December 5, 2019.  Issue #4,971. (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)

Charlie Kearns photo.
Dawn flight. (full size)

First Flight Video ...Chris McD

This is a video documenting the first flight of my Vans RV-7 and the years leading up to it.

RV-12iS Mandatory Safety Directive SD 19-12-03 (supersedes SB 19-10-11)... mothership

RV-12iS Safety Directive SD 19-12-03 was published this afternoon by Van's Aircraft. This document directs owners to newly-updated Rotax documentation covering mandatory replacement of affected fuel pumps on certain Rotax 912 iS aircraft engines.

Note that this Safety Directive refers to the same Rotax 912 iS electric fuel pump issue as, and supersedes, previously-published Van's Service Bulletin SB 19-10-11.

As was indicated in the Service Bulletin, compliance per Rotax is required and must take place before further flight on affected aircraft.

RV-8 Build Status Report  ...MDeCraene13

Started this summer on an RV-8. Sort of had QB empenage since I bought a partial kit. Working on the wing rear spars now.

A pretty impressive use of the internet

RV-4 buddy James Walsh sent me this link he found to help in my search for PC-12NG study aids online.  Just so happens their demo is the PC-12NG (a plane I'm hoping to do some side gigs in for extra $).  You click on buttons and switches and it shows you how items in each system is changed.

Got me thinking how cool it would be to have some graphics like this describing some of the RV systems.  RV-12iS electrical, constant speed prop, etc.

Anyway, I thought it was a cool use of the internet.

PS: If anyone has PC-12NG manuals lying around (QRH, AFM, etc) I know a guy who would like to borrow them <grin>.

Her Name is Lexie  ...flysrv10

A Day in the Life of a Formation Flying Team

Teresa De Mers travels to the Wings Over Camarillo air show to take us backstage with the Lightning Formation Team. Team lead, Bob "Nasty" Mills, describes the events, and team members introduce themselves. ....the team flies a fleet of experimental RV aircraft.

More milestones achieved! ...Daniel McCaffery (about to order RV kit)

Passed my written exam today! And the concrete foundation for the shop is supposed to be poured today. And big shop tools were purchased on black friday. Things are getting closer!

Edit: Oh! Forgot, I have also requested a N-Number reservation.

December 4, 2019.  Issue #4,970. (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)

RV-6 Oil Cooler w/Adjustable Exit Setup

...a pic from an RV out at Monk's the other day.  If you have the monitor size, 
2,560 x 1,920 pixel version HERE.  dr

B&C Alternator on IO-390 Bracket Issue ...TimO RV-14

After just installing B&C BC460-H alternators, I ran into a consistent problem in mounting on the RV-14's IO-390 and I thought I'd mention it here in case any of you used that alternator on your install.

The issue is this: When you order the alternator for Boss mount, you choose if you have a dual groove or single groove pulley, and that determines which U-shaped boss mount bracket you get. The 2 brackets they have, have slightly different fore-aft hole alignments that determine how well the V-Belt centers in the grooves of both pulleys. If you are not in alignment you will for sure wear the belt worse, but also have a much higher chance of belt breakage.

When I ordered my alternators, I ordered the standard Single groove bracket because that's what I have on both my IO-390 and IO-540. My IO-540 is a narrow deck older engine, but my IO-390 is new from Lycoming in 2015.

In fitting the alternator to the engine, the only way you will get a good accurate look at the alignment is if you use some sort of alignment tool. Eye-balling won't get it, because you can move your head around an convince yourself that you're off to the forward side, dead on, or off to the aft side, all by just moving your head a little or switching eyes. Fortunately the alternators ship with a flat but dog-leg bent adjuster arm that makes a decent tool to verify the alignment. You can lift the alternator to its highest position, and run that tool around the large pulley and see where it hits in the alternator pulley.  continue

RV-10 Begins in Boulder, CO ...AlpineYoda

The adventure begins! Just gave my credit card number to someone at Van's for a Tail / Emp kit, and to a tool maker for a full set!

If anyone has any reason why this man and this plane kit should not be together, speak now or forever hold your peace.

I chose the RV-10 because I need something that will clear the mountains in CO for family trips with MEAs of 16,500, can carry my wife and at least one kid, plus ski gear or the dog. I can't afford a Cirrus or Bonanza and I love to build stuff - I've built or remodeled major parts (incl water, electrical, HVAC) of three houses in the last 20 years and I'm hoping that this isn't too much of a stretch for my tool and construction skills.

My plan is:
- Quickbuild wings and fuselage - cutting a year or more off this schedule seems like a good spend of $15,000.
- iO540 Thunderbolt - 260 hp. Unless Bye comes out with a compatible electric system really, really soon.
- Dynon IFR capable glass cockpit with synthetic vision (I'm IFR and Multi-rated already)
- BRS parachute - there are very few places to land engine-out between my house and most of Colorado.
- Maybe or maybe not will do therm-x for the wings. Not sure if 85 pounds is worth it for some ice protection that falls short of FIKI. Probably better to avoid the ice altogether! I've heard about ice-resistant paint. Not sure if it is real thing yet.

If you see anything in the above that I'm missing - or anything I shouldn't do, please let me know before I get too far down the path. Will update here as I go.

RV-8 low pressure plastic brake lines ...rv8ch

I have not been able to fix this leak for some reason. Left leaks, right does not. Tried both the plastic insert and the brass. Cut the hose to ensure a straight connection. Made sure it's clean. Very strange.  continue

December 3, 2019.  Issue #4,969. (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)

Starting the RV-10 Rudder ...vinzer

Lots of cutting is involved in this part Looks like VAN's moves me to a new level where I have to cut parts out of bigger parts and at some point I will not be surprised to see one huge part for complete step and instructions: Cut to your needs and use file to make it to desired shape <g>

Buck meets RV...looking for QB wing ...Av8safe

[ed. Putting out feelers to hopefully help our friend out.  v/r,dr]
"You may recall my post in lessons learned a couple of weeks ago about my deer strike with my RV7. I am posting this inquiry to see if there is anyone out there with a left QB wing available for purchase or trade delivery positions for a replacement? This might help me get going on repairs faster, given the back order time for a QB wing. Quotes for building up a standard wing, as part of the total repair estimate, may be prohibitive due to labor cost. Hope to find the best way to get quality repairs without having the insurance company push to total the aircraft.

Send me a PM if you have a spare wing <g>"

RV-8 and the Day After Thanksgiving...Steve Rush video

It is unbelievable how beautiful the 4 day Thanksgiving weekend was in the ordinarily drab and rain drenched Northwest. Most years I am lucky to get one day of flying, this year I got three, just over 8 hours in three days.

Friday we went out to Forks for lunch and up the coast to Tatoosh Island and Cape Flattery. The low sun angle created some interesting shots along the north coast.

Monument Valley Webcam ...Larry Woodall

New webcam at Monument Valley at Gouldings.  Can see runway and parking, restaurant, lodge, and John Ford museum area.

webcam link

Tubing Swaging Dies ...Sam Buchanan

..."Here are the tubing swaging dies I made from aluminum angle to make a swage that isn't prone to stress cracks"

Put them in the vice and squeeze the tubing.

3/8" steel (not the soft, easily bent stuff) brake line purchased from the aviation aisle at the local auto parts emporium makes great exhaust hangars. I carry a pre-swaged and drilled piece in my flight kit for away-from-home replacement.

Dan Horton Custom Exhaust Hanger

...from the 'cracked exhaust hanger' thread.

December 2, 2019.  Issue #4,968.
Dear VAF site/forum readers,

December is pledge drive month and as you know we use the honor system. If you are a regular VAF reader and haven't donated yet in '19, PLEASE consider it (how to). Working VAF full time while trying to get a part time commercial side gig thing going (haven't broke even yet but am embracing the suck) and putting some resumes out there for a possible third part time gig in a sim (fingers crossed). Small business owner life is stunningly expensive and 24/7, and there is very little down time (flown the RV 39.8 hrs in '19).

Bill Gates I ain't and donations really, really matter in our family.

Please take two minutes to read the 'Support VAF' page if you haven't, and thank you if you are one of the 1,397* people who have sent in a little over $27K after taxes so far this year. We're approaching 28,000 registered forum accounts. Call it 5% donated so far, half that if you include unregistered 'lurkers'.

I'll never swamp you with emails, letters or pop-up ads. I'll NEVER track or sell your keystrokes and clicks like all the other social media sites, and I'll never ask for more than $25. Two bucks a month...a cup of coffee...for a nice, civil, non-politics (a rare thing) virtual watering hole promoting the greatest hobby and people on earth. 

Please help me keep it afloat.

I hate having to even have a pledge drive, but without it we're in the red as a business. The margins are that tight. Thanks again to those who help keep this site going...and my family fed and sheltered. I'll keep trying my hardest to bring you a quality product.

Kindest and best,
Doug (and Susie, Audrey and Tate).

*as of 11/30/19
(Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)

Wallpaper Calendar for December

...Jay Pratt photo

Because I Fly! ...Scroll's new videos

[ed. Our 52F buddy Sid is pursuing a side hobby of his (video editing, etc), and these two videos are his first stab at it using his RV-7A.  Multiple cameras, nice audio and more polished than anything I could do.  Sid's the man!  v/r,]

Grass Strip PIREP: Cedar Mountain Utah  ...Vlad the Amazing

18 nm southeast of Huntington 69V at 7600 feet elevation there is a well groomed airstrip over two thousand feet long. It's called Cedar Mountain if you are ever in Utah and looking for an adventure go there you won't regret. Just know your aircraft limitations.  continue / many pics

Update Bob Kelly  ...Ross Porter

Small update, I've been visiting Bob when able around my crazy work schedule. He is slowly but surely making progress, he has made a lot of big strides from where he started. God is good, continued prayers.....

Thanksgiving Sunset  ...ArlingtonRV post

My flyin' buddy, Carl, looked far and wide to find someplace that was open for lunch on Thanksgiving. He found it, in Albany, Oregon, at the Cascade Bar and Grill. They are open every Thanksgiving from 11:00 to 3:00. Hey, it's only 220 miles, about 90 minutes by RV. Let's go!

Since we headed home late in the afternoon (3:00), the sun was at a really good angle for Carl to get some shots of his old plane, my "new" plane. Taken from his "new" RV-8.

Cracked exhaust hanger ...Bruce Hill

I was doing an oil change today, and as usual, I give the entire engine a really good look over. I found one of the exhaust hangers had cracked.

The hanger is made from thinwall stainless steel 3/8" tubing. I know I can source this stuff locally, but making the end flattened looks like it might require some special skills/tools. I don't want to just beat it flat with a hammer. My vise is probably not sufficient to pinch this, and I don't have a hydraulic press.

Any tips, or should I just call Vetterman Exhaust and get a replacement?

Would you replace all hangers, or just the one that is cracked?

Panel Status Report  ...Al Karpinski

Yep.. The center panel is removable...

Used two 24 Pin vibration resistant plug/receptacles
PT#'s on wiring diagrams in google photo drive...

One feeds all power and grounds..

Second for "Signals" (Audio/CAN)

As it turns out I have all the avionics except the two GSA28's roll/pitch servos...
The GEA24 and GMU11 mounted on/behind the main center panel.

So basically .. only audio in/out and CAN needed to come off the "Signal" plug
(See PDF's of wiring )

... Progress coming fast now...

My first serious Oh S&^*%$ moment ...blucllrplt

Have gotten thru the empennage with only a couple of tiny smilies with minimal drilling out poorly set rivets. Received my wing kit in August and have made it to the top skins on both with only a couple of "character" marks in the skin; one where my father-in-law was daydreaming and started bucking a rivet without me calling out "Ready" and another when I dropped my tungsten bar into the leading edge. None of these were significant and overall I have been pleased with my progress.

I have skipped the fuel tanks for now and started work on the ailerons. Making good progress during my break from work and congratulated myself yesterday on how nice and straight the trailing edge turned out on the first specimen. Got the top skin riveted on number 2 aileron and was admiring how good I was getting at bucking rivets. The 470 4-4 rivets holding the main rib to the spar were a little tricky to set on the first aileron so I decided to ask my wife for help holding the bucking bar. She's not a good bucking bar holder and during the operation the bar slipped and created a split rivet. No problem as I could just drill it out as nothing was damaged.

I got impatient and rather than wait for help I decided to attempt the task using my offset rivet set. I had to hold the gun in my left hand and bar in the right due to the orientation of the main rib. I wasn't holding the gun with the rivet set perfectly on top of the rivet and put a huge smiley into the side of the main rib which telegraphed into the spar. As past posters have observed, you feel all kinds of emotions after a major oops.

The rivet was able to be cleanly removed. I took some detailed photos of the damage and have sent to Vans for their opinion. Certainly not the worst mistake ever made but sure did knock me down a few rungs. Building will sure keep you humble.

RV-8 Interior Update ...Chris Pratt RV-8

After 14 years it was about time to refresh the seat cushions in my RV-8. I've been extremely happy with the sheepskin covering of my original seats - my Goldilocks seats as I call them -- they have never been too hot or too cold but just right. The sheepskin has never torn and has held up extremely well. I figure, however, the foam has probably deteriorated over time and certainly the original sheepskin coverings have faded.

As a side note, I'm surprised more builders don't opt for the sheepskin - not as sexy as leather but they sure are comfortable. Price is about the same as leather.

I opted for Flightline Interiors to produce the new seats and I can certainly recommend them (see photos below).

Abby did a great job and I appreciate the quality of the build and the advice in selection. I discussed using the comfort-foam for the core material as opposed to regular foam. Abby advised me that for the RV-8 Flightline uses comfort-foam as standard for the upper layer of the build and it was unlikely I would notice the difference to add it for the lower layers. [Note: I'm not sure if this holds true for the side-by-side aircraft seating.]

The lateral and lumbar support of these seats is a big step up from my previous set. They are very comfortable and fit like a glove. I hope I don't fall asleep when flying . I know my wife will like them.

Kudos to Abby. Thanks for the great work. I'm ready for another 14 years of RV fun. Perhaps new side panels will be next on my wish list ;^).  more pics

November 29, 2019.  Issue #4,967.
  Execute CONSUME LEFTOVERS Subroutine.....
  Orange/walnut/cranberry and peanut butter half sandwich.  My family thinks I'm weird.  I think they're weird <g>.  Hope you and your family and friends had a wonderful Thanksgiving and wishing you and yours a happy, safe and RV-filled weekend. (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)

Trim Cable Routing ...ORen RV-10

I routed the trim cables as shown in picture attached . through the small hole, while seen other routing through the big round lightening hole.  Is this acceptable?  It seems like vans also changed the rib over time, it had only one hole once.

Suggestions?

Pro Tip ...rockwoodrv9a

I have been using hotel type card keys for years to spread epoxy, bondo, and pro seal. They work great.

Tips for Filling the Front Canopy Skin ...some ideas

(Draker)
Saw a cool solution for the skin-to-tube fit in Bruce's build log here. I think I'll give something like that a try. Looks like it relies on a "friction fit" against some aluminum epoxy for the pull rivets.

(nilberg)
I took a slightly different approach and filled the void with flox (the coloring it's just me testing and not needed).

7A Rebirthing Status Report ...kentlik

I had a bit of time and ran my AOA and Pitot lines. Hope this works as not sure of the throw of elevator bell crank...

Thanksgiving Day, 2019.  Issue #4,966.
  The mothership is closed Thu/Fri for Thanksgiving:   "The Van's Aircraft offices, factory and phones will be closed this week on Thursday and Friday, November 28-29, to allow our staff to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends. We will re-open as usual bright and early on Monday, December 2nd.
   At Van's, we give thanks to all of our customers, partners, friends and the Van's Extended Family. We would not be the company we are today without you! Happy Thanksgiving to you all!"
  That last paragraph?  Ditto!!!  Chances are better than good I'll push out a Friday edition, FWIW.  Home office and all...  Happy Thanksgiving to all the readers of VAF and hope you get to spend the day surrounded by family and friends.  I'm thankful for all of you...
  (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)

So, Did you Ever See That Episode of 'The Office' w/the Golden Tickets?...mothership

"So, we've stuffed all these Golden Tickets in our 2020 calendars, and there's something we want to explain. Some of these tickets may or may not have fine print on them, which may or may not entitle the holder to something more than was originally intended. Are we in Scranton or something? Sure feels a bit like an episode of The Office!"

Order a calendar HERE

Whit and I flew the VFR Corridor ...Nived17 RV-4

This past weekend, I flew my RV-4 from WBW to N43 to Pick up Whit while his RV-4 was down getting new brake lines. He flew me from N43 (in my plane) to breakfast at N40. From there we swapped seats and decided to fly the VFR corridor in NYC. Whit is a 767 FO at United Airlines. He's very used to the view only 4,000 higher on the visual into JFK. We also flew the coastline at 400' in the small area that allows you less than 5 miles away from JFK without talking to anyone. Pretty awesome experience and we've already began to plan a four ship RV-4 formation flight up the corridor in the spring. We will surely share those pictures when the time comes!  more

Q: Why Castle Nut on Vert Stab & Rear Spar attach?

Why are Castle nuts used on Vert Stab and rear wing spar attach points? I am following the plans but trying to understand why a standard Nylon lock nut is not used? Is there some type movement between these mating parts?

A: Self Locking nuts are not used where rotation of the joint is possible. The wing can flex up and down in flight depending on weight of the aircraft and load on the wing. This can over time, loosen the rear spar nut.

Yes you have self locking nuts called out on some of the control bellcranks. The location of these self locking nuts are where bearings are used and the bearing take the rotation and not the bolt - nut.

A: The fasteners you mentioned can be subject to rotation (as Gary already mentioned).
We often think of bolted assemblies on aircraft to be entirely static but they can move under certain load conditions.

For example - Under high G's, wing tips can deflect up to 1.5 inches or more depending on load and model. If the wing is deflecting, there would be a very slight movement at the rear spar clevis joint, so a castelated nut and cotter pin is used.

Seen From the RV  ...RV8JD

A Ballistic Missile sub (and its entourage) returning to Naval Base Kitsap today: more

DIY Tail Lift  ...DeeCee 57

I have a bad back which as as strange as it sounds doesn't heal with age. Since Tailmate has gone awry, I decided to build a replacement whilst trying to minimise the amount of work...

Bought a MoJack EZ - Residential Riding Lawn Mower Lift as they call it, and had some welding done to it.
Christened it yesterday for a 50H inspection and this gadget works real good <g>.

Initial Contact: Brian McGrath  ...RV-10 future builder

This is my first post on VAF, but I've been here lurking and (I hope) learning for a little more than 6 months.

Initially, I wanted to build an RV-14A, but in the ongoing conversations with my better half, the mission has moved somewhat to favour the RV-10 (potential for grandchildren and friends travelling with us vs. the ability to do limited aerobatics from time to time - I'm 65, after all).

I am fortunate to have a large 2-car garage and am in the process of prepping it as my workshop. I have joined the local EAA chapter. I've run the numbers for both AC as carefully as I can based on the experiences that have been shared here at VAF and the plan is realistic. I know it's a daunting prospect, but I'm also looking forward to the whole thing!

So I've got some questions for those who are well beyond my stage. First, tools. I live in the Niagara area (Southern Ontario) quite near the US border, so I wanted to ask the community whether it made sense to buy tools from a Canadian supplier, or order from one of the popular US suppliers. I could easily ship to a US address nearby and import it myself, but I'd like to hear about other experiences before pulling the trigger. Also, did you buy the full RV kits or get a starter kit and then get additional tools more or less as you needed them.

Second, shipping. I'd love to hear experiences about having Van's ship directly to your shop vs. bringing the kits across the border yourself vs. acting as your own broker to clear the kits from the bonded warehouses.

Third, before I pull the trigger on the tail kit, I'd love to have the opportunity to see an RV-10 up close. YouTube is a great resource, but nothing beats sitting in the aircraft and talking to the person who squeezed all the rivets. I know there are a few RV-10s in Southern Ontario and my wife and I love to take long drives together. I'd be happy to come to your hanger if anyone is interested in showing us your pride and joy.

Anyway, thanks for reading my rambling and thanks in advance for your comments. I have learned that people who build airplanes are some of the most helpful and engaging people I have met.

Thanks!

Chekov Checklist App ...VAF advertiser

I've had several beta users of FlightView ask about integrated checklists, so I've been working on adding checklists. Just displaying a checklist is pretty cool, but I thought it might be more useful to make the lists interactive so...

I ended up building a voice-enabled interactive checklist system. You create lists using a simple editor which lets you set both the display text ("Master on.") and the audio prompt ("Set master switch on."). When you run the checklist you can respond to the audio prompt by voice, saying either "check" or a custom acknowledgement. (E.g, prompt: "Set flaps to 20 degrees." response: "twenty" or "set".)  more

The 2020 Van's Calendars are in stock and shipping!  ...mothership

The 2020 Van's Aircraft calendars have arrived and are now shipping! Randomly inserted into the 3000 calendars we've received are more than 60 Golden Tickets, which represent prizes including $750 or $250 off an emp/tail kits, a couple of our new Light Box Signs, a few $100 Van's gift certificates, and a whole slew of shirt/hat giveaways. We sold out of calendars last year, so we ordered about 500 more this year. Be sure to get your orders in early!
- $5.00 each
- $4.50 each if you order 5-10
- $4.00 each if you order 11 or more
The prices are the same as last year and shipping's included. We've kept the prices low for ordering multiples, and hope you enjoy the calendar and give some to your aviation friends - including people who don't (yet) have RVs!

Nov 27, 2019.  Issue #4,965.  (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)

Deer on Runway ...Steve H.

Initial Contact...Brian Shrader

I wanted to take a second and quickly introduce myself and say just a word of thanks for all of great information I've received on the forum so far.

I joined the website several years ago...long before I finally got my PPL and thought "wow, wouldn't it be great to build your own airplane".

Fast forward a few years, add a great and encouraging wife, and I now have a PPL, instrument rating, and an RV14 empennage kit, unpacked, and currently being inventoried in my shop.

I really do appreciate the help and indirect encouragement so far and have no doubt I'll be asking for A LOT more in the coming days and months.

Seen at Monk's (Richmond Aircraft Service) ...patina

Came off an RV.  Of note the corrosive effects of rotors getting too hot....heat burns off paint, corrosion sets in.  No post-processing...this is the original as shot.  Enlarge/Whole Pic

Please Pray for our Friends Tom and Suzanne Swearengen

(Tom)
  "For all of our friends, clients, and members. I just wanted to give you a brief, non RV related update on Suzanne's condition. As several of you know we took some time off to celebrate her life and allow her to see Hawaii, one last time. WE had a great time, seeing the Na'Pali coastline from the air--Thanks to Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. Little did we know that it was probably the last really beautiful place she'd visit on earth.
  We knew that her cancer was beginning to overcome the treatment, but really were stunned to see the blood tests and the CT scans. The amount that this spread in 6 weeks is unbelievable. So with it zapping her strength, the chemo dropping her HG levels, and the CT revealing new and fast spreading areas of damage in her ribs again, Suzanne made the decision to stop the chemo. Seems the treatment was probably going to be worse than the disease.
  She went on Hospice this morning--although we all know that its a formality and not indicating anything is immanent. She's comfortable, or as comfortable as I can make her. One day at a time-----her vitals are about the same as they have been for the past 6 months. Good sign in my book.
  So what does that have to do with the VAF and Experimental community? Well, of course she comes first, BUT there is the wonderful invention of a laptop and something called the internet that allows me to continue to work--mostly-- and take care of her. I'll still get to do tech support, and as I can some prototype stuff. So, even though I may not get to the shop for extended periods like I do, I can continue to service you. Steve and I actually considered this (and other possibilities) when did our merger 3 years ago. So orders get processed despite a family emergency. So for most of you, you wont notice much of a difference.
  I just felt is was necessary to let you know the situation, and to let you know that things will carry on. I'm not going anywhere.
  Thanks to all for your support, thoughts, and prayer in this really trying time.
Tom and Suzanne."

My RV Weekend ...various

(Malndi - Australia)
Red One in the right seat
We had the honour and pleasure of being joined by a former RAF Red Arrows lead who flew right seat with Eddie for some formation followed by a nice lunch at the HARS museum.  https://hars.org.au   A thorough gentleman and very generous with his knowledge. His insights were greatly appreciated and will no doubt assist us to enhance our own flying.  A new RV grin was firmly installed!

(swjohnsey)
Flew the newly acquired RV-4 from Bishop, TX (07R) to Fredericksburg (T82) to check out the Hanger Hotel and eat breakfast at the diner then on to Uvalde (UVA) topped off and back to Bishop. I was trueing out around 170 kts at around 8,000 ft at 2400 rpm and 21 in burning about 9.5 gph.

(crabandy - a weekend of MX)
I strategically waited till the wife was at work to sneak the seatbelts into the washing machine after a brief pre-treat, they made a lot of noise but came out nice and clean! They were pretty dry out of the washer but I laid them over a chair to air dry completely. Pretty sure the only dirty spots came from maintenance.

(hpdmp3486)
Finally cut the two wing spars bolt that were found loose on inspection. The washers were not put on so you could never tighten them to torque specs. I have the RV9A so getting to them was difficult, forming a wrench to fit into the opening was a task. We got the right side off but the left side nut was rounded. Had to use a Dremel with an extension, a few carbide bits, two hours of laying in a difficult position, and finally got the nut off. New bolt, with a washer, and nut tightened and torqued. Huge step out of the way. Finally can get the mechanic back out to approve the changes.

 

Grease Gun Woes ...cdeerinck

Ok, I admit it, in some areas I seem to be a total fool. So I'm asking for some advice as I obviously have no clue on this one.

I have a grease gun, with appropriate grease for my wheel bearings. I also have a grease packer, that worked great. I filled both with grease when putting my wheels on a few weeks ago.

When I look in the packer today, the grease looks just like it did when I loaded it. So I know that nothing was exposed to unusual heat.

Next to the packer, in the same toolbox, is the grease gun. I bought a new one, because my old gun leaked. This new gun has now made a mess of my toolbox. It appears as though some of the grease in it has turned into oil. A little ran out of the threads near the top of the gun, and a ton just poured out of the back end. If I pump the gun, good grease comes out.

Q: Can anyone tell me what I am doing wrong? Am I not supposed to store the gun under pressure? Why did the grease turn from a gel to a thin fluid?

A:  I learned this the hard way too.

When you're not using the grease gun, make SURE you pull the plunger back and lock it so that there is no pressure on the grease. If you keep that constant spring pressure on the grease, it will eventually separate the oils in the grease, and you will be left with grease that is not only too thick, but lacks some of those oils.

The first time this happened to me, I was sure the reason my grease gun wasn't working was that it was a crappy gun. So I bought a couple nice new ones. Turns out that didn't fix it. The grease had lost it's ability to easily be squeezed. A fresh tube fixed that.

A:  Live in AZ and find keeping the packer and guns in a Frig works like a charm. Rubber gloves, batteries and ETC. as well.

A:  All my grease guns and grease tubes reside in a 5 gallon bucket, and in clear plastic bags. Never do I leave it in hot place..stays in the cool as much as possible...and FAR from any toolbox !! Grease is like Proseal..just look at it and your guaranteed to have some kind of mess.

Garmin G3X Touch (GDU 4XX) V8.50, Nov. 25, 2019 ...g3xpert

We released G3X Touch Version 8.50 to the software download area today. Please note from the list at the bottom that many devices have new software including G5, GSA 28 servos, GEA 24 engine module, GDL 5X ADS-B receiver, GMC 507 autopilot control panel, and GMA 245/245R audio panel. After updating the software in the PFD1 with the SD card, the display will reset, and at that time it is best to hold down on the Menu button while it starts up in Configuration mode. Go to the System Information page on the PFD1 and watch all devices completing the software update before taking the PFD1 out of configuration mode and verifying proper operation for the updated system.

While the majority of the changes are behind-the-scenes improvements, there are a couple of items worth mentioning.

Simplified Fuel Flow Calibration
All of us have probably gone into configuration mode, done a little math, and made adjustments to our fuel flow calibration (K) factor to make the fuel totalizer more accurate.

This is significantly faster/easier now since you can do this after fill-up from the normal mode fuel calc engine page. Just press Menu on that page and select "Calibrate Fuel Flow" and a pop-up window will show you the fuel used and allow you to enter the actual fuel added to correct the calibration. In this example, the fuel totalizer measured 35 gals since our last fill-up, and we just added 33.5 gals to fill-up.

You can do this as often as you like until the desired accuracy is obtained.

Improved NAV Radio Tuning Support for GNC 255
We mentioned when V8.40 was released that you can now view and tune the NAV radio on the GDU (as shown below), much the same as you could with a COM radio, but that the feature was only available for the SL 30 NAV radio. We are pleased to now offer this capability for the GNC 255 using currently released V2.20 software in that unit. We will add this support for the GTN 650/750 when new software is available for those units.

Touch and Change Wind Speed Field
We have received quite a few requests to be able to touch the wind speed/direction field on the PFD and quickly change the format between speed/direction and heading/cross-wind components. This can now be done.

