September 2, 2016.   Issue No. 4,195. 
  Regular readers of the site already know how uncomfortable it makes me asking for yearly donations.  But if I don't do just that every now and then, I can't keep the VAF business afloat.  Donations are the difference between profit and loss each year.  2016 is now 2/3rds over and 1,206 have donated (out of 22,661 registered forum users and another 30,000+ unregistered regular 'lurkers').
  Call it one out of every fifty readers so far - roughly $20K after taxes.
  If you don't think your honor system donation matters, please let me assure you it most certainly does!!  The I.T. costs associated with maintaining a forum of this size runs in the neighborhood of buying a 2-year old Honda Accord yearly.  All I've ever asked is that if you visit the site regularly, please support it with a $25/yr donation.  That's $2.08 a month for something you might visit multiple times a day.
  If you've donated in the last nine years, your name is searchable in the following links: 2016, 2015, 2014(Cash/Check - CC), 2013 (cash/check - CC), 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008.  THANK YOU!!! to those individuals who help support this website with their yearly honor system donation. 
  I'm sorry for having this commercial up top today.  I didn't enjoy writing it probably like you didn't enjoy reading it.  I'm the breadwinner in our family and I gotta make it work.
  The mothership is closed on Monday for Labor Day, but there will be a Monday VAF edition.
  Susie, Audrey, Tate and I would like to wish you and yours a happy, safe and RV-filled weekend!  

fmi: Support this site

 

26 July: Roseau, MN ...Scott C

"The approach of a Minnesota morning pleasantly fell upon the room, and soon I would awaken to the sound of my soul. I would awaken to the yearnings of my childhood, to the echoes of an innocence that had been calling me across the American continent for five wonderful weeks.

I would awaken to a crop duster takeoff. I would awaken to the freedom of flight"

Update on the Lobster Fly-In

It looks like 10+ plus RVs are coming in early for the Lobster get-together at Youngs lobster Sept 16th. Most everyone is stay at my house or other Belfast RVrs homes. We still have a few more places to put up anyone who wants to come early for the dinner on Friday.

Day 9. Matanushka Charm and Punches of Tazlina...Vlad's Alaska

The Tour of the Glaciers started with Matanushka. Beautiful place the ride was very smooth.

Day 9. Nabesna Grandeur and Gulkana Hospitality...Vlad's Alaska

Wondering How Popular RV's Are?

Here's a screen grab off a FAA newsletter....

Eagle's Nest Projects - Welcomes Granbury High School (TX)

Pop Rivet Art

Jason got his first ride in an RV Wednesday at my home field. He's a pilot for Southwest Airlines and hopes to start building an RV-8 sometime in the near future. He seems pretty happy about the ride :-). 

September Wallpaper Calendar ...courtesy Ed Hicks.

26 July- Roseau, MN ...Scott Chastain's 'America the Beautiful'

After making my appointment at the Polaris factory for a 2:00 p.m. tour, I drove back to the airport to change into a pair of shoes. On the way, I stopped at the Roseau War Veterans Memorial that was located in a park along the main highway. Surrounded by engraved stones memorializing the lives of veterans of WWI, WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, the centerpiece read, “Honoring all who served, and dedicated to the noble deeds of the men and women of Roseau County who served their country, and especially to the everlasting memory of those who gave their lives to preserve the freedoms of humanity.”

I was deeply reminded of my purpose by the efficacy of the message and by the beauty of the memorial itself as it lay awash in the mid-day sun of an American small town. It fully reinstilled the aim of my mission as I ventured forth from the square and drove back onto the wheat-bordered airport. There was a harvest coming soon:

Kevin's RV-7 ...status.

Day 8. Divergent ...Vlad's Alaska

Unalakleet morning started early. I desperately needed a telephone. First person showed up at a Bering outfit around 7:30 but they are opening at 8. It appeared to be a long day. I bought couple gallons of gas to top off the gent at the counter was trying to give me more change then I paid. They don't have a knack for math in Unalakleet he was glad to get his seventy bucks back. A call to Flight Service yielded what I expected. VFR not recommended icing starts at 10,000 feet all the way down to my next planned destination Cold Bay PACD. Another lesson learned when FSS tells you something you don't want to hear you better listen. Otherwise you will end up like myself 200 NM off course and nearly 300 NM short of your destination.

Day 9. Exiting Alaska...Vlad's Alaska

... it's time to move on. Palmer, AK is a great stop for a weary traveler. Lodging and food in walking distance from the airport. $5 for overnight parking well worth it.

ADS-B and smog?

My father-in-law and I flew up to Kentucky to pick up a plane this morning. We were cruising about 5500 feet past Nashville and he says, "Hey did you check weather?" I said, "Well yeah, it's supposed to be clear til this afternoon when the thunderstorms build up." Then he shows me this on the G3X Touch radar screen and says, "What the heck!" Looked like light to moderate rain covering the Nashville area... but the other picture is the view out the window in that direction. The METARs we got in the area all showed clear below 12,000 and good visibility.

There is an Air Quality Alert today, with a defined haze layer and a fair amount of smog. Would smog show up as moderate rain on ADS-B?

Day 7. From Shishmarev to Palin's Backyard...Vlad's Alaska

... on the way from Serpentine Hot Springs to Shishmarev Island I spotted a herd of animals.  ...

Night by the cemetery on Day 7....Vlad's Alaska

Next stop planned to be Nome and I hoped there will be a room at a hotel for me. Three days ago was nothing and two ago was all booked. I had a backup plan in case I am out of luck at Nome.  ...

Rivet question before I get to the point of no return ...Fred

If there's a prize for the most hours spent on a vertical stabilizer, I may qualify. Things have gone well, it just my lack of experience that has slowed me down. I've got a pretty good idea of what good work is, but I don't know what's acceptable so I probably spend too much time trying to be perfect. Because of this I've got a lot of time in this very simple piece. I was down to the last rivet on the top end of the vertical stab when I ran into a problem. I can't get the rivet to set flush. Below is how events unfolded.  ...

26 July: Piney Pinecreek, Roseau, MN ...Scott Chastain

After departing Solon Springs that morning, I shot across Minnesota through some of the smoothest air of the entire trip, from beginning to end. There wasn’t a whole lot underneath me but marshland, lakes, and tundra as far as the eye could see. The largest body of water I encountered beyond Lake Superior were the Red Lakes:  ...

Re-birth of N94CR ...weekly update

With the pedals upgraded and re-installed, I could finally move ahead with riveting the firewall. This involved re-making some of the cowl attach strips. The hinge-halves for the lower cowling sides were still in place and, in fact, had never been removed. The rest of the lower and upper cowling was held to the fuselage by strips containing nutplates. I know they aren't as quick and easy as quick turn fasteners, but for the sake of time and expense, I'm sticking with the original hardware. That required re-making the lower two strips because of the firewall damage that occurred during the gear collapse wrinkled them up a bit. There was enough good real-estate left that i could use them as patterns for the new ones which means the original holes in the cowling line up perfectly. About half of the top cowl strip had to be remade because of edge distance issues from the original construction (meaning there essentially wasn't any...)
I bucked as many rivets as I could reach, and substituted appropriately sized CherryMax lock rivets where I couldn't.

Weekend in Charleston ...YellowJacket RV9

This past weekend my wife and I celebrated our first anniversary and also her 30th birthday, which is a lot for a husband to get right. She has always wanted to visit Charleston SC, and I hadn't been since a somewhat inebriated fraternity formal back in college. Being able to make trips like this are one reason she has been so supportive of the RV project, and I'm up for any excuse to fly.

We took off Friday afternoon before the typical FL thunderstorms started popping up, and headed up towards Jacksonville before following the coast up to Charleston.  ...

25 July: Solon Springs, WI ...Scott Chastain

After breaking ranks from the inbound queue at the railroad tracks, it was a quick hop over Rush Lake direct to Waupaca (PCZ) where, crossing midfield, I made right traffic for runway 28. The place was packed. Taxiing in, I found the last available parking spot on the asphalt. There were a few planes landing right behind me, and they had to park in the grass by the taxiway. I chocked the Dove and went into the FBO.  ...

25 July: Solon Springs, WI (Part II) ...Scott Chastain

After I ate my banana split, I found a dirt path by the park benches leading around the back side of a small lake. I followed it for a few hundred feet until I found an old abandoned school, weed-ridden and weathered down. It had been poured in the traditional art deco fashion of the 1930’s. Then I walked back to the airport using an ATV shortcut that took me back over to the freeway:  ...

Birthday Party ...Jay Pratt's 70th

Sept 24.  Set your calendar to attend.
"Big number.  I am turning 70 next month.  RV friends Are invited!  September 24th around noon.  Hicks Airfield (T67)."

Day 7. Barrow to Kotzebue...Vlad's Alaska

Off Wiley Post-Will Rogers Memorial and I am a bit geographically confused. Is it pure Arctic Ocean coastline or it's Chukchi Sea? Surely not Beaufort.  ...

First flight for 32YE - Spirits of Aviation flying club ...plus video

The first flight of 32YE happened yesterday. The weather cooperated and the flight went off without a hitch. Dave took to the air first then I hopped in for a short flight. It handled great. Only a rudder trim tab will be needed. Flew like a dream.

Photo of all 6 flying club members. Joe, Dave, Ron, John (myself), Bob, and Chuck (left to right):

Another RV-12 Hatchling About To Leave The Nest ...John-G

Normally, when a black SUV with Government license plates rolls up on you at an airport … it’s usually a time for concern. However, that was not the case Monday at the DOG Aviation hangar … in fact, much to the contrary, it was a most welcomed sight. The SUV’s doors opened and three representatives from the FAA’s Cleveland MIDO (Manufacturing Inspection District Offices) facility exited the vehicle to greet me. Mr. Richard Greenlief, a Senior Aviation Safety Inspector and Small Plane Directorate, was the first to speak and said not be alarmed … normally he would be the only Fed doing the inspection, but he had brought a couple of his newer employees along for some on the job training. I was introduced to Mr Jeffrey Green and Mr. Steven Heard … then was told that Steven Heard would be taking the lead inspector role and would be performing the airworthiness inspection on the DOG Aviation RV-12 under Mr. Greenlief’s supervision. Steven and I shared an instant camaraderie …. the airworthiness inspection would be a first for each of us.  continue

First flight today ...Ron B. RV-14

C-GLEP flew flawlessly today with 1.75 hrs. on the hobbs. Pictures to follow soon. Need to go out and get another hr. on it today.

