Here's some
As I mentioned earlier, I did do an Article that was published in the December Kitplanes. It is on line as well. It seems there is enough interest again so here's some areas to look at that I consistently see as problems (very recently as a matter of fact):
[*]check the trim for proper operation. I just inspected an RV-7 that had been flying for over 200 hours and the elevator trim was backwards. The owner said he got used to it that way!
- The same RV7 had approximately 1/2 up elevator. The autopilot arm was in the wrong hole and was limiting travel
- check grounding straps on the engine for tightness and security
- check exhaust flanges for warping, especially on engines that have been used for racing and lots of aerobatics
- check magneto timing. I find many that are not set according to the stamp on the engine, contributing to heating problems
- check all hoses for date codes. It's amazing how many 10 year old hoses I find, and in some cases much, much, older
- check wheels and tires
- check ailerons for proper travel.
- check rudder stops, especially on the 10, Some are broken and the customer doesn't even realize it
Some realy common areas are the use of fiber nuts where castellated nuts are required, such as on the rudder cables and on the rear spar bolts. Also, many people forget to install the larger washer on the outside of the rod end bearings, such as on the engine controls and autopilot arms. This prevents the arm from coming off should the rod end bearing fail.
One other area is to check for full control operation on the throttle and mixture. It's amazing how many I have found that have less than full throw and have been flying that way for a long time. One RV8 owner was telling me what a great performer his aircraft was, especially on takeoff, and I showed him that he had about 3/4 or less travel on the throttle. It had been that way since day one, over 250 hours. I told him to hang on once he got it fixed.
I also wondered if the rings had actually been able to seat properly.
Now, WITHOUT meaning to offend any builders here, anyone looking at buying an RV needs to really have the tail inspected by someone who REALLY knows what they are doing. I have seen many mistakes on the tails, in some cases warranting the aircraft unworthy. I have seen builders try to hide their mis-drilled holes on the tail (not ethical in my book). We ALL learned on the tails. We ALL made mistakes. The idea is to fix them and move on, not hide them or pretend they don't exist.
Don't forget to check that all of the SB's are complied with, if appropriate. The most often-missed one is the flap motor safety wire.
Let me know if I can be of further help.
Vic
