In the October 1988 “issue of Skywriter,’ I reported my progress on building my Renegade Spirit. This is a follow-up report on-the last half of the project, now that it is finally in the air.

Notice I said “last half”. Before starting to write this I reread my last report, at the end of which I said I had put in 280 hours and expected to complete the project in about 350 hours, total. I wonder what I was smoking that day! By the time the Renegade made it’s maiden flight I had accumulated a total of 630 hours, and have since put in. another 50+ hours before calling it completed. What was the name of that dealer who told me the Renegade could be built in 350 hours?

At last writing I had just completed the construction phase and was preparing to cover. There were still a few construction items left, like fairings and, cover panels, which I decided to leave until after covering because when the fabric is tightened, some openings and edges distort; so it is better to cut and fit them later. So I charged ahead with covering using the Hipec process. I am glad I chose Hipec. Although I have never used the Stits method, I have watched the Stits video and listened to tales from other builders, and the Hipec method definitely seems easier and quicker.

Preparing the aluminum for covering was fairly time consuming. The wing ribs, and there’s a lot, had many dimples due to the compound bends in- the aluminum. I used the Hipec recommended method to fill these, which is to mix micro-baloons and sun-barrier to make a slurry, resulting in a very light and tough filler when dry. It can then be sanded smoothly. This can be used to cover up a multitude of errors as well.’