Day 6. Crossed Arctic Circle ...Vlad's Alaska

My trusty wingman and good friend Chip made a tough decision. To turn back enter CONUS and land in every state. I salute him he made it that far very few RV drivers are able to do that. Well done brother well done! I will catch you on the way back stay safe as you always told me.  ...

Afternoon of Day 6. Frozen ...Vlad's Alaska

A radio comes alive a bushy Cessna in opposite direction. Hi guys how it looks up there? Bad we couldn't make it through the pass they said. What are you up to? I am an experimental trying to make it to Galbraith Lake. Don't even try I doubt you can even make the shelf... unless you go IFR... Hmmm the shelf? what shelf?  ...

End of Polar Day 6 ...Vlad's Alaska

I spend a good hour in Kaktovik said goodbye to my wonderful guide Robert Thompson and departed westbound toward Prudhoe Bay Deadhorse airport. Winds were calm and I decided to track Beaufort Sea shoreline just below the cloud deck.  ...

Day 7.  The Top of the World ...Vlad's Alaska

I checked out of Deadhorse late. The front desk asked if I had a breakfast. Sure thanks. Go and pack your lunch you already paid for it. Let me tell you the Aurora hotel has a really good buffet I packed a ton of meat in that little container. Weather looked good as it usually is this time of the year. My next destination was Barrow PABR the place a lot of pilots are trying to reach including myself.  ...

24 July: Knox, IN ...Scott Chastain

The airborne path out of Shafer Field that Sunday was an alleyway cutting back to the northeast, bordered on both sides by rising columns of cumulus that towered like contorted fence posts over the back yard plains of America. Taking me directly over the top of Champaign, IL, the alley gradually began to narrow the further I flew until, dodging hither and thither through the clouds, I made an aggressive descent from the cool heights of cruise.  ...

~44 years ago...

Day 4. Almost 8 hours airborne love every minute! ...Vlad's Alaska

Well rested I left Toad River Lodge and airport. Weather forecast looked stellar for all day up to the North Pole. I decided to track Alcan till intersection at Robert Campbell highway then take it to Klondike. 

About the RV 12 being built by the National Test Pilot School Graduate Assistants

"The build program was initiated as a way to give NTPS Graduate Assistants the opportunity to conduct a first flight and envelope expansion test program, develop an aircraft flight manual, learn about aircraft construction, and how to manage a long project (we are hoping to be finished in two years). The RV-12 kit was appealing to us due to its small construction space required, detailed construction plans, the simplicity of the hand tools, and the E-LSA registration once the build is complete. The RV-12 is owned by NTPS and the aircraft will be used to either support the school's courses and R&D programs and/or used for staff during off hours."

Panel Upgrade...John Owen via Jesse

From this (pic 1) to this (pic 2) in 7 days. Now just waiting for the G5.

23 July: Troy, IL ('America the Beautiful' New Installment) ...Scott Chastain

When I entered the little shack at Shafer Field, I was met by the musty pall of ages and ages past, and the cramped height of the ceiling made me feel like a man who, after growing up and living a long happy life, returned to one of his grammar school classrooms and discovered that reality had shrunk the coliseums of his imagination into tiny tombs of dying memory. Instantly, I found myself squeezed into the America of the 1970's:

24 July: St. Louis, MO (where the VAF servers live) ...Scott Chastain

After my nightly flightline prayer walk, led through the amber and the blue beaming glow of the lighted tarmac, I floated somewhat dreamily through the front door of the little shack. Ed Shafer had earlier given me permission to use the shower, which I did. It hadn't been used in a long time. Hundreds of dead insects and a layer of dust became a muddy vortex that swirled a tiny history of conversation and camaraderie down the drain before I stepped in.

The shower was baptismal for me. I could feel the layers of salt and the slime of two days' worth of sweat joining the party of dead bugs below me, and I felt like a new man drying off.

I slept soundly on the couch of the shack that night with Old Glory hanging behind me. I awoke at first light, packed up my bedding, brewed a pot of coffee in the back room, got caffeinated, then headed out. The crackling gravel driveway led me away from the comfortable embrace of the airport, and I drove through the morning toward St. Louis.

It was Sunday morning, and the roads were wide open. Everyone was still in bed, it seemed. There was a Port-a-Potty sitting there alone by the side of the road, so I pulled off and used it. I beheld the approach of downtown St. Louis as I went back to the Hyundai and started up again. I breezed toward town over the Martin Luther King Bridge:

Microsoft Security Software (free)

There is a lot of scary software out there that does bad things to your computer. Somewhat RV-related, I guess, in that you use a computer to read this site.  I thought I would bring a website to your attention if you use Microsoft products and would like to scan those products for viruses and malware. It's not real-time continuous scanning, but it is free and it does contain the latest virus scanning definitions.

I use the 'Malicious Software Removal Tool' and 'Safety Scanner' options on at least one computer that runs older software that I don't want to upgrade (Essentials and Defender no longer works on the old, old stuff).

METAR/TAF Wx Abbreviations Decoded

You know when you're looking at a METAR/TAF report and you get to the part there at the end and you don't understand any of the letters or numbers? I found a pretty neat summary sheet online. Direct link here and I added a link to it on the weather page in the upper left corner. vansairforce.net/weather.htm. 

A sample:

RPRT - Report
RPRTD - Reported
RPRTG - Reporting
RPRTS - Reports
RPT - Repeat
RPTG - Repeating
RPTS - Repeats
RQR - Require
RQRD - Required
RQRG - Requiring
RQRS - Requires

These amazing planes ...Bevan

I volunteered to do a very long distance service call last Saturday. The drive would have been 5.5 hours each way plus fuel stops and road construction delays. Over the course of the trip we only "saw" one other vehicle going the other way. Something seemed quite strange as it was such a beautiful summery day. The scenery was spectacular, the day was warm and the sun, bright. Where was everybody? We also never saw any traffic lights, stop signs, cops or construction zones either so we never bothered to slow down let alone stop during the entire commute. Very strange. It's just amazing to go full out 300kmh (legally) for an hour straight, 14,000 feet high above the earth in a contraption built in an old barn over time. Air Traffic Controllers were very courteous and profession to us as they accepted our requests and presence in their airspace like we belonged on their radar screens. In contrast, there had been several obstacles and road blocks along the way while persuing this dream of achieving home-made personal air travel. Any one of which could have derailed the dream and one did for a couple years. If you're building, stay focused on the task, never give up. Rest if you must but not for too long. One day it will be done and worth all the effort. Keep pounding those "rivets". Bevan

23 July: Litchfield, Troy, IL ...Scott Chastain

A red gyrocopter was doing touch-and-goes before I cranked over that morning. It departed the area just as I back-taxied down runway 18 and to the departure end of runway 27. After takeoff, I climbed up to 6,500' MSL until I met a scud layer at that altitude, then climbed up to 8,500'. The air was heavy with heat and moisture at the lower altitudes. It was another high-flying day:  continue

Work trip to KHXD ...Brantel

Work trip to Hilton Head to attend a class all week. Decided to use the RV to get here! 1:38 flight time vs 6hr drive! No brainer!  Line guy was awesome and delivered the rental plane side. Impressed the wife who gets to lounge by the pool and the beach all week while I sit in class!  Don't want to even think about how much fuel cost here!  Love getting to use the plane for trips!

Day 3.  Flight of Two Separated ...Vlad

Troy Branch knows his territories. He gave us tons of suggestions on local sightseeing. A corridor to the north was about to open when we followed Troy to the fuel pumps.  continue

Interesting Engine Photo ...upperdeck

I had this unique photo of my engine sent to me today and thought I'd share.  I travel to San Antonio and Titan right after Labor Day to observe the build and return home with some extra cargo!

Priceless! ...Jesse

Fuel to fly to breakfast - $35.  Breakfast - $30.  Fuel for quick flight - $6.  Taking my daughter & mom flying - Priceless!

Train Derailment RV-6 Photo Run

If you are local you might've seen this on the news. On Sunday evening around 6 PM a train pulling coal derailed at a bridge about a mile east of our airport. Five cars fell in the creek, bridge destroyed, no injuries, no hazardous material. Monday morning I checked the FAA website to see if there was a TFR, looked at my flight radar app on my phone to make sure there were no ADS-B returns orbiting the area, climbed in the RV with the traffic screen front and center and went over there for one lap to get some pictures.

I could hear the Channel 4 news helicopter approaching the area on the radio and I made sure they saw me and I saw them. I was at 1800 feet, 500 feet above them. Orbited one time and took a few pictures, then got out of the way. You can see the pictures I took HERE.  More choppers showed up later in the morning.

I was 1200' above the site, so they aren't too sharp.  I didn't want to get any lower.

Highway 377 was closed for a few hours, but it should be open now. It's amazing that there can be such a mess and I can take care of it so quickly. Glad nobody was hurt.

Logged 12 minutes <g>.

Day 2 ...Vlad

If you have an airworthy airplane, completed your BFR and never been to Montana, take a couple days off and go! One of the prettiest and friendliest places to fly. Flying in Montana never gets old you can even legally land on an adjacent road if you find a strip like Russian Flat is too rough.  continue

N436KH (reserved) first cross-country

N436KH first cross-country KWHP - 9I3

Distance: 2252 Miles
Average speed: 65 MPH
Fuel burn: 5 GPH

N436KH (reserved) just completed her maiden cross country, from Whiteman Field (KWHP) to West Liberty Airport (9I3).

Speed was a little less than I had hoped for but fuel burn was about what I expected… For the Penkse truck we traveled in.

I am the proud new owner of Van’s Aircraft RV-6 s/n 21390.

At 53 years old, it finally became time, but not quite as I expected.

