb Dual Lens Endoscope https://amzn.to/48ovZDY Digital Micrometer https://amzn.to/3Kr1iUR Copper Clecos https://amzn.to/3IyLwqj Heat gun https://amzn.to/3LwycDQ Rivet Nut Install tool https://amzn.to/4qVU0cu Tube bender https://amzn.to/47NhabU Steel ruler set https://amzn.to/49b4C0A Zip Tie tool https://amzn.to/483vePT Fly Cutter https://amzn.to/3XltdbI Laser level https://amzn.to/3JqcHEf 20-100 ft lbs torque wrench https://amzn.to/4nI54ah 10-150 in lbs torque wrench https://amzn.to/4nKcD00 #RV8 #ExperimentalAircraft #AircraftBuilding #HomebuiltAircraft #ExperimentalAviation #VansAircraft #RV8Build #AircraftFabrication #Aviation #DIYAircraft