Changes from V8.40 to V8.50
o Add support for fuel flow calibration adjustment from Engine page
o Add option to change fuel calculator units (e.g., lbs/hr)
o Add configuration of fuel type
o Add ability to touch PFD wind field to toggle its display mode
o Add support for Piper Altimatic IIIC autopilot
o Add ability to display weight & balance envelope as moment versus weight
o Add ability to configure best-glide sink rate based on distance versus altitude
o Change low-airspeed ESP to remain disarmed until airspeed exceeds minimum limit
o Improve GSU 25C/D static pressure calibration procedure
o Improve configuration for Beechcraft 102-389012 fuel flow sensor
o Improve autopilot operation during on-ground tests
o Improve engine gauge visibility configuration on 7' displays
o Improve display of GPSS data field on 10' displays
o Improve selection of AGL height data field
o Improve NAV radio tuning
o Improve verification of LRU software update data
o Improve editing of complex weight & balance envelope points
o Improve ADS-B status display in config mode
o Improve traffic data processing and display
o Improve checklist file processing and display
o Improve chart data processing
o General improvements to system operation.
o Includes update to G5 software version 6.40
o Includes update to GDL5x software version 2.13
o Includes update to GEA24 software version 3.70
o Includes update to GMA245 software version 2.70
o Includes update to GMC507 software version 2.90
o Includes update to GSA28 software version 4.50

Thanks,
Steve

Typical good Van's support and lesson learned!

We found an aileron bracket issue on my condition inspection that was unexpected. We could not find anything obvious amiss, but I took some video and photos and sent some links to support@vansaircraft.com this morning. I got a reply this early afternoon, and all is well. BUT, during all this, I got a call from an unidentified number, which I of course ignored, since that is always spam, right? On reflection, I googled the number, and you guessed it: The Mothership! I immediately programmed in a new contact for Vans Aircraft, don't want to miss those calls in the future.
Mike C.

Closed 28th/29th ...Aerox

Nov 26, 2019.  Issue #4,964.  (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)

Patina

Seen in an flying-two-decades RV-6 during annual.  Click for 2,560 x 1,920 pixel full size - it looks even better....or worse if you're not into the whole 'proof of enjoyment' thing.  dr

Flight around Southern/central Alberta ...TroyBranch

It has been a while that I have had time for fun stuff. Been years since I even wrote a post here. I think I have a good excuse.

We bought land late fall of 2016 to one day build our dream home and have our own runway. Spring of 2017 we began work but manage to slip away to the Maritimes for what would be our last vacation for almost 3 years. (Still need to take a break) We built a Barn, fencing, runway and just recently finished our new home all while going to my day job. All done by my wife and I along with the kids, no contractor. I thought airplane building was a lot of work. Our old home will soon get on the market then we will build the last step when it sells, the hanger at home!  more

UK RV-8 Reborn ...10w

Back in late 2017, we were fortunate enough to buy RV-8 G-JBTR from Bob Ellis. The aircraft came with a good pedigree, having been flown by Bob in the UK Royal Aero Club Air Racing events and winning the 2015 Air Racing Championship. We had a good year of flying her from our base in Scotland, where she picked up the nickname 'Wee Vans', including a European trip covering Belgium, Germany, Italy and France, as well as many excursions to strips throughout the UK, Ireland, and the Channel Islands.  continue

Hat Sighting / Brenham PIREP  ...tcard

The Brenham Diner had closed down for a while, but they are open and in full swing, including the wait on a Sunday for lunch. We joined our Vagbond friends, Sandy and Roy. We caught up with them on their latest trip.  ...

My RV Weekend  ...many

(Philip 8)
Hung the vertical stab. Was all ready for yesterday to end with me riveting the splice plate on and having it attached by just bolts, only to find edge distance issues with the rivet holes at the end of the forward spar.

So instead I ended the day with an email to the mothership. Pretty sure I can just add another row of rivets here and be OK (I found a post here where someone said they got this exact suggestion), but given the part of the structure we're talking about, I want to hear directly from home base on this one.

Next up: putting those flappy things on the back and getting them connected to the waggly thing in the cockpit.

(Jim Bedsole 6A)
Got it back from condition inspection on Friday (thanks Vic Syracuse!) and flew it home after a brief stopover at 6A2 to check on the status of my instrument panel upgrade order. On Sunday after church, flew with the bride to Barnstormers Grill at Alexander Memorial - GA2 - formerly Peach State Aerodrome for Sunday lunch buffet. Beautiful fall weekend in the south.

(swjohnsey)
Flew the newly acquired RV-4 from Bishop, TX (07R) to Fredericksburg (T82) to check out the Hanger Hotel and eat breakfast at the diner then on to Uvalde (UVA) topped off and back to Bishop. I was trueing out around 170 kts at around 8,000 ft at 2400 rpm and 21 in burning about 9.5 gph.

Help with firewall oil cooler mounting  ...dwranda

I have a bracket that the flange of the cooler will rest on. Should I run a bracket from the forward edge of the cooler to the firewall or would an adel clamp be good enough hooked to the engine mount where you can see the piece of foam in the pic?

Panel / Avionics Status Pics ...Al Karpinski

RV8 panel /avionics fun stuff.. so far.. With GTN750 on top.. Just clears the RV8 cross bar.. First power expected 12/1/19

Rudder Stiffener Rivets - Drill Out?  ...RV701775

I finished setting the AN426AD3-3 rivets on that holed the rudder stiffeners to the skin. I did the math and these rivets area almost exactly the correct length for a 1.5 diameter head. About six of my rivets fit in my cleaveland rivet gauge tightly, but are not significantly over driven. The issue is that on one side the rivet may be 0.033in height and on the other side the head height may be 0.045+. The rivet looks acceptable except for on side of a head is a bit short.

Should I drill these rivets out or is it acceptable to have one side below the Mil-R-47196A minimum head height of 0.038in for a -3 rivet? Not sure how much this matters on the stiffeners.

E-MAG Service Bulletin

E-MAG Friends and Fans:

We just posted Service Bulletin 11_25_19 to our Service Notes web page (https://emagair.com/service-notes/). The bulletin addresses a situation with E-MAG 113 and 114 Series ignitions when installed on 24-volt systems. We estimate the number of 24-volt installations to be relatively small - fewer than 50 out of 6000 (less than 1%). That said, the one installation where failures have occurred highlights a risk to others that needs to be addressed (24-volt installations only).

Please feel free call if you have any questions.

Brad Dement
E-MAG Ignitions

Nov 25, 2019.  Issue #4,963.
  So our son called from the college Saturday and said he was thinking about driving up for a short visit, and would I be interested in helping with the gas?  Absolutely!  Send me a picture of the pump when you've topped it off and I'll send you some cash...and I'll round up to the next dollar.  Here's the picture he sent.  It was worth .97 just for the laugh.
  I know he's a chemistry major for now, but I think he'd do OK with business <grin>.  Hope you had a nice weekend and got to spend some quality time with your RV.
  (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)
 

My 5 Year Old Bird Left Home Today  ...steve murray RV-10

Made it safely to the hangar today. Best $75 I have spent so far on this project having a professional move it to the hangar.

On the road... I mean, In the air again  ...Capt Sandy

We departed Ajo, Arizona this morning, beginning of a three week trek. Ajo will be home base for a few months this winter. Side note: Last year I purchased a Card Machine Works head set. I'd had a nagging problem with my left ear, and could not hear ATC over the radio, even with my (popular name brand) noise-canceling, over-the-ear headset. Besides that, the headset "bar" was super uncomfortable on my head on our longer flights. The Card Machine Works CQ1 headset was a life-saver. Oh so comfortable, and I could hear the Controllers (and my hubby) again.
My ear is a little better this year, and Roy put new foam ear tips on my CQ1 headset before our flight this morning, so I am READY to FLY!!  continue

Phase 2! ...RV-7 Status Report  ...Floog

Over 40 hours on Seven now! I'm number 4 builder on a 2002 kit. It's a flying unpainted rat rod but it sure is fun! Only 2 (common) issues remain:

1) Tendency to roll left in straight and level cruise flight. Right aileron is always about 1/8" down compared to the left 1/8" up???????

2) No shimmy on landing roll out. Then around 10-15 mph ONLY when I'm braking the mains start shaking!

Comments/suggestions appreciated.

Made my first long XC a couple of days ago across the Cascades from central Washington. WOT (20.3/2,380) @ 11,500' @ 7.8 GPH = 190 mph TAS. I'm pretty happy with that!

Buck Meets RV-7 ...Av8safe

After about a year preparing and searching for my RV, it was finally time for the flight home. I had done everything the right way and taken no short cuts. Flew Vic in for the pre-buy and had my friend and experienced RV and test pilot Terry there to get me transitioned on the way home. First two legs were a dream...the RV grin in full display. And then the dream turned into a nightmare when a 7-8 point buck darted across the runway chasing a doe just after I had made my second three pointer with my new purchase. It was all a blur, and thankfully I was able to maintain directional control and get it stopped on the runway and shut down in seconds. It was after we quickly got out of the aircraft that we saw the extensive damage, including a massive hit to the left fuel tank. We were very fortunate as it could have been much worse. The plane is just a thing (and fully insured) but the most important thing is Terry and I are fine. Now I get to gain the experience of working with the insurance company and a host of others to see if we can get my 7 back in the sky with me grinning again.

RV-3B Vs Extra 300  ...rph142

Earlier this year I was unexpectedly given the option to buy a 25% share of a 300hp mid-wing Extra 300, and as luck would have it the plane was based at my home field. The rub was that I already owned a plane (my -3B) and I recently bought into a local flying club with an RV-7, C-182 and an A36 Bonanza. So technically I had four planes at my disposal; insurance requirements notwithstanding. This number far exceeded my golden formula: The minimum number of planes one should own is one. The correct number is n+1, where n is the number of planes currently owned. This equation may also be re-written as s-1, where s is the number of planes owned that would result in separation from your partner.  continue

New Throttle Handle ...Paddy

While avoiding yard work work this weekend, I decided to make a new throttle handle. I never liked the way the original felt and the fact that it wasn't centered over the quadrant. This handle is made from some 25mm OD 23mm ID tube from eBay. The end caps were turned from some 1" 6061 stock and there's another piece of it turned down and tapped 10x32, bonded inside the tube to attach to the throttle lever with the same hole as the original. Works great and has added 5kts and reduced fuel flow by 1.5gph. ;^)

Progress Report (7A) ...motodave

Great day of progress, drilled the longerons to the side skins (only drilled my finger once) and have the firewall in place and ready to drill.

Thoughts on Panel Upgrade Ideas ...James 6A

Hi Everyone,

After owning my RV6A for about 1.5 years, I am finally starting to think about a panel upgrade (in conjunction with addressing ADS-B).

Right before buying my RV6A, I got my instrument rating. Therefore, for my panel upgrade, I would like to have it be IFR capable (in good weather for proficiency and maybe marine layers). I would also like the panel to qualify as TAA for my commercial rating (essentially PFD, MFD, dual axis autopilot).

I currently have a six-pack "steam" panel with KX-125 VOR/LOC, KLN 35A VFR GPS and KT76 Transponder.

I am going to replace the KLN35A and KT76 with a GNX375 (on order).

That leaves the rest of the panel to figure out what to do with. I am going back and forth between two paths (Dual G5, G3X). Cost difference is not a real big factor, so really I want to figure out what would be the best long term for usability (not go obsolete). (Switches and breakers and radio stack location are generally laid out according to current panel)

Pic from Mr. X...Chicago

enlarge

Nov 22, 2019.  Issue #4,962.
  Wishing you and yours a happy, safe and RV-filled weekend.
   (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)
 

Hidden Splendor Airstrip, Utah  ...Vlad the Amazing

Hidden Splendor Airstrip is located about 15 nm northwest of Hanksville KHVE. Its location is in the ForeFlight database and any search engine could yield a lot of information. The elevation is nearly 5,000 feet and the runway is over 2 thousand feet long. Its also wider then RV9 wingspan.  more pics

Legacy RV-12 ADS-B Service Letter [D-180/GTX 327]  ...mothership

Van's has posted a service letter (SL 19-06-27) and associated new wiring diagram for original-model RV-12 owners who wish to add ADS-B Out capability to certain early models equipped with D-180 EFIS and GTX 327 transponder avionics. It leverages Garmin's GDL 82 hardware.

Eileen Collins (Mom to our RV Friend Bob Collins) Has Passed

[ed. Please do yourself a favor and visit the links Bob posted.  I think you'll find, as I did, that it is time well spent.  Bob, your mother did a great job of raising a good son.  What a touching tribute you've written!  v/r,dr]

Van's Vent Knob  ...08FATBOY

I have a legacy 12 and just got the vent knobs. Q: Can someone supply the KIA page for installation, possibly post it. Concerned about drill size and if they need to be tapped. Thanks,

A: (Greg @ mothership)
Sorry for the confusion - I'll be taking a look at our communication around this one. Note that the new knob can be used anywhere this style door is implemented - Typically used in the case of the RV-12, RV-12iS and RV-10 rear passenger seats. We will release the proper documentation to allow factory built (SLSA) aircraft modification in the near future.

The installation is documented on page 08 of RV-12iS Section 23iS/U. That document has been posted to the service information page for the RV-12iS, so you can now access it there. Below is a link to that section plus a screen-grab of the pertinent instructions. If you ordered the knob but do not have the screw that's needed, drop me a PM and I will make sure you get what you need.

Conical Bends done!... getting bigger every day  ...Dave -7

I joined the tail cone to the mid fuselage temporarily at least until I disassemble for riveting.

Shooting Headset Jack Wires - Chasing Ground Noise  ...Tim Huneycutt

I am getting a static noise in sync my strobes and constant when nav/landing lights are on in my pilot headset jack. I have been able to isolate the noise by controlling my PDA360R via AFS5XXX screens. The back seats can't hear it at all when in Crew mode and the copilot can't hear it at all when it's in ISO mode. The pilot can hear it at all times. That tells me (correct me if I'm wrong) that the issue is with the pilot's jacks.

I do not believe it's lights related as in flight I'm getting a slight alternator whine on the pilot's headset (again, can be isolated to just pilot) as well.

I'm going to finish visually inspecting the wire tonight for nicks or obvious issues, but how can I accurately shoot the wires? I know shield will obviously have continuity with ground, but I'm also getting that with the blue wire for each mic and phone jack. How do you tell if those are good or shorted to ground?

I'm thinking my issue is at the shell connector on the tray as I haven't seen obvious damage to the wire itself and haven't really messed with it since it went in and was tested originally. I did take the backshell apart for the tray during a idiot moment to add a comm swap wire (I should have and wound up putting that comm swap wire to the comm!).

I've searched, but any other advice for just one jack getting static?

RV-4 Status Report  ...Frank

Vertical Stab complete and rudder almost done, its a real life exploded view at the moment

Pre-Order IronFlight's Book

Our buddy Paul (RV-3/6/8) has written a book, and you can pre-order it.  Release date July 14, 2020.

"In the tradition of Chris Kraft's Flight and Gene Kranz's Failure Is Not an Option, from the longest-serving Flight Director in NASA's history, a revealing look at the high-stakes work of Mission Control that tells the inside story of the Space Shuttle program that has redefined our relationship with space.

Offering a compelling look inside the Space Shuttle missions that helped lay the groundwork for the Space Age from the perspective of those tasked with making them happen, Shuttle, Houston explores the determined personalities, technological miracles, and eleventh-hour saves that have made human spaceflight possible.

Relaying stories of missions (and their grueling training) in vivid detail, Paul Dye, NASA's longest-serving Flight Director, examines some of the highest-stakes split-second decisions that the directors and astronauts were forced to make in a field where mistakes are unthinkable, where errors lead to the loss of national resources -- and more importantly one's crew. Dye's stories from inside Mission Control explain the mysteries of flying the Shuttle -- from the powerful fiery ascent to the majesty of on-orbit operations to the high-speed and critical re-entry and landing of a hundred-ton glider.

The Space Shuttles flew 135 missions -- surviving initial test flights and the early days of deploying satellites as well as enabling the assembly and servicing of the International Space Station. Astronauts conducted space walks, captured satellites, and docked with the Mir Space Station, bringing space into our everyday life, from GPS to satellite TV. Putting readers in the shoes of Mission Control, the hub that made humanity's leap into a new frontier possible, Dye gives readers his own front-row seat on the missions that changed our world."

Nov 21, 2019.  Issue #4,961.
  Very-near-future RV-10 builder David Lee spent some time at my hangar Wednesday morning helping me start an oil change.  The miserable host I am, I left the power screwdriver at home.  Old school....sorry David.  TBO'd socks were converted into oil covered rags.  It's the cycle of life for an airplane owner's wearables.
   (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)

My RV Weekend  ...crabandy

More condition inspection items completed. Carb and gascolator screens were clean, the inline filter after the fuel selector seemed to have grabbed the gunk.

Milestone: Vlad (vinzer) First Big Step  ...vinzer

First big step: assembly of my vertical stabilizer has been completed today!  Now I am officially have first airplane part assembled on my own.  ...and still so many to assemble

Helicopter engines in planes  ...Radioflyer

Q: I noticed an RV-6A had an HIO-360-B1A engine. (The engine has close to 11,000 hrs total time on it!) How suitable is a "helicopter" variant engine for use as an airplane engine?

A: I have an HIO-360-A1F6D variant in my 7, but it now has a carb and electronic ignition.

Lovely Cockpit Patina ...

I was at a maintenance facility recently and took a peek in a cockpit of a turboprop aircraft getting some work done.  A panel was off and I got a glimpse...and immediately smiled and opened my camera app.  A CCD (cursor control device) rests on top of this spot, so thoughts of hundreds of T/O and landings, and fiddling with STARs and tens of thousands of trackball movements and the debris associated with it came to mind.  This is splendid proof of a workhorse being used exactly how it was designed - kicking ass and taking names all day long, in all weather.  Enlarging the pic to full size only makes it look better.

I'd buy a coffee table book of pictures like this....but I admit I have odd tastes.  I'll shut up now... ;^)

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-7 Flap Lip too Close to Upper Wing Skin  ...mfleming

I have my flaps installed for the first time. Cut the flap push rod holes and trimmed the flap skins as needed. In the up position they line up pretty good with a neutral aileron and the bottom flap skins fit nicely against the bottom of the fuselage.

I measured the flap down angle at 45* which section 15 says is the max.

The concern is, the flap lip is very close to to the top wing skin. I understand that if the flap lip pops over on top of the upper wing skin and the flap is retracted much damage ensues

My question is...how do I limit the flap travel like Mel suggest to 38*?

It seem that once the flap up adjustment has been made...the down is what it is.

A lot of people say they limited the down adjustment but don't say how the did it

If the answers really simple, my apologies ahead of time

Here's a video of the flaps in action just for fun...doesn't really show the lip issue

Quirky Thing Seen From the Air  ...crabandy

Saw while holding at a missed approach point on a training flight.....

Nov 20, 2019.  Issue #4,960.   (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)

Pre-Order IronFlight's Book

Our buddy Paul (RV-3/6/8) has written a book, and you can pre-order it.  Release date July 14, 2020.

"In the tradition of Chris Kraft's Flight and Gene Kranz's Failure Is Not an Option, from the longest-serving Flight Director in NASA's history, a revealing look at the high-stakes work of Mission Control that tells the inside story of the Space Shuttle program that has redefined our relationship with space.

Offering a compelling look inside the Space Shuttle missions that helped lay the groundwork for the Space Age from the perspective of those tasked with making them happen, Shuttle, Houston explores the determined personalities, technological miracles, and eleventh-hour saves that have made human spaceflight possible.

Relaying stories of missions (and their grueling training) in vivid detail, Paul Dye, NASA's longest-serving Flight Director, examines some of the highest-stakes split-second decisions that the directors and astronauts were forced to make in a field where mistakes are unthinkable, where errors lead to the loss of national resources -- and more importantly one's crew. Dye's stories from inside Mission Control explain the mysteries of flying the Shuttle -- from the powerful fiery ascent to the majesty of on-orbit operations to the high-speed and critical re-entry and landing of a hundred-ton glider.

The Space Shuttles flew 135 missions -- surviving initial test flights and the early days of deploying satellites as well as enabling the assembly and servicing of the International Space Station. Astronauts conducted space walks, captured satellites, and docked with the Mir Space Station, bringing space into our everyday life, from GPS to satellite TV. Putting readers in the shoes of Mission Control, the hub that made humanity's leap into a new frontier possible, Dye gives readers his own front-row seat on the missions that changed our world."

Where's Vlad? ...many pics.

Mystery airstrip.  Where?  Anybody been here? Smokey its your bandit territory. Don't tell me you don't know this one.

RV Weekend Fun ...von_flyer

Took some air to air shots of my son Justin in his -4 and Gary, builder of my -7 in his -10. A whole lot of RVing going on.

My RV Weekend ...AAflyer

Flying for food.  Attended my second South Carolina Breakfast Club meeting in...  North Carolina?! KRUG, aka Mid-Carolina Airport. Delicious, well-attended gathering on a chilly day in the "Eagles' Nest"...EAA Ch 1083's insulated hangar. Clear, but lumpy skies...dodging the Charlotte Class B airspace.

First Flights Added

...to the mothership.

Nov 19, 2019.  Issue #4,959.   (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)

Milano Air Show 2019...lucaperazzolli

This past October we had the opportunity to display with our team at Milano Air Show. I like to share the video, hope you enjoy it.

Rudder Damage from Wind ...sinflrobot

Some wind got a hold of my rudder during the last front that came through. Overall it still appears straight, but I am a bit concerned about what to do with two small tears in the trailing edge. It doesn't look horrible, but I was wondering what more experienced folks think the best way to repair this is.

My RV Weekend ...thunder669

"..flight tested the new mechanical fuel pump, a quick bit of rough speed tests and a few practice landings."

Remote Avionics Mounting Ideas ...Rob Lasater RV-14 PIREP

One solution, which lucky for me was done automatically for by Aerotronics was to build a tray that mounts to the panel on the outside of your screens to mount all your boxes too. With my panel, the only things I had to mount was the remote transponder and the backup battery.

My RV Weekend ...control RV-14 (Sweden)

https://youtu.be/BeFqo3o12SA
Moved my RV14 to a new airport (much closer to where I will move to in spring/2020)

Nov 18, 2019.  Issue #4,958.
  Spent a chunk of Saturday getting an early start on the Monday edition, as Sunday was mostly all extra paper route.  Traipsed all over Kansas, Louisiana and Texas.  Pilot milestone:  FL290 in the left seat - never been that high before while up front.  Now have 16.2 hours in the PC-12NG as 'the new guy'.  All those years behind the Garmin glass in the RV is really helping with the transition - thinking a hundred miles out is a new concept for me, but I'll get there.  Not single pilot yet, but not that far off.  Baby steps and learning a LOT about aviation that I was clueless about.  The RV prepped me pretty good.  Brain still hot....need sleep <g>.
  Hope you had a great weekend.
   (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)

My RV Weekend ...Jvon811

Sorry to hear about how cold it was in Texas this morning, DR... [ed. :^)]

15*F when I got to the airport this morning in Michigan. Super smooth air and amazing performance in the cold air. Local group of our guys went out to breakfast at Brighton, Michigan (45G) for breakfast. Tomorrow is Owosso, Michigan (KRNP) for anyone interested!

Milestone: HS Done ...2 of 5

At least as far as I can go until the pre-closing inspection:

November 9-16: After clecoing in the 905 nose ribs, I riveted them into place. Then the completed front spar/interspar assembly was put into place and clecoed in. Skipping every other hole, I still managed to run out of silver 3/32″ clecoes. I ended up working from one side to the other, moving clecoes to the other side as I completed a section.

Aviation Nation - Bob Kelly is in need of our thoughts and prayers...

Bob Kelly (videobobk on VAF) is the President and Founder of Aviation Nation and is one of the early pioneers who paved the way for many of the RV-12 high school build programs in existence today. If you've been to OSH in the past six or seven years you've no doubt seen him always busy leading large groups of mentors and student-builders to various meetings and vendor exhibits. During the other 51 weeks, Bob stays busy organizing new build projects or assisting one of the many Aviation Nation build projects. Get well soon, Bob! /reb

RV-6 Approved for Launch ...Zazoos

This RV-6 was started in 1994 by Denny B. and I purchased it from him in July of 2016. The first 15 months the project just set in my shop for 2 reasons. One was I really didn't have a clue where to jump in and get started. Second, was I only had a light sport license for a powered parachute. I took those 15 months and researched where to get started using VAF (which has been very helpful). I also bought a light sport fixed wing and used it to get an endorsement for LSA fixed wing flying. Then built time towards the private ticket while building on the RV-6 and earned my private pilot license earlier this year. Well today the RV-6 was approved for flight. Next week I go to Okeechobee, Florida to get transition training with Jan Bussell. Obviously, I am very excited. Thank you to VAF members for your help and to Doug for this great tool.

My RV Weekend

Flying with no particular destination ...plehrke
Just flying around enjoying the smooth, cold air.

First Night Flight...rcsilvmac
Spent Friday night doing 10 takeoff/landings in my RV-6A. My first night experience as PIC...it was quite a challenge and thrill. My instructor had to save me on the first landing as I wasn't flaring soon enough, but I got the hang of it after that. I am looking forward to getting out there again at night for my cross country!

New Plugs....jeffkersey
Had not flown in almost 2 weeks as wife was out of town and had to be home monitoring and ailing dog. Starting the plane had been getting more difficult. Put in new plugs. It started in 2 blades. Leaned back to 3 1/2-4gph and putted around looking at property. Decided to sign my name in ADS-B. My skywriting is almost as bad as my penmanship...

RV-12 Greetings from Eastern Tennessee!

Hello to all my friends here on the RV-12 forum...a few people have asked about it, so thought I would post a quick update. After living in California all our lives, my wife and I bought an airpark home in Eastern Tennessee! It has been a dream of mine since learning to fly over 40 years ago, and we are loving it. If anyone on this forum ever needs a place to land/hangar for a night or two, you are welcome (Hensley Airpark 04TN). We have been in the process for a year now, but officially moved in about 3 months ago. It's a great house on over an acre, but the hangar/runway are what sold me. The hangar has a full bath, radiant heat floor and great lighting (and about 2500 sqft). I can walk out my side door and be in the air in 15-20 min (and as you 912ULS pilots know, 5-10 min of that is just waiting for oil temp to hit 120F).

I flew the plane out in late July, so I could stop at Oshkosh for a few days on the way. A new neighbor was kind enough to let me keep the -12 in his hangar until early Sept when we moved in. Anyway, I can't believe how beautiful the flying is around this region, and what an amazing place to live. Thanks to the few that wondered where I had moved, hope to see you around!!

Paul

Milestone: First Completed Part! ...Ryan V.

Air/Oil Sep Experience ...DanH PIREP

Rather than "100 hours or annually", I'd suggest developing a cleaning schedule based on early observation of the particular installation. Technically, it is not the valve which needs cleaned, but rather, the tubular tap into the exhaust system. There have been reports of total blockage at less than 50 hours for Anti-Splat RV-10 exhaust taps mounted on the tailpipe. Even after establishing a rate of accumulation, I'd keep an eye on it, as it may accumulate coke more rapidly as the engine ages and puts more oil out the breather. A change in the usual operating RPM can also make a difference.

Exhaust tap on my 390. It's welded, not clamped. Note bracing; I'm not a big fan of just welding a tube into a hot, vibrating header pipe and allowing it to cantilever without support. The disk is a heat sink; the reed valve stays cool (yes, I measured).

Nov 15, 2019.  Issue #4,957.
  Wishing you and yours a happy, safe and RV-filled weekend.
    (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)
 

Paul Straub Living Room Art ...RV-12

Eagle's Nest Projects - Central HS (WI) - Tyler Moats 1st Solo Flight

After about 19 hours of flying, I (finally) soloed. All around, it was a pretty cool experience. I did a few takeoffs and landings with my instructor and then he hopped out and it was all me. The solo wasn't too bad... it was a little bumpy but nothing to complain about. However, it felt pretty great to know that I had the skills to operate an aircraft and the confidence to actually do it. Now that I'm done with my solo I can't wait to pursue and eventually get my license. -Tyler   more

Tips for fitting the front canopy skin ...Draker

I think I've had this thing off and back on 10 times in the last three days trying to get a better fit and it's not cooperating. Any tips for what to bend, stretch, file or pull to get this thing to line up with the rest of the airplane? There doesn't seem to be much build log wisdom out there on this topic--seems like people get it close and build on.

First up is the fit between the two top skins, shown below clecoed on:  continue

Do all RV's fly about the same?

Q: I have heard it said that if you learn to fly one RV, you can fly any RV. Obviously a tail wheel aircraft will be different from a nose gear type, but is there some truth to this? For example, if you train on a -9A, are you ready to fly a -6A as well?

A: Many

Barrett Precision Engines

...dyno pic from today (VAF advertiser)

Since 1984, the most discriminating pilots have chosen Barrett Precision Engines for their engine needs. Barrett Precision Engines is proud to service the RV community with new experimental four cylinder engines and custom engine builds and repairs.

Barrett Precision Engines, Inc.
2870-B N. Sheridan Rd.
Tulsa, OK 74115
www.bpaengines.com

On the dyno today...

Tailwheel training in a Super Decathlon for RV7 suitable?

