We re-fitted the undercarriage fork this morning. Hopefully the new rubber bumpers for the fork tracks will arrive soon to enable us to install the new bungees.

The rest of the day was spent fitting the canopies and metal skirts back onto the frames.

The rear canopy was first, there were about 50 odd self-tapping screws to be fixed

Trial-fitting the finished canopy onto its rails.

We had a chat to Pete about the seats, as we realised that our friends at STGC had retained a largeish seat cushion for the front, not sure if also for the back. So another little upholstery job coming up. We settled on again using the 25mm high density PU foam as the basis, adding 50mm of softer foam for adequate depth. We will try this out when we fly KYU and add lumbar supports etc in the form of loose cushions as and if required.

The front canopy was next, for extra fun it had to have a few dozen washer spacers added to keep the frame, perspex and skirting in proper alignement. I had made a mud map of exact numbers and locations for the washers of all the 80-odd screws when we disassembled the canopy.

Laurie was happy with the result. And when Laurie is happy I’m happy.

Laurie in a well trimmed and stable cruise attitude. No doubt he will shortly realise that both canopies have blown off.

He is telling me how much he is enjoying the fresh breeze, not yet realising that I have chosen to exit KYU by parachute……should have reminded him that now would be a good time for a CHAOTIC check, with special emphasis on a tight harness.