About 25 years ago, my then-wife and I worked on her RV-6; I was there from the uncrating to hanging the engine before we parted ways. I always planned to build my own, but life got in the way: an Air Force career, living on a sailboat, a busy medical practice, you name it. I was just always too busy or couldn’t figure out how to make the logistics work.  continue

From Lucas at Trutrak...

Status Report in Pictures ...crabandy

I finished filling/smoothing the new fiberglass and added a flange to the inside of the lower cowling.

Saturday morning work session at the Van Cave.  Rob Reece RV-8.

Journey Of A Lifetime (long) ...Vlad

It took me two years to get ready. Enormous amount of planning and training went into it. I wanted to do something different on this trip. I wanted to use my airplane not as a means of my body delivery from point A to point B but rather as a sightseeing platform. I wanted to stretch the route legs as far as I could. To places off beaten paths, where very few homebuilt aircrafts ever been if any.  I wanted to prove to those who are still making decisions to build your own aircraft or not and for those hesitant to leave the home state. Build and go! If I can do it anybody can.

That's how my 20 days odyssey looked like when I planned it:  continue

The New Guy at Van's ...Tony Kirk

As a result of the recent R&D Prototype Shop vacancy at Van's Aircraft I have the extreme pleasure to announce that I have been selected for the position.

I'd like to thank Rian Johnson, Scott Risan, Scott McDaniels and Ed Chesney for having the faith in my abilities to bring me into the Van's Aircraft family.

I also want to say THANK YOU to Mr. Richard VanGrunsven for making the whole RV community possible! Without him none of this would even exist.

The thrill and excitement I'm feeling are an order of magnitude beyond the feelings I had after I flew the first flight of my RV-6A 11 years ago!

I think the "RV Grin" on my face is permanent!

Flight with the ambassador of Venice ...Bob Corriveau

I consider VAF somewhat of an E/AB Swiss Army Knife of blog sights. It is a great place to find help on whatever RV model you are building, a great place to find great building tips, ideas for mods, unending eternal debates of primers or nose dragger/tail dragger debates.....and the list goes on and on and on....

But one of the greatest things of this site is the folks you get to meet as the result of communicating on the forum. I am so often amazed at the great folks you meet in aviation as a whole(yes and the sour grapes are there too!). But I think that you meet people on the VAF forum that DR has provided that up the level of being top class of the aviation community.....one of those people that I have been privileged to acquaint and befriend is Gary Palinkas...The Ambassador of Venice (FL).  continue

Ottawa - Boston getaway ...Lycosaurus

Shirley and I both took a Friday off and headed out for a Boston weekend. The weather forecast for Ottawa was not looking great for Sunday, so we had already anticipated a Saturday evening return home.

We left Friday morning on an 25 minute IFR flight plan from Carp CYRP at 8:30 with intent of clearing customs in Massena KMSS. Once arrived we were 'greeted' by three customs officers for which one seemed to be in training. A thorough radiation survey was performed, and my paperwork checked. First time ever that I was asked for an airworthiness certificate, and a medical. All clear, and we continue on to Boston for another maybe 90 minutes and arrive at Hanscom airport KBED. We chose Signature over the other FBOs since pricing for fuel, overnight, ramp fee etc was somewhat a wash with the competition on the field. Expensive fuel, plus a "flowage" charge. Nice spot for a Boston arrival though.  continue

Did W&B ...rjcthree (Rick)

I did weight and balance today, the good news is there is no logical way to get outside of the CG range without doing something almost impossible. The bad news is N183RC is a little chunky, about 40lbs over target. I came in 1113 empty with all pants and fairings, empty fuel. There was a single headset in that number.

It's a RV-9A, tip up, O320, Sensenich fixed, Sensenich aluminum spinner, D180, Dynon AP, GTX327' SL30, 496, electric trim, mid level interior. Painted in and out.

1113 with everything, 1103 with no fairings or pants.

Is that about right?

Cajon Pass fire, French Valley Landing ...Doug 9A video

Should have instructed wife

So I have been wiring the intercom and radio stuff for a while and I am finally done, so I needed a test, found the hand held paired up a frequency and went back into the house and said here, listen to this and check if you can here me, go back into garage, get in plane and transmit (4 Romeo Tango radio check ) and then I hear over my head set: (this is sexy beast come in! ) Geez! climb out of the plane as fast as I can, run back into the house and start yelling HEY HEY! stop! this is a live aircraft frequency! I ca romba, I should have explained a little more detail what I needed, but hey, at least the radio works!

America the Beautiful (July 22) ...Scott

After the long morning nap on the floor of the upstairs snooze room at Classic Jet Center, my clothes were dry and I felt refreshed enough to make good on my transient nature; the Dove was ready, and so was I, to blast out of the Lost Nation area and into the great unknown. Once again, I said my farewells to my friends at Classic Jet Center, then packed up, preflighted, cranked over, and back-taxied to the end of runway 23.

The weather conditions were marginal at best. After takeoff, I had to scud-run for about 50 miles, first to the WEXER intersection, then on to RITZS. After that, I was pretty much able to point the nose up and rise above the curling remnants of the night before.

A straight 185-mile leg, taking me just 10 miles south of Fort Wayne, planted me in the middle of a large swath of soybean, corn, and hay fields. Wabash, Indiana (IWH), would be a welcome respite from the night before. It felt good to be out in the country again:  continue

Day 1 ...Dr. Mark Ciaglia (Houston) RV-10

"4 hr, 31 min of actual building on the first day in the shop. I can't believe I have something that looks like part of a plane."

Branded ...bret

Thought I would add to my thread from a couple years ago, thought is was funny, this is two weeks old, so I guess I am now branded for life. Getting close to finishing this thing, don't know what else can bite me, maybe a sheered finger when the wings go on?

The new baby comes home ...woodmanrog

Well, the day finally arrived! After waiting out numerous stormy days and personal agendas, we were able to fly RV14A, N199MJ, home to HWO. With Myra at the controls, all went well as our friends Jim and Eddy took the following presentation recording our flight.

Fresh Out of GLO ...took the pics yesterday for Grady between showers.

RV-14 N214SW is ready to go!  Beautiful plane.  dr

America the Beautiful 

[ed. If you haven't checked out this thread in the last few days, Scott has been adding new material and has many of us hooked. It hasn't taken very long for more than 12,000 views to queue up, and if you give it a look you will understand why. To me this story represents everything that you might daydream about while you're building your airplane. Getting in and just going, not exactly knowing where you are going to sleep or eat or even end up.  Big giant question mark full of possibilities.

As Bob Collins said in one of his replies, this may very well be one of the best threads ever.  v/r,dr]

Trip Video- Osh16 (part 1) ...Ed

With the amount of stuff that we do at Oshkosh, we’re going to break this into two posts. This one is going to focus on actually getting to Oshkosh, and some of the events of the first few days.

The Thursday before the show, I got the plane all pretty and our friend Sean Strasburg (along with his dad Nyle and nephew Gio) flew in from Salt Lake City. Then Friday morning, Sean and I flew over to Menomonie to meet up with other fellow RV10 builders Tim Olson (and his family) and Lenny Iszak

Check those tails

I have been doing lots of prebuy inspections over the course of the last year, and one issue keeps coming up a whole lot more than I care to see. In about 30% of the RV's I inspect the tail is improperly mounted, some to such a degree that they are unsafe. The tail is the area of the airplane where most everyone learns the skills they will need throughout the rest of the build. It is also the area where I see the most problems.

A True Cross Country

This is a write-up of my first true cross-country (Pacific to Atlantic and back) trip in my RV-10. This included a visit to Oshkosh.

Since the write-up is quite long, I split it into four parts. Here they are:  continue

Steep turns with my Cousin from Spain ...Manny Oro

Cousin Carlos Jose visited from Spain last week. I took him on a "spin" around the block. Boy was he happy! LOL.

RV 12 Bull Session

Pictures of last Saturday at Bremerton National airport. This is the fifth year that local RV 12s have rendezvous at PWT for a bull session. The weather was CAVU so we had a good turnout, seven planes in all, with another checking in with a bad ignition module on run-up and had to abort. There was an RV12 defector who came anyway doing penance in his new RV8, plus some observers who where still building or just interested. Wives like to attend as well, and everyone had a good time gabbing and looking at the airplanes. It was very hot on the tarmac so the group headed rather quickly for the relative comfort of the airport diner for the good food and camaraderie.

Status Report ...ctennis

Calgary to Vancouver Island ...Troy Branch trip report

When Vlad was out I had mentioned that I had not done many write ups lately as I had been doing the Videos. He insisted I should get back at it. Well you can thank Vlad for this one!  more

RV-14 Motivational Footage ...mothership

A few test [video] shots, shot with our new camera turret. Thanks to Scott for the great formation flying! Be sure to watch it in HD!

Moving Day! (slightly late) ...sbalmos

This past Saturday, as predicted, was Moving Day! Off to the airport with the bird. I had numerous offers and suggestions from fellow EAA chapter members on various trailers. But none of them were wide enough for the main gear legs, and I wasn't exactly keen on the idea of rigging 2x10s outriggers for the wheels to rest on. Didn't seem stable enough, or enough shock absorption. So I ended up calling a near-the-airport car towing company. Their normal flatbed was wide enough, it obviously had shock absorption and general "heft", and was insured. Sure, it cost, but it was peace of mind.  ...

Stony Ware RV-14 RV-14 First Flight  

New Prop Data ...AX-O

I have had some time to fly the new prop. Comparison of the props below. Additional feedback from my wife is that the prop looks too small everyone is a critic. Next prop is under development right now. Craig is trying a completely new blade design. The blade will be modeled similarly to a 787 wing tip. He is also going back to a 70 inch diameter. The one thing I have not done is compared the props at the same MAP. I did not have the time to collect the data prior to the OSH trip.  ...

Status ...crabandy

I decided to start sealing behind the spinner, pink foam cut out with a jig saw and epoxy/micro'ed onto the cowl. Im making the front hole behind the spinner smaller and adding a 90* flange with 1/2" clearance from the prop spacer. I'm thinking I can make the seal with 1/2 foam weatherstripping from the cowl flange to the prop spacer or some rubber baffle material from the cowl flange to the ring gear support. 