Hi All,

my tailwheel RV7 (IO375/CS prop) is not so far away from first flight. There are still a lot of things to be prepared, including myself. I am a low time pilot almost entirely with tri-gears (Katana, 172, PA28 etc.). Lately i had the chance to make ten T/O and landings with a flight instructor in a Grob G109. Fortunatly humans and aircraft were not damaged at the end of the day. I did not feel well at all in the G109. So we can assume that i am not qualified enough to do first flight/phase1.

Now there's a chance to get tailwheel training at a flight school nearby in a Super Decathlon. My question to the ones that are more experienced... is the Decathlon suitable enough get qualified to ride the RV7? Is it similar, easierer more difficult to take-off and land?

There are sveral adresses in north america to get flight training especially for RV's, but we don't have that luxury in Europe (i am based in Germany).

Best Regards
Kay

New First Flights Added ...mothership site

Nov 14, 2019.  Issue #4,956.   (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)

John Goodloe RV-8

Sept. 14, 2019 Open Canopy ...mbauer

Sept 14, 2019 was a very nice day here in Kenai, Alaska. Temp was mid 60's, a great day for washing and waxing the RV6 before winter sets in.

A full day was spent at the tie-down. Finally finishing up around 1830 hours decided to take a short flight as it was still in the 60 deg F range.

Just washed and waxed, so had a great pre-flight completed for the controls/skins.

After moving my vehicle to the parking area, walked back and did a "quick" pre-flight, just in case.

Feeling a little tired, decided it would be a short flight. After attaching myself to the RV using my seatbelt/shoulder harness, grabbed the checklist and read through it.

Did not verify a couple of items, just read through the list......Was tired and wanting to fly, but ready to go home as well. Once again verified this would be a short flight, conditions were as perfect as you can get in Alaska this time of year, so lets get moving!

Called Ground and received taxi instructions. Run up and time to take the active. Tower cleared me for takeoff and away I went.

Smooth air no bumps, what a great day for flying. No clouds the view was excellent. Now where to go?

Flew North towards Nikiski where my home is, then decided to fly over and see if a friend was having a barbecue. Sure enough, a couple of friends were parked in his driveway, decided to get some speed up for a fly by.

A slight descent and soon was doing 200mph. BANG!

At first I thought the RV had exploded! Wind noise was present, just sat there thinking the plane was finished, it was very violent experience.

As the senses came back realized the canopy was open. How did that happen?

The RV was trying to dive rather abruptly. Applied normal back pressure on the elevator to correct. There was no pressure on the elevator, it did not work. That sensation created the urge to pull the stick all the way back "FAST".

While this was happening decided I had better make a call to the Kenai Tower and explain what was happening, loss of elevator effectiveness. Left finger on the push to talk, right hand reducing power.

Tower replied and cleared me to return to any runway.

I remember looking at the airspeed while in the nose tuck, it was extremely close to redline.

Approx. 2/3 of elevator pulled and the RV leveled and then started a climb. Once leveled I reached up with my right hand and grabbed the d-latch for the roll bar and pulled like crazy, it came way down and the elevator came back with a rush.

Now established in a climb, was able to almost close and re-latch the roll bar handle. As the airspeed dropped below 140mph, got the roll bar latch to close.

Now time to get scared. Looking around it was very obvious to see why the canopy opened.

Reading the checklist and not verifying that the side latch was closed, caused a very sobering lesson. Pay Attention to the checklist!

Being tired, fat dumb and happy is not a very good reason for reading a checklist and not checking physically what you are reading.

Good thing I had plenty of altitude for the flyby, main reason why was able to spend precious seconds wondering what had happened, during the nose tuck.

Was caught flat footed, head not in the airplane.

Interesting thing, I could hear each of the several instructors, from years past, who admonished to keep flying the airplane.

Boy did I get my head back into flying quickly, as everything was going downhill!

Rather embarrassed, when arriving at the runway with fire trucks and ambulance waiting for me. Even after calling to let them know the canopy was closed. The ambulance followed me to parking, after a short conversation all was good.

A week later received a call from the FAA located in Juneau. Not much to talk about, the caller said he had investigated a couple of fatal RV canopy open accidents, and was very happy to be able to talk with me.

One thing, was not able to latch the side lock. It just wouldn't close in flight, flew back at 80kts to ensure the roll bar stayed shut. Actually held it closed most of the way back!

Performing a post flight inspection, the struts were bent a little. No, problem as I have new ones ready for installation.

After an evening thinking about what had happened, decided to go back and do a very through post flight. The last I looked the airspeed was near redline, not sure if RV reached it, so decided to check everything with a flashlight and magnifying lens.

Besides the struts, found out that it warped the front edge of the aluminum canopy frame. Popped paint loose on the canopy frame, it was catching on the fuselage lip where the canopy rubber seal is. Using a screwdriver to re-shape the aluminum fixed the issue.

Been up several times since then. Each time before taking the active, verified that the yellow ball is LOCKED!

Best regards,
Mike Bauer

Subpanel repair question ...kaa RV-7

Hi all,

So, last week my vacuum pump failed and I took it as a hint that I should finally start my panel upgrade. The plan is to go from steam gauges to G3X. Now, I haven't built an airplane, and while I'm pretty comfortable with the electronics and wiring, metal work is fairly new to me. So I'd like to ask a few potentially dumb questions if you don't mind.

In looks like in the course of years the subpanel on my RV-7 (slider) endured some surgery:

I now need to patch at least some of these holes to mount G3X components onto. What would be my best course of action? My current plan is to make a patch out of a 0.040 sheet and rivet it with a combination of AD4 where I can squeeze them and cherry rivets where I can't (I'm not set up for riveting with a rivet gun). Would a single row of rivets be sufficient? Given how decimated the subpanel is, it's probably not very structural?

Also, F-712A-L was also cut for some reason without any reinforcement. Should I do something about it? Maybe add a angle stiffener or something?

Thanks for any advice!

Down for Maintenance a Bit:  Maintenance Debate ...Ironflight

So we live at an airpark with 30 homes. By my count, 17 have or have had experimental aircraft, 11 do right now. 18 have had certified - so its about an even mix. Of the current aircraft, 25 are certified (one guy has five Stearmans) and we've got about 15 Experimentals (Louise and I count for five of those...).

Yesterday I had some maintenance performed on my (personal) belly substructure - a non-organic doubler was installed using standard techniques, and recovery is better than expected, with only minor nuisance problems due to my intestinal system being shut down and waiting on a successful re-light (dang anesthetic!).

But now we have a neighborhood debate. We have about eight licensed senior nurses among our population, and four A&P's - no admitted medical doctors, and no IA's. Some nurses might claim that I need to stay on the ground for several weeks, and then get surgeon's clearance before flight. I informed the surgeon that since I rarely pull more than ten pounds (current lifting limit) on any flight control, I should be good to go when I am ready to eat an airport breakfast or burger. The A&P's are questioning if this is a 'Major Mod', since it involved primary structure, but I pointed out that while all human beings in the US are certificated at birth, no one can produce a TCDS for said certificate - therefore, we must all be Experimental (and I'd strongly argue Amateur built...), so Part 43 doesn't apply, and we don't need a 337.

So, I contend that since flight characteristics shouldn't have changed (there might be a temporary restriction on G's of course), no return to Phase 1 is required, a simple logbook entry should suffice, and the normal medical community's generic "wait a week" should be fine. Mel, Joe, Vic.....any arguments from the DAR community?! <g>

In good fun,

Iron

Roll-Your-Own 4-place Oxygen System...Paddy

I've built both a 4-place portable system and now a built-in system in my -10, both roll-your-own style. The portable uses a Jumbo D cylinder, 4-place regulator, 4 flow meters and 4 oxysaver cannulas. The system worked fine for cross country trips with 2 adults and 2 kids, but was a bit bulky with all 4 of the lines in use. It's for sale if anyone is interested...

BLACK FRIDAY SALE ON EARTHX JUMP PACK ...VAF advertiser

Hello Van's readers,

The holidays are upon us and we are alerting you first that we are having a black Friday sale, effective now, while supplies last, on the EarthX LiFePo4 jump packs. And we are including free the 12V charging adapter for a savings of $42 off.

https://earthxbatteries.com/shop/earthx-jump-pack

This is a great gift for yourself or any one else on your list!

RV-7 Build Status Report ...vernh59

Starting to assemble the HS forward spar.

Our RV Weekend ...Mike K

My wife and I took our first trip in our just out of phase one RV14a to Memphis. Flew into General Dewitt Spain M01. Great service at the FBO and hanger space available for only $25 a night. $8 Uber ride to Beale street. Great BBQ and music!

Nov 13, 2019.  Issue #4,955.   (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)

The story on how I got to this point ...rolick22

This is the story on how I got to this point on my Kit build RV-12iS ELSA. I will take you back to 2013 when I first had the idea. Come see how I built two fuselages and why.

Weekend flight up the Hudson ...Squid

Okay, so it was two weekends ago, but such a good flight it's worthy of mention. While we still have the privilege the wife and I took the RV-6 up and down the Hudson, past NYC at 1100'. Circled the Statue of Liberty at 900' as well. If you haven't done this, I'd recommend giving it a try. A total blast!

My New NEBO Flashlight ...a short review.  Mostly pics.

I bought this online last week for my extra paper routes (needed big red light for filling out forms while in cruise at night).  You recharge with your USB port, you could probably blind someone at night with it (might be more useful than a knife for protection) and more.  I took some pics and added some captions.

Probable Cause List Updated

(7) new probable cause documents published by the NTSB since the last update here.  Knowledge is power....read and fly safe.

5MB page.  You'll want to be on your WiFi.

NTSB Aviation Accident Final Report - RV-12 Fatal, Fishers, IN, 08/31/2017

This was brought to my attention by Tom Prevost, and it didn't show up in the export of NTSB data when I searched for 'RV' and 'Probable Cause'.

Here's a direct link so you can read it while I figure out why it didn't show in the query.

Probable Cause and Findings
"The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:

The pilot's failure to latch the canopy before takeoff, and his failure to maintain pitch control following the in-flight opening of the canopy during the initial climb resulting in a subsequent impact with terrain and ground fire."

Nov 12, 2019.  Issue #4,954.
  At 0937 local Monday the cold front arrived at our home field - went from 60*F and 00000kt to 25G37 from 340 in about sixty seconds.  I had taken off thirty minutes earlier looking to hand fly the practice VOR/DME RW17 approach at nearby Decatur.  Airliners overhead were visible above 3,000' while I pre-flighted, but as I took off I could see pretty fast that I wasn't going to get to 3,000' without filing - things were lowering quickly.  You could see angry clouds off to the N in the shape of a big fist, with my name on it, so I turned back.  Got in a quick VOR check off of DFW's TTT over our field and called it a flight after 11 minutes.  It sure got cold fast.
  Wrapping the pipes and dragging out the cold Wx gear.  So long Fall...
   (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)
 

WDYDWYRVTW Entries

(Dan Langhout) ...RV-7
Took my 29th instrument lesson. Nothing like learning in your own airplane!

(crabandy)
Condition Inspection time week #2 for me, I drug my oldest out to the hangar to help me with the compression check for the second year in a row. She learns something, I learn something and although she won't admit it she feels more accomplished and a little sassy for the experience. Dad's also glad to have her along. ...

(MarkW)
Bahamas.  Had a business conference to attend in Nassau this weekend and all was included but the flight. Not a problem as I prefer to fly myself anyway.  Short two hour flight from Sanford to Nassau. Lots of over water time but not a problem. Straight Thursday from Sanford to Nassau on a perfect day then back on Sunday with a stop in Ft. Pierce for customs. US customs has actually made the process easier and now there is not even a form.

Icing Heads Up ...bmarvel

When we built our -14A I put a short piece of black electrical tape on the outboard leading edge of the left horizontal stabilizer as an ice indicator. Since the surface with the tightest curvature is generally the first to get ice, I reasoned that this would be the likely place. When the black surface started to become white, it was time for Plan B.

As it turns out, we found out there is another location that gets ice first and is much easier to see. In our airplane we stuck with the plans as written and installed the landing lights in the wing cutouts. These in turn are covered with Plexiglas lenses which are mounted on the inner surface of the leading edge wing skins around the perimeter of the cutout.

A few months ago on a trip from Colorado to Oklahoma we had an icing encounter but the first indication was not on the electrical tape. As I turned my head to inspect the tape on the horizontal stabilizer, I noted a dim glow from the left wing landing light area that was clearly visible in daylight. My wife saw the same thing on the right wing.

As it turned out the tiny ridge between the plexi and the wing skin is the smallest radius on the airplane and true to predictions was the first place where ice formed. Each time the landing light pulsed there was a dim glow from that area, giving an early indication of even the smallest amount of ice.

An altitude change solved the problem but I thought this bit of information would be a good thing for the rest of you to toss into your bag of aircraft knowledge for the future.
__________________
Bill Marvel
Grand Junction, CO
RV-8A N751MB -1700 hours, sold
RV-14A N465MM

Aera 660 v3.7 is out

Horizontal stab attach - sanity check ...N546RV (RV-8)

OK folks...so I'm at the point of fitting the horizontal stab and getting the attach holes drilled. I did the holes between the rear spar and the vertical attach bars tonight - those are pretty much a piece of cake after checking level and alignment about 400 times. The holes in the forward splice angle, though, I'm spending a whole lot of time reasoning things out before I drill, since it seems like this is an area where people frequently encounter problems.

The main thing I'm running into is that, as far as I can tell, it is 100% impossible to drill these holes and maintain "proper" edge distance (that is, 2x from the center of the hole). This seems to be a fairly well-known issue, and digging through past discussions indicates that a) the mothership knows this and reassured builders frequently and b) since the bolts are loaded axially (vs in shear), edge distance is less critical.

In an effort to be super thorough with positioning these holes - as opposed to simply taking the measurements from the plans as gospel truth - I did a whole lot of drawing on the aft deck with a Sharpie. With a little work in Photoshop for some colored overlays, we can end up with a nice little visual representation of all the pertinent pieces (I've omitted the spacers since they don't seem likely to have edge distance issues):  continue

Nov 11, 2019.  Issue #4,953.
   (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)
 

ADDRESS TO FELLOW-COUNTRYMEN

The White House, November 11, 1919.

A year ago today our enemies laid down their arms in accordance with an armistice which rendered them impotent to renew hostilities, and gave to the world an assured opportunity to reconstruct its shattered order and to work out in peace a new and juster set of international relations. The soldiers and people of the European Allies had fought and endured for more than four years to uphold the barrier of civilization against the aggressions of armed force. We ourselves had been in the conflict something more than a year and a half.

With splendid forgetfulness of mere personal concerns, we remodeled our industries, concentrated our financial resources, increased our agricultural output, and assembled a great army, so that at the last our power was a decisive factor in the victory. We were able to bring the vast resources, material and moral, of a great and free people to the assistance of our associates in Europe who had suffered and sacrificed without limit in the cause for which we fought.

Out of this victory there arose new possibilities of political freedom and economic concert. The war showed us the strength of great nations acting together for high purposes, and the victory of arms foretells the enduring conquests which can be made in peace when nations act justly and in furtherance of the common interests of men.

To us in America the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service, and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of nations.

WOODROW WILSON

RV-8 Memphis ...Jeff RV-8

Just home from the paint shop. Thanks to Mark King and his crew at GLO for her new dress. Walt at EXP then knocked out a new W&B and dialed in the 200RV prop with a dynamic balance. The flight back home was second only to my first flight! Also, a big shout out to Karl Richcreek (RV-8) for blazing the trail on this scheme. I added some personal touches to keep my Navy flying days close to heart. First flight was late Sept 2018 and still lovin' every minute of it!

WDYDWYRVTW* ...11/9-10/2019

Flew a friend over to KADS in the RV-6 Friday afternoon so he could re-position a PC-12NG. Having not been there for many years, I'd forgotten how busy it is on the ground at Addison. Waited at the departure end for 20 minutes to take off.  How in the world do students endure that environment?!?!

There were (7) airplanes in front of me (and maybe ten behind me) on the ramp when they called my N-number for position and hold. I jumped on that like a duck on a june bug <g>.

Saturday and Sunday I spent about twelve hours studying PC-12NG POH manuals - all related to trying to earn some side money for the fam.

*What did you do this weekend with your RV?  Chime in...

Crater Lake Oregon Pics ...vgb

Q: What is the end goal of a build?

A: It's different for everybody.

I am working away, making rather fast progress on my RV-14 kit. Days go by as I build, and I feel on top of the world. Other days, I feel completely incapable.

I am learning so much about myself through this build. One of the things that has really hit home and become apparent is that I am a perfectionist. Except I have never built an airplane before, and I am doing a far from perfect job with my build. I am not capable of doing a perfect build. Is there even such a thing I find myself wondering? I am building an airplane that's going to be safe and certainly won't fall out of the sky, but I don't think that I will ever have a showpiece on my hands.

Some days, I am pretty down on myself, wondering if I am really cut out to be doing my own build. But I want it. I want it more than anything. This build for me is more about learning some life lessons, having some fun (it is hard sometimes), and in the end, having something that I can be proud of to fly around.

As I find myself missing the PERFECT mark, I wonder what's out there? When it comes time to sell what will eventually be my airplane, do people expect perfection? Is an airplane that's 'safe' what people want? Or am I building something that nobody will want, despite it being safe, yet not perfect? Truly, what's the end goal of a build .. an airplane that is perfect, or just an airplane that is safe?

I doubt I am alone in how I feel. I suspect many builders have been right here before. I'd enjoy hearing your thoughts on anything that I've brought up.

She comes to life! ...sapeloson

After 9 1/2 years of frustration, aggravation and unbelievable excitement, she comes to life!

PPL Checkride Passed! ...Stitch462

After a long time, a few false starts and a lot of cash; finally completed my training and passed my Private Pilot Checkride, Sunday Nov 3, 2019. Just wanted to share that with the group.

Next step: Come up with the cash for an RV-

Happy Humpday everyone!

My RV Weekend ...Jonathan Alvord

Thursday my hanger partner and I took N122EF (RV 7a) from Prosser Wa (S40) Ogden Utah (KOGD) via Gooding Idaho (KGNG) to go to the I-FLY Utah. Then Ogden to Alvord Desert, landed for a pee break and then back. RT 949miles. Friday I flew my wife to a business meeting in Spokane WA. Landed Felts Field (KSFF) then flew up to Sandpoint Idaho (KSZT) to trouble shoot some items. While there we pulled the lower plugs, cleaned (and dropped one, which then meant cleaning 4 new plugs and putting it all back together. Flying back to KSFF to pick up my wife and returning home S40. Total milage 1248 hours and approx 8 hrs flight time.

Valve wobble test out of spec.

Just did a Valve Wobble test and all 6 ECI cylinders are out of spec. Max wobble per lycoming Service Bulletin 388C for my valve is .035. Cylinders 2,4 and 6 were between .045 and .050. All other cylinders were near or at .035 limit.

I do not have any issues but decided to do the test due to the hours on the engine. The IO540 engine has 1400 hours from brand new ECI cylinders and has been running well. Oil consumption has been 1 qt per 10 hours and borescope shows good symmetrical pattern on all valves.

So my question for the engine experts is what to do next? Rework or replace the cylinders that are out of limit? I hate to do major surgery on a perfectly good running engine but want to the right thing. The SB, although it indicates upper limits for valve wobble was issued to check for tight clearances and sticky valve issue.

Thank you.

A: I would not call it a good running engine. You are wearing out valve guides like crazy. Why? I am no expert but something should be done. New valve guides seems like a good idea.

A: How comfortable are you that your jig or your technique is not the source of the high readings? Just a little looseness of the jig on the valve stem, or a little too much force when applying the side load can make a big difference. It seems a little odd to me that 3 cylinders would go bad at the same time. (The ones are limit are not bad. They could have left the factory that way).
If it were me I would fly another 20 hours and then re-test them. At the same time I would remove the intake and exhaust and do a visual inspection on the valve stems. If the first test is correct I would fly another 50 hours and see if the wear continues.
The test is meant to find tight valves due to carbon/lead build-up. A stuck valve is the real enemy. You have good oil consumption. Worn valve guides should show an increase in oil consumption.

A: How old is the engine? Old exhaust valves can have corrosion issues.

Pneumatic Squeezer Injury Lesson Learned ...mulde35d

Lesson 1: Take your finger off the trigger of a pneumatic squeezer while adjusting the ram depth.

Lesson 2: If your going to accidentally squeeze your fingertip, try to have flat dies installed rather than dimple dies. Had this been dimple dies I likely would have lost the fingertip.

This is what a flat die squeeze looks like on the middle meaty part of the fingertip. Luckily it was set for AN426AD4-5 rivets and the dies had about 3mm space between them when fully pressed.

Hopefully nobody needs to repeat my error to learn this lesson.

Milestone: Rivits! ...Ryan V.

Elevator Stiffener Oops Question

While match drilling the aft undrilled hole on a center stiffener I elongated it in one direction significantly. I re-drilled it up to #33 for use with a 7/64 (half-size) oops rivet. Two questions:

1) because this is the last hole on the stiffener and not supported by a standard 3/32 rivet is use of an oops rivet suitable or should I drill it up to 1/8 for a -4 rivet even through this will not be aesthetically the best option?

2) If I use a -4 rivet will the shop heads of the two stiffeners touch since this is right at the bend in the trailing edge?

Thanks

A: Proseal the stiffeners to the skin and never look back...

I did this to all of mine and the structure is rock solid. Good way to get your "feet wet" with the proseal (flamemaster... whatever) before you're mucking around inside of a tank.

A: I would use the oops rivet and call it good.

No need to mess with pro seal just for this. The prep to the surface you would need to do for proseal would be a much more work than just using the oops rivet. If you're worried about the shop heads touching...just over buck both of them a tad. DO NOT use epoxy.

A: Try presqueezing a 3 to fill the hole you made before final set in position. You'll learn this technique later if not now (Murphy is an optimist). If it looks like too little grip, jump to a shortened 4-4. A dab of proseal on a 3 wouldn't hurt. I believe Van's still wants a dab of some stick-um at the ends before closure. That'll help, also.

A: That's how I did all my control surface stiffeners. Not a sealed install. Just a thin layer spread with a popsicle stick. I used a section of particle board, match drilled and just clekoed them to the skin against the board. Left for several days to cure. Stiff as a proverbial board.

Nov 8, 2019.  Issue #4,952.
  Wishing you and yours a happy, safe and RV-filled weekend!
   (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)
 

Ed Hicks photo.

Correct terminology with ATC or Tower

Q: When under ATC control and changing frequency what is the current correct terminology to announce your presence on the new frequency, I have recently read that "with you" is not correct and "up" is also not correct.
Tks
Figs

A: Helpful links:
- FAASafety radio comms phraseology and techniques
- ATC Phraseology (Wiki)

A Few New First Flights

...recently added to the mothership.

Grass Strip / Homesite Planning ...crabandy

Looking for advice in planning our Grass Strip/Homesite, it's 660'x2640' (40acres longways north) and relatively flat. I'm trying to draw up my proposal to send to the county for the Special Use Permit and want to be as accurate as possible.

I've walked the property with my "Dirt Guy" and his advice was to put the runway next to the west side of the property to work with the natural drainage. There is a tree row along the north half that I don't want to tear out as well as I would much prefer the house/hangar on the West side of the runway.

I was hoping to put the runway on the east side of the property, this would require a several small culverts as there is not enough slope for the larger ones needed. The smaller culverts would also require vigilance as the adjacent field debris would be flowing into the culverts. More expensive to build and work to keep up.

Pics of the property after 8 inches of rain this spring, You can see the drainage looking north.  ...

An initial sketch of a compromise trying to meet our Wants, This configuration makes it runway 02/200. "Dirt Guy" thinks this is a good plan, the south half of the runway would be built up slightly to funnel the water into the finger of trees on the south side. It would also dry out the southeast corner.
--Length--depends on the layout but 2300'+ is doable in all configurations
--Width--60' is a good compromise on cost, use and maintenance
--I'm told I want to use Bermuda grass (Kansas)
--Obstacles--Bury powerlines on north, live with trees on the south. House, Hangar, Trees 100' laterally from runway centerline.
--House--500'+ off the road
--Zoning requires 150' laterally for house from property boundary
--House and hangar on West side of runway, Hangar door facing east to the runway to avoid the prevailing north/south winds and summer evening sun.
--Retain some crop land for income.   continue / chime in

Encoder Question ...Pilotjim77

I've been reading here on the forum about ADS-B, transponders, etc, and I have a question. I am removing steam gauges and installing a first generation GRT Horizon dual efis setup. I have a Garmin GTX 320A transponder. Does the GRT efis function as an encoder? And if so, is there any benefit or reason to keep the standalone altitude encoder?

I will also be installing the uAvionix Echo ADS-B package from GRT once they come in (currently back ordered.)

Prop Bolts Tight in Crush Plates ...Jim Rice

I did not build my RV-4 to know the answer to the following.

I recently began working on my Condition Inspection. I noticed some corrosion on heads of the prop bolts which needed attention. I have the old 4" spool type prop extension with 3/8" prop/ext bolts and 7/16" ext/crankshaft bolts. Also, the installation has two front plates, one on either side of the front spinner bulkhead. The front has the groove into which the bolt head fit. The second is larger in diameter and thickness. (Photos below, though rear plate is hard to see.)

After removing the nuts from the prop bolts, the prop didn't want to budge. I attributed that to continued humid conditions in my hangar at the time. The bolts were very tight and next to impossible to move. I ended up using the old nuts threaded back on the bolts almost flush and then back them off against a a steel plate resting against the heads of the crank bolts. That pushed the entire prop and crush plates out from extension rather than just moving the bolts as I expected. At that point the prop was almost clear of the extension prop bushings. Rather than forcing anything, I called it a day. I went home and ordered a new set of prop bolts from Van's that evening.

I went back a few (dry) days later and was able to slowly work the prop loose and got it off okay. Even then the bolts were still extremely tight in the prop and didn't want to move. I took the prop home and kept it inside the house to help with any humidity issues. After a couple of days, I was able to tap the bolts out of the prop...though they were still tight in the two crush plates/spinner front bulkhead.

Once I had everything off the prop, I worked on getting the plates, which trap the front spinner bulkhead between them, off. I ended up putting penetrating oil on the bolts and was able to pull everything apart. Once apart, I was able to determine the bolts were extremely tight in the front plate, the one with the recess that traps the bolt heads so they don't rotate, and snug elsewhere, but not interference fit tight.

I'm a bit concerned about how difficult it was and that putting new bolts in will possible problems. I don't want to bugger up any threads and certainly don't want to have to hammer the heads.

All that said, should the bolts be that tight tight in the front plate? Should the plate be reamed?

My prop is a Props, Inc wood prop with a 4" thick hub. I've removed and installed several props over the years, both wood and metal, and have never had one this tight.

The plane has approximately 1050 total time engine/prop/airframe. From looking at the logs, I don't see anything indicated the prop/prop extension has ever been separated/removed since 1994. Due to the tightness, I was expecting some corrosion on the bolt barrells but found none, though the cad plating was pretty scuffed up by the time I got them out.

I'm glad I decided to pull the prop off and replace the bolts now.

See attached photos which will hopefully make my long-winded description more clear.

Nov 7, 2019.  Issue #4,951.
  Please excuse the late push for the Thursday edition (9:15pm Wed night).  I worked an extra paper route Tue-Wed and am just now getting home (pic).  Long day w/Wx, ILSs to mins and Ubers <g>.  Home feel good.
  Of note the (3) jobs available at the mothership detailed further down (direct link).  Custer Technical Support Rep in addition to the TIG Welder and Engineering Drafter / Tech Writer.   (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)
 

Post First Flight Pic ...Mr. Tom Spencer

Garmin G5 and Aera 660 ...Bcone1381

Q: Greetings Garmin Exprt;

The is probable a dumb question from a novice flat panel guy. (Experience round dial guy)

I am installing a single G5 (no auto-pilot) and an Aera 660 in a non-RV experimental. I had a harness built up to connect the G5 to a Garmin GMU-11 Magnetometer. The harness came with an RS-232 pig tailed off the G5. The GMU-11 communicate to the G5 thru a series of twisted wires called the CAN bus.

So, I am thinking the RS-232 cable is for a future gizmo.

What would be the benefit to connect the G5 to the Aera 660 dock via the RS-232 cable? Does the G5 allow me to select between an HSI and PFD view? Maybe the 660 could drive a Course Deviation Indicator on the HSI view?

Help me understand.

A: (g3xpert) Yes, as David correctly pointed out, an Aera 660/795/796 can provide lateral and vertical (VNAV) guidance to a single or dual G5 installation (with or without autopilot servos) over RS-232.

Calibrating taildragger fuel levels .

Q: In the final throes of this build... any opinions on leveling a taildragger for the fuel gauge calibration?

A: The fuel indications in the EFIS systems we are using now are so darn accurate if calibrated properly, I think it makes no sense to not do it in a level flight attitude.
Doing it in level flight and ground attitude (on systems that have the capability) is personal preference but for a tail dragger I think it is worth while.

Status Report ...vinzer RV-10

And another day when I was able to work on my project.  Now it looks like a read airplane part!

76KTS Tailwind at FL170 ...kcameron years ago

Nov 5, 2019.  Issue #4,949.   (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)

Milestone: First Engine run...rolick22

Please enjoy my first engine run on my RV-12iS (N112DR), It was a beautifully day at KTZR. Run was perfect with no leaks.

