RV-9A, SoCal - Page 27

rightrudder · #**261** 01-07-2016, 01:05 PM

Good advice on checking for cracks, etc. The V-stab is indeed a long lever arm. I may wrap a bunch of duct tape around the base to help damp a bit of vibration; might help the video quality too.

flightlogic · #**262** 01-07-2016, 05:45 PM

I like the pull ring. Next on my list of projects... Thanks!

rightrudder · #**263** 01-18-2016, 03:04 PM

Yippee!! I received this very special piece of paper yesterday from DAR Adam Valdez. Adam was very thorough and a pleasure to work with. He spent a lot of time going over the nuances of the operating limitations, and tirelessly answered all of my questions. The aircraft has a clean bill of health, with only a couple of recommendations for improvement: install rubber boots over the positive battery terminal and left magneto P-lead, and securely bolt down the seat back attachment plates to the crossbeam (I had bolts in there simply functioning as locating pins).

The day before, I installed a Matco axle for the nose wheel, which allows you to preset the load on the tapered roller bearings rather than having the axle through bolt perform the same function. The wheel does seem to roll a little easier when properly set up, and the leftover Van's bearing spacers make great paperweights!

Next, some transition training down in San Diego with Reuven Silberman, and I'll be able to give 'er a go. I'm fired up that my practice area encompasses a lot of square miles, over the high desert east of Victorville/Apple Valley to just north of Barstow, bordered to the north and east by lots of restricted airspace.

Mike S · #**264** 01-18-2016, 03:30 PM

Doug, big congrats to you.

Seems like you got done rather rapidly.....

rightrudder · #**265** 01-18-2016, 03:33 PM

Thanks, Mike! About 22 months of construction, but I'm sure the QB option shaved a couple of years off.

IowaRV9Dreamer · #**266** 01-18-2016, 03:56 PM

Congrats Doug! Post a picture of those seat bolts for us behind you...

Vlad · #**267** 01-18-2016, 04:15 PM

Congratulations Doug! It looks like you planned all well and worked your plan

rightrudder · #**268** 01-18-2016, 05:27 PM

Thanks, guys! I'll post a pic of the seat bolts soon. Tomorrow is a hangar work day, so I should have all the interior reinstalled; I did all the fairings, wingtips and inspection plates last night. The Van's approach on the seat backs seemed a little fussy, so I simplified it a little....just aluminum angle riveted to the cross beam, and the seat attach plate slides in between. There's no provision for adjustment, but that's fine by me.

Next task: pitot/static and transponder check. I think there's a shop on the field to perform this.

bruceh · #**269** 01-18-2016, 06:16 PM

Congrats again, Doug. Serendipity that I just happened to show up at your hangar at the final signing of the AW cert. Have a safe Phase 1, and let me know when you are down around here for your training. I would be glad to have you go flying again.

rightrudder · #**270** 01-18-2016, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruceh

Congrats again, Doug. Serendipity that I just happened to show up at your hangar at the final signing of the AW cert. Have a safe Phase 1, and let me know when you are down around here for your training. I would be glad to have you go flying again.

Yeah, that was great you were there to share the experience...a nice surprise. One of my first trips after Phase 1 will be to Ramona to check out your hangar digs.