Planning Wing Kit Purchase

[LuisR]

Hello RV friends,

I'm now on "Empennage Attach" section of the tailbone. Thought now would be a good time to reach out to VAF veterans for some help on wing kit build.

I plan on an IFR GLASS panel (probably Garmin) with autopilot. Also plan on converting the outer leading edge of the wings into tanks for long country flights.

Aside form ordering the wing kit? What else should I be looking at ordering with the kit from VANS Aircraft. What else should I order from other venders for the wing build?

Only thing I can think of is the GRETZ pitot mast. Was thinking of picking up wing tip lights later in the build to await newer developments.

I'm in no hurry to finish the build as I am paying as I go and don't own a bank. Completion is somewhere 10+ years away.

Thanks

Luis

[rocketman1988]

I went with the gretz pitot mast and was going to get the pitot probe as well. I changed my mind and went with garmin. The gretz mast needs to be painted. If I were to do it again, I would have bought the anodized aluminum mast. After speaking with garmin, I went with the unregulated heated pitot.

I ordered the Vans electric aileron trim kit with the wings. Unfortunately, I went ahead and installed it in the left wing. I am now going to be using the garmin equipment, and it makes more sense to have the trim in the right wing, near the roll servo, as the two will be wired together.

I ordered the Aeroled nav/strobe/tail lights from Vans as well...they had the best price I could find at the time.

I also got the Duckworks HID kit from Vans. Doing it over, I would have just bought the ductworks mounting kit. I plan on using the Baja Designs LEDs for landing lights on the duckworks mount. Anyone need a set of HIDs?

I went with the SafeAir 1 ER tanks for extra fuel...

Vans also sells wingtip lights, which I purchased but not sure I will use...

I went with Cee Bailey transparencies for all windows and wingtip covers...

[rleffler]

The only decision that you have to make is what fuel senders you want to use. The ones that come with the kit work just fine with the understanding they're not too accurate from 3/4-Full. But with a fuel flow indicator, not a big deal.

I installed a low fuel sensor, which is clearly not a required function. The one I purchased is from AircraftExtras. It works as advertised.

http://www.aircraftextras.com/FuelSensor1.htm

Things like aileron trim and autopilot servos can be easily installed after the wings are built. So you don't have to commit to an AP vendor yet.

I would recommend installing a 3/4" conduit to pull wiring through. Leave a draw string in the conduit for adding wires later. The black corrugated material Vans sells works well.

[LuisR]

I like the low fuel light. Must really get your attention at night. Thanks for pointing that option out.

With the pitot mast, whats the reason to go with he aluminum mount verses the standard GRETZ mount? Don't they both get painted later anyway?

Fuel sender; I'm leaning towards the capacitance senders. Any recommendations on who to buy those from?

Fuel Caps; Are there nicer caps? I recall some "upgrade" the caps. Why and to what?


Thanks for the tips so far.

[Zuldarin]

Van's sells some upgraded locking fuel caps. Beyond a doubt the best extra I purchased. not the RV-14 caps, but the metal ones."FUEL CAP DELUX W/LOCK"

[ppilotmike]

Originally Posted by Zuldarin

Van's sells some upgraded locking fuel caps. Beyond a doubt the best extra I purchased. not the RV-14 caps, but the metal ones."FUEL CAP DELUX W/LOCK"

I agree. You have to modify the flange to the curvature of the fuel tank, but a belt sander makes short work of it.

[rocketman1988]

I got my capacitance senders from Grand Rapids and they were pre bent for the -10. (I have the QB wings).

[LuisR]

I see cleaveland tools has a pitot mast. There is no description or review on their website. Right now I'm leaning Gretz Pitot mast. What do all think of the cleaveland pitot mast?

[Jesse]

There are a number of Pitot masts out there and they should all work fine. That is one of the things that is pretty standard across the industry. With your build timeframe, I wouldn't order anything extra except maybe the fuel senders, but even that is a long way off. I'd just get the wing kit and hold off until the other stuff is needed. Also, whatever you do, don't order and auto pilot servo or install kit. Who knows what will be available in 10 years. There are way too many serv?s that have been sold cheap because the builder decided to go a different route. The servos can be installed in the wing in 20 minutes with a completely closed up wing on a stand.

[LuisR]

Thanks for the response Jesse!!!