First flight ...chevytoo

Nov 2 2019 was the first flight for RV-9A C-FWRN S/N 91413. Project started June 2006 with a slow built kit. It has an 0-320 with a Hartzell propeller and steam gauges. Flight was at Abbotsford Airport [CYXX]. I had an instructor with me as a safety. I was very glad I had him on board as I was quite nervous throughout the flight.

The aeroplane jumped off the ground and established a positive rate of climb. We orbited CYXX at 3500 ft for .7 hours. Stalled the plane. Some slow flight but mostly maneuvering the plane. The stall warning came on at 75 MPH so that was a real distraction. I did not think to install a separate breaker for it when I wired it. Maybe a mod soon. My approach speed was too fast because of the stall warning but the aeroplane was actually quite easy to control. The touch down was again too fast so there was something shimmying. I found the RV-9A to be very light on the controls and the elevator trim very effective. It flew level hands off with the aileron trim in neutral.

I checked the nose wheel fork friction, it was OK. I read the instructions and adjusted the vane for the stall warning.

I hope to fly solo today but waiting for the outside temp to warm up a bit.

1st Annual Chili Cookoff & Fly-In PIREP ...bkervaski RV-14A

Hey thanks everybody for coming! It was a great turnout and we'll definitely be continuing next year.

We had folks come from 3 states away, thank you.

If you like football anyone that hung around got to enjoy a game or two on the "big screen".

It was great seeing everyone!

Next year we'll have some cooking stations setup for anyone that wants to bring their chili to compete with my "World Famous" recipe

Status Report ...jcarne

My new engine mount finally arrived!!! Time to put this puppy on gear!  When I opened the package the kiddo decided to help unpack. Future builder?

Silent Hektik failure ...Handclutch (Australia)

My Silent Hektik regulator (F4112) failed last week at around 180 hours. Anybody else had a SK failure?

The failure was quite sudden. I flew a two-hour leg with voltage indications normal before landing for fuel. Voltage was then okay on start-up but shortly after takeoff I got the low-voltage warning (I have the low-voltage warning set quite high to act as a generator failure warning for IFR flight). It worked!

It was a very hot day but the temperature strip on the regulator had maxed at 71* C, less than what I had previously seen on the Ducati. However, it is possible that the SK had seen slightly higher temperatures previously before I modified its cooling system.

Now for something interesting - I did a Google translation of the SK website and found that they don't guarantee the regulator unless you use phosphor bronze crimp connectors. Here is what they say:


Wrong connectors on the 912er alternator connection:
The LiMa connector plugs of the 912 engines are of inferior brass. That's a massive problem for three reasons.
- The brass plugs are not designed for the high currents, with up to 20A, and therefore overloaded and prone to overheating.
- The brass plugs have a low spring force and are therefore not vibration-proof and loosen over time.
- The brass plugs have no surface protection and oxidation then produces brownouts and malfunctions.
For safety reasons, therefore, we only recommend Tyco FastOn tinned phosphor bronze connectors . Everything else is botched.


Could this be a reason why there are so many regulator failures?

Jack

Status Report ...goatflieg

When I finally got out to the shop to inspect the situation, it turned out to be a simpler fix than I thought it would be. A bit awkward, to be sure, but I was lucky. No wires in the way, and the pilot holes were just sitting there waiting for me. Triple check the plans, remove the floor, enlarge the CORRECT holes, disconnect the cables and reroute, install snap bushings and reconnect cables. I'll sleep better tonight than I did last night. Big thanks to Chris for taking the time to point out my error, and to Chris, Carl and Don for encouraging me to do it right. If I can ever return the favor, don't hesitate to ask.

My RV Weekend ...some entries

Flew from CRQ to AJO and was picked up by Spruce. While there, I purchased an iFly 740B which I plan to try out on my Oregon trip the next two days. If all goes well, I am interested in removing my Garmin 496 and replacing it with the iFly GPS. While doing so, I'd like to add a navcom, so I have two comms, and a VOR receiver (which I'll hook up to my Dynon).

1.2 hours added to the RV. I always have a blast flying it around...
__________________
RV-9A, Carlsbad Ca (CRQ)


Went flying in a 7A and then joined the flying club that owns it.

Super pumped to be back into an IFR traveling machine.

First RV experience and man are they fun.
__________________
Dan


Moved It
Well, I changed airports this weekend...Moved my 7A from KGRE Greenville,Il. to KPJY Pinckneyville-DuQuoin, Il. ...1/2 the distance to my house, much cheaper hangar rent, and much less air traffic. Loving the quiet... Also, even thought I am hangar-anal and well organized, you just never know how much tools/equipment/supplies/chemicals/paperwork/**** you have until you have to box it up, move it, and re-mount everything.

It's not for the faint of heart.
__________________
Brian K. Morrow


Full Flap Take Off RV10 ?
Landed on little Island in Chesapeake Bay (KTGI) for late Lunch. All Ferry Boats and Tourists were gone so the 3 places to eat had already closed. Assumed I would need the "HOT START" procedure but after cranking and NO Joy the battery's began to slow crank. OOPS! that didn't work well, so opened up the Oil Door and sat alone "AOG" for 20 mins on the desolate airstrip. Try again: Blades going by slower and slower, then Vroom ! We got it going! Rattled and excited I decided to keep most everything turned everything OFF while charging the batteries. Heading down the Runway and my son calls out: Dad..Flaps..Dad..Flaps ! I was already at 60 knots and keeping the mains on the ground I flipped the Flaps switch and watched them SO SLOWLY retract. at half flap I was running out of runway so I pulled back rotated and launched. I was amazed at how quick the RV10 JUMPED into the air with still half flaps~!! My Son handed me the checklist and said 'Lets NOT do that again! But still a Wonderful weekend with a good reminder to not get rattled, READ the Checklist! I have to wonder what would've happened if we did rotate at full flaps ?? Ed N40ES

200KT GS ...Plummit

Coming back from Big Bear this morning:

Nov 4, 2019.  Issue #4,948.
  Please excuse the early push for Monday (Sun 10am) - I'm doing a side thing Sunday afternoon in exchange for extra shekels for the familia.  Beautiful Wx here in N. Texas all weekend.  Hope you got to do some RVating.  I'm planning on a hop or two this coming week to get the juices going.
    (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)

Finally cleaned out my garage ...wjb

Hangar time!

After

Before
(the rest of the story)

Flying with 3-4 year old in RV-4 ...Indy

Any recommendations on how to best seat a preschooler in an RV-4? I just got my RV-4 back after 2 years overseas. My 3 year old daughter loves airplanes and LOVES pretending to fly in the -4. I'm eager to take her for her first small airplane ride but struggling with how to strap her in. I tried her car seat but the headrest obstructs the rear canopy bar. I want her to sit high enough that she can actually see out over the canopy skirt but ensure her safety first and foremost.  ...

Why I love the experimental world ...fbrewer

Yesterday, 8 of us "Boys with Toys" (all RVs) flew to Llano for some Coopers BBQ.

You know it was great!

Flying home we briefed up a 4-ship flight to do some formation work.

Sitting number 2 on the wing of Bobby "Luke" Lucroy, I hear the dreaded: "Bogie", you need to abort. Your left wheel is leaking hydraulic fluid - lots of hydraulic fluid.

Dang, we eventually clear the active, so the other folks can depart, and of course "Luke" sympathetically aborts with us.

We slowly taxi our bird back to the ramp and then took the opportunity to practice turns to see when the tail wheel would unlock and so forth. Actually it was a good mindset practice, should we lose a brake ever in the future.

Here is the kicker: "Luke" has everything needed in his go-bag. We removed the left wheel fairing, and dissasembled the left brake, and found the o-ring in the piston was indeed broken.

Replaced the o-ring (of which "Luke" had several spares), reassembled the caliper and then of course, "Luke" had almost everything needed to bleed the brakes. We were short a little on the hydraulic fluid. Oh, and he had safety wires and a safety wire pliers so we could put it back together properly.

But of course, a local at the airport ("Estes") had some hydraulic fluid which promptly brought over.

From abort to repair to again taking off, we were on the ground less than 2 hours.

This is why I love the experimental world. If I had been in my Bonanza or single ship, we would have been SOL.

Thanks "Luke". Thanks "Estes". Thanks "Experimental World".
__________________
RV-6

David-aviator ...an online friend passes

(Bill Peyton post) We have lost another member and prolific builder. David Domeier passed away yesterday evening suddenly after returning home from the airport. He had just finished an RV-12 project with a good friend and repeat builder. He was active in the St Louis builder community and EAA and a good friend to all of us. Dave had to his credit a Cozy, RV-7, and RV-8. He was a retired TWA captain and US Air Force aviator. Aviation was surely in his blood. David will be missed by all of us ....

Status Report ...kentlik

ADAHRS. Waiting/looking for a rivet partner so I installed the ADAHRS and mounting bracket that Vans now sells

It is pretty darn good. I would caution that the tab stops in my case were 90% correct but I needed to adjust elevation at the right rear tab to maintain level.  This would be facing the tail. This is just my case, your application may not need any adjustment.

RE Carb Fuzz in an NTSB Report ...rvbuilder2002

"...it doesn't sound like the foreign material in the carb screen was a factor in this unfortunate accident.  In fact, my guess would be that it had been there for a long time since there was no indication of the same material in the gascolator screen or pick-up screens in the fuel tanks. Likely because the gascolator screen was probably getting regularly maintained during inspections, like it is supposed to be, but the inlet screen on the carb. was not.  Fairly common, unfortunately.

Good reminder for RV owners. Do you know that the carb. or fuel injection servo you have on your airplane has an inspect-able / cleanable inlet screen?"

Status Report ...goatflieg

[ed. This is what you call a 'teaser shot'. ;^)  dr]

The First 8 Hours ...ty1295

Having spent years on here reading while I built, I am hoping this post helps others or at a minimum inspires others to keep building.

9/24/19 Vic S. came up and did my Airworthiness inspection. As expected and requested he had a few minor suggestions which were all accomplished.

9/30 First flight 1 hr. I studied and used a local RV8 owner, CFII as my 2nd pilot per AC 90-116. For anybody considering a first flight and like me a low time pilot and/or one that has not flown much if any for awhile while you were building I can't stress enough how valuable that was for me, yet allowed me to experience the "FIRST FLIGHT!"

I left the Aeliron trim completely off for the fact as I wanted to know if a wing was heavy without any influence of the trim. I am happy to say with even tanks, and fairly even people weight, it flys hands off first flight.

For the first flight we climbed over the airport, ran the engine hard to help with break in, and just circled, followed by full decowl and inspection. Things will rattle loose, things you never thought would. Be aware.

First 2 flights were all done over the airport
3rd flight was away from the tower but not far, basic check things out and come back.
4th flight was a 50 mile trip to another airport to get the transponder checked/certified. Until this point the transponder circuit breaker was pulled out. Full Dynon avionics, transponder/ads-b check was flawless.

Return flight we set the Angle of Attack, followed by a few touch and go's as we both felt the engine was ready.

As of Today we now have 8.2 Hours done. In that time we probably have 25 landings, stalls, accelerated stalls, slow flight, no flap landing, covered airspeed landings (with safety pilot watching), base to final stall (up high), simulated power out, basically anything my Qualified Pilot/CFII could throw at me to learn.

I have to say, this is one awesome airplane. Very easy to fly, talks to you way before it does something dumb. If you are looking for a good enjoyable, non aerobatic airplane to fly I don't know how you could make it perform any better.

RV9A

Status Report ...SteeVaun RV-7

Has been a busy few weeks getting my feet wet with the build. I started on the rear and front spars. While drilling relief hole for the front spar, for some reason I had 3/4 in my head instead of 1/4. As a was drilling I knew something was not right. I should have stopped then and double checked.

While waiting for a replacement, I moved onto the vertical stabilizer. Everything is all match drilled and ready to be primed.

Nov 1, 2019.  Issue #4,947.
  You know that awesome feeling when your computer calendar tells you your annual is due, and then you look in your logbook and see that you entered the date wrong in the computer and that you really have three months to go?  I know, right?!?!  I thought my plane was down for annual starting today, but it's not.  Garbage IN Garbage OUT.  Big smile.
  Wishing you and yours a happy, safe and RV-filled weekend.
    (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)

VAFcast #7 ...James Walsh RV-4

Initial Contact ...new guy chimes in.

Hey everyone. Finally at 48 I'm getting my private pilots license (only about 26 hours so far) and am looking at Vans RV (9, 10 or 12)as my first plane. Been wanting to get my license for awhile and finally have the time and money to do it. I don't want to make a career out of it. I'm a time and point in my life that I don't have to work and want to enjoy some nice flying, maybe get a job at an airport and hang around what I enjoy. I got the majority of my hours on a Cessna 162 and one time in a 182 so I don't have a wealth of info on what's out there and what I might like, I just know I didn't like the 162, too **** cramped (6' and 205) and no adjustability. Not really jazzed about the 172's either. I have motorcycles and cars that are immaculate and every Cessna I see, it looks like it's had a rough life. I know that's probably not the right way to look at it but that's how I see it. Every Vans AC looks like someone took their time on it and put some pride in it. I don't see a lot of weathered Vans out there.

I know that a lot of the Vans have Rotax engines that spin pretty fast and they sound like they're pretty reliable since everyone is sticking a 912 in 'em. What is the red 'spar pin' button for? I know one model has removable wings (12?) but don't know why it's in the other ones. I see mixture leaning levers in some airplanes and not others so I'm wondering if the majority of the 912 don't need it, is that the allure of them? I like the glass cockpits but am not opposed to steam gauges, just wondering if electronics are just as reliable.

I know I'll learn a lot from just reading forums and I'm basically in my 'sponge' stage, asking questions about everything and trying to learn as much as I can from anyone who'll entertain me or allow me to pester them about tedious 'what's that' questions. There's tons I don't know and I hope to learn a lot with everyones knowledge here.

Thanks for letting me ramble on, I'm glad I'm here.

Pics: Jlinett RV-10 First Flight ..Jlinett

F-1070 / F-1069 / F-1013 skipped rivets ...rdamazio RV-10

Hi all.

In section 29, when riveting the side skins (29-17), it tells me to skip a few rivets, notably some specific rivets that attach to the longeron underneath:

I assume these are riveted later, but I can't find where - what am I missing? When are those rivets set?

(I'm mostly wondering if it's worth/possible to skip ahead, do whatever is needed before setting those, then setting them before the mid-cabin deck is riveted, since that'll be much easier)

Thanks
Rodrigo
__________________
Rodrigo Damazio Bovendorp
San Jose, CA

Fuel line supply and return routing ...AdamB RV-10

Hi All,

I'm currently routing my flex fuel lines out to the side skin area and looking at where I should drill a 2nd hole in the side skins.
I have a standard setup where the brake lines are in the middle, supply line forward, and return line in the aft as they go through the systems bracket under the seats.
Tom had advised to go as straight as possible to line up with where they go through the systems brackets, but the gear weldment is partially in the way. The other factor is that I placed my return fuel bung on my tank just forward of the vent and not inline with the supply.

So what I was thinking is one of two things.
1) Drill a hole forward of the hole of the aileron control connection hole sort of vertically inline with the stock fuel line hole and route the supply through it, and the return through the stock hole.
Or
2) Drill a hole aft of the aileron control connection hole and higher than the stock fuel line hole.

I've roughly marked the 2 proposed locations in the picture below:

Also a Picture of my fuel return location on the tank for reference.

Wanted to get others take on what the best option might be or things I might not have considered before I start drilling holes.

Thanks!
__________________
RV10 - #41687

Oct 31, 2019.  Issue #4,946.  (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)

Best Halloween costume ever ...prkaye

My daughter Arya decided she wanted to be a Snowbirds pilot for Halloween this hear (her idea). Check out the costume we made! Give her 15 years and she'll be wearing the real thing!

November Wallpaper Calendar for Your Monitor ...Ed Hicks photo

(from Ed) "UK RV's taken at the Light Aircraft Association Rally, held in September."

Related: The RV-10 Sub-forum (in the VAF Forums)

Panel Status Report ...knut 9A (Berlin, Germany)

"...Not finished yet, some labels are missing, some are temporary. It's a lot of fun to play with."

Eagle's Nest Projects - McKinney Aviation Academy (TX) 10/29/2019

The camaraderie at our McKinney campus is nothing short of inspiring. Building an airplane at McKinney is truly a family affair and it's made possible by the untiring efforts of the MAA Booster Club. The booster club plans and sponsors frequent socials, educational events, and fund raisers; all with a focus on "family". The booster club also provides annual scholarships to build students. McKinney Aviation Academy ROCKS!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
** Mark your calendar for Sat, Nov.2nd - MAA Annual Fall Expo
__ 11am-3:00pm__ Free Admission__ McKinney Airport (KTKI)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
MAA Halloween Party - 2019
Theme: "Crime Scene"

Oct 30, 2019.  Issue #4,945.
  I drove out to Monk's Tuesday around lunch to eat with the usuals.  In his hangar is a new RV-8 to the field, and the armrest on the LH side aft of the throttle quad caught my attention.  I can't remember seeing this before, but I could see how this might be of benefit if you spent a lot of time on the wing in formation.  Two pics below that can be clicked for larger versions...
  Second, my hangar neighbor is selling a NEW IN BOX uAvioni tailBeacon for $100 off what he paid (it won't fit on his planes).  More info and pics.  I can vouch for its newness and the seller.
    (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)

enlarge

enlarge

Our Friend Mel Ordered a New Knee

(friends chiming in....  ;^)   )
I hope they put the hinge on the right way!

Good luck with the aftermarket parts Mel!

I suspect you will see a significant improvement in your 40-yard sprint times...

And don't forget, now's the time to add an inch or two if you want to have more stature (or see over the cowling on the Cub)....

Primed or unprimed?

My doctor told me, "I fixed your knees. You can't hurt them by doing more PT."

Put not thy faith in the weather prophets...

...For they shall not come to thy aid when the firmament riseth up to smite thee.

Not specifically RV related, but I thought I'd share. Back in the old days, weather prep for local flights frequently consisted of going outside & looking up. if it was questionable, you might take a peek at the temp/dew point. With that being said, one of the things that was hammered into me 30+ years ago was to always have an out, and be ready to use it, which is why I typically have a plan B airport in mind (not just for weather, but you get the idea). I also typically carry an Ipad with local approach plates in my bag, no matter how great the weather. Even with that said, with all the tools at our disposal now it's easy to put more faith in forecasting that ever before, but it's also easy to get burned by that if the forecast turns out to be inaccurate.

I had 3 training flights scheduled today, with the first one scheduled at 0600. Cold, but clear forecast. We got metars & TAFs for the local area at 0600 and they were showing good VFR conditions. The temp dew point was about 2 degrees apart, but it was predicted to go in the right direction as the sun came up. The TAF for both Wichita Mid-Continent and McConnel AFB predicted "Few at 7500" and visibility +6 until 1500 local, then scattered 1,200' gradually going IFR over the following few hours.

Took off in CAVU conditions and went about 10 miles east for Private pilot maneuvers, and saw that there was some ground fog in the low-lying areas, but no big deal, then I looked back west and saw a few scattered low level clouds starting to come in from the west side of Wichita. A few minutes later I looked again and saw that they were now more widespread and appeared to be heading east, where they would soon be rolling over my home airport.

I cut the lesson short and headed for home, with plan B to land at the closest airport (K3AU) if Beech field closed in before we got there. Plan C would have been to pick up a local IFR and shoot an LPV approach back into Beech or an ILS into Mid-Continent, but I can't say I'm thrilled by the idea of a precision approach potentially down to minimums in a non-FIKI airplane in widespread un-forecast weather with an OAT of 28 degrees, so plan B was going to be my out.

We landed with time to spare, but not much. 1/2 hour after I was back in the chocks, the AWOS at BEC was saying 300 BCN. 1/2 hour after that, Mid-Continent was reporting 300 Overcast, with 0.75 visibility. At 0915 local, Mid Continent issued a New TAF that predicted 400' Ceilings and 2 miles vis. Not much of a prediction since that weather had occurred an hour prior to them issuing it.

I've got around 2,500 hours total time in all sorts of conditions, but I can count on one hand the number of times the weather has closed in on me that fast. Also, I don't recall ever seeing the forecasters, especially the military ones, missing the mark so badly. I'm not complaining or criticizing them. Mostly I'm sharing all this as a reminder that weather forecasting is a prediction, not a guarantee. No matter how good the forecasting gets, sometimes there's still no substitute for just looking out the window and saying "hey what's that cloud doing out there?"
__________________
Terry Shortt

New option: Step "bullet" plugs for your RV-12/12iS ...mothership

We've put together a little kit with special "bullet" plugs that you can install in the open ends of the entry/exit step tubes on your RV-12, which will of course make it look completely awesome, potentially reduces pain involved with shin collisions, and probably adds something like 20 knots! Ok, well, at least two of those results is true. The kit includes installation instructions. Good to go for ELSA, SLSA or of course EAB applications.

Wanna Be In Kitplanes?

Push Button Start and Mag Toggle Switches

I know that this topic has been addressed before, but I'll be the first to admit that when it comes to wiring, I start scratching my head near immediately. So the searches I've done (Google and VAF) have offered some diagrams, but nothing I've been able to successfully figure out.

I have a push button start and two toggle switches (NKK S-6AL) and I'd like to wire them in such a way that with both switches up, the right mag (non-impulse coupling) grounds. I'll have two conventional mags.

From what I understand, this should be possible with the switches I have.

But as soon as I look at all of the connections on the back of these switches, my brains turn to water.

Does anybody have a kindergarten-level explanation or drawing that would help?

Thanks all

My 'About to Throw in the Towel' Entry ...cmadams52

I'm feeling you. I just destoyed most of my VS. Parts ordered and moving forward. At least I get to change my primer to something I like more. Plus, thanks to the practice, this thing will be perfect. I'm sure I will mess up something else down the line. Best wishes on your project. You've got this!

Oct 29, 2019.  Issue #4,944.
  Got off the surface Monday in the RV-6 (first time since the 16th), and oh boy did it feel good to get off the surface.  Not a long flight (.2), but enough to call the back spasm episode of '19 done and in the books.  Life is good.
  (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)

Slo Mo RV Motivation ...vid

James, Rob and Plaster were out 3-shipping and TnGing, and I got some of their take offs and landings with the iPhone on Slo Mo.  You're gonna want to watch this clip on WiFi as it's around 145MB in size.   SloMo sound takeoff vs rollout is funny.  You can really tell the diff between the FP and C/S props.

Just goofing off...'Out of Africa' it ain't.

RV-10 First Flight ...mlinnett

July and I took just over 3 years to build the RV10 quick build kit. We have a Barrett engine, Hotel Whiskey extended tanks, Anti Splat cowl flaps, airflow air conditioning , Fly LEDS lighting ,and a panel by Rob Hickman's team at advanced. Mel Asberry inspected the plane on 10/25/19 and we got it ready for the first flight on 10/26/19. Our first flight was from 5TX0 to KGLE where we met Justin Wylie in his RV10.

July and I could not have built the plane without the help of our friends and neighbors Marc Wiese, Matt Plaisier, Rick Kazubec, Joe Migis, John Watson, Bob van Duyn, Myron Nelson, Justin Wylie, Gary Zilik, and Tony Kirby.  ...

Life Update: Away Time ...TS Flightlines (our friend Tom)

As some of you know, My wife Suzanne has been battleing MBC Breast cancer since January of 2018. Some of you know what struggles those are, having lived them your selves. A bunch of you are in the medical profession and have gives advise and support for quite a while now.

In April, she had PET scan that showed dramatic healing of the damaged area in the ribs, vertebrae and other affected areas. The change in Onocologists and treatment regiment was working. So we planned and booked a trip for late October. So throughout the summer, we monitored her progress and with the blessings of her DR, started finalizing our plans. I had already booked and paid for the trip, so it was a matter of getting her ready to go.

Well in all best laid plans, some things crop up to try and spoil things. MRI of several weeks ago showed some very small cells that had migrated to the brain. FORTUNATELY, we had seen another Nerosurgeon on another, non related matter, and he suggested a procedure called Gamma Knife. You medical folks know about that. We had that procedure this past Thursday, and they said to go and have fun. Well the have fun part maybe not so much, but certainly going for an attitude adjustment.

So, we'll be gone from Tuesday OCT29 to Monday Nov 11. This is where I say not to worry. Prior planning--actually several years ago-- enabled us to merge into a Joint Venture with Aircraft Specialty, call Aircraft Specialty Flightlines. We started a 3rd production facility in Wisconsin (now in Milwaukee) that enabled me to concentrate on prototypes and other development items. For the past 18 months, most of our orders have been shipped from there, although some custom items we still do here. A seamless transition. Steve Tschurwald has been a fabulous business partner, as well as a friend, and together we set this up for the mutal benefit of ourselves, as well as our clients, YOU.

So even though I wont be in the shop, we can still process any orders that you need. ( Internet and email are wonderful!) I'll have some limited cell service, and with time differences, phone calls might be challenging, but I can certainly respond to emails and voicemails. So, fo you, there wont be any interruptions in shipping services.

Its been a long, challenging and emotional 2 years. So we're going to take 2 weeks and enjoy life, come back and refocus on things. I have to say here that Suzanne and I REALLY appreciate the emails and phone calls from those of you that knew about her issues. You have no idea what it means to have that support. And gee, alot of you are voices on the phone, or email addresses, all connected by the Experimental aircraft community. You think that you are talking to a airplane client, then the conversation changes and he or she is an Onocologist, or a Radiation Dr, or some other specialist that has given alot of advise and unconditional support. You guys know who you are. Believe it or not TOO many to actually name here--probably 20-30. And we thank you for it.

Tom and Suzanne.

My RV Weekend ...Dugaru

"...I met some fellow RVers (at least 5 were on hand) and generally had a great time.

As always, 9JA was open for business for anyone who wanted to sit in it and make airplane noises:"

My RV Weekend ...smokyray

In a word: Durango
Yup, up to CO and back, the flying collection of spare RV projects parts brought together by Divine intervention I call "The RVX" once again delivered. 1500 miles of gorgeous US ofA drifted beneath the wings and my salvaged 0360J2A was flawless.  All of NM passed under the wings in less than 2hrs....
V/R
Smokey

My RV Weekend ...crabandy

I made a quick out and back to KPIA to pick up an RV buddy after an OT shift on Friday.  much more

My RV Weekend ...Carl RV-6A

Flytoday - each day, Sat & Sun
Finished two week trip, by WN, to LAX late Friday, so flew the -6A around SE Houston on Sat and Sun afternoons. Following frontal passage on Friday the visibility was outstanding and the temps cooled nicely. Spotted my Lone Star Squadron friends, 3-ship, returning Sunday from the Reklaw fly-in, and felt the need to follow and fly-by to salute their return home.

Saturday, final to Runway 35 at KLBX

My RV Weekend ...SPX

Flew from Carlsbad, CA down to Brown Field to pick up something. Transited the San Diego VFR corridor, which even with me being used to an airplane going Mach .80, still was a busy few minutes. It was my first time through..

Left Brown Field and decided to head over to Montgomery Field to pick up a new fuel strainer and some lunch. Back through the VFR corridor again, this time on a trip only 19 NM long. The corridor drops you off about 3,000' high on a left downwind for the 28's into MYF. Fortunately with some advanced planning, the RV does just fine doing a fast descent.

After leaving Montgomery Field, it was back to Carlsbad via the coast.

Great way to spend a bit of time. Really love the RV...

Build Update ...2of5 RV-14A

I've been too busy building (and working to pay for it all) to make any updates, either here or on the blog rv14a.ca. Until today.

I finally started populating the blog with all the pictures of my progress so far, as well as some lightweight descriptions of my experiences to date.


So far, I've got the vertical stab complete and ready to rivet up to the point of leaving the rear spar (completed) off for the MD-RA inspection required here in Canada. The rudder, likewise. I will need to call my assigned inspector and ask him how far he wants me to go on the rudder so that he can inspect. In contrast to the -7 rudder I was building before, the -14 has lightening holes in the rudder spar, so he may be able to see everything enough to let me finish the entire thing. We'll see.

I've also got the horizontal stab skeleton ready to rivet together, however I've run into a stopping point. The yoke on my Main Squeeze won't work on this substructure, so I'll have to order a longeron yoke first thing tomorrow from Cleaveland. My aching biceps and shoulders may convince me to order a pneumatic squeezer while I'm at it. I did pick up a tungsten bucking bar this week, and I'm looking forward to trying it out on the VS. I even picked up a roll of hockey tape to wrap it in so I don't mar my sweet AKZO primer.

Two goofs so far, which I've described in the blog: first was trying to separate the rudder bottom rib 904A and B using sheet metal snips. The snips bent the rib flange enough to crack it ever so slightly, so I tossed that part in the scrap bin and ordered a new one. Which the USPS lost, and I had to pop for another one at no cost (thanks Vans!) but I did have to pay for 2 Day FedEx shipping. The original lost shipment did finally show up over six weeks later, which I refused and sent back to Vans.

