Why no FAQs on VAF?

[jetrep]

First of all I'd like to say that this site has been great and I have learned a lot. I find myself checking 'today's posts' several times a day.

I think adding an FAQ post to each section would be a huge asset to the site. For example, a few months back I was shopping for a Honda S2000. If you go to the major s2000 forum, they have an FAQ in each section. Here is an example: http://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=568555

The information is well organized and all in one place. Note that they have one for each major category (tires/electronics/soft tops/suspension, etc)

This came to mind as I try to gather information about priming. I am a couple weeks away from ordering a -7 tail kit but still feel I'm not ready for it as I have no idea what do to as far as priming goes. After reading most of the posts in the priming forum I still feel like I don't have a good handle on it.

Perhaps some of the more experienced folks would be willing to make such posts? They are typically stickied at the top with no replies.

I know I am essentially asking other people to do work. I considered trying to do it myself but I am the least qualified person here to do it as I have no airplane building experience.

Any thoughts?

[danielhv]

Originally Posted by jetrep

First of all I'd like to say that this site has been great and I have learned a lot. I find myself checking 'today's posts' several times a day.

I think adding an FAQ post to each section would be a huge asset to the site. For example, a few months back I was shopping for a Honda S2000. If you go to the major s2000 forum, they have an FAQ in each section. Here is an example: http://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=568555

The information is well organized and all in one place. Note that they have one for each major category (tires/electronics/soft tops/suspension, etc)

This came to mind as I try to gather information about priming. I am a couple weeks away from ordering a -7 tail kit but still feel I'm not ready for it as I have no idea what do to as far as priming goes. After reading most of the posts in the priming forum I still feel like I don't have a good handle on it.

Perhaps some of the more experienced folks would be willing to make such posts? They are typically stickied at the top with no replies.

I know I am essentially asking other people to do work. I considered trying to do it myself but I am the least qualified person here to do it as I have no airplane building experience.

Any thoughts?

The only problem I see with your suggestion, is that building an airplane is a VERY personalized process. It would be hard to come up with a FAQ on priming when there are 100 different primers that are available. So what one builder may absolutely love, the other may hate, or not see it necessary. There just isn't a right or wrong way... its all about personal taste, and what makes you as the builder happy... The building process not only requires a learning curve on metal working, riveting, etc.... It involves learning everything about the airplane, its systems, priming (if you choose to do so, many people do not do any at all), engines, etc. So many variables that are all going to fly the same, but it is left up to the taste of the individual builder to decide whats best for HIS/HER airplane. Hope that makes sense... cause i've confused myself!


Now, on the other hand, you have stumbled into one of the best group of people in the world. If something is unclear, ask! You will get several opinions and maybe some references as to how they came up with their own opinions! There is no question that is not worth asking. This is not only a great site, it is a great asset, use it and abuse it!

Welcome aboard btw!!

[jetrep]

An FAQ on priming, for example, would have nothing to do with what is best. It would simply list the different options that a builder has. I've seen some people mention they use rattle cans while others use two part systems (one of the many different systems). I think a simple listing of each of the major primer options (not every brand) along with advantages and disadvantages would benefit a lot of people.

I bring it up as I have seen it work very successfully on other forums for not only presenting good information but it also reduces the amount of searching needed (server load) and bandwidth usage.

[SpacemanSpiff]

> Why no FAQs on VAF?

I believe that's answered in the FAQ

[Sid Lambert]

http://www.vansairforce.net/faq.htm

I think a wiki would be great for this site. We have people here with more knowledge than just about anywhere else in aviation. It does require someone to input the data but once it's setup it could be invaluable.

BTW, I had a non-DBW Siverstone AP2 I was doing HPDE and some racing with last year. What a great car.

[N941WR]

No FAQ but we do have a very good search engine and a good knowledge base.

You just have to use it and sort through the results.

I can see the FAQ now:
Q: What is the best engine for my RV-9A?
A: O-235, O-290, O-320, IO-320, O-360, IO-360, Mazda, Subi, diesel, etc.

You get the idea, there are just to many answers out there. It is not like buying a car where there are limited options and limited mods. With our planes, everything is a mod.

That and the options we have change so frequently, it would be difficult for Doug to keep up with all the answers.

[danielhv]

Originally Posted by N941WR

That and the options we have change so frequently, it would be difficult for Doug to keep up with all the answers.

What else DOES he have to do? Only kidding Doug! Don't kick me out!

[jetrep]

Originally Posted by N941WR

No FAQ but we do have a very good search engine and a good knowledge base.

You just have to use it and sort through the results.

I can see the FAQ now:
Q: What is the best engine for my RV-9A?
A: O-235, O-290, O-320, IO-320, O-360, IO-360, Mazda, Subi, diesel, etc.

You get the idea, there are just to many answers out there. It is not like buying a car where there are limited options and limited mods. With our planes, everything is a mod.

That and the options we have change so frequently, it would be difficult for Doug to keep up with all the answers.

I disagree. the "answer" to the question in this case would be a list of the commonly (not ALL) engines and what they offer. For example:

O-290 (carb, 320 knot cruise @ 75gph, 8000 fpm climb, 6# lighter than O-320)

O-320 (common engine, good availability, simplicity of carburetor 350 knot cruise @ 90 gph, 9000 fpm climb)

IO-320 (common engine, good availability, fuel injected, can run LOP w/ engine monitoring, 350 knot cruise @ 80 gph, 9000 fpm climb, 15 LB heavier than carbureted)
etc.

[Ted Johns]

Have you clicked on the "Articles" link on the left hand side? It seems to serve as this sites FAQ equivalent.

[jetrep]

Originally Posted by Ted Johns

Have you clicked on the "Articles" link on the left hand side? It seems to serve as this sites FAQ equivalent.

I had not seen that...thanks for bringing it to my attention. Unfortunately the small articles on priming didn't really give the info I'm looking for as far as priming options.