Formation with Warbirds! ...Mark Burns

Halls, TN Airshow. Bulldog Flight Formation Team. After the Friday afternoon practice we were giving airshow sponsor rides.

I was leading a flight of 3 RV's. The TBM Avenger and Mustang took off after us. I purposely stayed over the airport to watch them.

The Mustang joined up on the Avenger and they continued to fly around over the airport.  I was following them around at a safe distance just enjoying the sight!

Finally, I got up the nerve...

I radioed the TBM Avenger and asked if my RV flight of three could join up on his flight. He said "we're doing 180 knots!".

Then immediately his #2, the Mustang, said "I can fly slower". The Avenger pilot then asked me what speed would work for us, I said "160 kts will work". He said "OK, I'll slow to 160". I asked the Avenger pilot to give us a left turn. I put my two wingman in right echelon and we did a slick join up sliding right up behind the Mustang, joining up on the Avengers right wing! It was awesome!

Our passengers had a blast! My passenger, Ian Cochran took the photos shown here.
Thanks Ian!   continue

Landing at Fallbrook, CA (L18) ...Doug 9A

Here's the latest vid, shot with my new $65 Polaroid Cube camera. 1080p HD, at 30 fps. I'm pretty impressed with the quality and the nice vivid colors...note when I turn from the runway to the taxiway and the sun lights up the side. Better than I expected for the $$$$$. Field of view is narrower than a GoPro, but the image looks considerably sharper than a GoPro Session, and pretty close to the more expensive models.  more

Oshkosh 2016 - Tuesday's 34 ship Formation Flight  ...George Ford vid

[ed. Note the multi-ship formation upper right in the grab below.  Great vid!  v/r,dr]

Repose in the Everglades ...Scott Chastain story coming soon (teaser shot)

On the Final Stretch! ...AAflyer

I'm running out of important things to do...(other than shave).  I must be getting close.  I hope to enlist my Chapter-mates to help me get the engine cranked in the next few weeks, and will have them swarm over my project before the DAR is scheduled. Hope to get my fly-off done before the cold weather gets to NJ. Stoked!!!

Petit Jean Lodge Full ...Bill

UPDATE 8/11/2016 As of this morning .... it appears that the Rockefeller Conference Center is completely booked! There is no alternate lodging available as there are no other hotels on the Mountain...really it's true! One of the issues is that a few folks have booked several rooms under one name. PLEASE PLEASE be sure you are coming if you do that. The RCC cannot keep a running wait list so we just have to turn Lodgers away if the rooms are booked. But remember, it's very easy camping so that's always an option and this really is a "Fly, Camp, Lodge, & Hike" event :--)

We all understand WX cancellations but please don't just hold a block of rooms until the last minute and please be sure you have also completed the online registration for all attendees if you have already reserved a room(s). THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT

 

Vladus Report ...Alaska continued.

Valve Extensions

NICE seeing you all at Oshkosh again this year!! We just received a new batch of Valve Extensions. The flexibility of these extensions allows you to get easy access to your hard to get to tire valves. For more details on this and more GREAT PRODUCTS, please visit our web site, aircraftextras.com.  Rich

Video by George Ford of the OSH RV team

Airflow Website Update

After a year of hard work Kyle has pretty much self-taught himself how to build a web site. He also installed a web store that is now operational. This should make your on-line shopping easier. There are still products being added, so if you don’t see something you need, just give us a call.  We think he did a great job on this new site, so check it out at www.airflowperformance.com . Give us your comments too. That helps us with refining the site.

Don

Goof off at work for 9m 56s...Randal Warren vid

Welcome to Texas Claudio!

Finally, after months of preparation and tons of documents, I arrived in the US on the beginning of August. Now that some of the most important things are done, I'm starting looking around for a good flight school.

I live in Cypress and I read good online reviews about "The Flight School Inc." at Weiser Airpark that is just a couple of miles away from my home. Any feedback on this school?
Any other suggestion?
__________________
Claudio
Was Avellino - Italy...
Now Cypress, TX

 

Bird or bug strike?  ...bat?

OSH'16 Vid ...Anthony

Welcome ...Don E (West Chester, PA)

Hi, guys -

I've been lurking for a few days, drinking from the firehose, so to speak, learning as fast as I can. I've ordered my empennage and have been assigned a number - apparently the 329th RV-14 kit sold! I'm going to do the QB version. All new to me; really didn't ever expect to be building an airplane, but now very excited to get started. Thanks for all your posts; I've picked up a lot already. I have to do a lot more reading to winnow down my list of questions before I start making a pest of myself; but I'm here! What a great airplane we're all building!

 

7A Rebirthing ...kentlik update

Slider Rail Woes [ed. That's a blues song, right?  In B minor I think...]

Laura's Paint Scheme ...Mike S.

Some of you might remember the name Steve Barnard from back in the early days of the RV 6a. He had a business called BAC--------Barnard Aircraft Co., and did prefab work on the wing kit----Vans had them as an option for a while, just like the Plogestien spars. Steve also developed the Holey Cowl, now sold by James Aircraft.

Anyway, Steve is a buddy who lives just up the street from us. His son Ethan just refinished/upgraded the signage at the entrance of the airpark, Eagle Scout project.  continue

Santa Visit....I mean Stein

The Kinds of Notes Vlad Gets

1,000 hrs in my RV9 ...Bruce Sacks

Somewhere over Georgia while dodging rain showers on my way home from Maryland, my RV9 surpassed 1000 hrs of faithful service. My first flight after completing the construction was July 1, 2006.

This wonderful machine has taken me as far as Chicago and Oshkosh, Ottawa, the Bahamas, Key West, and many places in between including ten straight years to SunNFun.

Next for N659DB is a condition inspection, oil change, magneto overhaul, and modified wheel pants.

See you at Triple Tree in September!

The re-birth of N94CR ...j-red

Three years ago I began to fulfill a lifelong goal: to build and fly my own airplane. When I was a kid, my dad, though not a pilot, subscribed to kitplanes magazine. I must have read each issue a hundred times. In 2013, the opportunity presented itself to purchase a barely started Zenith 601XL kit which I finished in a year and a half working almost every day between 5 and 8AM.

The N601DR flew on May 15th, 2015, and by December she had almost 100 hours on the tach. It was a great plane, and we had some fun adventures together, but I needed to be building again and started looking for my next project last winter. This spring, I sold the Zenith and a week later purchased N94CR. Here's a picture of her back in the glory days!

She's a 1999 6A with about 500 hours on the airframe and factory new 0-360 that went "Splat" on the nose while taxiing on an unpaved strip. Here's what she looked like when I found her:  continue

Photo bomb the Breitling Jets ...BruceEicher

Katie and I got free admission to the Oregon Airshow by flying in and offering up our bird for static display. (Not to mention beating traffic, parking and a long walk into the show.)

It was a fantastic show with Jerry "Jive" Kerby giving a breathtaking performance in his RV-8A Wild Blue!
Oh, and there was the Breitling Jet Team, really not bad!

As the crowd thinned we pushed HulaGirl out to the flight line but could not resist stopping for a photo. Then even one of the Breitling Team pilots came over and complimented us with questions about our plane!

What to expect before flight ...J.Cummins (Gallagher Aviation Insurance)

Near the Finish Line With Your Van’s Aircraft?

What Happens Once Your Plane is Finished?
Important Preflight Insurance Tips for Van's Builders
Many Van’s builders are caught off guard by the often stringent training requirements and cost of insurance for the first year of flying coverage. A higher potential for loss drives insurance companies’ strict requirements, but with knowledge and planning you can meet their conditions. We’d like to offer some pre-completion advice to those of you still in the build phase.

Van’s Aircraft are proven aircraft with eight insurance companies vying for your business. However, out of those eight, only four offer coverage during the fly-off period without coverage restrictions. The fly-off period generally comprises the first 40 hours the aircraft will be flying after you complete it. The fly-off hours required can occasionally be lower depending on the propeller and engine — an RV-12, for example, only requires five hours.

Pilot Hours
Minimum pilot hours are an important factor in the process of insuring a recently completed plane. Required hours vary depending on which model you are building. It can be quite shocking to complete your aircraft and be ready to fly, just to be told you do not meet the insurance companies’ minimum pilot requirements. The information below shows our suggested minimums for ratings and hours. Note these suggested minimums will not necessarily exclude you from getting quotes, but are just recommendations to acquire the best price your first year.

RV10 Suggested minimum certificate/ratings: Private pilot
Suggested minimum total logged hours: 300
Additional suggestions: Have an IFR rating

RV12 Suggested minimum certificate/ratings: Student
Suggested minimum total logged hours: Varies
Additional suggestions: private license preferred

Other A models Suggested minimum certificate/ratings: Private pilot
Suggested minimum total logged hours: 100
Additional suggestions: N/a

Tailwheel models Suggested minimum certificate/ratings: Private pilot
Suggested minimum total logged hours: 200(15 tailwheel)
Additional suggestions: 250 (25 tailwheel) preferred

Next, make sure you understand the different kinds of coverage available.
• Ground and Flight quotes provide hull and liability coverage while the aircraft is flying,
taxiing and on the ground.
• Ground Not in Flight quotes provide hull coverage only while the aircraft is taxiing (off
the active runway) and while on the ground. The liability portion of the coverage applies
while flying, taxiing and on the ground.
• Ground Not in Motion quotes provide hull coverage only while the aircraft is not in
motion (under its own power). The liability portion of the coverage excludes passengers.

