Lora Wargo: Proposed Mixed Techniques Final Project

 1. Proposal Statement: 

I intend to make the instruments for a Piper Cherokee, in particular the “pilot’s six-pack.” The “pilot’s six-pack” is the set of flight instruments that are most crucial to flying: the altimeter, vertical speed indicator, attitude indicator, turn coordinator, airspeed indicator, and the heading indicator.

2. Advise:
I have discussed my idea briefly with Dr. Terrell. In particular, we discussed the ability to modulate my idea. We also briefly discussed the needles on the instruments and whether to 3D print or laser cut them. 

Throughout the process, I have been discussing my design with my peers, namely Daisy Serebrin. She suggested that I could use acrylic or plexiglass and cover the instruments, as they would be covered in the actual aircraft. 

3. Rough game plan: 

My planned approach is to design, in Fusion  360, a base shape that I can use for all the instruments. Then, using Adobe Illustrator, I can import the base shape and the sketch I have made which is specific to each design/instrument. I will laser cut the result. I will also use the laser cutter to cut out the plexiglass/acrylic cover. 

Using the 3D printer for the needles, I will begin with a design in Fusion 360, likely using the form feature. Because each instrument has different shapes of needles, I will likely need to make several different needles and print them.

Once I have all the components (instrument, instrument cover, and needle), I will assemble the pieces together and mount them onto a “dashboard” using hand tools. If I have more time, then I may add other features in a cockpit, such as the yoke, stall indicator, and a mock radio. 

4. Needs: 

The resources I will need will be wood glue, nails, 3D printing filament, wood, and plexiglass/acrylic. While I am confident that the makerspace has most of these supplies, as I have used them before, I want to verify that the makerspace has plexiglass. I am not familiar with using the laser cutter for cutting plexiglass, so I also have the need to learn how to use the laser cutter for plexiglass. 

The photo above is of  a Piper Cherokee cockpit, which is the inspiration for my project.

I will be focusing on the "pilot's six-pack," as described earlier. The above photo shows those instruments.

This, in regards to the sketch above, is my personal sketch of the pilot's six-pack, and this is what I will be laser-engraving.