The other goof was last night, when I discovered that I didn't countersink the HS front spar deep enough in twelve places. After I squeezed all the rivets. I guess I was a little apprehensive about taking too much metal off, but it wound up costing me time in the end. I did manage to drill out all twelve rivets with not a spot of damage. I attribute this to the practice I had disassembling an entire Cessna 140 fuselage earlier this year -- I probably drilled out over five thousand rivets. I did replace the flawed rivets, and was able to prime the new countersinks with some SEM sprayed into a cup and then dabbed on with a cotton swab. I didn't feel like mixing up some AKZO for twelve holes.

Speaking of AKZO. That stuff is great (no primer war please). And I've made a decision that some may deem foolish, but I have been priming both sides of the empennage skins. I did some searching online, and found a couple of threads here that described using AKZO on external surfaces during the build. The consensus by those in the aerospace industry was that priming externally won't really hurt anything, the finish painter will just need to wetsand and prep before shooting another coat of topcoat-compatible primer. So I will have extra time, money and energy into full prime, as well as a small weight penalty, but I'm ok with it. I probably will do my own exterior painting as I go along anyway. I'm leaning toward PPG Ford Mustang Orange Fury.

I already had the bulk of my tools from the -7 build, but I did spring for the RV-14 specific tools available from Cleaveland recently, including the modified dimple dies, the elevator bucking bar, the safety pin rivet squeezer set, and some others. I also got their substructure dimple dies for dimpling the ribs and other parts.

As winter is on the way, we had to move almost everything to the basement, where I'll continue assembly of what I have so far, then begin prepping the elevator and the tailcone. Figure that will take me to spring, when I can prime those items and finish up. Hoping to order the wing kit after the first of the year.

And finally a hint to those of you with municipal recycling programs. Not sure how it works in other places, but here in Ontario, recycling bins seem to be subsidized by the government. Meaning I can go around the corner to my local Home Hardware and pick up small bins for $3 each, large bins $6. These are heavy plastic, and much cheaper than buying Rubbermaid bins to store parts in. So I've obtained about six or seven small bins and a couple of large ones, and parts are segregated by type into these bins, i.e. E- in one set, HS- in another, then the wiring harness, cables, etc. in another, then stored on my wire bakers rack or underneath the EAA 1000 tables I'm using.

Oct 28, 2019.  Issue #4,943.
  A nice weekend in N. Texas.  The back is better each day and Suz and I had lunch with our son down at SMU on Saturday.  Hope you had a nice weekend, and if you got out and about in your RV, let us know in this thread.
  (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)
 

My RV Weekend ...Vlad

1st flight N61LD ...LD Blake of Wynne, AR

The big moment came today with a flawless first test flight. No words can describe the event.

 

Front of Air Ramp Sticks Up...JDA_BTR

Despite my best efforts the air ramp and filter holder on the left side always puckers up away from the snorkel fiberglass. Just enough that when the engine shakes at shutdown (or startup too prob) it rubs on the cowling and frets/wears. And it doesn't look right too.

So I drilled some #52 holes through it all and put in some wire to hold it down. Curious what pitfalls anyone forsees.

I suppose the cowling seal will not lay entirely flat here but it shouldn't make a big difference it's a small wire. When it puckered up it wasn't exactly laying flat anyway and I'm sure air went forward under the sandwich here as a baffle leak. This might actually be better never will know unless I get a 200 MPH fan to blow into it while I inspect it.

We Have Another Vlad!!! ...Vlad Milos (RV-10)

Hello everyone!

I just ordered my tailcone/empennage kit for RV-10 and can't wait to receive it and start my project.
I am sure there will be tons of questions from my side, so for now I read this forum and trying to remember as many things as I can

By the way I am based in Canada (British Columbia).

 

My RV Weekend (two weekends back) ...Jonathan Alvord

N122EF Weekend Skydiving trip

Our weekend was a bit of breeze! My wife had a few lectures/presentations to give in Southern California/San Fran and I had opted to stay home and told her to fly commercial. Well of course distractions happen and I received a phone call asking to bring some items down. I looked at the weather and called my hanger partner/Skydive DZ owner and he was game.

We met at the hanger in Prosser Wa (S40) at 3am, fueled up, filed flight plan and off we went. 3 hours to Sacramento (KMCC) all mostly VFR at night, and landed as the sun was starting to rise. The CA fires made for a beautiful Sunrise. Refueled and off we go to Riverside (KRAL) which was a very smooth ride until we descended down into the Ontario basin and hit some pretty moderate turbulence. All things aside another uneventful leg. Dropped off the items my wife wanted, grabbed some breakfast sandwiches and then planned the next leg.

Originally we were wanting to fly in to Perris Valley and make a couple skydives there from the big planes, but the weather gods frowned on that and after talking with the DZ decided to head to Mesquite NV (67L) where a friend of ours is a Tandem instructor and surprise him. That took us over Las Vegas at 12.5k and on flight following got to hear all the Commercial planes being held below 10K for the RV 7 flying VFR over the Class Bravo! Wahoo! We landed and were able to jump on the last load of the day for fun jumpers and pulled off a couple three-way points (started as a 6way). Got a room at the local casino and gorged ourself on the Buffett. Retired to the room and was out like a light by 7pm.

Saturday we woke up, grabbed some breakfast, played (and won) the slots and Blackjack for an hour, then headed back to the Dropzone/Airport in Mesquite where I made two jumps, and my passenger was hired for a Tandem jump while I preflighted the plane. We then were off on our way home but instead of flying direct we diverted over Zion and Bryce National Park, as well as a stop in Spanish Fork Utah to try to meet up with Mike Patney (DRACO/SCRAPPY). Unfortunately he was not there but we got to meet Ron (Mikes best friend and behind the scenes guy) who let us in the hanger to take a couple photos of the Wrecked DRACO. Sorry No photo's of SCRAPPY and we did not get to see how far along he was either. DANG IT got to keep watching You Tube for updates. Topped off the tanks again as we were going to have nearly a 30-40mph head wind to Gooding Idaho. We picked up Flight following in Provo, UT and was cleared through the SLC Class B at 8500. We landed with 30-40kt headwind in Gooding (KGNG), as the Storm clouds were passing just north and east. After leaving Gooding the sun was getting pretty low and we opted to climb over the clouds, putting us just below 12.5K, and OAT dropped to -14. In N122EF the heater can pretty much keep it warm enough for T-shirts and shorts to -2, but -14 was pretty chill. We each put on our jackets and I carry a lightweight sleeping bag on most trips that we were able to spread out over our laps and as soon as we could we descended back down to 8.5K arriving back in Prosser around 7pm last night.

pretty good for 1800mile trip in about 36 hours. Burned around 110gal of gas. and had pretty nice circle around the West!

7A Rebirthing PIREP  ...kentlik

Still working on the wing...Need another riveter for the rest.

Rear window cracks ...mwjohn63 RV-12

I just discovered some cracks in the rear window, pilot side, and looking for advice.
I'm not exactly sure of the cause, but I did drip some Loctite on this screw during the re-installation of the top canopy handle. I tried to clean it off as best I could, but in hindsight, I should have removed the screw and completely cleaned it up...now I'm paying the price. I can stop drill the obvious cracks, but not sure what I can do for the frost style cracking.
Options: should I replace the window or are there some good repair options.
Thanks, MJ

Initial contact- considering an RV-10 ...Eric P

If anybody can point me to a couple of RV-10 contacts, I would appreciate the help.

I am working on making a decision on whether to move forward with purchasing an RV-10 quick build kit and would like to speak with a couple of different individuals. I have made a couple of contacts, but wasn't able to get in direct contact with anybody that actually owns an RV-10.

So, to aid me me in my decision, I would like to view an RV-10 under construction and another completed - preferably by the owner. The need to see a completed -10 is to aid in helping my wife understand what we are looking at and that it is at least comparable to the 182 we are currently in partnership with. The under construction project is to help me visualize the scope and difficulty of the project.

I am in central California (Merced) and would be happy to travel a reasonable distance. Timing is not a huge issue yet, however I would like to have made this decision made early next year.

Thanks for your help

 

The truth about fiberglass

Look, even West Systems warns you not to mess with it:

Falcon Flight Formation Clinic 2020...Bobby "Luke" Lucroy

Falcon Flight Formation Team will be hosting a Formation Clinic April 24-26,2020 with a backup weekend of May 1-3, 2020. This clinic will be held in Temple,TX (KTPL). We know this is a ways away but wanted to get it out as time gets away and there are those that like to get things on the calendar early. There will be more details posted here at VAF as we get closer to the date.

One Year In ...Lefty37

"Can't believe its almost been a year now! My empennage is done, and I'm onto the wings. Currently working on the front and rear spars..."

UHMW Bushings ...mulde35d

So I am trying to trim the UHMW Bushings on Page 32-02 for an RV-14A and figured I would rough cut them with the band saw and final trim them with a belt sander. My belt sander is having one heck of a time trimming off the plastic and it is a pretty coarse grit (80 grit).

Is there a trick to trimming this stuff or is it just that tough?

Oct 25, 2019.  Issue #4,942.
  Wishing you and yours a happy, safe and RV-filled weekend! 
  (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)
 

My RV Weekend ...DanH

My mother lives in the Harrisburg PA area, and I live in south Alabama. As the years go by, "Mom Runs" have become more frequent, and I am very, very glad to have the RV-8.

This weekend was no different. Left Sunday afternoon, heading north through TN and KY, then along the OH-WV line into PA south of Pittsburgh, all to avoid the mess churning up the Atlantic coast. Got as far as Somerset PA and called it quits. The wind turbines on the ridges to the east were sticking up out of the clouds, a sure sign that ducking under the overcast is not an option. Did an overnight to let the weather pass, then a quick morning run into Harrisburg in plenty of time to get Mom to her first appointment.

Returned home today, 3:57 nonstop into a headwind...the usual route past Camp David, then SW down the Appalachians, clip the NW edge of the Atlanta B, then home. The RV-8 knows that one like an old horse heading for the barn.

KCXY's hangar is one of my favorite buildings. I just love old art deco hangars...and as a 5th grader, I remember standing at the fence watching my dad do T&G's in a then almost new C-152. If you're in the area (and you're a gearhead), stop and check out the hangar door. It's a one-piece panel with massive cable counterweights hanging in their own galleries.  more

Fuel Drain O-ring Quick Change Excellent Tip ...Sam Buchanan

RV Series - RV/IAC Aerobatic Competition Standings ...ronschreck

I have been involved in aerobatic competition for ten years now and in all that time my wife, Kathy only came to two or three contests with me. Boring, she said! I was the contest director for the U.S. National Aerobatic Championships this year and the preparation was a full-time job for over seven months leading up to the contest. I have always told Kathy that she would get more enjoyment out of a contest if she became involved as a volunteer. She finally relented and offered to help the contest registrar at Nationals. She loved it! She's hooked!
Two weeks after Nationals is the Mark Fullerton Memorial contest in Rome, Georgia. Kathy begs to go. You don't travel light with Kathy. Deciding what to take can be a problem.  more

Panel Planning Update ...nilberg

Here's my $3.65 (paper) version of the panel installed.  The rest of the week will be used to run through various procedures and making appropriate airplane noises.

Oct 24, 2019.  Issue #4,941.
  I'm still stuck in traffic at what I'm calling 'Backapalooza'.  The lumbar spasms are no more and I'm down to just being sore and a little cranky (a guy can only take so much Star Trek). ;^)   Definitely on the mend - ate lunch with some of the gang yesterday.  I should be back in the air in the very near future.  Life is good, but back pain really stinks. 
(Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)
 

New Van's LightBox Sign Kit - Now Available!...mothership

Video / ORDER LINK / Thread

"Our latest practice kit is also a great, practical sign for your hangar, Man Cave or "I Love Me" wall. Includes all the pre-punched/pre-formed parts, hardware and lighting components needed to build the sign using your choice of rivet and fastener types to suit your style. The all-aluminum box has the Van's Aircraft logo cut out of one side, and you'll be able to build with solid rivets in flush or round-heads, or with RV-12 style pulled rivets, and finish it in your own favorite look/feel. Sufficient hardware is included to allow you to choose - Just put the rest in your airplane kit bins as spares! Builds with basic aircraft tools, which are not included."

Kid RV Motivation ...airguy

"...nothing better than a smiling kid after a ride. My little boy Collin thinks that's just about the best part of any weekend."

Quick Drain O-ring Replacement Tip ...from this thread

Awesome tip!

Pre-Order your Van's 2020 Calendar ...mothership

3rd out of 6 (Beating out two Extras and a Pitts)...Ron in his RV-8

(Jerry E)
He did some really beautiful flying! We only got two flights in, the Known and the Free programs due to weather cutting the contest short. It's too bad because the Unknown program is a hoot. It'll make you or break you!

Ron came in 3rd overall out of 6 with a 76.16% beating out two Extras and a Pitts. His individual flights were 3rd and 4th for the Known and Free programs respectively. He earned a 3rd place medal for the Known and a 3rd place medal for the overall standing.

Ron will be updating the RV series leader board soon. He was the only RV competing in this contest. Come and join us next time!

Van's Aircraft's Greg Hughes on EAA's The Green Dot podcast

This has become one of my favorite podcasts. The most recent episode features an interview with Greg Hughes, the Director of Media, Marketing, and Community for Van's Aircraft.

Oct 23, 2019.  Issue #4,940.
  You know those days when you're wondering what the top story should be on the site?  Today was not one of those days <g>.  Colin, that pic of your daughter in the plane is awesome!  Outstanding!!!  (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)
 

My RV Weekend ...Colin P. RV-6A

I got to take my daughter for her first GA flight and her first flight in the RV. She was also my first passenger. We did a breakfast run about 25min away, but ended up taking the long way since she was having fun. She really enjoyed steep turns and other mild maneuvers.

N741BN - Panel Review ...nilberg

Here's my two panel options:

Option 1: With Compass
As I need a 2 1/2 opening for the EI Commander, I was thinking of also have another 2 1/2 instrument, why not a compass..  continue

Loose Intake Hose Clamps ...Jim

I pulled the cowling yesterday while chasing some wires, and I found that three of the eight clamps on the intake hoses were pretty loose. Each intake hose has two different kinds of clamps; the inner clamps closest to the sump have wing type screws that you can turn with your fingers. The outer clamps have hex/slotted screws. Only the inner clamps with the wing screws have become loose.

I am thinking I should replace the wing screw clamps with hex type clamps. Seems like I could tighten them down quite a bit more. Maybe that's why they are coming loose?   Q: Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

A: (rvbuilder2002)
The problem is that the hoses are always shrinking.... so what ever traditional clamp you installed will keep getting loose because of the hose shrinkage. It is not because the clamps are loosening.
Constant tension spring clamps are the way to go.  If you upgrade to the SDS intake kit you get spring clamps with it.

Final Report Issued ...20 page PDF

"(KRviator) Long landing and no go around resulted in an overrun. OF note, it mentions the buckling behind the cockpit that seems to be typical of rapid deceleration in RV's - at least in Australia..."

My RV Weekend (Sortof) ...Jerry Esquenazi RV-8

Nothing RV for me this weekend, well sort of. I just wanted to follow up on my post from last weekend regarding the Bear Creek Bash, Mark Fullerton Memorial Contest in Rome GA this past weekend.

Bill McLean came up in his RV-4 from southern Alabama to support the contest and hang out with his acro buddies and Ron Schreck came in his beautiful RV-8 from the Charlotte area to compete with me and others in Intermediate.

Like I said last week, I got to fly a gorgeous Extra 330LX that my friend Shaun let me fly. I'm a changed man! I need an Extra. I've been looking for a potential partner in the S. Atlanta metro area, but so far I haven't had much luck. Please let me know if you know of anyone that might be interested.

Ron did a great job, finishing 3rd out of 6. I finished dead last, but not by much! I didn't expect to do well since I haven't competed since April or done any real practice. Plus I had a grand total of four flights in the Extra prior to the contest. The Extra is a different animal and it's going to take some getting used to. It was a great opportunity to compete in the Extra and that's really what it was about for me regarding this contest.

And as always, it is more about seeing and having fun with friends. I'm going to paraphrase, but Mark used to say, "If you're here for the trophy, you're doing it wrong. It's about the people and the relationships you forge." If it hadn't been for the RV and for friends like Ron, I may not have ever gotten involved in this wonderful sport and gotten to fly an airplane like the Extra. Thank you Shaun. Thank you Ron.

A Really Nice Pic of Jeff R's Panel

I have my G5 high and in the middle. I figure that if it is truly operating as a backup, I don't want my eyes searching too far from the center of the windscreen during a high stress situation.

Oct 22, 2019.  Issue #4,939.
  You may have heard about the Dallas tornado Sunday night (story).  Image below facing SW towards Love Field - you can see the tornado path from upper right to bottom center.  EF-3 with 140mph winds....largest tornado in Dallas county in 40 years.  The pics online are heartbreaking and our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected.
  (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)

click to enlarge

My RV Weekend ...several chime in.

(Tom023)
Flew my RV14A 5.7 hours making two laps around Houston for continued engine break in and Phase 1.  I'm completely amazed at how good the G3X is ... everything working perfectly. How did I ever live without traffic and an AP? Awesome avionics for an even more impressive plane.

(Steve Melton)
Put-In-Bay Ohio.  Yes, Ohio has an island. very good weather.  ...

(Geoff McHarg)
Flew to Kansas City
Flew out from Colorado Springs to KC on Friday. I had a great time with my friends on Friday and Saturday. Flew back Sunday. Strong headwinds the entire way combined with mist in the morning made for a long flight back. All in all a great trip. Another friend of mine drove from Denver to the same get-together. 10 hours one way. Much better in the RV, even with the wind!

(Bobby Hester)
KHVC - KDXE Hopkinsville,KY - Dexter, MO.  My buddy David and I flew to Dexter for breakfast.  ...

(jeffkersey)
Big South Fork Airpark
Took a young man that rents from me on his first GA experience. We flew over to Big South Fork Airpark in the hills of TN for a Seafood boil.

Beautiful fly-in community with awesome residents. Just outside the gates of a 5500ft, paved, lit runway with 3 approaches. Super nice. There are RV's on th field. If you have not been, it is worth checking out.

I think I may have lit flame for this young man to learn to fly. He seemed to really enjoy himself. He got quite the experience for a first time out. I let him hand fly most of the way there and we were in IMC the whole way home and had to shoot an approach.

Love my little airplane and what it can do.

RV-12iS Oil Cooler Winterization Kit - now available...mothership

Just in time for winter weather, we have published a Notification Letter for RV-12iS builders/owners outlining a new optional kit that allows you to block off part of the oil cooler for cold weather operation purposes. A new KAI section, 55iS-U, covers the installation of the winterization kit.

Three different-sized oil cooler covers are provided, and we recommend installing the FF-00126A (small) cover first and monitor how it impacts the oil temperature of your aircraft during normal operation. Oil temperature above 230*F (110*C) is acceptable during full-power climb-out. Do not exceed 248*F (120*C). If your oil temperature remains below 180*F (82*C) during normal cruise flight install the next larger oil cooler cover and monitor oil temperature.

Please review the notification post on the Van's web site service info page HERE.

Milestone: John Tower RV-6A First Flight ...mothership

Wiring Update ...jcarney

Wiring continues. I made some good progress this weekend for sure. I still have many many wire ends that need a proper home but this was a big one.  I'm hoping tomorrow I can make a rather large dent in the two Dynon main harnesses.

Petit Jean Pictures ...Bobby Hester

This Weekend ...goatflieg

Got the elevators and trim tab painted. This was harder than expected due to a few spots of odd spiderweb-like sharp-edged ridges that popped up in the primer that went unnoticed until I shot the first color coats. I suspect some contamination either below the wash primer; some consultation with Sherwin-Williams is in order as I definitely don't want that happening again. Got them sanded down, reshot the color and then the clear coat. Now I can break down the booth and get the fuselage, with the very expensive engine and avionics, back over to the heated shop for the winter.

Oct 21, 2019.  Issue #4,938.
  A very nice weekend here in N. Texas - hope the same where you are.  The Alliance Airshow was held locally (perfect Wx).  On Friday some of the usual suspects did our annual pre-airshow lunch on the outside porch at Schlotzsky's across the street from the airport during practice (caught the F-22 demo, Blues and new Bell V-280 in flight).  Not too shabby for the price of a sandwich (pic of Blues from porch).  Saturday I picked up something the wrong way and spent the evening and Sunday dealing with lower lumbar muscle spasms.  Dang body...it's been a few years since the last back hiccup (Turbo sent me a book on this last time and it helped immensely.  Thanks again Turbo!).  We have this massager that looks like E.T.'s head (we've called it 'E.T.' for decades) and it has helped a lot.  Feeling better by the hour.  Aging blows.
  Lots of RV news today to report, so let's get on with it.  Have a great Monday.
  (Need a part-time contract pilot?...DFW area)
 

Milestone: Officially an Airplane! ...Roo747

After 8 years and 8 months

RV Stories: Mike Dooley ...mothership vid.

Mike is from Lee's Summit, Missouri and is president of local EAA chapter there - Chapter 91. He recently completed - and has since flown for the first time - his RV-8! This is his RV story.

Video: RV-8 and the Bremerton Run ...ArlingtonRV

Saturday 10/12/19 was a day that turned out better than forecast. There was supposed to be increasing rain later in the day and otherwise cloudy, but the clouds were at least 8,000' in most places. The radar picture (ForeFlight) showed abundant showers in the area, but it appeared that most of them did not make it to the ground.

Not wanting to go too far afield in case the weather deteriorated faster than forecast (it didn't) we went to Bremerton for lunch. After all, we will only have a few more opportunities to do so as the restaurant is closing at the end of the year.  more

JDair Canopy Latch PIREP ...mulde35d

I ended up installing the JDair Canopy Latch in my RV-14A today and figured I would share the experience. Overall I think it is a great upgrade from the stock Van's handle which as others have mentioned seems flimsy. This one is definitely not flimsy. Took about 2.5 hours to modify the side skin rivet line and file out the holes for the handle. Most of that was my slow filing of the two main holes with a hand file so that I got the spacing just right.  more

Did the 40th anniversary of my 40th Birthday flight ...RONSIM

Great day after the nasty weather got out of Florida --- an RNAV 3 and ILS 9 at KBKV, rolls and maneuvers on the way back to KCLW. (Hope Heaven has a hangar for my RV, when I get there!

Ron

"I'm On My Way" ...the trilogy!

I finished the last of three videos today and like to share with you.
I also modified the first one some time ago so will post the link also.

So - here are the links of all three videos again.

I watched the videos many many times myself and I always enjoyed the memories very much - and still do!

Carb Enigma ...hcccs

I took my carb apart for a thorough cleaning and check and found a hole in the throttle throat I haven't seen before. I think I read about it in the Marvel Schebler handbook and they call it the BACK-SUCTION TYPE ENRICHMENT SYSTEM. The hole (fig 1) goes through the carb to the bottom (fig 3) and is exposed to atmospheric pressure. It also has a vent to the fuel chamber (fig 2). The hole should create some under-pressure at various throttle settings which should be fed to the fuel chamber. On the other hand the bottom hole is always exposed to atmospheric pressure so it doesn't add up. Does anyone have better knowledge on this?  more

New Panel in my RV-8 ...Westerhuis

A move to the UK triggered the need for a few changes to my panel. The European Union requires am 8.33kHz radio, Mode-S transponder would be great and I also needed a back-up instrument for airspeed, altitude and direction. Garmin conveniently (not) changes dimensions when bringing new equipment on the market and there you have it; the need for a totally new panel. As an advantage, it meant I could make a few other tweaks to customize the panel to my needs. Here is the result. In a way a shame as it's more cluttered as the previous owner and builder kept it tidy and minimalist.

Photos from Mojave Event ...Bruce Hill

It was a beautiful day for flying and the air was nice and smooth and calm, so my wife and I decided to head to Mojave and have breakfast there and look at all of the Rutan aircraft.

I want to build an RV-14A in my basement...

Luckily it is a walkout basement.

The doorway is 70" wide. Can anyone check their plans or built airplane and tell me if the fuse on the gear would fit through a 70" opening? My wife is a pretty tolerant woman, but she might not appreciate it if I have to demo part of the foundation to get my project out.

On a separate and unrelated topic, Van's quoted me about $2000 to ship the QB kit from Oregon to Virginia. I was considering picking it up and driving cross country with it to save costs. Good idea?

Thanks,

Bruce

On That Note  ...DoctorDan

I am building my RV-14A in my basement, which has a considerably smaller door than yours. It's about 58.5" wide when open, and I was able to fit a QB fuselage in. Albeit not with a lot of space on the side. Basement has a lot of advantages such as being climate controlled and much closer by than the hangar. I make a lot of aluminum dust but am careful to vacuum it up, and wear a mask as needed. The priming takes place in the garage out back (P60G2).

Oct 18, 2019.  Issue #4,937.
  In line with my lifelong quest to keep the process of digestion going, I'm casting out the net a bit to see if there are any part time commercial flying jobs in the DFW area I can use to supplement my VAF gig.  So, if you or someone you know needs/wants a right seater in a King Air 200, PC-12, Citation II or similar, or knows somebody with a Caravan (C208) that could use another PIC on the list of people to call in a pinch....I'm looking for some side work. 1,700 hours. Commercial. Airplane Single and Multi Land; Instrument. 100 hrs turbine. Current in the Caravan.
  I clean up fairly well and will laugh at your jokes, even if I don't get them. Resume and letters of recommendation upon request. (contact)
  Next, if you are RVating in the N.Texas area this weekend, there is a TFR for the Alliance Airport airshow.
  Wishing you and yours a happy, safe and RV-filled weekend.
  (Need a DFW-based part time contract pilot?)

Right Place Right Time ...dr

My buddy James Walsh took his RV-4 over to Alliance Airport Wednesday morning to visit a friend in the tower (James was an air traffic controller in the Navy).  While he was in the tower Blue Angel #7 landed (in advance of the weekend's show).  Taxied up to the tower....and parked next to James' plane.

Turns out James took his parking space.  It happens...

James Walsh photo.

My RV Weekend ...jpowell13

Partied with Aunt Willodean
Aunt Willodean just turned 95. Was able to hop in the RV and fly from Baton Rouge to Laurel, Ms in 1.2 hrs. Made her cry when she heard I was coming. So glad I went and that the RV made it easy. She loves to brag about her nephew that built his own plane and all the trips we made together in it. John

RV-3B Build Update ...David Paul

David Howe, my mentor, sent me some test coupons to glue and rivet to see if my glue process works on top of the white Stewart Ekopoxy primer. Note that I'm not bonding to the primer at this time and haven't bonded to primer on anything on the plane. This was just for interest, that and to compare to both rattle can SEM and Azko Nobel. Azko Nobel will carry a bonded joint, but SEM won't.

One test sample broke at 1,510 pounds, and the other two broke at about 1,400 pounds. Those two failed at a point away from the bonded/riveted joint. The three rivets alone are only good for 651 pounds per MIL-HDBK-5H, so this process adds substantial strength to the joint.

In this photo, the test coupon itself, not the joint, failed at over twice the load that the rivets alone, sans glue, is rated for. Looking at the rivet heads, it appears as if the rivets are virtually unaffected. The side clamp is there just as a support to hold the assembly in position for the photo.

The test samples were designed to resemble typical RV-3 riveted joints with the inclusion of glue, and this time, the white Ekopoxy primer. Before shooting the primer, the samples were abraded in the bond area, and then etched using Stewart EkoEtch before priming. After the primer was completely dry, it was glued using West System's thickened G/flex.

This testing was done to assess whether this primer could be used overall, with post-priming glueing. While it could, it would require pre-abrading the parts before the etching and priming.

A later series of tests essentially compared 3M's 2216 to G/flex. The 2216 is a stronger epoxy but that's all I can say at this time.  ...

Panel concept review (very rough draft) try 2 ...rmartingt

Although I'm probably a year to a year and a half from really needing to have it set in stone, I figured I probably need to start at least playing with panel concepts now so that I have the time to refine the layout, translate it into Catia, and lay out cut templates and break the panel into parts as necessary for manufacturing and maintenance. It'll also help me better visualize wire routing needs as I'm starting to lay in conduit and figure out where to mount the fuse panels (as those will be going in a little sooner).

With that said, I recently spent a particularly slow morning futzing about in Powerpoint (yes, Powerpoint... it's quick and easy for simple concept creation) and tried to figure out how to pack 12 pounds of stuff into a 10 pound bag. I wound up with about four different layouts and a few minor variations thereof; I screenshotted my two favorites of the bunch so far and theyre posted below. I was hoping to get some early feedback before I've gone down the road of detailed CAD drawings with cutouts and split panel sections, only to be overwhelmed with suggestions to change everything...

Please bear in mind--these are Very Rough Drafts, maybe one step beyond a napkin sketch. Again, I did them in Powerpoint one afternoon. Think about your first time with MS Paint or colored pencils and the outline drawings, planning your paint scheme... please ignore slightly uneven spacing or misalignment of switches, this is a draft. I'll work on precise alignment once I move to laying things out in Catia for cutting.

A few notes on the concept:

I intend for the aircraft to eventually be IFR equipped and to get my rating in it.

I haven't actually yet decided on Classic vs HDX; I have experience with the former and like it (single screen VFR implementation), but the latter I only played with at Oshkosh a couple years ago and found the Classic habits hard to break. I don't like that the knobs don't work like sticks; I found the interface a bit harder to use. But HDX keeps getting new features...