Dual Instruction
Another variable that inevitably comes up is “How much dual instruction am I required to complete?” We suggest you contact us for full flight insurance quotes well in advance of the time you’ll need them — three to six months, as a rule of thumb — so you can gauge the time and expense of training requirements. Once we work with you to select an insurance carrier, you will know how much dual instruction the insurance company requires. The quote may also list solo requirements, which you must fulfill in your aircraft prior to carrying passengers. Once you receive the quotes and select a carrier, you can start planning transition training. As you probably know, FAA regulations state that you cannot complete the training in your newly built aircraft. The four insurance companies that insure the fly-off period understand this and typically provide some leeway on the model in which you train. All training, however, must be done in a Van’s aircraft. If you plan on training in a model that you are not building, it is advised that you verify instruction in the planned model will be approved by the insurance company. Understandably this is a lot of information to digest, especially when completing the aircraft is your first priority. By planning ahead, you can make the transition from workshop to cockpit smooth. As Gallagher Aviation’s two dedicated Vans specialists, we invite you to call with any questions or concerns you may have.

Alaska Update ...Vlad

Matanuska Glacier. Smooth ride all the way to the top.

Charging your phone or tablet while camping off-grid

Just got back from AirVenture and got a kick out of watching the novice campers fight over a bank of outlets to charge their phones and tablets. It was a power cord apocalypse!!!  I never once plugged into A/C. Here's how I camp off grid.  more

Oshkosh 2016 Trip Write-up ...bullojm1

Holy cow, I can't believe it's already that time of year for Oshkosh! This year presented some unique challenges from last year. My best friend was getting married the week prior to Oshkosh (Thankfully it wasn't the same week...I might of skipped the wedding). Normally a wedding isn't a big deal, nor a big time commitment, but my friend decided to get married in Belize. So for the 8 days prior to Oshkosh, I was in paradise with my best friends and family. The way back from Belize offered no margin for airline or weather error. The flight arrived at 10pm, I would be at my home at 11pm, wash clothes, pack, sleep by 1am, and then up bright and early for blast-off to Oshkosh! I rolled out of my driveway a little before 6am.  multiple pics and pages

RV8 Secret ...stancuruthers

Don't say a word to anyone on BeechTalk BUT......I'm seriously considering selling my V35B and purchasing an RV 8.  Would love to hear the do's n do not's as it relates to what to look for.  I think I want the IO-360 but some have told me the 180 HP will almost keep up.  I want to install G3X touch with G5 also 750 and maybe Garmin's new autopilot or Tru Trak Vizion.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Trivia re: that Jim Koepnick OSH Pic

(from Adam at Van's)  "This great Jim Koepnick picture actually captured a few of the Van's crew, to boot!  I believe Mike and Georgeanna Seager are also in that picture, but they're a little blurry. (Too active and energetic to capture with mere photography)  Feel free to share, all credit to EAA, Jim Koepnick, and Michael Barbee for the RV-6!"

Status ...Bill Boyd

Including some oversize holes in the HS spar to attach the VS forward spar, but that may not be a big deal (fingers crossed, see temporary thread, waiting to hear from Van's , etc.) As we are all fond of saying, it's getting easier to tell what this thing in the basement really is.

Mothership Stats

Vlad Alaska '16 Installment

RV-12 Oshkosh Trip Report… and the unexpected… PilotBrent

Posting this in the RV-12 section as for me its more about the plane than the trip. Well this year I decided to fly to Oshkosh in my RV-12 loaded up with camping gear (tent, cot & mattress, some food and basic cooking stuff etc..) and to camp for a week, for the very first time under my plane in HBC. Have made the flight once before in N913BC, when it was unpainted, but camping along with acres of RVs around me was a goal I needed to cross off the bucket list.

Major challenge was fitting (what clearly appeared to be way too much) stuff inside the -12. Decided to disassemble the passenger seat, put the cushions in the back, and use that area for the heaviest items and bungee them in place; filled the baggage compartment as best I could with everything else. I weighed every bag and misc item in the days leading up to departure to stay well within CG. In fact, I was clearly well below gross despite what it looks like and the plane flew better than it does when I know I am near gross (less runway, good climb…)  more

Status Report ...PilotjohnS

Just an update on where I have been.

After the great big learning curve on airplane tools, I think it is time to begin. The tools were not really more expensive than I anticipated, but just mind numbing with all the options. I think this is where a weekend course or the guidance of an experience builder would come in handy; before buying having tried the tools on a sample project, or helping another builder and learning the tools, would probably have saved some grief. But I do want to thank my friends who have stepped up and helped my out with tools they no longer use.

I started looking at the practice kit, and realized one of the first tools I need, is not one I had anticipated buying right away; that is a close quarters dimple die set. But the practice kit needs this for the ribs. So that is on the way. These tools are not really expensive in terms of dollars, but are in terms of time waiting to get started.  more

NTPS RV-12 Project

Graduate Assistants at the National Test Pilot School have successfully completed the assembly of the rudder, vertical stabilizer, stabilator, and anti-servo tab on a Vans RV-12. The tailcone assembly is currently underway! NTPS Graduate Assistants are recent engineering graduates pursuing a Master of Science (MS) in Flight Test Engineering (FTE) degree spread over a three-year period while gaining real-life experience on flight test programs at the same time. Stay tuned for the next major milestone.

Status ...bret

Received my swing out cut out panel piece from Upnorthaviation.com Excellent precision work, all the Dynon end panels fit perfect even the rivet holes for the nut plates! Awaiting production of the new HDX to fill the big hole. playing with the Brother label maker, not happy with the tape look, may need to look for something different. Got my replacement DIN 12 connector for the Kannad ELT, take 2 soldering challenge tomorrow......here is my ghetto wiring job, notice the EFII fuel comp box, no need for red cube boxes, PLX O2 sensor and Fuel ratio gauge installed, Dual ECMs.....got to tie up loose wires and labeling, sat in the plane 6 hrs today, seats nice and cozy! If there are bad things you see here, (this is my first panel) please critique, Thanks, Bret  more pics

Standing on her own three feet! ...sbalmos milestone

She's standing on her own three feet! A long hot day with dad helping, a few requisite scattered choice words thrown in, and she's grown legs.

Petit Jean '16 ...Oct 14-16

Status report from Bill Boyd ...RV-10

Oshkosh—Now with an RV-10 and Offspring! ...Guy Prevost

The 2016 event was a different Oshkosh for us. After attending regularly from 2007-2012, we missed three years due to a drastic change in our reproduction rate. That rate has once again reached zero (I hope) and this year we attended with the fruits of Merideth’s labor. Ayrton just turned 3, and Amelia was born on opening day of Oshkosh last year. On previous trips we’ve been extremely airplane focused, both in showing our pride and joy RV-8a and in seeing every other interesting plane and event on the field. This year I kept the RV-10 that was built by another mostly under wraps. It’s quite functional, but not the prettiest RV on the field by any stretch. As for activities, it was all about catching up with old friends and making sure the little ones were having fun. If they’re not happy, no one in a 50’ radius is....   continue

Osh' 2016 Trip video ...Paul Kendrick

I cobbled all of my photos and video clips from this year's Oshkosh trip together into a video. Flight was from San Luis Obispo CA , south over Sedona, Las Vegas NM, then up through Wichita and into Osh. The trip home was the same route in reverse. Hope you enjoy
[ed. One of the more motivational I've seen.  v/r,dr]

Eagle's Nest Projects - EAA AirVenture "Teen Build-Fly Program" a Huge Success 

AirVenture 2016
Teen-Built Aircraft Soaring To New Heights
Teen-built aircraft set all-time records this year at both SnF and AirVenture; seven (7) aircraft were displayed at SnF by Eagle’s Nest Projects and thirteen (13) aircraft represented by six organizations were displayed at AirVenture. This was more than double the number of teen-built aircraft displayed last year and a testament to the growing popularity of teen build-fly programs. Eagle's Nest Projects is extremely proud to be a small part of this growing movement!  more

Full Time

[ed. advertiser milestone I can relate to.  dr]
"I thought I'd let all of you know, that as on Monday, August 8, I'll be full time at TS Flightlines. This has been planned for quite a while now, just the timetable got moved up 6 months. Not of my doing, but of the company that I called home for 17+ years.
But, because of the great friends and clients of VAF, and others, we put a plan together to be able to do this. We dont foresee any issues, and its a seamless transition, from working 9 hours a day for someone else, to adjusting that time to working for ourselves, AND helping our clients. Now perhaps we can get alot of those development projects done, AND finally get to work on our RV7.

Thanks again to all of you!
Tom and Suzanne
__________________
Tom Swearengen, TS Flightlines
Teflon Hose Assemblies for Experimentals"

 

Justin Inman RV 12 Pilot VS. Overflight of 30 Aircraft at Oshkosh

Dawn Patrol to Sebring ...GLPalinkas

Met some new RV friend's from Merritt Island....  more

Panel Status Report ...rolivi

Here's how it came out. I've got 10 hours behind it so far and am very pleased.  Need to get the yellow tape out of there and do a proper marking job.

Home Depot Site Sighting: From AX-O

"Technology really is ridiculous sometimes.  Do I really need VAF on a refrigerator?  What is next, a toilet?"

Alaska Update ...Vlad

Barter Island, Alaska. A local bush pilot said he saw only one kit plane landed here years ago. He recognized Vans aircraft right away and asked if it was a 7.

My New Toy ...John Canty

I recently purchased a flying RV-6 and had a chance to fly it for the first time yesterday. It flew beautifully. It is a basic set-up but has the big O-360 up front. The Performance Propeller wood prop provides a very smooth, very fast ride. Excited to say I am an RV owner......!

Now I need to figure out what to do with my RV-7 QB kit that has been sitting in the garage..!

N542DP sitting in her new home:

RV-10 Status Report ...mbishop

My first countersink (7-31-16).

Shop Update ...scard

Yesterday we had the full crew working on the shop and they finally finished. See the guy that is out of place in the first picture. That is the framing contractor. He wanted to get paid. Not so fast. I need a day to work up any punch list items. Actually, I've been watching so close that there may not even be a punch list.

