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Builder Tip #76 from HomebuiltHELP 
Bleeding your Experimental Aircraft's Brakes
Techniques and Tools to make the job easy
The task of filling the newly installed brake system on your homebuilt with fluid can seem a bit tricky (and messy!) if you are not familiar with the process.

This week we demonstrate the tools and techniques we use to fill a new Matco brake system with its initial supply of brake fluid. Inexpensive tools and supplies are used to complete an effective, air-free fill of the brake system consisting of a caliper, hose and master cylinder/reservoir. 

Not all brake systems are the same, but this demonstration typifies the principles required for performing this operation on most systems installed in experimental aircraft. (You should always follow your manufacturer's directions)

Watch as this Week's Tip video takes you thru the process of getting your brake system ready for use!
Video tip shows examples of wire loom products appropriate for your project
Like to Make your own Parts? 

There are two approaches for obtaining the parts needed to build an aircraft:
Buy the parts from a ready made kit - or -
Make the parts yourself from scratch.

Both methods are popular - the choice depends on your skills, budget and time.  For making parts from scratch we have an informative DVD Scratch Building Basics 

It requires a builder with special skills, knowledge, and an attitude complete with persistence and imagination. Not all of us are cut out for a project like this… although most of us can appreciate the rewards that will result!

Details of the fabrication process are explained and demonstrated - such as: how to translate blueprint plans to a form block drawing, cutting, sanding and finishing the form blocks using common tools; choice of form materials (plywood, MDF, particle board, hardwoods, etc); tools for cutting aluminum sheet, (power shears, hand shears, scoring knife), forming rib blanks around form blocks (how many hammers can be used!), fluting techniques for curved edges, cutting lightening holes, various methods for deburring and polishing, sheet metal bending using a home made brake, and much more. 

Transferring plans information to metal
Flying your small plane to AirVenture this year?

HomebuiltHELP is hosting a Fly-in!
Saturday, July 22 at 12 PM - 8 PM
HomebuiltHelp is hosting a fly in just in time for AirVenture. Stop by and visit the studio and hangar on your way to Oshkosh (about 75 miles north in beautiful Door County). Land on 2,000 foot private grass strip at Crispy Cedars 7WI8. Refreshments, snacks, shuttle and rustic camping. Street address is 9442 Lovers Lane, Brussels, Wisconsin

Crispy Cedars Private Airfield (7WI8) is located 10 miles West-Southwest of Door County Cherryland Airport (KSUE).  It is approved by the Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics and the FAA.  The registered 60' x 2,000' turf runway is cut to 80' wide, allowing for safe takeoff and landing.  It is ideal for the Light Sport category.

 
  • Ident - 7WI8
  • Elev - 700 Estimated
  • Runway - 03/21  60' x 2,000' turf
  • Displaced threshold 400' Rwy 03
  • Note trees on approach to Rwy 03
  • CTAF 122.9
  • Left traffic - TPA 1,700 MSL

Watch a previous Tip?
 Don't forget that past  Tip of the Week articles and videos are listed on the Archive Listing page on our website.  You can check back there for future reference and review of these tips.You can also reach that page from a link on the top, right side of our home page. 

We have also released a  dual DVD set containing the first 35 Tips with updated comments and material for those who want to watch offline with the convenience of DVD chapter indexing.
HomebuiltHELP | PO Box 111 Brussels WI 54204 | email: support@HomebuiltHELP.com
HomebuiltHelp's Engine installation videos make the daunting task of an engine installation a LOT easier! Watch someone else do it first! This is part of your engine evaluation process. Featuring:
Rotax,   ULPower,   Jabiru,   Viking, Continental

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