Instrument panel layout

[rvator9a]

Anyone out there have any advice for panel layout on a side by side RV, I plan on using a large screen Dynon(unless I see something else at sun&fun) I have vans engine intruments. This is a budget build so I plan on possibly adding gps at a later date. What I'm interested in is placement of radio, switches, breakers, gauges and such that offers best access and convenience while flying. Any advice or possibly directions to a web site that would help with planning. Thanks

[Robert M]

Contact Bill Repucci. He's about done with his -9 and he used a dynon.

Bill@repucci.com

Or go to his site - http://www.repucci.com/bill/baf.html

[fodrv7]

Bob,

I did a search for "Instrument Panel Layout" and came up with a lot of recent posts with good info. They are listed at the bottom.

One way to help get the panel layout right is to:

Sticky tape paper cutouts of the instruments and switches on the panel.
Sit in the aircraft (In the workshop)
Go through ALL the checks from Start up to Shutdown.
Fly a few dummy circuits.

This will sort a lot of 'Bad Placement' out.

If for example, during the start drill, you find your right hand is on the throttle and the Mag Switches are sited for your right hand also.

Similarly, you want the Flap switch placed for your non-flying hand.

Otherwise it is hard to generalise as there is so much variation in RV panel layouts, though some general rules are;

Place the flight instruments directly in front of you.
Place the ASI (EFIS) as high as possible. This makes it easier to glance in at the Airspeed on short final.
Place the least used equipment furthest away from the pilot. This might be the Engine instruments or the Avionics.
Group switches. ie Lights together.
Place Warning Lights RIGHT IN YOUR LINE OF SIGHT.

Good luck,
Pete.

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...strument+panel

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[mburch]

Good advice on start switch placement. I have a followup question for taildragger drivers... how many hands does it take to start a TD RV? It seems like you'd want to use one hand to hold the stick back, your second hand for the throttle, and your third hand to crank the engine(!!!). I guess I can see why people put the starter button on the stick, though I'd personally prefer to avoid that.

thanks,
mcb

[Stephen Lindberg]

I have always managed, somehow, to start the engines with just two hands. Starter button on the stick = unnecessary complexity/weight plus the opportunity to push the button at inopportune times. "Simplicate and add lightness" -John Thorp (I think).

[fodrv7]

I have seen a Champion and a Pilatus Porter bury the prop due the throttle being 'cracked' a little to much.

Start Switch on stick is good insuranace.

Pete.

[Ironflight]

I've never seen the nose-over that Pete mentions, but I know it can and does happen. I don't have a start switch on the stick, but when I start, I always have my left hand on the throttle, the right hand on the starter switch, and the big Infinity stick grip held back between my thighs. If I felt I had too much throttle, it would be instantly pulled back to idle, and my left hand would go to the stick.

That's my plan.....we don't all have to have the SAME plan....but you have to have a plan...

Paul

[sportpilot]

If your building a 9A here is a picture of Dr Cleve's recently completed panel. Not the same kind of equipment you might want to start with, but just an idea. Its an IFR panel oriented around the GRT EFIS and the Garmin 430.

In the 9a there are 3 support ribs behind the panel and the one in the center should bare particular notice when your doing layout. You dont want your center stack to lap over that center support rib because you cant cut away any of it for radio clearence. Its best to move your radio stack over slightly to the right to fit between the center rib and the right side rib. We had to notch the left hand rib slightly to allow the GRT EFIS to clear. Thats not a big deal and you can reinforce it with a doubler, but stay away from that center rib. Other than that the panel you see fits the 9a without restriction. Happy building

The IFR panel for Dr Cleve Thompson RV9A

[jbDC9]

Originally Posted by mburch

how many hands does it take to start a TD RV? It seems like you'd want to use one hand to hold the stick back, your second hand for the throttle, and your third hand to crank the engine(!!!). I guess I can see why people put the starter button on the stick, though I'd personally prefer to avoid that.

Your own two hands are plenty for starting a taildragger, no need for a starter switch on the stick and no real need to hold the stick back to start. If your engine start technique requires aft stick to hold the tail down, your throttle hand is doing something wrong... as in having the throttle open too far. Just crack it a little, it doesn't need much.

[fodrv7]

The Porter went over because he didn't have his normal compliment of nine Sky Divers in the back.
He was on a ferry.

The boss was not happy.

Pete.

PS. It wasn't me.