Flyin' Bryan's RV-8 Adventure

This site was created to provide friends and family with a vehicle to track my efforts to build a Van's RV 8 Aircraft kit. The dream began in the Summer of 2008. The actual building began in 2009, with the arrival of the empennage or tail kit. I will periodically update the site with photos and comments about my progress.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

About Me

Bryan Raley: So who am I? Born in Dallas, TX, but consider myself a Colorado native, having lived in this beautiful state for all but two years of my life. I built my first plastic airplane model at the age of 7, and I was hooked on airplanes for life. I attended the University of North Dakota and obtained an Aviation Administration degree, earning my flight instructor certificate along the way. I became a search and rescue pilot and crew member for the Civil Air Patrol shortly after graduating from college - going on 26 years of service now. There is no greater satisfaction that using your aviation talents to help your community and the nation. I bcame a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association in 2008 and made my first visit to Airventure in Oshkosh, WI, home of the largest gathering of airplanes and aviation enthusiasts in the world for one week in July 2009. Of course you already know I am building an RV-8 airplane! Other than that, I enjoy living life, spending time with my wonderful wife and 2 great kids, and just enjoying all that life has to offer.

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Cleaveland Tools All-in-One Rivet Gage - very handy tool!

Shop Head of the AN470AD4-6 Rivets - First Sub assembly complete!

Used the Pneumatic Squeezer to set these - Rivets number 1 through 6 are done!

Getting ready to drive my first rivets!

My first fabricated tool! Radius Gauges for Checking Bend Radius

NAPA Primer and Metal Cleaning Products used by lots of plane builders

First 7220 Self Etching NAPA Primer sprayed on HS Center Bearing