Congratulations on completing the empennage kit!
While I elected to use the QB wings kit, I believe it has little bearing on the answers to your questions. So based on my experiences to date, I offer the following comments:
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Originally Posted by SeanM
Vans Wing kit options-
1. Landing lights- I will probably go with the sunspot LED landing light kit that vans supplies
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As others have noted, LED lighting systems are being improved, so waiting to make final selections is advisable. If you intend to put the lights into the wing tips, (e.g. AeroSun VX landing/taxi lights and Pulsar NS nav lights - the lights I selected) there is no need to finalize these until you are ready to finish and install the wing tips. Note however that with the AeroSun VX you will need to cut into the wing tips to install an enlarged/cut-back opening to accommodate these larger lights. If you intend to place the landing lights into the leading edge of the wings, I suspect it would be easier to make these cuts before attaching the leading edge skins.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SeanM
2. Aileron trim- Will be doing this. "operates independently from autopilot". If I want an AP system does this mean I'll need different servos for that too? At what point do I need to start thinking about an AP system?
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The trim servos are separate from the autopilot servos. With the Garmin G3X system, the trim servos are wired through the AP servos, so that the AP servos can adjust the trim to reduce the forces on the AP servo. I installed the AP servo mounting kit into the right wing prior to installing the bottom skin, which made the installation easier. However, I did not purchase the AP servos until I was ready to purchase all of my avionics system.
I elected to install the roll trim into the right wing (not the left wing as called out in Van's plans), and found it best to install the spring attach points to the aileron push rod before final install of the rod. The trim motor itself attaches to the back of the access plate, so it can be installed at any time.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SeanM
2. Pitot (will probably upgrade to something heated)
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Suggest you purchase and install the pitot mast before installing the bottom wing skin. The actual pitot purchase can wait until much later and be purchased with the rest of the avionics equipment. The standard mast should work with either the Garmin or Dynon/AFS pitot.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SeanM
3. Stall horn (is this included in the wing kit?)
4. AOA
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The Van's wings kit comes with a stall horn assembly. Your call as to the need for both a stall horn and AOA in the same plane. I elected to not install the stall horn, as I believe the AOA provides much better information regarding your approach to stall, and is included in the G3X pitot/EFIS system. If you do not install the stall horn switch, you will need to close the pre-punched holes in the left wing leading edge with a couple of rivets. Note you will need to close these holes in the right wing leading edge in any case. You should do this prior to installing the fuel tanks.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SeanM
5. Would like to do a Garmin IFR type setup /w AP, but I need to research this more. should I be looking into this now as well?
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Avionics are changing rapidly right now, so I would suggest you wait to select your system until you are working on the finishing and/or FWF kit. If you purchase this equipment now, it will likely be obsolete before you are ready to install it. If you are reasonably certain you will use Garmin avionics, I would recommend you purchase and install the AP servo mounting brackets prior to closing up the fuselage top. If you decide to install the Garmin yaw damper servo, you may want to install that mounting unit before you complete the F-1035 assembly area, as doing this later requires drilling out several rivets. Not a significant time savings, but a bit of a nuisance to have to do.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SeanM
When is the right time to get some wiring/crimping tools? Now? Or are they not needed until mid-way through the wings? (I'll probably splurge on the steinair master kit).
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No need to buy the crimping tools now. However, I would suggest you do your electrical system design and run the wires before you close up the fuselage by installing the cabin top. You may find later that you need a few more wires, so suggest you install a conduit or two and perhaps install a few spare wires. I also installed my wing wiring and pitot tubes into the wings before installing the bottom skin, and am glad that I did.
Hope all of the above makes sense to you, and is helpful. If you have questions, please feel free to ask, either through postings are via Private Message.
Enjoy the build.