The unusual HF head install continues.

Yes its an ellipse, like the side windows. With this shape I have found that I can rest my arm on that armrest and not even notice the big hole. I’m very happy with this concept. All the radio buttons and the LCD screen, on/off switch and the volume dial are also very easy to access.

Of course it was never going to be easy and just a hole carved out. This was only two ply thick and I needed a lot more for strength. I don’t want the console breaking through in flight when I lean on it.

An extra six plies of glass when on at the back with flox corners.

This is now acceptably strong, even where the oval shape is thinnest. Mine you at that point the radio head is just touching giving significant strength again.

Here we are again at the ellipse opening but now well reinforced.

The next problem was that I could see quite a gap between the radio and the inner armrest. What if I dropped a pencil or pen in there and it fouled the throttle? The radio needed an inner jacket!

This inner case for the radio head took way too much time. Its not quite finished but the pic is to give you an idea. When the armrest slides in place nothing will be going past the ‘head’.

Here’s a rather busy armrest and there is more to come in front of the throttle. Six switches are in the process of being installed.