Next steps are:
- Tanya is talking to a painter (or at least attempting to) that gave an attractive quote for paint labor. If that comes to fruition, we'll have it painted. Otherwise, we're going to paint it ourselves. We would prefer to have paint done before roof and rock.
- The overhead door is scheduled for install this Friday.
- The roofer is ready to go as soon as we say so.
- I don't know what the status of our rock guy is. I'd have to consult the GC on that one. Hopefully we still have a rock guy.
- Hose bibs and other "non-plumbing". Hmm, does the plumber stub in the hose bibs through the rock before or after rock? I'm guessing before.
- I have marked most of the receptacle and switch locations inside. It is time for me to start setting boxes, punching holes, and running wire. I set the load center last Saturday.
- When the overhead door goes up, I'll install the lock set on the entry door. It is coded so no key is required. I've promised unfettered access to all our friends. "Don't ask, don't bother me, just go use the space and tools as if it was your own. If you leave with a tool, there will be a sign-out sheet at the front door."
- We need to clean up all the construction debris.
- The rock guy will do "under pinning" to pretty up the sides of the foundation. Then we can continue our back filling. I see more tractor time in my future.  (multiple pictures)

Panel Status Report ...Colin P.

I did my panel in the free CAD software from emachineshop.com I like their setup since you can design the panel and get an instant (in software) quote to have it fabricated. The downside is that you have to design all the instrument cutouts yourself, but that is actually pretty easy.

Coming straight at me, and I took required action.

Yesterday I took the airplane up for a 22 minute hop before it got too hot - first flight in the last 7 days. The usual spots with the culmination being the 16L ILS practice approach starting two miles north of the WIGZU intersection (chart) at nearby KAFW.  Done this dozens of times over the years. I checked in with the tower with the current ATIS and was cleared in number two behind a Falcon on what they said was a right base in front of me. I did not have the Falcon in sight and I could hear on the radio the Falcon did not have me. No worries, nice clear day and I'll find it soon.

I was established on the ILS trimmed up and stable at 95kts, with the autopilot now coupled on the way down.  Monitoring things. Inside WIGZU and descending.

When I caught sight of the Falcon it was at my 2 o'clock coming directly at me, not on a right base inside of me as I had been told. The gear was down and the flaps were down and it was in what I would guess was a 30° right bank as it passed right to left through the extended centerline at my altitude. I would estimate we were less than a mile apart.  When it crossed the extended centerline the runway was 90* to its right.

I turned off the autopilot and put the airplane in a spirited right turn to de-conflict to the West.  I'm guessing less than 5 seconds later I keyed the mic and told the tower that I had abandoned the approach and was headed out to the West to give the Falcon some room. The Falcon continued East of the centerline for another mile or so and banked around hard again to line up with the runway on about a half-mile final, I'm guessing.  I'm also guessing there were no passengers on this leg.  I found it on FlightAware....it flies a lot, and this was a reposition run I'd imagine.

Somebody screwed up and I don't think it was me. Maybe the Falcon had too much speed/altitude and was trying to scrub it off in a wide turn or the controller misjudged the closure rate of the two aircraft. It was clear and a million and it was only practice, so VFR see and avoid.  I later came back and checked in one more time for the practice approach.  At minimums I turned climbed out to the East to go back to my home field and the controller cleared me for the frequency change - she signed off with a "sorry about last time".  Like I said, I don't think it was me, but no harm no foul.  Learning experience.

What's the take away from this? I guess one thing could be that even though you are cleared for the practice ILS practice approach in VFR conditions, don't assume that there won't be a business jet directly in front of you at your altitude pointed at your head <g>.  I know that if I had checked in with approach first and got a squawk this would not have happened.  I like calling the tower though and asking for the WIGZU-in quicky - it's fast and fun workload and weather permitting.  I had been monitoring tower for a few and they didn't seem too clobbered.

Anyway, it was good practice. I got to practice bailing on an approach, taking care of my own hide first before asking permission. Fly the airplane and all that other stuff that gets drummed into your head.  It works.

Another kernel of knowledge on the mental shelf.

 

OSH16- New record 932 home-builts on Monday ...WVM

"This white board is located in the small home-builders parking shed."

List of 2016 AirVenture Homebuilt Award Winners

Design, Name, Award, Registration
TITAN MUSTANG T-51, JIM WINDERS, Replica Workmanship, N153JW
ACROSPORT II, ROBERT DAVIS, Best Aerobatic, N323BS
KITFOX S7 SUPER SPORT, JOHN BOBCIK, Kit Outstanding Workmanship, N142PF
LANCAIR LEGACY, LARRY EVERSMEYER, Kit Outstanding Workmanship, N72LE
LANCAIR IV-P, DENISE KNOTTS, Kit Outstanding Workmanship, N24XE
VAN'S RV-8, CHRIS IVES, Kit Outstanding Workmanship, N742MM
VAN'S RV-10, EDWARD KRANZ, Kit Outstanding Workmanship, N829EC
VAN'S RV-7, JEFF DIEWOLD, Kit Outstanding Workmanship, N747W
GLASAIR SPORTSMAN, TODD RICHMOND, Kit Outstanding Workmanship, N767KE
MARQUART MA-5 CHARGER, JOHN LAKE, Plans Outstanding Workmanship, N795MC
BREEZY RLU-1, WHITNEY COYLE, Plans Outstanding Workmanship, N386WC
VAN'S RV-7, KEN KORENEK, Kit Champion, N702KK
VAN'S RV-6, STEVEN HURLBUT, Kit Champion, CFHBZ
CARBON CUB, MICHAEL RATH, Kit Champion, N617MR
VAN'S RV-7, DAVID KICKBUSH, Kit Champion, N757DK
VAN'S RV-10, RODNEY JARRELL, Kit Champion, N104AZ
AIRCAM, MATT TISDALE, Kit Champion, N331TT
LANCAIR LEGACY, ADAM MOLNY, Kit Champion, N181AM
VAN'S RV-7, RICHARD L. DIXON, Kit Champion, N487RV
LANCAIR ES, SAM SILVERSTEIN, Kit Champion, N333WV
GLASTAR, HOWARD AND LINDA PLEVYAK, Kit Champion, N19HL
VAN'S RV-6, JOSEPH MAY, Kit Champion, N164BJ
PA14 EXP, GORDON GILCHRIST, Plans Champion, N18PG
SKYOTE, JOHN ROBERTS, Plans Champion, N88NX
MUSTANG II, CARLO CILLIERS, Plans Champion, N462MC
PIETENPOL AIRCAMPER, DANIEL HELSPER, Plans Champion, NX929DH
VAN'S RV-8, BOB MARKERT, Reserve Grand Champion Kit Built, N747BM
STARDUSTER II, ROBERT ENGKVIST, Reserve Grand Champion Plans Built, N410SL
ACROSPORT II, TONY BROTHERTON, Paul Poberezny Founders Award for Best Classic Homebuilt, N42690
LANCAIR LEGACY RG, VALIN THORN, Stan Dzik Memorial Award for Outstanding Design Contribution, N321TF
LANCAIR LEGACY RG, VALIN THORN, Grand Champion Kit Built, N321TF
F.8L FALCO, MIKE ROERIG, Grand Champion Plans Built, N453YR

Vlad's '16 Alaska ...Vlad

Thanks everyone it was a good and intense beginning of the trip. My wingman caught on me in Montana we followed to Troy's. We got nice service by BranchAir in High River then lost each other in MVFR. My wingman Chip turned around and I pressed all the way to Toads River, British Columbia. Thank you Greg for excellent advice on Mile422!

Vlad's '16 Alaska ...Vlad

A lot of interesting places landed in British Columbia and Yukon Territories.

Wind Gust Damage ...PaulR

My 9A inadvertently was left outside, tied down, at KIOW the week of the 4th of July and suffered through a storm front that contained 75 mph gusts and lots of rain. I know it blew pretty hard because of the Citation that jumped its nose wheel chocks and rolled across the tarmac. The good news is it didn’t get wet inside. The bad news is, the gust locks all came off so I assume the ailerons, elevators and I know the rudder were flapping in the wind. I know the rudder was as there is now a dent about the size of a pencil eraser in one side where it contacted the trim tab.

Knowing that gusts like that could have caused more damage than was visible, I removed all the inspection covers and did a very thorough inspection the next day. Finding nothing else amiss, I flew it around the pattern a few laps and thought all was okay.

When I left the next day and got to cruise altitude I found, much to my dismay, I had to hold a little right rudder to keep the ball centered, which I have never had to do. Other than that, all was good.

So my question is, where do I start looking? Rudder looks fine and even if it twisted, wouldn’t it still be in trail and something else, i.e.: gear leg fairings, wheel fairing, etc., have to have moved to cause it to need right rudder? I have visually checked the GL fairings and wheel pants and they “appear” to be fine. If the rudder was twisted, could it cause the need to add right rudder?

Oshkosh 2016 trip writeup ...Bruce Hill (9A)

[ed. And 365 photos.....]

Van's Aircraft, Inc. Sticker Sighting ...Joe Blank

(from Joe)
"Photo Bomb!  Luke Aiken's Heaven's Sent jump was complete with a Van's Aircraft logo! I managed to install it on Skydive Kapowsin's Caravan the week before at the Pacific NorthWest Skydiving jump meet in Oregon. The long lived tradition of visiting jumpers adding logo's and stickers to the interiors of jump aircraft to add to their 'character' is long lived, of course with pilots approval though. No W&B change or 337 necessary. It's kind of hard to read though but you can definitely see it... ;-)

Great job Luke!"

(click to enlarge)

OSH16 Videos & Pictures from the taxiway P1 ...WVM

Scott McDaniel's OSH Presentation Notes (40 page PDF document)

Van's master RV maintainer Scott McDaniel's notes from his OSH presentation make a handy guide to your own condition inspection, keep 'em flying safely!

[ed. Link added at the bottom of the 'Articles' section. v/r,dr]

Milestone: 49 States

Gary Sobek sent me a text yesterday saying he finally completed the task of landing his RV-6 in 49 of the 50 states. 48 and 49 were Minnesota and North Dakota. On the second day of Oshkosh he sent me the following pic during the high heat / high humidity portion of the event. It seems appropriate in this context also…

Many congratulations to Gary. This is a very small club to be in.

