Wow! You guys are amazing and I can't thank you enough. There would have been some real pucker-factor on that first takeoff without these measurements. Now I can relax, finish the rest of the building and have a good time with it. Gordon-you read my mind with your description of the landing technique, I was going to ask you about that but you covered it nicely. Collinba-You're 100% correct about the landing gear plate. I noticed that setup after it was already bolted and enclosed in the belly pan :disappoin . Oh well. Thanks to all for their assistance, I'll be sure and keep you posted with some pictures later. JD