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Exciting News at Blue Thunder Air Racing!

Progress report on the construction of
“Blue Thunder II”
As of May 31, 2009

The request for Blue Thunder II’s registration was sent in to the FAA Aircraft Registration in Oklahoma City on 4/22/2009. The registration was issued 5/13/09; post marked on the 18th and arrived 5/21/2009. I believe this is record time to receive a registration.

Last month I talked about how we were building the cowl to fit a slightly larger spinner. Our cowl parts are some of the very first parts molded by Papa 51 and are considerably different than any I have seen before. The joggles are separate parts that must be bonded onto the mating part which was a bit of a pain. The cowl cheeks had a flat area in the front on top that we were never able to pull out so the top part of the cowl doesn’t match the spinner as well as I would like it to.

The entire crew thought the cowl would look a lot better if we did not have to cut holes in the side for the exhaust stacks. OK, reality sets in and the holes for the stacks are cut and the smooth prime has been added to catch up with the painting process.

The three piece wind screen was installed and the plexiglass joints were heat bonded together to make the screen one piece. Rhonda is feathering out the fiberglass laminations on the outer surfaces. Looks like she is sitting down on the job.

The canopy plexiglass is attached to the frame and the mating surfaces are sanded and filled.

The TM in the background is for sale, so anyone who is interested in a bargain, check out http://www.americanairracing.com/forsale/tmsale.html

The fuel valve and the prop control are completed, installed and functionally tested. The landing gear control has been installed but still requires functional testing.

The auto door controllers and the air data recorder are still in development but are expected by August 1st for a first flight date in August.

The engine is plumbed and wired except for a few secondary transducers which can be added at any time. We should be able to run the engine as soon as the prop shows up on or about June 23rd.

5/31/2009 Today, Blue is all gray sitting in the sun lit curing oven. Day after tomorrow, out comes the sandpaper again.

The final colors will be blue and white of course but the paint will be PPG DCC which has much more shine and depth to the appearance than the old one.

Last month I ask for a reply to this report, and I received quit a few, all good and most asking for more pictures and more detail. I am fearful of making the report so long that some may get bored; so, if anyone has any specific interest, I will be happy to answer any specific questions. Anyway, as dry as it may be, I have tried to add a little humor. Please keep those replies, comments and suggestion coming in on any subject. They all help to guide this team on how to better response to everyone.

Once again the Blue Crew, Jan, and I thank from the bottom of our hearts for the continued financial and moral support we have received from all of our Sponsors, Fans and Contributors.

Next month (June 16-20) will be dedicated to supporting George Giboney with Rapid Travel at the Pylon Racing School here in Race Central. Everyone with the available time is welcome to join us in our support for George.

Thanks again.

The entire Blue Crew.

Blue Thunder Air Racing supports our men and women in uniform.

Blue Thunder Air Racing would like to thank its sponsors; their generous support makes it all possible.