This concept is for the eventual full panel--it's likely that I won't have everything all there initially ("fitted for but not with" as the saying goes). IFR GPS, Com 2, standby EFIS (GRT Mini), and/or RH screen may be just cutouts with blanking panels at first flight. But the RH screen will make it in first, as most of my likely right seaters will at least know what they're looking at and be useful with it.

Switches are assumed to be TL toggles unless noted in yellow. Dashed rectangle is width for dual-pole switch.

As regards placement, the hard part is trying to pack in the knob and AP boxes (must-haves; driving autopilot through the screen itself is pain) with everything else. The SDS programmer (3.25x3.25 for the new one right now, per one of Ross's posts) takes up a fair bit of room too.

In both concepts, I placed the autopilot controls top and center like heavy iron; both occupants can reach and use it there. I looked at placing it somewhat towards the LH screen, but I still wanted to keep it to the right of the screen somewhere. I don't want to have to take my flying hand off the stick to twist knobs. The right seater can use the EFIS if need be.

In the first concept, Com 2 is the radio all the way to the left, with the intercom. It won't be used much and (as currently planned anyway) the right seater won't be able to talk on it. PTT for Com 2 on the throttle; I'm envisioning it mainly being used for inter-flight com for formation work, or just monitoring/ATIS/etc. But my bias may be from the type of flying I've done in the past; I have a good bit of formation time for someone with relatively low hours but little cross-country time and no IFR training (yet).

Second concept moves the radios to the center and puts the SDS programmer to the left, where it's out of the way (it won't be used much after initial testing).

I grouped all of the engine switches in the center, by the quadrant, so all the engine stuff is together. I haven't yet decided how to break the panel down for maintenance (I like Carl F's master disconnect idea) but one possibility is having the quadrant and engine controls separate from the rest of the panel. They won't share a disconnect with anything else and they're powered off a separate fuse block. Rest of the commonly-used switches to the left; the rarely-used stuff to the right. Flaps may or may not move to the stick, I haven't decided that one yet.

USB 5V outlets are crammed where nothing else would fit, but I could easily move those elsewhere, perhaps even to the armrest area or something else.

I know which switches are dual vs single pole, 2 vs 3 position, momentary, etc. but I have not noted it in the picture. I know someone will ask; the main and aux master are off-bat-alt.

With all of that said... thoughts?

First Flights Added to the Mothership

Oct 17, 2019.  Issue #4,936.
  Heads up N. Texas.  VIP TFRs are hot Thursday (map).  Beginning Date and Time : October 17, 2019 at 1715 UTC.  Ending Date and Time: October 18, 2019 at 0345 UTC
 

My RV Weekend ...RV8Squaz

As before my RV weekend started early and continues into Monday!

Thursday
I haven't been using my RV in competition due to canopy problems. My friend Shaun asked if I was going to the Rome contest next week (10/18-19). And I said I was going to volunteer but not fly. He made me an offer I couldn't refuse, "You wanna use my Extra?" "Well, sure!" The problem is that one doesn't just jump into a machine like that and expect to fly it safely in a contest, much less with any kind of precision. He must of seen the look on my face. Then came, "We'll get you a few training flights. You'll be good." Fortunately, IAC rules allow safety pilots to ride with contestants when the contestants aren't qualified in a particular aircraft. Per the FAA - I'm qualified, the insurance company - no, and me - big fat HECK NO!

Shaun's airplane is an Extra 330LX previously owned by Patty Wagstaff. So, Thursday, I flew my RV-8 up to Habersham Co. (AJR), 85 nm. We flew two 40 minute flights with a couple of very short 1-3 minute breaks during each flight. I was beat. Forget the wet noodle, I felt like a noodle that had been boiled for two hours and beginning to fall apart!

Thank you Shaun!  ...

PJ Pics ...scrollF4 post

Two weddings and half a country ...Planecrazy232

A Texas wedding, a Massachusetts wedding, and lots of friends in between. 4300 miles, 11 stops and 29.5hrs in our time machine. I love this thing.  ...

Night flying Chicago ...jjbardell

The wife and I flew to BBQ at Lancing Regional. Took the city lakeshore route on both legs and the picture taking with my new iPhone 11 Pro were great. Also added from a sunset flight earlier in the week.  ...

Great Excuse for Missing Petit Jean ...and wonderful life milestone!

(DanH)
Ms. Patti and I are sorry we missed PJ, but we had a good excuse. May I present Mrs. Katherine Horton Haynes...with umbrella. The crud at PJ on Friday arrived in Alabama on Saturday. Not a good day for a garden wedding, but wonderful otherwise.

RV Series - RV/IAC Aerobatic Competition Standings

Sorry to be so late in posting this. I was honored to serve as the Contest Director for the U.S. National Aerobatic Championships in Salina, Kansas during the last week of September. This was the premier Nationals in Salina and due to the tremendous support of a very capable staff of volunteers and the support of a very welcoming airport and community the event was a great success! I had hoped that more RV pilots would compete but Oliver Spatscheck made the trip and finished with a score of 76.29% and a 17th place in a field of 24 in the Sportsman category. Oliver, I hope you had a great time and that you will share your impressions of the experience at Nationals with us. It's always a pleasure to spend some time at contests with Oliver. His enthusiasm for aerobatics is evident and his skills keep getting better with each competition.

Kathy and I drove our motor home to Salina from North Carolina and continued to Colorado after the contest in order to attend the 50th reunion of my Air Force Academy class of 1969. I tell people that and rather than asking me if it was a great reunion they immediately say "wow, you're old!"
Yes, I am and it was a great reunion. You youngsters fly safe... and inverted.

Odd leak from valve cap....moosepileit

I cross threaded a tube stem 30 hours ago. The valve cap on the left, with less rubber seal in it, caused a leak. It would thread on 4 turns. The replacement cap, on the right, from a spare tube, threads on 2.5 turns.

The cap on the left held air for 30 hours and more than 50 taxi, takeoff and landings.

Checked tire, tube, wheel, no issues.

Inflated to 40#, removed cap several times and heard a faint sizzle of air.

The cap on the left held air, until it didn't.

So, if you've ever cross threaded and fixed tube stem threads, check that your cap looks like the one on the right and doesn't thread on too many turns.

A few gorgeous RV-4 panel pics from a thread

Strange combination of issues

Our RV-10 has been working great for 2 years.

The system is EarthX PC680, Recently replaced main contactor (from ACS), Plane power 60a alternator, VP-X Pro, Garmin GTN650, GTR20 Remote Radio, Dual GDU460 (G3X).

The issue was first reported as BOTH COM radios getting X'd out. When I fired the plane up (engine off), COM2 was faulted with a "short circuit" but I reset it and it was fine. I could not replicate any issues. The last person who flew the plane had the radios get X'd out around the time of being handed off to departure.

After starting the plane, everything seemed okay until I tried to taxi. Advancing the throttles causes the amp reading on the VP-X screen to increase dramatically and then it cuts them both out with "short circuit".

Here's a video. https://youtu.be/q11zGFy63vU

One thing I notice right away, is that the system voltage finally gets up to 13.8 only as the engine finally hits over 1700rpm. In the past it would hit 14.1 at nearly idle RPM. NOTE: The data here is at 1 second intervals, before anything has time to go wonky. It's just an example of the lower than previous voltages.

At first this seems like belt slippage, voltage regulator, or alternator failure. But the Coms shorting out has me completely thrown for a loop. Thoughts?

DID YOU KNOW insurance is forever changing? ...LRingeisen

(VAF Advertiser)
Insurance changes constantly. We know 2019 has been a tough year for all of us adjusting to the higher premiums and tighter insurance guidelines, but we want to continue to keep you informed of some of the changes we have been made aware of. A couple of things we have noticed lately is that deductibles are starting to reappear. This isn't to lower rates, but instead to make the insurance companies more comfortable insuring low time pilots, specifically on tailwheel aircraft. We haven't seen much of this yet, but it has happened. Another thing we've noticed is that the RV-8/RV-8A have been getting more difficult to insure. Companies typically want to see pilots with at least 25 hours in the make and model. We're not saying that you can't get a quote if you have less hours than that, but we want you to know that it is easier if you do.

We're not the only one's trying to help you. Some of our insurance companies want to give you some tips and tricks of how to keep insurance costs down and how to make it easier to get the best policy available. Below is a link form Global Aerospace. With their permission, we wanted to pass this article along to anyone who may not have seen it. There is some good information in it.

Just remember, quotes are only valid for 60-90 days depending on the insurance company, because insurance is forever changing

Oct 16, 2019.  Issue #4,935.

First Flight ...Steven Hild RV-7

Well, the math don't lie, it's been 18 years since we began this journey.

During all of it I've leaned heavily on this web site for ideas, procedures, traps, etc. A couple of names stand out; Doug Reeves for hosting, Sharpie, Kahuna (still owe him a root beer), Bruce Hill, Richard Leonardo for suggesting I look into the product, the list goes on and on.

Of course my wife who has been in there at every step in every aspect getting down and dirty. And my Lord who said I'll supply everything you need to make this happen (1 Timothy 6:17).

A little adjustment for a heavy right aileron and let the adventure begin.

Watch that second one to the end for some bonus material.  see videos / continue

RV-8 and the Richland Run ...Steve Rush

Friday 10/11/19 was a really nice day in the Northwest. We were between rain systems, the air was smooth, calm, and clear. The winds aloft were forecast to be light making it a perfect day to head over the mountains. It was very smooth the whole trip, even right up against the mountains.

We did hit a few bumps right over the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, probably no big deal. I just can't figure out what that glow around the wings was.

On the way home we flew over Grant County Airport in Moses Lake, one of several places that Boeing is parking the 737 Max's that they can't deliver. You hear on the news and read about all of the airplanes parked, but until you see them it doesn't really sink in. That is a lot of airplanes. I counted at least 130, maybe as many as 150.

Vettermans trombone exhaust has arrived!! ...dwranda

Any tips would be helpful!
Yesterday my Vettermans trombone exhaust arrived. If anyone has any tips or gotchas they would like to share on the install I would be all ears!!

Garmin G3X (GDU 37X) V12.00, Oct. 15, 2019

Hello,

We released new G3X V12.00 software for GDU 370/375 based systems today. While most of the changes are improvements that the user will not notice, there are a couple of new/improved features to mention.

Earlier this year we announced 3 new IFR navigators. The GPS 175 GPS, GNC 355 GPS with COM radio, and GNX 375 GPS with ADS-B Out Transponder.

While both G3X and G3X Touch systems supported the GPS navigation interface to these new navigators from the start, the G3X system has not had a configuration option to allow the GNX 375 to be selected as the aircraft transponder on the transponder configuration page. This is now available.

Another new feature of V12.00 is increased G5 flight display support. While the G5 has for some time displayed the lateral/vertical navigation data for external navigators like GNS and GTN, in a G3X system the G5 did not show navigation data when the G3X internal GPS navigation was being used, but does now. Additionally, when serial interfaced NAV radios like the SL 30 and GNC 255 are being used, this data is also shown on the G5 flight display.

To obtain the free download for G3X V12.00, visit the G3X software download page.

Thanks,
Steve

Changes made from version 11.80 to 12.00:

• Add support for GNX 375 transponder interface
• Add ability to share internal GPS navigation data with G5
• Add support for Kavlico P4055-5020 pressure sensors
• Add support for UMA 1EU50A manifold pressure sensor
• Add Autopilot PFT (pre-flight testing) status display
• Improve traffic data processing
• Improve static pressure calibration procedure for GSU 25C/D
• Improve CO detector CAS messages
• Change flight director VOR, LOC, and GS modes to operate without navigation database
• Update magnetic table
• General improvements to system operation
• Includes update to G5 software version 6.30
• Includes update to GAD13 software version 2.00
• Includes update to GAD29 software version 3.20
• Includes update to GEA24 software version 3.60
• Includes update to GSA28 software version 4.40
• Includes update to GSU25 software version 3.90
• Includes update to GSU25C/D software version 2.10

My RV Weekend ...goatflieg

I got some painting done.... horizontal stabilizer is finished.

Oct 15, 2019.  Issue #4,934.

Italian Milano special Airshow 2019

...lucaperazzolli pics in Italy

My RV Weekend ...various

(Rod Woodard)
I installed new brake linings because I discovered one was wearing unevenly. I think the slider pins were hanging up on that side. Didn't want to replace one without doing all of them. At $35 for an entire set, it wasn't worth saving $22.50 to have the overall wear out of sync with the rest of them.

Also installed a new Flyboy's pneumatic tailwheel. Haven't had a chance to fly it, but it sure looks pretty.
 

(Eddie P)
I had to work this weekend.  So, I flew to work in my RV-8.  1 hour and 5 minutes of bliss and I watched the cars crawling along the road en route I'll fly home from work in a couple days. 

Like a lot of people say, an RV is a time machine.

(Jon Farley)
Chile Flight
Video 1 / Video 2

Albuquerque's Chile Flight had a busy International Balloon Fiesta week, flying both Saturday opening ceremonies. During the week, FFI evaluations and check rides were administered to some of the members by Craig "2B" Wilcox (RV8) and Phillip "Ripper" Lamb (RV4)of KC Flight, both of whom joined us for the 12 Oct AIBF flyover. Chile members taking part in both Saturdays were "Vyking" Nystrom (RV3), "Zap" Rehburg (4); "Goat" Olsen (4), "Longbow" Jones (3), "Boo" Booher (8A), "Spanky" Farley (8), "Stogie" Otero (7) and "Goliath" Taylor (8).

200KT GS Club Entry ...sbalmos

What I thought was going to be highly improbable to achieve and left to the more-powerful RVs happened this past Saturday. Took advantage of a crisp, cold fall day, grabbed my oxygen, and went searching for my 9A's service ceiling. I didn't quite make it there - an air gap between my canopy skirt and the fuse was making for quite a chilly cockpit, even with heat. 21F made for some frosty hands!

But I made it in the 200kt club! That was one heck of an incredible tailwind I got when I turned to take advantage of it. Probably would've been even faster if I kept climbing. WOT here at 15k and the climb rate was still at least 400fpm at 90 KIAS when I leveled out. And this is on a typical 3-blade Catto FP, not repitched or anything, and 150 HP engine. Now I'm getting impressed at where the -9 likes to live, going multi-state cross country.

Electrical Project ...RV7ForMe

Sometimes at bed time when it would be to late to start anything else I tinker with some electrical projects.

I have read a bunch about the standard Flap motor not being "perfect"
During the rebuild of the other RV7A with G3X system the flap position was missing. So I added with a ray allen position sensor. It also had the "Flap Positioning System" by show planes.

Motor
Sensor mounted to the motor
Potentiometer mounted to the motor

This kicked of this idea. There is got the be a simpler way.
What I came up with is a motor that has it's own potentiometer inside.
Then I got a arduino board to play with and after about 3 months I got the first beta version that does everything I want it to do.

Status Report ...jcarne 7A

200KT GS Club Entry ...sbalmos
What I thought was going to be highly improbable to achieve and left to the more-powerful RVs happened this past Saturday. Took advantage of a crisp, cold fall day, grabbed my oxygen, and went searching for my 9A's service ceiling. I didn't quite make it there - an air gap between my canopy skirt and the fuse was making for quite a chilly cockpit, even with heat. 21F made for some frosty hands!

But I made it in the 200kt club! That was one heck of an incredible tailwind I got when I turned to take advantage of it. Probably would've been even faster if I kept climbing. WOT here at 15k and the climb rate was still at least 400fpm at 90 KIAS when I leveled out. And this is on a typical 3-blade Catto FP, not repitched or anything, and 150 HP engine. Now I'm getting impressed at where the -9 likes to live, going multi-state cross country.

Hangar Cleaning: Items for Sale ...Bob Collins

I've got to mate the wings to the RV-12iS fuse AND somehow fit the camper I bought (and couldn't use) at Oshkosh this year.

So in the process of throwing a bunch of stuff out (engine crate, C-frame table, soundproofing that I had for the old plane), I figured a few of these might be of interest to somebody. Or not.

Oct 14, 2019.  Issue #4,933.
  Really looking forward to some of the Petit Jean pictures showing up online - HERE's the thread for them if you're so inclined.  If you didn't go to PJ and got some quality RV time, chime in HERE if'n you wanna.  Hope you had a great weekend.

Milestone: Airworthiness Cert! ...bwestfall

Got my Airworthiness Certificate today! It's been a 13 year journey that at times I've wondered if it would ever end, build phase that is.

I guess its time to update my signature

PJ PIREP ...scard

RV3 Bottom Skins ...RV3Kev

Finally started on the bottom skins today. I found the problem with the inboard skins being too short. I was kind of expecting this based on reading a number of build sites.

Sketch 9 shows the overall length of the skin to be 48". When I add up all the other dimensions on this drawing, the over length should be 48 1/8". When I do the same calculation based on the rib stations, I get 48 1/8".

I'm On My Way: Video #2 ...SuperCubDriver

Milan Linate Air Show.

In occasion of a major overhaul of the Milan Linate Airport, the runway has been closed to traffic for the last few months.
Today and tomorrow a big airshow is scheduled and among many performers, including the italian Air Force Aerobatic Team Frecce Tricolori, there is also a VAN RV8 Aerobatic team performing a nice display.

Here the link to the italian newspaper....i will post some of my pictures in the next couple of day.

A big thank you to Luca Perazzoli and Dante Francesco for the beautiful display (pictures 18 and 19)

3D Parts To Make Your Build Easier ...Rteem

During the building process, I found it useful to have some things custom made. I am making them available on Shapeways without a markup just as a courtesy to other builders. This is my way of giving back to this forum which has been an amazingly helpful group of people. This isn't all of my parts, but it takes time to prepare these and upload - more coming in the future if people like these.

You can order directly from the following link - I'm not making any money here, so if something goes wrong or the part isn't to your satisfaction, sorry. Order at your own risk. I used them with success but am not giving any express or implied warranty. Constructive feedback is welcome.

What'd You Do With Your RV This Weekend? ...dr

(Sid)
Spent the weekend at Petit Jean! Flew formation, popped balloons with my prop, ate great food, had a blast!

(Claude)
Took advantage of beautiful conditions on Friday and went up and got my night currency back. Don't have much night time in my plane and nothing since January. What a great time to fly. I'm going to have to fix up my panel lighting, the dimable led strip I have is useless, it flickers widely and the only thing it lights up well is the photocell on my Dynon HDX which makes the dimming change on that.

(James)
Did my very first trip to Petit Jean.

Friday I waited for the wind and ceilings to go away and then hopped up to KSWI for cheap gas.

KSWI-KMPJ was awesome!!! Made 260mph GS on the way with the awesome winds! Arrival into MPJ was late, the airport was deserted! Not a soul in site when I arrived (they were all at the reception..) But it seemed like a disaster type movie... fires still going... stuff left behind.. not a person to be seen. Kind of cool.

Saturday I woke up early from the campsite and hopped over for some gas then joined Scroll flight for a 4 ship (my FIRST ONE) back to MPJ.. which was awesome... if anyone has any pictures of us coming in to the break, PLEASE share them with me.... I got 2 streamers during the balloon pop, I vow to kill those little buggers next year! [ed. James' formation skills are improving exponentially - he's got a few learner flights off my wing and he's solid. vr,dr]

Sunday, a solemn flight back to 52F by way of SWI... somewhere between MPJ and SWI I decided I needed to do some aileron rolls. So I did about... 5.

Was an INCREDIBLE time and exactly the reason I bought my RV-4. My only regret was not getting to really know anyone.  Next time I will be going up on Thursday to give me more time to check out planes and meet folks!

 

Interesting Morning Shot ...TomVal

RV Weekend ...N402RH [ed. You gotta see these mountain shots.  Wow! v/r,dr]

Jennifer spent the week working at Dynon in Seattle and had a reservation to fly home on the 6:30 Alaska Airlines flight. The plan was for me to pick her up at the Portland airport at 7:30 and then make the 3 1/2 hour drive to Sunriver in Bend OR for the weekend. I was dreading the Friday afternoon traffic in Portland when it dawned on me, I can actually fly to Seattle in the RV-10 faster than I can drive to the Portland Airport. We could then fly from Seattle direct to Sunriver and avoid the 3 1/2 hour drive and late night arrival.

I installed some new beta software in the EFIS screens that we needed to test and packed the RV-10 for the weekend. It was one of those spectacular fall afternoons in the northwest when Truman and I took off headed for Seattle to pick Jennifer up.

Words of Motivation ...dreed

It's been a long time since I was on the emp, but as I recall I screwed up more than a few things and made several trips down to Vans. Fast forward to the side skirts on the slider and maybe 2-3 sets later it's good. Everyone on here has different battles, challenges, etc. but we all have them.

I am not even flying yet but am finally getting close-ish and I say soldier on- stop, have a beer, organize your tools or take your wife out to dinner. You'll miss it and then head back in.

 

Milestone: It Begins ...jdog0411

Look what the FedEx guy delivered to me today. Empennage kit for the RV-14A. Now comes the inventory. So excited!

Basically Finished (his words) ...rv8ch

I'm happy to show you some pictures taken today of my basically finished RV-8. Not all the inspection panels are installed, since I need a final inspection before I can start putting fuel in, and starting the engine. Quite happy with the result!

Status Report ...kentlik

Oct 11, 2019.  Issue #4,932.
  The Petit Jean fly-in is this weekend and I'm looking forward to seeing pictures when they start getting uploaded (placeholder created).  Pic #1 below from a decade ago - as always Jay Pratt center stage laughing. ;^)  RVs in the background of course.  Great venue and friends.
  Wishing you and yours a happy, safe and RV-filled weekend.

2009

2019: Planes already there (Thursday evening).

When you Need Motivation (from the 'About to throw in the towel' Thread ...Jim Ivey

The RV-14 is awesome and very worth the effort. Putting your heart and soul into something and then conquering it is the point. Sometimes it's sand castles, ice sculptures or sidewalk chalk art. Things appreciated for the process rather than a lasting usable result. The process and learning is one of the best parts, even if sometimes only recognizable later. Yes, it sux right now. No candy coating about it. But this is precisely the thing you will look back on one day and appreciate your aircraft even more. It is the hard, complicated problems we step up to fix that makes us more whole. More complete. More satisfied in the end.

My very good friend Dennis built an RV-8 with his father. It was a 11 year slow build by two fellows who started from zero knowledge. At the beginning of the project one of Dennis' mantras was that he wanted to, "Savor the experience". A few years down the road found Dennis in the tail cone in 120 degree weather holding a bucking bar while his dad stood outside with a rivet gun hollering, "Are you savoring the experience?". It was a quote that got thrown around alot during the stressful parts of the build. Good guys. And the end result was one of my favorite airplanes of all time.

So, as for me. Did you know if you are building an Avid Flyer or Kitfox it is very easy to build two right or left wings instead of one of each? So much so the Avid factory had a wing hotline where builders who did that could swap one wing with another builder who built two of the opposite side. Please don't ask me how I know. That was a bad day in Flat Rock. What's more I was an aerospace design engineer in Seattle at the time. So you are doing just fine. And the RV-14 is super nice and worth it.

I am putting a newly redone engine on my RV-8 right now and when it's tested I would be happy to come up and visit you in Edgewood and let you have a go. I have a friend up there I need to see anyway. We airplane people types are good. We can count on each other.

Thanks for starting a great thread. In frustration for sure. But you hit a nest of people who know exactly how you feel.

Update on This Weekend's Memorial Fly-in in Calhoun, GA

Just wanted to bring this back to the forefront. I know the weather will be cool and we are hoping that it's VFR enough to draw a crowd. If you are within an hour or Calhoun, Ga. , please consider joining us. We want this to be a big hit. As mentioned, ALL PILOTS WILL BE SERVED FREE LUNCH. Mark brother is making a very large amount of BBQ to feed the crowd. Also, the spot landing and flower drops competition will have very nice prize giveaways.

Hope to see you there.

Wings ON Wings OFF ...Brendon Johnson's take

They have to come off at least once anyway
The wings need to be fit and the rear spar aligned and drilled. Then the bottom flange of fuselage marked and drilled. Then they have to come back off to install nutplates @ the bottom inboard part of the wing and counter sink the flange on the fuselage. If you remember everything the first time you can get by with only removing them once. I only did the rear spar hole the first time so i had to refit them to mark and drill the fuselage flange holes. I would also do the front tank to fuselage bracket as well.

Brian Lester's Mobile Tool Stand

Basically it started as storage for my table saw but turned into a pretty nice tool stand. I basically have 4 tools mounted to the top. Band Saw, Drill Press, bench grinder, and belt sander. It's not perfect as I sometimes have to shift the drill press slightly, but overall it works great and it's easy to move between tools when making parts (band saw -> belt sander -> Bench Grinder w/ Scotchbright wheel).

Below is what it looked like before the drill press and bench grinder. DRDT-2 doesn't work on the cart that well.

EngineBridge Firmware v.1.4 is Out ...VAF advertiser

Download the firmware file along with the Update procedure PDF here:
PMag Controller HW V1.4

If the PMags & Controller connected to the same power switch (such as Master Switch) and are normally powered at the same time then no need to update to this version.

Changes:
A note from a customer that his dual PMags are not normally powered with the Master Switch, while the controller is. This is so he can work on the airplane or avionics without the need to have power on the Mags.

The current version of the Controller searches for one min for one or two PMags then it enables Wi-Fi pages. If dual PMags are available, this takes a few seconds after power up. If one PMag found, or none are found, it tires for one min before enabling Wi-Fi. This means for this customer, he needs to restart the Controller when he powers the PMags to start the engine.

This update lets the Controller keep searching for PMags after the initial one minute timeout. It is recommended to power the PMags & Controller at the same time, but for those who have their PMags on a separate switch and usually power the Controller first then this update solves the need to Restart the Controller after powering up the PMag.

Regarding his RV-8 Oil Cooler ...DanH

"It does not extend all the way to the freestream, but rather to the top of a converging exit bell exhausting all the cowl air. Oil cooler mass flow meets the majority mass flow at a right angle, more or less, so I didn't want significant velocity. So, if the duct exit is smaller than the cooler face area, it is not by much. The area was set by the available space between engine mount tubes. I do not know the exact area."

Garmin GDL 82 V2.01 Software, Oct. 10, 2019 ...g3xpert

Hello GDL 82 Users,

As some of you are aware, the initial GDL 82 software could transmit a couple of "uncloaked" ADS-B Out messages with real aircraft ICAO address and Flight ID on power-up, even with the transponder code set to 1200 and the Anonymous switch active.

Many of you requested this be improved, and we are happy to report that this work is complete. The new V2.01 software includes improvements to make sure that a system starting up with the Anonymous mode switch active and a transponder code of 1200 will enter Anonymous before transmitting any messages thus safeguarding the true ICAO address and Flight ID of the aircraft.

We also created a special non-certified aircraft service bulletin with instructions on using the same PC installation tool and USB interface you originally used to install/configure the system to install the new software.

The service bulletin and V2.01 software can be downloaded from the GDL 82 Software Download page. There is one download for the software plus service bulletin, and a second for the PC tool if you need it. The PC tool is unchanged.

Let us know if you have questions.

Thanks,
Steve

Small Business Comedy

ZipRecruiter mailed me this envelope yesterday.  Apparently they think there is more than one employee (me).  Now if you'll excuse me, the CEO has to go fix the toilet. ;^) 

Oct 10, 2019.  Issue #4,931.

An amazing story: Clifford Arthur Princehorn's RV-8A

Maitland, New South Wales, Australia.  RV-8A #82295

[ed. You're going to want to read every word of this.  The dedication and focus of Mr. Princeton is absolutely jaw dropping.  Well done, Sir!  v/r,]

First Flight Update

The mothership has added a bunch of recent first flights to their site.

Milestone: Phase 1 Complete ...WingsOnWheels

Completed phase 1 yesterday. I have the nose wheel fairings off right now for paint, but otherwise the plane is ready to explore. Currently will do 170kTAS at 8000ft DA wide open. I'm hoping to gain a few knots with the nose fairing.

Happy Birthday Tater!

Today is our son Tate's 19th birthday.  I just wanted to take a second to wish the best son a dad could ever want a happy 19th.  Mom and I are so very proud of you, the young man you've become, your work ethic, your kindness and your compassion.  We thank God every single day since you came into our lives.

Happy Birthday son!  Love, Dad.   

PS: Nice skateboard.  I'm guessing the previous owner had it going on back in the day ;^).

Milestone: Finally finished interior

Started building in 2009, first flight 2016, interior side panels 2019! After it was flying, my interior completion slowed to a crawl. My leather seats were done 5 years ago by me and a seamstress friend. Sides were bare aluminum till this week. I heard about Lemke upholsterers in Germany that started making RV interiors this year and with some trepidation decided to try them. I sent them a leather hide so it would match what we did and they turned out great. Their price was good, communication very prompt, and fit and finish excellent! Only downside was it took several months to complete. I'm so excited, I had to show off some pictures!
__________________
Ned Richer
Rv9a

Canopy skirt interior ...Sam_B

Hello all, just got the final shape of the canopy skirt done tonight. To get there, I had to make a few cuts then hot glue the skirt to the packing tape that was on the rear top skin. It turned out nice on the outside, but the inside looks rough. What did those that have gone before do to give the inside of the canopy skirt a more finished look? I was thinking of something like this.