Pro Tip:

If the water hose you use in your hangar is kinked and old and looking pretty shot, don't forget to turn off the valve before you go out of town for the weekend. Luckily, Randy saw the water running out of the hangar and came in and turned off the faucet (he has a key).  It basically rained on my airplane for several hours and some of that water dripped in and got the carpet wet. So the idiot (me) spent a good chunk of Monday morning mopping up corners and running a fan inside the airplane.

100% my fault and totally avoidable. I bought a new eight-foot section of garden hose on the way home from the airport to replace the one I *should* have replaced years ago.  Lesson learned.

Not too long ago I was rereading the Richard Feynman physics lectures from the late 60s. It basically described physics in a manner that the everyday person could understand. A portion of that involved evaporation on an atomic level. Link at:  http://www.feynmanlectures.caltech.edu/I_01.html

Remembering reading that lecture is what prompted me to put the fan in the airplane :-)

My friend Adam Burch designed this shirt

Note the RV frame in the background.  Also available on art prints, metal signs, greeting cards, etc. (link).  Permission from all the required parties regarding public domain artwork, etc and I hope he sells a million of 'em.  Adam is a really good guy.  dr

Impressive RV taxi chain at Oshkosh 2016 ...video

Arrived home safe from Osh thread

Oshkosh 2016 Homebuilt Awards

At Oshkosh each year, Lindy Awards (named after aviation hero Charles Lindbergh) are presented to acknowledge excellence in workmanship in all aircraft categories, but we are always especially interested in the Homebuilt category. I’m sure several RVs won awards, and more will be posted soon, but we just learned it was a very successful Oshkosh 2016 for a couple of airplanes on “Renegade Row”. Chris Ives won a Kit Outstanding Workmanship Plaque for his beautiful WWII Navy painted RV-8. And Bob Markert won Reserve Grand Champion Kit Built - Silver Lindy for his amazing RV-8, Shadowfax! Both are very deserving of their awards.

Great job, Chris and Bob, the Renegades are proud of both of you!! 

RV-14 51% FAA NKET EVAL

(Gary Platner)  "Leaving Bartlesville, OK with my 95 year old mom to take her to spend a week with her two sisters in Lexington, OK."

Congratulations to Ken Scott! (thread) ...enjoying retirement!

(from the mothership FB page) Thursday (7/7/16) was a significant day at Van's as long-time (27 years) employee Ken Scott headed into retirement!

Grillmeister Rob fired up the new company BBQ, and the assembled company celebrated Ken's new adventure over lunch.

Ken is well-known to many RV builders, having edited the RVator newsletter, presented numerous RV seminars, taught RV building classes, flown thousands of demo flights, and answered numberless questions in the course of his storied career at Van's.

Ken has built an RV-6, an RV-12, the KK-1 one-off design and is now building a Bearhawk with two neighbors at his airpark home, situated only a couple of minutes from KUAO as the RV-6 flies. So we anticipate seeing him around to buy parts. You will also continue to see his articles in the aviation press, sharing his knowledge with the broader aviation audience.

Everyone at Van's wishes Ken and his wife Cami (the Violinist) all the best for their future, and says thanks for all the contributions Ken made to the RV community!

More RV spotted in Russia ...Vlad

Two more RV-10 are in advanced finishing stages at Cetus facility nr Moscow, Russia. No more information available at the moment only satellite images <g>.

David Paule Status Report ...3B

With the longerons trimmed down and smoothed and deburred, it was time to bend them. I was looking forward to this, because David Howe had loaned me a tool he'd made for the job.  continue

-12 Canopy Additional Hold Mod ...Scott Millhouse

Grass Pics and More ...Vlad

1st Journey in Bella--Telluride and Bluegrass! ...Guy Prevost

After a couple of weeks of test flying after the big system and panel rework [ed. Discussed below in today's edition. dr]  it was time for the first family trip in Bella—the new family RV-10.  continue/more pics

RV-14 Common Fuselage Wiring Harness ...thread

Van's has released the WH-00125 Common Fuselage Wiring Harness for the RV-14.

The drawings for this harness are also available on the Van's Aircraft Downloads Website in DWG form. These may be used as an electrical systems overview for the standard wiring harnesses installed in the RV-14 wing and tailcone.

The harness itself provides a bridge between the wing and fuselage wiring harnesses, and is designed to provide a good starting point towards interfacing with AFS, Dynon or Garmin EFIS systems, with enough wire to reach behind the RV-14 sub-panel.

Please see the updated RV-14 Avionics Letter for more information

From the mothership ...press release

(continue)

Taking the extreme quickbuild route ...Guy Prevost

As detailed in this post, our growing family led to us wanting an RV-10. We couldn’t justify both the 8 and a 10, so a trade was made. That said, I’m a builder at heart, I’m very picky about systems, and I still wanted to get my hands dirty. We flew N649BG, now named “Bella” for about 3 months while we discovered what we did and didn’t like. We then set about an intense 3 month period to make it ours.

In general, the airframe was in great shape. The panel, although seemingly well-equipped was really basic vfr with the addition of a GNS530W. There were no backups, no heated pitot, and the system was only marginally integrated. The grounding system was old-school—In fact basic ground fixes increased ATIS reception from 13nm to 50nm during the first week of flying. The second com radio was 28V with an adapter, the transponder got altitude data from an out-of-spec ameri-king encoder even though it was sitting right next to an EFIS. Traffic data from the GTX-330 went to nothing, etc. I should point out, that I determined pretty much all of this in my extensive pre-buy. This airplane was just what I wanted—my own RV-10 (meaning systems done by me) in about 10% of the time of building from scratch. The one item I didn’t catch was that the plane had very leaky tanks. More on that later.  continue/more pics

RV-7 Update ...slngsht

Progress on horizontal stabilizer. And a couple of questions - hopefully not redo problems...  Current state of things as of now.

Hallelujah! My canopy fits! ...Cliff

A belated thanks to all who responded to my previous posts on an ill-fitting canopy.

After several months of frustration in working with the plexi - that turns out was faulty, Vans graciously supplied a replacement.

After the initial trimming, it fit better than the first one ever did! I had it bonded in place with Sika 295 UV within the week.

The back window is also in - a relatively simple installation with 2 people.

A question - has anyone used the 295 UV as the plexi to 702 fairing?
- how was it to sand?
- have there been any issues with paint cracking, etc.?
- is there anything else I should be aware of?

N40 OSH Camping Update ...Jeff Point

Great Moments in Formation Flying ...Rob Erdos

I did a brief formation ferry flight recently with a friend who owns a Cessna Cardinal. He departed first and then I rejoined and slid into echelon.   I've never seen anything funnier than the look on his face when he glanced over at our RV-6:

I'd have worn the pug mask myself, but the eye holes are a bit small for formation. Many thanks to my wife, Debbie, for being a good sport.

 

Flying into OSH- Required Reading ...Jeff Point

With the big show just a few weeks away, many of you are no doubt already making plans to attend. For many, it will be your first trip. I encourage everyone who feels up to the task to do it- you can’t beat the feeling of accomplishment that comes from successfully arriving at the world’s busiest airport in an airplane you built yourself.

That said, I have compiled a list of required reading materials. Anyone flying in for the first or twentieth time should take the time to read all of them. You’ll no doubt learn something, and it will make the experience better for you, and for everyone else at the same time.  continue

 

Skin discoloration / corrosion ...YellowJacket RV9

Forgive my ignorance about types of corrosion, but now that my 9A has some hours under her belt, I am starting to notice some areas on the skin that I assume are corrosion of some sort. Any advice as to best way to tackle these spots?

I plan to fly unpainted for a while, and while I'm not looking for a show quality shine, I'd like a non-splotchy appearance. I played around with some Diamond Shine today that was recommended by a hangar neighbor, and also ordered some Purple Polish. The Diamond Shine works very well on most of the skin but did little to remove the blotches shown above. I assume I need a rougher compound like one of the Nuvite products, but not sure what grade may be best.

I really didn't want to get sucked into polishing, and the few minutes I spent doing it today weren't that fun, and yet, I wanted to keep doing it for some reason...

Max Fuel Flow on Takeoff/Climb ...DanH reply

The excess fuel is not cooling anything. It is merely lowering combustion temperature, and delaying peak pressure, much like retarded timing.

Lycoming data lists what they consider to be the minimum fuel flow for rated power, which includes a detonation margin. Power output is fairly flat in the region richer than optimum, so it is possible to run richer without huge power loss. Setting up the fuel control to be richer than the minimum required for rated power adds additional detonation margin. Recall that best power mixture is about 100F ROP, and we like to see the fuel control set up for 200 ROP at full rich, maybe 250. Some like it even richer, but that's just an expensive way to make less power.

BSFC (pounds of fuel per HP per hour) is a fine guide to fuel flow, IF you know power output with some accuracy. For example, my IO-390 manual says minimum fuel flow is 105 lbs at 210 HP, for a BSFC of 0.50. A 260 HP engine at 0.50 is 130 lbs per hour, or 130/6 = 21.66 GPH. The consensus 25.5 would be a BSFC of 0.588.

Here's a useful chart from the FAA dyno, an IO-540-K. Lots of interesting things to observe, but in the context of this discussion, note the BSFC and fuel flow at max power mixture; 245 HP at 112 lbs per hour, for a BSFC of 0.46, or 18.6 GPH.

Another Pilots n Paws success. Skylar! ...scard

(disclaimer: this happened a few months ago)  It was a mission that came together at the very last minute. Tanya was planning on flying from Corsicana to Austin on a Tuesday afternoon, when a mission request came in that morning for a transport from Corsicana to San Antonio. With San Antonio just an additional 45 minutes by air, she offered to make the flight that afternoon if the arrangements could be made on such short notice.

Sure enough, the coordinator Jerry was able to make magic and locate animal lovers at each end to make it work, and 8 hours later a 5-month old redbone coonhound was in the back of Tanya's plane. Neither the pup nor Tanya knew it yet, but this would not be their last flight together in the red and white RV-9A.

