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Week 1

This week group members were reassigned into new groups and took responsibility for an aircraft previously built by another team. The purpose of this was to ensure a smooth project handoff by reviewing the existing group blog, assessing the quality of documentation, and identifying any remaining work needed before the aircraft can proceed to ground testing.
This process mirrors real-world engineering environments where teams must rely on documentation and inspection to safely and efficiently continue work started by others.
Group Blog Assessment:
Our team reviewed the existing blog to evaluate how effectively the previous group documented their work and how easy it would be to continue the build.
1. What the prior group did exceptionally well
The prior group did a strong job with overall construction quality. Very few physical mistakes were observed in the aircraft’s build itself. Their work showed attention to detail and care in assembly, which gives our team a solid foundation to continue from.
2. What the prior group did poorly
One major issue was that the two halves of the aircraft were not glued together and were instead temporarily held with blue tape. This is a structural concern that must be corrected before flight. Additionally, the team should have included a clearly labeled wiring diagram earlier in the process to better document the electronics layout.
3. Gaps identified in the blog
After reviewing the documentation, we found that there are no major gaps in the blog. The previous team included:
A wiring diagram
Parameter files
Steps already completed
Steps that still need to be completed
This level of documentation provides a clear understanding of the aircraft’s status.
4. Workplace handoff evaluation
Yes, this documentation would be considered sufficient for a workplace handoff. The instructions and records are clear enough that a new team can understand what has been completed and what remains. With minor improvements in structural completion and continued documentation, the project can transition smoothly between teams.
Aircraft Punch List:
To prepare the aircraft for ground testing, the following punch list was created.
1. Work Yet to Be Completed
Glue fuselage halves together
Glue rubber landing pads to fuselage
Glue wing root connectors
Glue clear battery plate inside fuselage
Glue black bracing strips inside fuselage
Install ruddervator latches (P/N 14)
Install remaining electronics (excluding wing and tail servos already installed)
Install engines and engine covers
Install tail servo attachments (P/N 13)
Install control surface linkages
Install panel latches (P/N 18)
2. Rework Items / Repairs
Remove and replace incorrect motor mounts
3. Inventory Shortages
No inventory shortages at this time
4. Missing Documentation
Current documentation is adequate to determine completed steps and remaining work. No critical documentation is missing.
5. Estimated Time to Complete Outstanding Tasks
Structural gluing and bracing 45 minutes
Latch and linkage installation 45 minutes
Electronics installation 60 minutes
Engine and cover installation 30 minutes
Final inspection & documentation 30 minutes
Total Estimated Time Remaining: ~3.5 hours
Cube Verification:
Version number and code: Verified and confirmed operational
Parameters set: Currently unknown — parameters will be exported and saved as a JSON file
Health status: All sensors report healthy and are correctly installed on the Cube
DATX Verification:
All sticks move freely in all directions
Receiver and transmitter are bound
All required models are downloaded and present:
DAB10
PUB01–PUB06
Conclusion
This lab emphasized the importance of documentation, accountability, and structured task tracking when transitioning projects between teams. The previous group provided a strong foundation with good construction quality and mostly complete documentation. Our team identified key structural tasks that still need completion and created a clear punch list to guide remaining work before ground testing.
By continuing to document thoroughly and address structural and installation tasks carefully, the aircraft will be properly prepared for the next stage of testing.

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