It would be a good place for flashlights, pens, maps, etc though I'm not sure I need all that storage.

Also wouldn't work toward the back either, so I was just wondering what others had done.

Best regards,
Sam

Project: Design RV-6 Tire Jack ...mbauer

Working on a creating a portable RV Jac.

Came up with a simple screw jack setup. Now working on getting it manufactured by a local fabrication shop.

Gone through several design changes, have a final edition that isn't shown, it is over at the metal fab shop for a price quote. As you can see from the photos, I'm not the best welder...   continue

Oct 9, 2019.  Issue #4,930.
 

Got My Instrument Airplane Today in My 10 - Good Story ...Larry Anderson

Folks:

I've had Commercial Instrument Helicopter rating for decades (courtesy of the U S Army), but to be legal for IFR in my 10, I had to get the Instrument Airplane add on.

When I called the Examiner, he initially said that he "doesn't do homebuilts". I was bummed out. He asked, "Is it a tail dragger"?. No, I said. I described a tricycle gear, 4 place, very nice machine. I also explained that is was an all Garmin glass cockpit, with the Garmin GTN 650 as the IFR navigator. He asked me to send a picture. I sent him a picture of the outside of the plane, and one with the panel all lit up. He immediately responded back, "OK I'll do it" :-).

Today when I was there for the ride, he actually brought a friend (an RV-8 owner) over to show him the plane, which made me proud, to show it off:-).

Anyway, the ride went well. I hand flew the 2 precision approaches (ILS and LPV), and the autopilot flew the VOR. I'm glad it's done. Now there's less pressure on staying legal VFR for my trips now:-). I really love this 10.

Petit Jean 2019 - WEATHER OPTIONS

"It looks like Thursday is great and Saturday Sunday will be great but chance of rain on Friday. Rain usually scattered this time of year but for those that want to come in a day early on Thursday for the pre-party party! No worries...... WE HAVE A PLAN to cover you!

We are expecting 20 - 30 airplanes in on Thursday, which guarantees us a good time on the ramp. Most of those booked the available rooms on the Mountain so no problem if you are already confirmed."  more

 

RV-7 For sale...Subwaybob

Man, I hate to do this because I love it, but I'm building a 10 and they are not giving away the engine and instruments these days...

RV Model: RV-7
Quick Build (QB) or Standard Build (SB): Quick Build
Slider or Tip Up: Slider
Location: KHQZ (Mesquite Airport Mesquite, TX)
Price: $108,250
more

Step for Taildragger Discussion ...Veetail88

Anyone installed the boarding step on an 8 tail dragger! Thinking about it as that first big step is kind of a pain. Pics please!

Thinking about a non-stop Atlantic crossing

. . .catmandu comedy

Just need a proper hard point (got a call into the mothership), plumbing should be easy.

My RV Weekend ...Jonathan Alvord

Thursday: Took the RV 7 for a short, warm up the oil ride, and then performed oil change.

Friday: Flew from Eastern Washington to Elko NV, Page AZ, and Santa Fe NM with my wife. Flying over Bryce Canyon with the fall folliage, over Lake Powell, and through Monument Valley along the way.

Saturday: Flew up to Grants New Mexico and read about Arrows Across America where arrow were placed on the ground for pilots to navigate across America delivering Mail. Drove up to the top of Mount Taylor NM (one of the Sacred Navajo Mountains) with my wife and Daughter. We left NM at 5pm and were able to over fly Canyonlands as the Sun was setting which was quite spectacular. The remaining 5 hour flight to Eastern Washington was at night, smooth and a bit chilly (1 degree Celsius). Arrived home and went Skydiving Sunday!
Total flight time 16hrs.

Oct 8, 2019.  Issue #4,929
  It was a glorious 60*F Monday morning in DFW and there was a LOT of RV activity at our field.  Hundred mile viz for the first time in long while really brought out the pilots.  Hello fall...we've missed you.
 

Headed to the Mountain ...Capt Sandy starts the 'Headed to Petit Jean' thread ;^)

Starting our journey to Petit Jean! All this has to fit in the RV - no problem, right? (Can you tell I love packing cubes??) Can hardly wait to see our friends on the mountain

Squeezer Smilies ...Greg

Hi all,

I clearly can't hold a squeezer straight to save myself and get quite lot of these smilies around round head rivets...hope the link works...

I'm not sure whether they are only in the primer or affect the aluminium as well (primer is way too thick so they possibly didn't get all the way through). I can't see any shiny metal at the bottom of any of them but I guess the only way to be sure is to sand it back to see if the aluminium is damaged and go from there. Any thoughts anyone, should I bother?

Thanks,

My RV Weekend ...RV8Squaz

My weekend started earlier this week.

Thursday
After finishing the firewall forward portion of my condition inspection I took a buddy of mine with me to Columbus GA (54 nm) to deliver some Whelen LED beacons to be installed on our Bonanza. The airplane is there for an annual inspection. This happened to coincide with the shop's annual open house/bbq. Awesome people and food. The technicians at Columbus Aero Services are quite good. They're all very honest, hard working, and reasonable mechanics. Three of them are IA's.

Friday
Flew four legs. 1. Took my chute to Thomaston for repacking. 2. Left there to practice some aerobatics and went to Berry Hill to have lunch with a high school friend of mine that is also employed by the major airline based in Atlanta. He lives only a few minutes from the airport. He has a Bellanca Viking that he normally keeps there. We went to a relatively new mom & pop bbq joint in town that was very very good. Like I said, he and I went to HS together. He ended up taking lessons from the instructor I was using and also got his PPL. Later we went our separate ways, he to U of Florida and me to Embry-Riddle. He had a 21 year career in the Navy and me a 20 year career in the AF. And then we end up at the same air line living only 22 nm from each other. How cool is that! 3. He dropped me off back at the airport and I flew back to Thomaston to pick up my chute. 4. Flew back to Falcon Field and mixed it up in the pattern with various airplanes.

Saturday
Gave a ride to another scout's dad that I have become friends with over the years. My son Max became an Eagle Scout last month and his son is on his way to becoming an Eagle scout very soon. The boys hung out in the hangar while the dads flew

Sunday (today)
Flew my son up to Chilhowee TN (92A), 112 nm north of FFC for his glider lessons. Filed IFR and took off in a 900' ceiling. Fortunately the gliderport was VFR. In addition to becoming an Eagle Scout last month, he also got to solo a glider for the first time last month. It was a big month for him. He turns 16 in February and the goal is for him to complete his Private Pilot-Glider check ride on his birthday and solo a powered aircraft the next day.

Tomorrow (Monday)
I plan on doing the tires and brakes. I've got all new tires, tubes, and brake linings to install. If the weather allows in the afternoon, a friend of mine is going to give me a ride in his Extra 300L in preparation for the next contest. A very very generous offer one of which I am very excited and appreciative of!

Its been a great few days with fantastic utilization of my RV! Sure is fun!

 

Status Report ...kentlik

Cut a section of the skin off to get access to the spar rivets, very clean and corrosion-free. I am rebuilding an entire leading edge for this wing.

Oct 7, 2019.  Issue #4,928
  A little .2hr hop Friday morning to realign the mental gyros was it for me, but a lot of folks got their RV on over the weekend (proof).  I spent the weekend hanging out with the Tater (home Fri/Sat), doing yardwork and studying airplane stuff (never stop).  While here he put new bearings and truck bushings in the 1979 Powell Peralta 'Skull & Sword' skateboard I used in high school and at Baylor, and took it with him back to SMU.  He promised a pic in front of Dallas Hall.  Original 'Bones' wheels from when they first appeared on the market - my Dad drove me down to the UPS facility in Waco to pick them up (I couldn't drive yet).  Bought them over the phone with a neighbor's credit card (handed them cash - we didn't have a CC).  Tate used his grandfather's vise (who he never met) to tune up the trucks on his dad's skateboard so he could be old school wicked.  Guess it's easier than him walking around campus with a bucking bar in his pocket. ;^)  
   I spent an hour down the Youtube wormhole looking at old 80's skateboard stuff, and I kept thinking..... "I had hair".  Fair warning if you go searching too...
  Lower temps finally arrived Sunday and M-W might make for some nice temps for an RV hop.  SMU is 6-0 for the first time since '82.  The three OTs for the win gave both Suz and me headaches <g>.
  I've talked too much.....on to the RV news.  Hope you had a great weekend!  . 

Status Report ...goatflieg

Weekend ...SPX

After a bit of ignition system troubleshooting during the week, it was time to enjoy the now fixed airplane. I flew over to Ramona, Ca (RNM) where they were having an 'Air Fair.'

Pretty nice showing of RV's in for the get together .. seven varying RV models flying in formation over the airport, Bruce Hill giving Young Eagle rides in his RV-9A, a few RV-6's in the main display area, along with my and one other RV-9A, plus Plummit's RV-10 in transient parking, along with a RV-6A, and perhaps others. RV's were well represented.

Several antique airplanes were being shown, a T-6 was giving rides, several light sport aircraft were parked in the show area, along with a glider, a few T-34's, and lots more that I'm missing.

In the back area were several exhibitors, ranging from the Boy Scouts to CalFire, the local EAA chapter, and many others.

Lastly, there was a bit of a car show area as well, with mostly classic cars.

The highlight of my day was running into the aviation insurance broker for my day job, who was there with her 13 year old son who had never been in a small plane. I fixed that. We went for a short ride around the local area, which he loved. Now he wants to learn to fly.

Status: 243 Hours In..... ...Earl Findlay

Hal and I have been hard at work on our RV-14. We ordered the fuselage kit some time back, and as of today, according to our build log we have 243 man hours into the build.

Everything is going smoothly, I am learning a ton, and based on our current pace, if we can get the kits, engine, avionics, and interior when needed, I think we have a good shot at getting the kit done in about 14 months, start to finish. This will put us nearly a year ahead of schedule. Keep in mind we are doing between 60 and 80 man hours per week. This may slow a bit, but we are scooting right along.

Starting this project, I was extremely apprehensive. It was all for nothing. If you're debating doing a build, JUST DO IT.

Status ...Foghorn 8

The big cut fastback style.

Weekend ...Scott Chastain

Rock Hopping
After 5 weekends of being stuck at home behind a computer, I took the Dove for a quick spin over Yosemite and zipped through Tioga Pass where we landed for some brunch at Lee Vining, California (O24). The weather was perfect with just a nip of autumn tinging the air.

N61LD Regestered ...LD Blake milestone

Calling in the DAR for this Friday if he can make it. 6 hous on Hobbs and 3.3 On the tach. My 1st piston engine overhaul and she started ran and broke in great.
I'm scheduled Thursday eve. For my hour of dual in an RV6 to satisfy insurance requirements.
I'm looking for test flight plans as required by FAA if anyone has one to share or a link to one it would be much appreciated. I'm currently using th AC to wright one up but could use some help.
The engine runs and taxi test have been unbelievably exciting. Hope to take flight this month my dads birthday month.

I think I need to order a new HS skin ...rv1988golf

I let the bucking bar bang against the skin on the forward rivet on the HS skin. Planning on ordering a new one . What do you think ?

Status Report on Panel Hinge ...jcarne

The hinges are not stock but a lot of people add little drop down trays for electronics. You can see the little "tray" in this pic (I should probably call it a panel). On the left side I'm going to put 2 fuse blocks and my e-bus diode. The right side will get the Dynon EMS and battery bus with e-bus relay. Stay tuned for pics on that.

Status Report ...kentlik

Tip for drilling rivets when they have paint over them: Don't remove the paint from them. Sounds crazy but after drilling literally hundreds if not a thousand rivets out, the drill bit wanders less and they snap off really nicely.

Saves a bunch of time.

Weekend ...Plummit

1st Sunday at Santa Paula
This morning we flew to Santa Paula for their 1st Sunday (of the month) event.
We transitioned the LAX Special flight rules corridor at 4500 feet:

Weekend ...bruceh

I gave 3 Young Eagles rides at the Ramona Air Fair for EAA Chapter 14. After they wound down the YE flights, I gave my friend Jim, a rusty pilot, a ride down and around San Diego. Gorgeous day to go fly! He was very impressed by the RV-9A and how it handles.

It was also good meeting Josh for the first time and seeing Al, Marc and Rita there, too.

Oct 4, 2019.  Issue #4,927
  (From the mothership) "We have a job opening for a RV Builder Tech Support Representative at Van's. This job is located at our Oregon office location. If you're interested, check out the listing and apply at jobs@vansaircraft.com"
  Wishing you and yours a happy, safe and RV-filled weekend. 
 

Fly-in coffee st Sunrise Skypark

Anyone else flying in to Sunrise Skypark (ID40) near Marsing, ID tomorrow for the every-Friday-at-1000 coffee in a hangar? I'll be there with my RV-8A

Weekend Fun ...SPX 9A

On Friday, I had a big RPM drop when I did a mag check. Opened up the cowling on Saturday, and discovered the #3 cylinder top plug wire was disconnected. Reconnected it, cleaned all of the plugs, and put the cowl back on. Did a runup, and all good.

Flew it on Monday and on the way back home, it didn't feel like the engine was running as well as usual. Did a mag check after landing, and cylinders #3 and 4 were dropping offline when the ignition selector was on R.

Opened up the cowl again, and on first look, everything seemed OK. Re-seated the plug wires, and that didn't help. Dug deeper and found an electrical connector for the lightspeed was loose. Secured it, did another runup and finally, all good again.

Need to find something to do with my RV this weekend, now that it's running well again!

Part 32: Resurrection ...Scott Chastain's 'Resurrection America'

Weldon 16 is cracking my canopy. Why??? ...dwranda

I had a crack in my canopy and decided to fix it as well as I could using the weldon products. I drilled a hole using a plexi bit to stop the crack. I filled in the crack with the thinner weldon #3 and sanded it down so its smooth. I then filled the stop drill hole with #16. I checked it about an hour later and there were little spiderweb cracks emanating from the hole. I had no idea how they showed up. I drilled those out and just filled those holes with the 16 again. 10 minutes later more cracks showed up. I drilled a bunch of practice holes in some scrap and can't get any cracks to show up in the scrap pieces. Why is my canopy cracking when I put the weldon in the hole?

Sedona Airport Day, Sat. Oct 5, 2019

This Saturday, October 5, 2019 at Sedona Airport (KSEZ) from 9 am to 3 pm.

Oct 3, 2019.  Issue #4,926  

VAFcast#6 ...Sid Mayeux RV-7A

The VAF podcast.

Oct 2, 2019.  Issue #4,925  
  A reminder that there are criminals in this world and they are darn sneaky.  If, for example, a piece of expensive avionics comes up for sale and you're interested in possibly buying it, please read this first (#4, 5, 8 and 11 are pretty important).  A link to this document lives on the front page a little bit above the Off Topic picture.  Buyer beware.
  Unrelated, I guess you saw this from O'Hare.  "That's how you do it."  
 

Amazing Day First 2 flights! ...ty1295

Today was the day so many of us look forward to.

RV9A, Originally builder was Carl Peters who posted on here several years back. He got the kit just past quick build status, I was lucky enough to do all the personal item selection like Dynon, Titan IO-340, Catto Prop, etc.

I purposely did not install any Aileron trim yet as I wanted to see how the plane flew first. I am happy to saw we were able to fly completely hands off first flight.

I can also attest to how valuable I found the "ADDITIONAL PILOT PROGRAM". I am very fortunate to have a 700+ hr RV Time and builder on the field, CFII and co-pilot of the 747 that flew into Oshkosh this year just a few hangars away. He has been super valuable in his insight on building, and today the flying. I did the takeoff with minor verbal suggestions. During the flight one of us could fly, while the other watch engine status, radios, etc. Being a low time pilot I knew I wasn't ready to solo a new airplane, but surely wanted that first flight of an airplane after years of work and an empty piggy bank.

As I have read on here before, keep pounding those rivets and dedicate time on a regular basis and you will make it.

Oct 1, 2019.  Issue #4,924  

My RV Weekend ...bruceh

Miramar Airshow!
I got the chance to fly into MCAS Miramar and have my RV-9A on static display for the 3 days of the airshow. I'll write up more on the experience when I get a chance.

Sep 30, 2019.  Issue #4,923
  Friday I got in a little formation training hop with 52F new guy James Walsh in his RV-4.  His brother John rode in my pax seat and got some pics.  Gary Platner rode in the back of James' plane with helpful tips.  Saturday Susie and I turned this into this, and Sunday was spent nursing sore muscles.  The back still hurts but we saved money....;^).  In the Tater department, he got back the grade on his 2nd Chemistry exam at SMU (25% of his grade).  89.6.  And the grade on his 2nd Spanish exam?  88.25.   The kiddo is adapting well to college and finding his stride.  He's back in the chemistry lab now also as a PAID student - $10/hr.  No more of this intern stuff <g>.  Chest swelling with pride for the Tate Man!!!
  Hope you had a great weekend and got to do some RV stuff.  There is a thread if you want to let us know!  

John Walsh photo

I'm On My Way (the video)  ...SuperCubDriver

Here is one first video as promised. More to come.

Sep 27, 2019.  Issue #4,922
  Wishing you and yours a happy, safe and RV-filled weekend.  
 

Sky, Scorch and Grump years ago from the vault.

Status Report ...jcarne 7A

Well it's been a couple weeks but not due to a lack of work. I have been hard at it with wiring and panel work while I still wait for my engine mount. I would have REALLY liked to save this panel work for the winter as it would be perfect inside stuff. It just didn't pan out that way though.

Anywaaays...

I decided to use some coated aluminum called Durablack to make all of my panel labels. This worked spectacularly! The Durablack meets a milspec and has some impressive environment testing on it. I bought some Durablack in 0.020" and 0.005". The 0.020" for a sheet of 12" x 20" was about 35 bucks from johnsonplastics, it also has a very nice adhesive backing (although you can get it without if you want). This size sheet was more than enough. The 0.005" was a little harder to work with, didn't shear as well and honestly really, really thin. The thin stuff would be great if you wanted to curve a label; however, everything on the panel is flat so 0.020" it was. This was also a great opportunity to teach my new classes this year how to use our laser engraver. Those of you that use a laser engraver know what a reaaaal treat it is getting the power and speed settings just right for a new material is. It took us quite some time but in the end we got something that worked awesome.

Sep 26, 2019.  Issue #4,921
  Note: Friday edition might show up online later than usual - schedule conflict.  

HS remote work surface - RV style <g>.
Chair slides right under.

Reader Milestone:  Retirement ...mike newall (England)

Well, after 27 years of Inter European, Airtours, MyTravel and Thomas Cook, the robbers in the high tower finally drove us into the ground. However, only the UK arm of the airline was affected - miraculously, both the German and Nordic airlines received support from their governments and are still flying. Our fleet of 40 were grounded on Sunday, the CAA and UK Government rented in 40 foreign airplanes to recover our passengers at a cost of 600 mil.

Anyhow, I am 61, was going at Christmas in any case but that doesn't cushion the blow for thousands of other employees.

But, on Saturday, I had to ferry an empty A330 from Manchester to Glasgow - 36 minutes and bless them, the Engineers asked for a full power take off.

I briefed the FO about the event, but it still blew his socks off !

Here are the stats.

Normal empty position sector from MAN to GLA. The Engineers had asked for a full power takeoff, which is required from time to time to trap parameters. Once at Glasgow, it then goes to Cancun and back. As they fuel with bowsers at GLA, we take 30 tonnes of gas up to speed the turn, so my take off mass was 151 tonnes.

V1 - 115kts
Vr - 115kts
V2 - 122kts

The anti stall/surge system on the Trent is MEASTO and it controls the rate of acceleration of the engines, hence it takes a while to spool up, but at full power, that is around 31,000kg of thrust from each engine, each consuming around 11,000kg per hour at take off.

Sorry fellas - times by 2.2 to make it imperial ;-)

So, we are on our way !

At rotate, we wait until the main bogies have dropped, that ensures tail clearance and then it is a smooth pull to full back stick which gives about 28* nose up with full envelope protection in normal law. We are now at about 150kts and the speed starts to decay slowly as the rate of climb peaks at around 8500 fpm. Then you notice a slight pitch down as the speed comes back to around V2 plus 10 and we continue the climb to thrust reduction and acceleration at 1300' doing around 6000fpm. At no time during the process are you anywhere near limiting speeds or protections kicking in, it is just what an empty A330 does when you give it the beans !

Then it is normal - albeit it with a slight grin.

We landed, got home, the airline went bust that night

I have done several talks to aviation enthusiasts over the years so I reached out to see if by fluke, anyone had captured the take-off. There are a lot of them every day at the airport - great folks, full of enthusiasm for aviation, just sometimes not able to take part.

Can you imagine my complete surprise when this appeared on YouTube3 hours later.

A massive, massive thanks to AirBorn Media, John Rawson - look at his stuff, great work.

That's it folks, full time RV building and flying, no more sneaky meet ups down route, I need a new Barber, mine was on OBT in Orlando - Rays Styling, Best Hair Cut In Town, Advice Given......

It's been a blast, but it is time to move on, my Doris (Andrea) turned 70 this year, we got a new puppy, Woody - lots of life and adventures.

To steal a good man's line.....

Back to Work

RV Hotel open for business in Harrogate England.

Sep 25, 2019.  Issue #4,920  

Weekend RV Fun ...flybill7

Seven RVs flew this weekend at the annual Easton Airport Day in Maryland, featuring a mass formation flight of 10 T-34s, 6 T-6, 1 CJ, 7 RVs and 4 Epsilons, followed by the famous Rubber Chicken Dropping Contest. The weather was perfect, the flying was great, and the catered food for the pilots was the best you'll ever have at an airport event and most restaurants! (I'm not kidding)

Here are the seven happy RV drivers: Top left to right: Mugsy, Zack, Pablo, Jolly, Big Al. Bottom left to right: Claw, Magellan.  ...

Sep 24, 2019.  Issue #4,919
  Susie and I (with Monk and his wife Kate) saw Peter Frampton perform Sunday night.  I've never seen him play live before, and spent the evening in jaw-dropped fascination in the presence of a proper gun slinger in his preferred element.  This is, if you don't know, his farewell tour due to a medical condition.  Getting to see the famous '54 black Les Paul Custom with my MK1 eyeballs, arguably one of the five most famous guitars in all of rock and roll, is a special moment in my life.  Paul McCartney's original Hofner bass?  Jimi Hendrix's Woodstock Strat?  I can only think of a handful of what I would call 'Pillars of Rock and Roll' guitars.  Peter Frampton's '54 Les Paul has to be one.  It just has to.  'Frampton Comes Alive' went platinum 8X.
  If you don't know the story of this famous guitar, PLEASE take a moment to watch both THIS and THIS.  I think you'll be glad you did.
  'Do You Feel Like We Do' played 44 years after it was recorded live....on the same guitar.  One of life's special moments.  Here's another vid (16min) of 'Do you Feel' live from earlier this year.  Same lineup as we saw.  If you have the time.
  Thanks for letting me ramble on about music for a bit.  Now back to RVs.... 

FFI clinic in Italy ...lucaperazzolli

Together with Tobias Treichel I organized a FFI meeting in our local airport in northern Italy (Trento, LIDT).

We had the great opportunity to put together six RVs (3 RV-8, 1 RV-7, 2 RV-7A) with builders form Italy (me and Franz), Germany and Swiss (Tobias, Hermann, Dominik, Bernard).

We were under the guidance of Stephen Christoper and Steve Payne instructors and check pilot of FFI organization.

During the week the group flew around north-east of Italy to Asiago, Venice, Garda Lake and our mountains doing a lot of exercises lerning formation flight FFI standard techniques.

I flew with Stephen and Steve and I've really learned a lot (knowledge and learning is never enough). Thank you guys !!!

Sep 23, 2019.  Issue #4,918
  So what did you do with your RV this past weekend?  There's a thread for that.  The plan is for me to try to remember to start one each Sunday.  Hope you had a great weekend and your Monday goes swell. 
 

Build Status PIREP  ...lr172 RV-10

It has been a while since I posted something about my 10 build. Here is a pic of the project in it's current state. Sprayed the wings today and have only one more painting session for wingtips and cowl. Thank goodness the painting is almost done. A LOT of work for a project this size.

Sep 20, 2019.  Issue #4,917  
  Cracking the hangar door just a tad let in some interesting light this morning, and the reflections off the floor and how those interacted with the RV caught my eye.  What you can't see is how bad that belly needs cleaning.  Contrast is your friend....
  Wishing you and yours a happy, safe and RV-filled weekend!

Houston area monthly lunch (September 2019)

Hello, friends and neighbors! The third weekend draweth nigh, which means it's time again to gather, eat some B-52 burgers, and talk about our fine aircraft (or pending aircraft, as the case may be).

Let's meet at the Aviator's Grill at DWH, this Saturday at 11:30, for the usual.

Unfortunately I won't be able to make it this month - got some contractors coming out on Saturday and I need to be home to deal with them. So I'll catch up in October, for what will probably be our last fly-in lunch at Weiser.
__________________
Philip
-8 fuselage

Sep 19, 2019.  Issue #4,916  
  The Tater picked up a cold, so I used that excuse Wednesday to bring him a care package and buy his lunch near SMU.  Cough drops, tea and honey, Keebler E.L. Fudge cookies... After we ate some Bubba's chicken I watched him skate away on his board to his chemistry lab, with what society would deem fashionably dressed young students scattered about my FOV.  As the boy rolled away I saw the back of his shirt - the P-47 'Tarheel Hal', a shirt from the Lone Star Flight Museum bought many years ago.
  That boy's head is screwed on right, me thinks.  How many of the 12,000 students know about Tarheel Hal?  My guess would be exactly one.  Two if you count my daughter, but she has already graduated. ;^).
  Next item:  If you are in the DFW area and are looking at adding on a multi-engine rating, I got this text from my MEI today:

"Doug, I had a student just cancel and a training slot open up starting next week for a test on October 10. Do you know anyone that could use that slot?" 

  If you're interested in knocking out your multi in a few days, Lora's contact info is: Lora.S.Lewis 'at' gmail.com  (910) 583-Three Two Eight Zero.  Lora has a Diamond Twin Star with a G-1000 and a control stick (just like an RV).  You can read about my multi rating add on HERE if interested.  I'm glad I did this and would do it again - and don't kid yourself....it's not that easy to find multi-instruction in today's flight school environment.  Most schools want a 'Zero to ATP' student now, and show add-on folks like me the door.  It took some time to find Lora.
   Did I mention the plane has air conditioning?

Vid of RV-4 Takeoff

52F's James in his RV-4 taking off Wednesday morning.  Surprised how well the little mic in the iPhone picks up that awesome engine sound.

Sep 18, 2019.  Issue #4,915  
  Four of us flew over to the Whistle Stop Cafe in Decatur, TX (KLUD) for breakfast Tuesday morning 0715 local.  Short notice...I didn't decide to go until an hour earlier.  Eight minutes each way.  They make homemade pies daily, which explains the picture below of my breakfast.  Oh baby...these are the things RVs are made for.

Sid(7A), Rick(8) and Ross(6) flew over as a 3-ship, smoke ON, overhead break.  I was minimal(ish) fuel so I opted out of the formation rejoins and 3-mile initial, instead going direct solo and buying gas there.  Spent an hour on the treadmill afterwards going through emails, but the damage was already done.

00000KT, 82*F and CAVU.  It was worth it, but yeah I need to get on the treadmill again....probably today. ;^)

Sep 17, 2019.  Issue #4,914  
  Happy birthday to our family's RV-6 'Flash'.  She took to the air (17) years ago today in the very capable hands of RV Godfather Jay Pratt of RV Central.  What a wonderful airplane and friend.  Related, looks like the mothership added (5) new first flight reports on the 16th (see 'em).  Congratulations to the newest RVators!!!
 

FOD Walk: 9/16/19

...my home field.  Nosewheel/pant or tailwheel related is the running theory.  That bolt is darn near pinky sized.  FOD checks work!!!

Hand model Rob Reece (RV-8) dr

Sep 16, 2019.  Issue #4,913  

from the vault

Lycoming oil cooler line connection

I found an image on the forum that showed the accessory case of a Lycoming engine with specific locations for connecting the oil cooler lines. My engine is an IO-360-A1A and I'm having trouble removing the plug that is located at one of the locations so that I can install the appropriate AN fitting. My question is (referring to the file linked to below) if it would be acceptable to use the #2 opening (located behind the tach drive--there's a plug sitting on top of the opening) rather than the #1 opening (which was identified in the other diagram)? It appears to me that both openings are in the same oil passageway in the back of the accessory case. Thank you!

Sep 13, 2019.  Issue #4,912
  Wishing you and yours a happy, safe and RV-filled weekend!
 

Eagle's Nest Projects - Central HS (WI)

Valarie Meyer - 1st Solo Flight (RV-12)

My solo was the most exhilarating experience I've ever had. Being up in the air and doing it all on my own was so empowering. I'm so thankful that I've gotten the opportunity to join this program and to have the privilege to work with Mr. Ferguson. He is a wonderful instructor and mentor, who prepared me well for this moment. - Valarie

Sep 12, 2019.  Issue #4,911

Airworthy!!!!

Another significant milestone today, Airworthiness!