We had lost our 15-year old beagle a couple months earlier, and our house was awfully quiet without some hound-induced chaos. The little pup was such a sweetie, rode great in the plane, and turned out to not have a mean bone in her body. It helped that all she wanted to do was cuddle. That and her magnificent eye-makeup was all it took. Tanya returned home in a bit of a daze saying "Wow, that was a really great dog. That could have been the one..." Those comments went on for a couple of days. The next weekend we went back to San Antonio. The pup, now Skylar, was back in the red and white RV-9A en route to Austin and her newly adopted home.  continue

Trip Report, Maintenance Issue and First Flight! ...Bruce Eicher

Snuck out of the valley Saturday under some lower overcast thru our not so secret passage. (Columbia Gorge)  continue

Tailcam video of the July 4th fly-by at Geneva, Florida ...tc1234c

It is the tradition that the Spruce Creek Gaggle Flight conduct a fly-by at the 4th of July Parade at the Village of Geneva, Florida. Following is a video taken from a GoPro camera mounted at the tail tiedown point of my RV9A.

The rest of the story ...Brantel

A couple weeks ago I started a thread related to the GA35 antenna and what looked like the second failure of the same on my airplane.

Due to my history with a prior GA35 antenna failure and the fact that mine had ran for 4 years under the cowl of my RV7, I incorrectly assumed that the heat had finally killed my second antenna.

I have to tell you that this was a wrong assumption worth just north of $300!

Turns out after installing a third new GA35 antenna, new coax cable and connectors, and even trying a forth WAAS enabled antenna of a different brand/model, it was determined that there was absolutely nothing wrong with the second antenna that I totally destroyed just to see how it was made inside....   continue

419 'Moose' Squadron reunion ...flyboy1963

Some cousins and friends in the RCAF are attending the 75th anniversary re-union of the 419 Squadron, which operated Lancasters, Halifax and Wellingtons in the big one. The squadrons first commander was from Kamloops BC, & for the anniversary, they decided to paint up some Hawk jet trainers ( now at the reformed 419 group at Cold Lake AB) in the original colours and insignia. Sadly the Mynarski Lanc is based at the CWH in Ontario, and it's a bit of a stretch to bring it here.
Originally I though I'd just do some serious drinkin' in honour of our boys, but the more we talked (always dangerous!) the family pilots decided that it would be cool to do up the RV in homage to the squadron. Permission was obtained, and a spot on the ramp may be available should the current scummy weather permit a cross-country to YKA. ( sorry guys, didn't have time to do the full camo!)

The Kid I Know ...Vlad

Year 2009. Florida. I am volunteering at S-n-F with sheet metal workshop. My RV is half done. My good buddy Rich Denton is having a party at his camper. He is 40. Very few pay attention to this kid.  continue

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First Flight ...The Swede

Recently got the paperwork from local EAA and Transport Agency as well as the radio license after approved inspection of EAA/TA Surveyor

First flight took place june 30th at local airport Visby, Gotland (ESSV) and lasted 41 minutes.  Initially had a somewhat hard time to follow ATC maximum altitude instructions, this is a quick litte airplane and things happens much faster than in a PA-22 or TB10

Engine worked satisfactory, maybe fuel pressure is a bit on the high side. Have to check with a pressure gauge and compare with EFIS/EMS.  EFIS airspeed differed some from steam ASI at higher speeds, not sure why yet?
The airplane is also a little heavy on the left wing, to be sorted later on...

Overall very happy to have come to this phase of the project and I'm really looking forward to investigate behaviour and characteristics at flight trials.  more/video

Proud Moment for Our Family ...TomVal

Our son, Jeff, took command of the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing at Moody AFB on Tuesday. After five tours in the F-16 and numerous assignments overseas, Jeff is now finally based closest to our home (in Charleston) during his past 22 years of service. We are planning to take advantage of this during the next two years of his assignment and spend more time in Charleston.

As an aging parent, I have had limited time to share our love of flight with our son. We have shared one weekend of flying when I owned a Yak-52, Jeff had one flight in my RV8, and after four years of ownership, Jeff has not flown in my RV12. As I see my flying years beginning to fade away, I am looking forward to making up for lost time with our son.

My new 7A ...McPilot

Just took delivery today. Thanks to Tom Berge for pre purchase help and Michael Karatsonyi for getting the plane through customs and ferry pilot!

9th Condition Inspection ...Bill R.

This year's Condition inspection was a big one. It took two months to complete and I'm still waiting for some parts to arrive but the plane is airworthy and flying again.

A couple of things of note:
I have Dynon Capacitance fuel senders and LOVE them. They are very accurate, regardless of how little fuel is in the tanks. For two years I have been struggling with my right sender. It would work fine and then the level would drop to zero, come back up again after some time and then maybe start dropping again and then come up. It was intermittent and random as to how long it would stay at zero or at the correct level (It never over reported the fuel in the tank.).

I thought for sure it was a bad connection so over the past two years I rewired the thing, twice! Each time, on local flights it worked fine. So I thought I had it fixed. Then on longer flights it would drop out again.

It finally dawned on me that the sending unit on the tank might be bad so I ordered a replacement and installed it.  continue

Panel Status ...Sam Bovington

I mounted instruments for the first time today. I have a mix of old used instruments, and room for the Garmin G5 that I have on order and a Garmin GDU 370 if I can find a good used one. The area below the GDU 370 cutout will be filled by a used GTX 327 and a simple GTX 200.

NORDO into class D ...C. Brenden

Had a radio failure the other day in a twin I've been receiving some training in. We were VFR but I was under the hood flying an ILS approach to a class D controlled airport. When approach switched us over to tower freq we were unable to get the tower to respond to our calls. We were still hearing them broadcast to other aircraft - but they did not respond to us. My instructor advised to break off the approach, remove the hood, and we would trouble shoot the situation. We decided I would continue to fly the plane and he would try to get the radios working. We tried different freqs (approach and tower), different headsets and jacks, and even broadcast to see if any planes would respond. We then squawked 7600 and orbited north of the class d for a few minutes. We then entered the traffic pattern while looking for a light from the tower. None. On base we did hear tower issue us clearance to land. I did speak with the tower on the telephone afterwards. No problems but I did fill out a NASA report just in case.

RV-12 Canopy Incident...video and pics

[ed. VERY very windy in DFW on the 3rd, and Georgetown is only about three hours south by car (trees are moving pretty good in the vid).  Glad nobody hurt!  dr]

July/August issue

Test Engine Run.....at home ...bret video

My RV-4 Learns an F-4 Trick ...Vac

The McDonnell F-4 had a nifty, aural AOA system that allowed you to hear the angle of attack when operating around L/Dmax and slower…it had a “solid tone” that indicated when you were ON SPEED, or flying optimum AOA, let you know when you were slow and really got your attention when you were approaching a stall. ON SPEED was especially helpful during approach and landing as well as maneuvering flight; and the logic allowed the pilot to make fine corrections between slightly slow, ON SPEED and slightly fast when desired. The F-4 didn’t have the greatest handling characteristics, and the system helped the pilot avoid “pulling on the pole” too hard and making bad things happen. I’ve been privileged to have flown lots of airplanes, including fighters and jumbo jets; and I’ve found the F-4 aural AOA system to be the best I’ve used in any airplane.

Recently, I met a couple of smart engineers and fellow RV'ers that have helped to build a prototype system that allows me to program the F-4 AOA tone logic for use in my RV-4 to demonstrate the concept to folks that might not be familiar with it. The “tone generator” is actually a small computer that processes the basic serial output message from my Dynon DY-10A, which includes AOA information from a standard Dynon AOA pitot tube I recently retro-fitted to the airplane. The tone is pumped into the intercom system and the volume is pilot-adjustable (except for the slow tone and stall warning). In the demonstration videos, the camera is receiving raw audio output and it’s much louder than what I’m hearing in the headset; and, to be clear, this is not the Dynon programmable AOA tone.  continue

Vlad's June Grass Strip Pictures

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

The 56 signatures on the Declaration appear in the positions indicated:

Column 1
Georgia:
   Button Gwinnett
   Lyman Hall
   George Walton

Column 2
North Carolina:
   William Hooper
   Joseph Hewes
   John Penn
South Carolina:
   Edward Rutledge
   Thomas Heyward, Jr.
   Thomas Lynch, Jr.
   Arthur Middleton

Column 3
Massachusetts:
John Hancock
Maryland:
Samuel Chase
William Paca
Thomas Stone
Charles Carroll of Carrollton
Virginia:
George Wythe
Richard Henry Lee
Thomas Jefferson
Benjamin Harrison
Thomas Nelson, Jr.
Francis Lightfoot Lee
Carter Braxton

Column 4
Pennsylvania:
   Robert Morris
   Benjamin Rush
   Benjamin Franklin
   John Morton
   George Clymer
   James Smith
   George Taylor
   James Wilson
   George Ross
Delaware:
   Caesar Rodney
   George Read
   Thomas McKean

Column 5
New York:
   William Floyd
   Philip Livingston
   Francis Lewis
   Lewis Morris
New Jersey:
   Richard Stockton
   John Witherspoon
   Francis Hopkinson
   John Hart
   Abraham Clark

Column 6
New Hampshire:
   Josiah Bartlett
   William Whipple
Massachusetts:
   Samuel Adams
   John Adams
   Robert Treat Paine
   Elbridge Gerry
Rhode Island:
   Stephen Hopkins
   William Ellery
Connecticut:
   Roger Sherman
   Samuel Huntington
   William Williams
   Oliver Wolcott
New Hampshire:
   Matthew Thornton

July Wallpaper Calendar...Adam Burch photo

1st Flight - RV-12 kit #1000 ...Tony_T

June 15th, N212EX made it's maiden flight at Lopez Island, Washington. Builder Dick Bangsund was at the controls with his CFI along in the right seat. Pilot comments "beautiful airplane, very sensitive on the controls compared to my C182...love this airplane...worth every minute I spent building it", Dick.

North Fox PIREP ...aturner

I flew up to North Fox Island with the boys last weekend and had a great time.  continue

New vinyl graphic sticker placards available

...FMI: www.AircraftStickers.com

Charity Cap Sighting ...turbo

fmi: about the charity cap

Totally Unrelated...my daughter's summer nuclear chemistry school schedule for today

...I have no idea where she got the brain she has.