Hi Scott

 

All your points are valid.  There is a very large tolerance for structures in these aircraft due to the "knucklehead factor".  I suspect most planes we've seen are pretty well done structurally, whether the sticky stuff is kept beyond the recommended shelf life or not.  For REALLY CRITICAL things, I get new resin and I don't mind spending a few extra bucks.  But in reality, when Martin did the structural analysis, I think he had to design to the level of village idiot.  Well, maybe a step above that.  But a reasonable designer would figure that not everyone is equally talented and some excess tolerance should be given to those who's skills are somewaht deficient.

 

Do I think I will keep this plane forever?  No I don't.  I'll probably need to sell it at some point for the next one to be flying.  So I will plan on doing a very professional job and documenting it.

 

Remember, as soon as someone makes something idot proof, they build a better idiot!

 

Dan Newland