So, upset training/aerobatic refresher in the Decathlon the end of this month followed by transition training with Mike Seager mid October then some appreciation for many years of effort.

I guess the certs aren't pink anymore, white will do.

Steven Hild
Rio Communities, NM USA
RV-7, N590SC

Sep 11, 2019.  Issue #4,910

Never Forget.

Hurricane Dorian Relief - RV-10 Style! ...AV8ER

Was able to load 480 pounds of donated water, food, hygiene, and bedding in the RV-10 and fly it for Angel Flights to North Eluethera where it will be distributed by boat. A few keys to loading the plane to the gills with gear are as such:

Put rolled paper product in the baggage compartment as it is extremely light for the volume it occupies to keep CG in spec.

Leave the rear seats in place and only remove the padding on the bottom to allow the uprights to ensure nothing heavy moves backward.

Fill the largest backpacking backpack you can find (I used a 60 liter Dueter backpack) with water bottles and strap in the co-pilot seat. The rest fits wherever it fits, starting with the largest boxes/parcels first then infilling. Was able to load then entire 480 pound pallet in the plane this way and keep it within CG. The water in the co-pilot seat helps.

The mission as per Mercy Flight Southeast:

"Bahamas Methodist Habitat has requested our help flying supplies to North Eleuthera (MYEH, White Crown Aviation FBO) where they have customs services and goods can be brought to Abaco and Grand Bahama by boat. Domestically, we now have supplies available to us in Ocala, and Ft Lauderdale Executive at Banyan."

Sep 10, 2019.  Issue #4,909

It's My Party and I Can ... (tcard)

...fly if I want to! OK, well maybe it is really, "It's my birthday and I can..."

I started a new job a couple months ago [huge blessing], and there was supposed to be a week off between gigs for Scott and I to head out on an adventure. Due to circumstances, that week of entertainment disappeared faster than a snowball in Texas in July.

Sep 6, 2019.  Issue #4,907
  James W. is the new guy on our field.  Bought an already-flying and unpainted RV-4 and is looking forward to learning formation with some of the local B.C. Squadron and attending Whataburger Wednesday outtings ;^).  The skies of  N. Texas are very well defended by Van's Air Force!
  Wishing you and yours a happy, safe and RV-filled weekend.

click either to enlarge

Over 1000 hours on the air frame ...BMW_X6M

I purchased a RV-9A finished in 2004 in July of 2012 with 193 hours on it. The first two owners barely flew it in 8 years, but the second owner upgraded the panel. After taking my PPL checkride in it at night, and many other adventures including installing a brand new Lycoming engine in 2017 I now have 1100 hours on the airframe. It now also has dual HDX Dynon screens as an upgrade to the original SkyView screens it came with as well as a Garmin 650.

I feel the airplane has allowed me to learn, and has taken care of me during some difficult landings in gusty crosswinds. I have been coast to coast twice and to Canada and Mexico as well as 150 airports with it. It could use a better paint job but I hate to think about the down time to get that done. One thing is that the airplane lands so well, that tire life has been excellent. I'm only on my second set of mains, and have only replaced the nose wheel tire once!
__________________
RV-9A

Sep 5, 2019.  Issue #4,906

14.5 yrs ago...Scorch and Monk on my wing at sunrise.  dr

Blown Starter Fuse

What would cause a starter fuse to blow? It is 7.5 amps in the Advanced Control Module used with a Quick Build panel. It is the older model before they went to logical breakers. I flew yesterday, no problem. But today it wouldn't turn over. Turns out the starter fuse was blown. But why? I examined it and it looks kind of cheap and flimsy. I put in a new one and everything is working fine. Would excessive cranking to start a hot fuel injected engine blow the fuse? Does 7.5 amps sound right for the starter motor? I was thinking it would be a 10 or 20 amp fuse. What else might cause the fuse to blow. I have only 38 hours on the airplane, RV-7A. Thanks
__________________
Steve Lynn
RV-7A

About the caps

Where to Install F-870E-1 ...RV-8

I am working on the RV8 forward fuselage section, DWG 63. There is this one part F-870E-1 that I can't seem to locate where it is used. Can someone point me to a drawing of instruction step that shows where this part is installed?

I am including the screen shot of the part in question.

Thanks in advance.

Sep 4, 2019.  Issue #4,905
  Matt Ziemann stopped by the hangar Tuesday on his way back to Alabama.  Matt's RV-4, any RV-4 for that matter, just makes me stop and smile.  Absolute best of the breed IMHO, and this coming from an RV-6 builder!  Matt purchased the plane already flying, and its panel has that classic 90s-era mix of patina and round and proof-of-enjoyment wear that I find more and more appealing in our busy world.  If the mothership offered a modern-day CNC punched RV-4 with plans like the RV-14 has on the very same day they came out with an RV-Super Cub, I'd be hard pressed to decide.  Seventeen years in so far flying the RV-6 and it turns out the spousal unit has flown much less than I had hoped.  Should have built a -4.  5'10" and 168 lb - I fit.  Fun stuff to daydream about on the treadmill.  How simple and light could you make the panel and airplane in 2019?  A single G5 that weighs nothing and a composite prop.  How exquisitely balanced in all axis that could be!
  Back to the hypothetical thought experiment, I'd order both tail kits of course, and sell the RV-6 when the first one flew.  ;^)

Some more pics of Matt's RV-4, and video

Electrical stuff I don't understand ...Robert D. 6A

My airplane electrical system is based closely on Bob Nuckoll's Z-11 plan. I have a GRT EIS 4000 that gives me voltage. This voltage reading has always been lower than I think it should be but I've never had a problem starting the plane (odyssey PC-625 battery) or running the full set of avionics and lights. My alternator is Van's 60 amp internally regulated.

The other day during a 2+ hour flight the EIS gave me a low voltage warning a couple of times, just briefly. So I decided to finally find out what's going on. The first thing I did was measure the resting battery voltage - 12.6, pretty good.

I then decided to test the 15+ year old alternator. Took it to O'Reilly and they said everything is fine.

Then I started measuring voltage at various points with the engine running. The battery was 14+ volts and so was the reading at the main buss, right at the terminal feeding the fuse block. With no load other than strobes, the EIS voltage matched the buss voltage within .1 or .2 volts.

When I started adding load the EIS voltage went steadily down to around 13.2 volts but the buss voltage remained steady at 14+ volts.

I then measured the voltage at the EIS panel switch. It matched the reading at the buss but also went down when I started adding load.

So what I don't understand is why the voltage drops so much for a relatively short run. couldn't be more than 18-20 inches. Is it something to do with the fuse block? How can the buss voltage remain steady but what the EIS is seeing drop so much?

I'm really not sure where to measure next but am sure open to suggestions. I guess I could measure out to other switches. Or maybe just to where the wire leaves the fuse block - just thought of that. That would tell me if the drop was across the block.

Sorry to make this so long but I'm just trying to anticipate questions.

Sep 3, 2019.  Issue #4,904.
  Thoughts and prayers for all our family and friends affected by Dorian.

sent by user Goretzki

Lord Adhesive Tacky After 24hrs ...RV-10

I finally installed the rear windows on the 10 yesterday. Within a few hours everything seemed to be setting up as you would expect, but I have about a 2" section of squeze out that is still gooey/tacky. This is on the second window, so I would have assumed by then the mix through the gun would be pretty consistant. Is Lord adehsive like proseal where even if it's not mixed well it will eventually cure? Also, all the tubes are fresh, stored properly and no where near experation. Anyone else experiance this?

Thanks,
Lynn

Connector Wrap? ...nippaero

What is the orange tape that Aircraft Spruce uses to protect the wire bundle as it exits the connector? I would like to get some.

Smoke in Cockpit - Can It Be From the Oil Breather?

I scared the c rap out of my girlfriend yesterday. We were getting ready to taxi to the runway, and the cockpit suddenly had an amount of smoke that was pretty noticeable. I thought it might be electrical, but wasn't sure. This was the first time this has happened since I bought the plane several weeks ago. I probably have about 10 hours of flying time in it. I shut down and put the airplane away pending investigation.

Today, I removed the cowl, and checked the engine compartment for any sign of fire. I also thoroughly checked under the panel for any evidence of fire. Nothing appeared burnt or charred. I got under the airplane, and I noticed that the exhaust pipe directly beneath the breather was coated with a significant amount of oil. The oil was not dripping onto the hangar floor, but the whole pipe was wet. I thought that the smoke probably came from oil burning off the exhaust pipe when the pipes started to heat up and finding it's way into the cockpit somehow, maybe through the cabin heat or the open canopy.

Should the oil breather be depositing oil after the engine stops running? This is the only way I can imagine it is got there. Any other ideas or thoughts?

Thanks in advance,

Jim

Part 15 ...Scott Chastain's 'Resurrection America'

2nd of the 12's Flew Today ...mike newall (England)

So, with a change of direction 3 years ago, the RV8 project was sold, 2 12 kits were bought to satisfy my fly buddy's desire to build an aeroplane. He can't get a medical but is a good Engineer and bike racer etc.

The two were built side by side until late '18 when we had to progress one to completion. That one flew last fall, which left us plenty of time to finish #2.

As always, things get in the way and time goes on, but we got it together today and under mostly cloudy skies, the second one flew.

Straight out of the blocks, only snag was a dodgy connector on the oil pressure sender, quickly re connected after flight 1.

About 2 hours done today, 3 left to do, with a 2 hour endurance flight and flight test flight to do. We do 5 hours and 15 landings in the UK with a final test flight.

Once again, just blown away by how well it flew, all the services worked, most of the second hour were on the autopilot as we sipped champagne and shucked oysters.......kidding

Only snag left is a high egt on the right side which I will take onto the specific forum.

I visited the Mothership last month and caught up with the wonderful ladies we all deal with. A great trip with extra benefits and trips out to the Evergreen Museum and the wonderful WAAAM Museum at Hood River.

We are fortunate to be involved with such great aeroplanes and people. Now cracking on with a 14 and a 10........

Retirement at Christmas will help move things on

Dreed's SP Oil Cooler Install

"...take a look at the showplanes mount. It mounts off the engine mount on the right hand side, but you'll need to make different lines I think.

I have one for my 7A with a 390 that I'll be installing as soon as I get the new engine mount from Vans. I mocked it up on my original mount and it fits quite well (hope it fits the new mount) and supports a large cooler easily."

Petit Jean Update: Wait Rooms ...BillSchlatterer

"...Now we are switching to wait listing for rooms at the RCC. Usually, we have several cancellations in the last week or two and fill 8-10 of those but that is no guarantee. From this point on, all deposits taken using the RESERVE MY ROOM PayPal process will be applied to the wait list group in order received...."

It Begins ...ryanflys in Portland

Some Labor Day work today. Ran out of clecos and had to pause to place an order.

Rudder Trailing Edge Mistake ...RV-10

"...Well, by now you probably know where this going. After rolling it on one of my rudder skins, I was none too pleased with the results-- sure enough it made the trailing edge wavy as all get out. Looks much worse than before I started. You can see it in the pics below with the two skins laying on top of each other. The top one was rolled, and the bottom one has had nothing done to it.

Lesson learned, but not sure what I should do now. Should I be concerned about this or will it straighten itself out after riveting? Any way to fix it at this point? I thought about clecoing the two skins together or maybe to a solid piece of angle or something and let it sit for a while, but not sure if that would help or not....."

Charity Cap Sighting ...Anthony RV-6A at a Stones concert.

Sep 2, 2019.  Issue #4,903.  Labor Day.
  Hope you had a nice Sat/Sun and that you have Labor Day off.  Our son Tate came home this weekend for a visit, and of course Suz and I were ecstatic.  Love that boy.  We went out for BBQ, took a picture of it and texted that picture to his sister on the west coast, because that's how we roll in this family.  We rub it in.
  Recovery continues from the Com Multi Add-On checkride last Wednesday.  All that foggle, 1-engine flying in the summer heat coupled with the normal work load of the job - the body and brain got torqued up more than I anticipated.  Thursday and Friday I felt like a hammered turd.  Slowly feeling more normal now - better each day.  This week I just have VAF on the calendar.  Normal flow.  Good stuff.
  The mothership is closed today, but they did post a RV-12 360 formation video on the 30th.  Amazing imaging technology!  You'll be glad you watched it.
  A lot of RV news to cover today, so let's get at it.  Have a nice Monday.

Waypoint Arrived: Greenland Coast ...Paddy RV-10

An RV Returns to its Builder ...hydroguy2

I haven't flown much in several years and all of that was very local in Montana. But tomorrow I'm hopefully going to be crossing the country in my new old RV.

Yes We are buying back Aurora. I will be leaving Simpsonville SC (KLUX) to 97MT with stops at various places in between(1680nm). Won't get an early start so won't make it in 1 day. low tome VFR pilot.

Not sure of my timing or exact path yet. Weather and wind will play a factor so I am looking for easy in/out quick stops between Bowling Green, KY, St Louis and Rapid city.

Hope about some input:
1. multiple runways(cross winds are not a rusty pilots friend)
2. courtesy car if I get stuck or need overnight place...maybe hangar even
3. easy morning departure on saturday (no fog)

Thanks everybody

(in a reply)
It's been an emotional experience to come full circle. Never thought we'd sell.  Kris's health was first choice. She is doing fantastic, but never really thought we'd ever have Aurora again. Tada...Rob mentioned it for sale and still thought no way. Now here I am going to saddle up again. Pinch me.

(update Sunday)
Made it home last evening. Over 1100nm just yesterday with lots of headwind and weather detours. Scud running, squeezed between layers, climb through holes to get on top and plenty of heat and chop the whole day.

But Aurora performed great. It felt like I never stopped flying her all this time.

Life is good.

[ed. Now read the next item below.  Rob made hydro's day, so if you can help out Rob, please do!  v/r,dr]

Last Hoorah! Wanted - RV-8

Well, Brian left yesterday with Aurora (RV-7) and what a great airplane it is. In the end, the airplane ended up back where it belonged and we made a couple of great friends in Brian and Kris.

Now, on my 68th birthday, my son and I are looking for what may well be my last airplane. Everyone says you should put down your wish list so here goes:

RV-8
*IO-360 or O-360 (either one will work but IO gets extra points)
*Glass or round gages but I really like at least a graphic engine monitor
*Great construction quality (I recently went to two years of school and got my A&P just so I could better understand and maintain RVs.
*Prefer painted but would consider non-painted if the seller recognizes there's going to be a price difference between the two.
*Constant speed prop - yes, it must have a constant speed prop
*We probably can't afford a dolled up, maxed out 8 but if the bones are great, we could probably make yours better. (Ask Brian about Aurora).
*Canadian airplanes can work - we've done it before

In short, I'm getting older and after many, many years of my son and I flying all kinds of airplanes including the A-10 Warthog (son) and the P-51 (me) the RVs are our favorite fun machine. We have both spent a lifetime in aviation, love to fly and whichever RV-8 we eventually acquire, we will take incredible care of it. We are reasonable buyers that like to make friends and develop friendships thru airplanes and aviation.

So, if you have an 8 that is, or may be in the near future, for sale, please contact me. We've got an empty hangar that needs to be filled.

Thanks everyone
Rob Traynham

EARLY SUMMER MORNING FLYING IN TEXAS ...chrispratt RV-8

You have to get up early in Texas if you want to find smooth air during the summer. So we did.

My wife and I launched into a wonderfully calm bit of air around 7:30 this morning. Even at 2,000 ft. it was a nice ride as we headed West away from DFW. Nothing special today other than enjoying the freedom of RV flight, some nice scenery, and a quiet breakfast at T67 (Hicks).

Met a young man at Hicks that I hadn't seen in years since my days based at Addison - he's grown into a fine young man, working at one of the airframe OEM service centers in Dallas, and enjoying an RV-6 handed down from another friend. Here's a few pics and a video I hope you'll enjoy. Perhaps it will serve as some inspiration for builders.  ...

RV-14 Annapolis, MD ...ringlasergyrosandwich initial contact

Hello, I am recent addition to the Vans Air Force community. I earned my PPL in March 2019, and have been working on my instruments rating based out of Lee Airport (KANP), Annapolis. For years I've been researching options for home building and finally settled on the RV-14A. My work space will be my detached garage, which has room for two cars and an attached room in the back for most of the work (double door connects rooms for easy of transport). I'm in the process of putting together some wood workbenches and figuring out how to lay everything out.

I recently took an EAA 2-day course on "RV Assembly" so I finally understand the basics of riveting and the tools that are needed to build an RV. I have almost none of the required tools at this point. For first time builders, is it recommended to get a comprehensive RV tool kit from one of the manufacturers on Van's website? Also, why are there so many tools/supplies that are "RV-14 only"? It seems a bit strange that RV-14 has such special needs compared to the other models.

I plan to use this thread to document my progress, share some photos, etc. My local EAA Chapter (571) has several home builders so I plan to discuss my progress with them as well. Other than tools, I think my first challenge will be figuring out how to be home to accept delivery of the tailcone (not ordered yet). I'll hold off on ordering the empennage kit for a little while longer while I finish the woodworking.

 

Airborne Photo Shoot...Krea Ellis

A couple of pictures that were taken yesterday of our RV-7A.

My son and I were flying together and the formation work was some of the most fun I've ever had in a small plane. My son has never flown on the wing before, so it was great practice for him.

Hope you enjoy.

Part 14: The Rock ...Scott Chastain's 'Resurrection America'

Battery box and cabin heat hole size uh-oh ...Draker

Used the wrong knock-out punch and instead of 2", ended up with 2-3/8" lightening holes on the front of the battery box and a 2-3/8" cabin heat hole in the firewall before I realized my error. Rear holes in the battery box are 2". Battery box may just have to be scrapped but I want to save the firewall.

AEROLEDs Press Release

RV8 Smoke System Helper install -- thanks Marvin ...mill2978

I finally had time to finish the install of my smoke system from Smoke System Helper.

I had run the lines and plumbing in the fuselage during the build, but nothing FWF. Once we moved to OR and the project was still in CO I pushed off any work that wasn't related to getting it out of phase 1 and to OR. I have so much fun flying I didn't want to take the plane down for any longer than necessary. Recently I was able to find some smoke oil locally and I took advantage of pulling the cowl for some other work to install the injectors.

Can I sit in your rv9 / is rv9 right for us?

...TazzyTazzy Sacramento, CA initial contact

Hello,
I'm a low time pilot, about 150 hours. I'm tired of the club rentals not being available / down.
I went on a test flight a couple years ago in an rv12. It's nice, but I don't think it's right for us.

Is there any one with an rv9a in Sacramento/bay area that I can sit in? I'm 6'4, and concerned that I'll fit in it.

Our most common mission: 3 day weekend trips and 1 day hamburger runs. There's just 2 of us, no kids/pets. We do enjoy camping at various airports on occasion. Eventually, would like to fly across the country on a 2 month sabbatical.

We would like to bring our foldable electric scooters to get around. They weight about 30 pounds each, but give us about 25 miles of range.

I'm concerned that the rv9 won't be able to hold our scooters or camping gear. Thoughts?

I really would like to build an rv-10 since it can carry anything we could need, but $$$$.

Ground Pic Motivation ...bkervaski

Wallpaper Calendar for September

...Ed Hicks photo.

Motivation Pic ...Colin P. RV-6A

I like to launch extra early, but I am an uber morning person.

You Know It's Hot Out When.... ...Draker

... your Boelube turns into blueberry syrup!

RV-10 wings for sale

...past the QB stage.  Need some love.

So here's how I(we) came up with the price of $6,900.  123 votes were cast in the poll.  If the vote was in the range of 5000-6000 I used 5,500 as the value for the spreadsheet.  I put in the number 5,500 (51) times, then inserted 6,500 (12) times underneath, 7,500 (27) times, etc.  When I had all the data entered I averaged the numbers - $6,971.55.  I rounded down to $6,900.

Comes with a wing stand.  (25) pictures.

Is $6,900 a fair price?  Well, the mothership offers the standard, unbuilt kit for $11,450.  You can order a QB RV-10 wing for an additional $6,325.  There is a 10 week wait on RV-10 wing kits.  So, if you wanted this new we're talking somewhere in the area of $17K.  It's a fair price, even with a little bend in one of the ailerons, a 1" tear in one rib and some rusty hardware on the end that might need replacing. 

60% off new QB.

Email me at vansairforce 'at' gmail 'dot' com if you're interested.  I will forward those email in the order they were received to the friend who owns them.  He'll be in touch.  The wings are at 52F (DFW).  And thanks to all the folks who voted in on the poll.  It helped.

v/r,dr 

Aug 30, 2019.  Issue #4,902
  I worked up an online photo album with my 'how I got from the RV-6 to the Caravan to the Twin Star' story in as few keystrokes as possible.  Journal format chosen with some captions seemed like the least amount of work - my brain is still a little mushy from the multi checkride Wed <g>.  It'll look better on a computer than your smartphone.  Link below and in my forums autosignature.  Now that the multi bullet point is scratched through, I can look forward to an RV flight in the near future.  I need gas, so it's probably a Bridgeport, TX run.  Good RV stuff.
  Wishing you and yours a happy, safe and RV-filled weekend.

The RV-6 to Caravan to Commercial Multi Add-on

...if the Caravan and the RV-6 had a kid, the cockpit would look like a Diamond Twin Star.  dr

Arrived in Ireland ...Paddy RV-10

Well, after a year of planning, N415JS finally arrived in Dublin. This was a very emotional experience for me. My Dad worked for Aer Lingus as an engineer in the flight simulator department at Dublin airport, so by the time I was a teenager, I had a fair amount of unlogged sim time in the 707 and 737. I just took it for granted that I'd be an airline pilot when I grew up. When the time came, I aced the aptitude tests and failed the medical for less than 20/20 vision. Correction wasn't allowed in those days. I moved to America when I was 25 and learned to fly about 10 years later. I passed my checkride a month after my Dad passed away. Fast forward to yesterday morning and I can't believe I'm talking to Dublin approach and being cleared for an instrument approach over the City I grew up in. And this after flying over the Atlantic. In a plane I built myself. This one's for you, Dad.

RV-6 rebuild project in Palm Springs CA ...jamlip

Hi all. First project thread here.

35 years old, British, living in beautiful Palm Springs California. Learned to fly about 10 years ago at White Waltham airfield in the UK.

I have owned an Avid Speedwing, Europa and a Cri-Cri.  ...

Part XIII: Waiting ...Scott Chastain's 'Resurrection America'

RV-9A Canopy Problem ...Flyer2017

I bought our plane about 3.5 years ago. Since then we have been to OSH 3 times and put several hundred hours on her. After some time, I noticed a slight light gap showing between the canopy and the part it rests on on the left side near the panel when flying. Over the last year, the gap seems to be getting a little bigger. I don't think the canopy is suddenly going to depart the plane but wanted advice on how to close the gap, if possible. I've read many threads about how tedious and frustrating it is to adjust the canopy position while building and thought some of you might have a solution. The pictures show the canopy from each side both open slightly and closed and locked. Also a picture of light showing through the gap.

Aug 29, 2019.  Issue #4,901
  COMMERCIAL MULTI ADD-ON RATING.  Plugged away at this rating for the past couple of months when I could get a moment and the schedule allowed.  Yesterday was the oral and checkride.  Pics and words to come, but today is a recovery day for the brain and right leg (and for looking at the email pile) ;^).   Our family's RV-6 background helped immensely, as this Twin Star has a stick and G-1000.  The guy on the ground is putting air in the tire - I didn't run him over.  At least I don't think I did.
  Skill set added to the tool bag that I can hopefully use to supplement the family income now and then down the road.
  So that was why today's edition is both late and small.  I'll make it up to you.
  v/r,

enlarge

Aug 28, 2019.  Issue #4,900
  Note:  The Thursday edition might be earlier than usual, later than usual, or not there all together.  Doing some stuff Wednesday and I'm not sure of the timeline.  It's possible the Thursday edition might go live Thursday morning (I know, right?!?!).  ;^),
 

Fitting the Spinner ...Joewebb RV-6

"....this one of how I installed my spinner without mounting it on the engine..."

Aug 27, 2019.  Issue #4,899

It's all here! (Except...) ...Subwaybob

....Still need engine and Instruments. (Seats, console etc too)

Aug 26, 2019.  Issue #4,898

10 RVs visit Loring AFB - 25 year of closing the base ...Dvalcik

We got permission from Loring Development Authority to land at ME16 formerly Loring Air Force Base (which is closed except with permission on special occasions.) The Loring Military Heritage Center hosted the 25-year celebration and most of the visitors were stationed there or had family that was. A few hundred visitors joined in to remember this large base in Northern Maine.

We had a flight of 10 trek up from Belfast Maine, mostly local, but Vlad, Brent, and Jim from NJ joined us.

Aug 23, 2019.  Issue #4,897
  We dropped Tate off at SMU, and we're emotionally spent and raw.  Man that is one long, taxing drive back to a quiet home.  He starts classes Monday.  Audrey flew out from the west coast to be with us, and it helped some.  What a base level volcano in your gut.  I'm thankful I don't have to go through that on a regular basis.  It really, really sucks.
  On Sunday at 4:30pm (DFW time) the Rotunda Passage and Convocation ceremony will be streamed online at smu.edu if you're bored.  The students walk through the rotunda to symbolize the start of their SMU education - they do it again in four years.
  There is a sliver of sunlight on the horizon and I'm pretty confident that joyous times will return, but right now it's somewhat cloudy.  Tate knows how much we love him, how proud we are of him, and how profoundly grateful we are to be in a position to champion our children's futures.  We are Blessed.
  Go Mustangs!  Go Tate!

As a non-builder...

I wanted to tell all who have contributed to this thread how much I have enjoyed reading your responses and that the encouragement given by folks is so great...VAF truly is a brother/sister-hood in situations like this!

It has given me a just an itty-bitty taste of the highs and lows of building and greatly increased my respect for those who take that path and persevere to completion.

The builder of my RV persisted (I'm sure) through some of these same problems (or maybe invented a few of his own!) but stuck with it and ended up with a flying aircraft....only to permanently lose his medical shortly after getting it out of Phase 1.

Devastating.

I took over with ~70 hours on the airframe and as a small form of respect to his efforts, I've kept the same N-number (numbers/letters meaningful to him) and approached ownership as more of a "steward" effort than as "owner", with the realization that time passes and sooner than I want, it will be time to pass this machine I love on to another...and I want to be judged a good caretaker for my efforts.

To the moderator(s):

I would like to strongly suggest this thread be made a sticky [ed. Done. v/r,dr]  and perhaps duplicated/moved over to the RV Tips/Techniques Forum or something else appropriate. There's a lot of good stuff in here that I would bet someone would find encouraging in a dark, painful time in the build process. No sense in letting this disappear into the dustbin of the forum archives?

Again...thanks to all who have contributed and to the OP, I wish you the very best and hope you keep building!!

Rob S.
__________________
Rob Schroer
RV-7/N75WV

Aug 22, 2019.  Issue #4,896
  We drop off the Tater today at SMU.  He and I talked again on Wednesday about how so many people have had a hand in shaping him into the young man that he is becoming.  How he stands on the shoulders of thousands of supportive people hoping and praying for him to find purpose and happiness in a strained world.  How thousands of people he will never meet send their best wishes because of this wonderful hobby.  He knows it.

enlarge

  Tate, you are our only son, and I struggle to find the words of pride and love and hope and gratitude and thankfulness.  I've told you every day of your life that I love you.  I'm pretty certain it stuck.  You are Tate Reeves from the Lone Star State, and the world better brace itself.
  Go get 'em son!  We got your back with fists pumping in the air and shouts of encouragement.  You got this.
  Love,
  Dad

RV-14 Pic in Flight ...infltc2s

Engine fire on start procedure

I developed the normal and emergency checklists for my -7A (with carbureted O-360) from others I found online and what made sense for my airplane. However, I'm questioning the procedure for an engine fire on start, where checklists say to keep cranking in an attempt to get a start and suck the flames into the engine. All of my fuel lines are on the firewall, with exception of one leading from a red cube flow sensor to the carb. The carb intake is far forward and coupled to the cowl intake with rubber skirt, per the plans. So I'm wondering if trying to get a start is a waste of time and I should go directly to shutting off fuel. Unless the procedure is for an over-priming situation where fuel runs down inside the carb? My priming procedure is to briefly open a solenoid valve with a momentary-on rocker switch after turning on the fuel pump before start. Thoughts? How likely is it for a solenoid to stick open?

Aug 21, 2019.  Issue #4,895
  We drop off our son Tate at college (SMU) on Thursday, so today is our last day having a child live at home.  We become empty nesters starting Thursday afternoon, and I'm all over the place emotionally.  Life goes on I guess.  Mostly I just want the dropoff to be over.  Thank God he's only 40 minutes away - he knows he can call us for a lunch or dinner any time, just like his older sister did.  If that call comes an hour before the next day's VAF edition is scheduled to be pushed out, you'll understand VAF will just have to wait.
  This went way too fast, and it really sucks.  I'm excited for our son, but it feels like I've lost an arm.  And he knows how much we love him.  If I keep typing I'm gonna cry, so I'll stop...  

Grass Strip Discovery  ...Vlad RV-9A

Geneseo NY D52
Discovered this gem yesterday. 4,500' of manicured to Triple Tree standards grass.