Eagle's Lair
Members Roster

April 21, 2006

Ladies & Gentlemen:

Present at today's work party were Ed Shadle, Keith Zanghi, Jon Higley, Steve Wallace, Bill Eckberg, Sean Rondestvedt, Von Armstrong, Ed Drumheller II, Scott Robertson, John Zambrano, Omar Chramosta, Tim Finley, and Meeko.

The main task of today's work was to complete the hydraulic connections for the modified system, hook it up to a "mule" that would provide the needed pressure for operating the speed brake doors, magnetic brakes, and steering, and check everything. Scott Robertson and Jon Higley worked together to add the last new line to the new flow distribution block in the hydraulics bay between the intakes.

Meanwhile, Bill Eckberg, worked on the hydraulic system accumulator mounted near the front where the aircraft used to have a gun mount. He also connected the network of hydraulic lines for testing the system later in the day. With Bernard, our team welder, not present today, our backup welder, Tim Finley, filled in. Sean Rondestvedt and Von Armstrong worked on mounting the pull lever for the front wheel brake in the cockpit.

Steve Wallace worked on checking the functionality of the telemetry for his data acquisition system he's been spending months refining. After discovering why he had difficulty picking up a signal for the computer in the electronics bay - he'd connected with someone's wireless network in their home nearby - he was successful and it worked nicely.

Ed Drumheller II continued completion of the packing of a high speed chute bag, while Ed Shadle reworked the canister latching mechanism for the parachutes. Meeko, on the other hand, spent the day making sure everything was secure. As for Keith Zanghi, well, we're still not sure whether he did anything. Someone said they noticed him stuffing his face with pizza and coffee.

Later in the day the network of hydraulic lines were connected to the "mule" and other components of the car's system through the new quick disconnects in the lower engine bay and pressure was applied. However, due to a lack of sufficient hydraulic fluid and too great an amount of air in the lines, we were unable to make anything work. Ways to get around the fluid shortage were discussed.

At the end of the day Thor Henderson and his wife, Lisa, came to the hangar for a visit. Thor is a local franchise owner of Signs By Tomorrow of Bellevue, WA and has decided to sponsor our project's graphics needs. He talked with us to explain how he is going to collect all graphic imagery onto computer so that all decals, and even the eagle on each side of the car, can be reproduced for replacement when needed. Several decals have become damaged over the years, so this will help improve the car's appearance.

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