Consolidated Lessons Learned With Plans?

[grayforge]

Hi guys and gals,

I've been reading build logs, and many of them have great information on little things the plans don't mention or alternative ways to do things the plans do mention. Like "Before doing X, it's easier if you rivet Y 1st". Or "Joe's Tank Switching valve is way better than stock."

Problem is, picking up a few tidbits from each build log can be time consuming and one can easily miss someone's great tips.

Has anyone compiled a nice comprehensive list of tips & tricks to go along with the plans for an RV-7/7A?

Oh... and I have seen the builder tips section of this site, it'd just be nice to see RV-7 specific bits sequentially ordered alongside plans. :-)

Thanks!
Russ

[hydroguy2]

I found looking for information to be part of the education/recreation of my build. If there was a cookie cutter "do this before that" list I think it would stifle customization or personalizing your aircraft.

look at the number of RV-12 builders who are told exactly how and what to do next, but would like a little more latitude.

[JurgenRoeland]

I kind of agree with both of you.

Looking through the build logs of various builders helps you on the journey and is an educational experience.

On the other hand, I often wonder if certain mods on single builder sites are good ideas or not.

I am also in favour of a centralised list on vansairforce with common knowledge and eventually the links to the individual builder sites. It would make the search and confidence in some mods easier.

My 2 cents...

[Mike S]

Here is a place to start, although it is not organized by model.

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...aysprune=&f=74

[rzbill]

Originally Posted by grayforge

"Paraphrasing" --- list of alternative ways to do things

There is a fundamental problem with creating a list of this sort.
Not all alternative ways are good.
There will be proponents of every way.
An argument over the list contents will ensue.

Since Van is the creator of the plans, he is the last word on them and the supporting documentation from the factory.

All other ways must be evaluated by the builder by using whatever resources can be brought to bear by that builder.

In my view, as said by hydroguy, its part of the learning process. Take the time.

[JurgenRoeland]

Originally Posted by rzbill

Not all alternative ways are good.
There will be proponents of every way.

That is exactly the point and the reason why I would be in favour of a moderated and centralized list by experienced builders who's bird is already flying.

Not all builders are 2nd offenders, not all of us have ATPL or engineering backgrounds. For a real unexperienced newbie builder, it is often difficult to judge - even using common sense - if a technique or especially modification or add-on is good.
To be clear, I count myself in the last category.

I do agree on the Vans plans being the mother of all... but look at the checkoway method for the tanks. Out of experience I can say it's much more accurate then the Vans described method. Fortunatly there were many builders that described this so it gave me a sense of comfort that it is a commonly used technique that works well. On the other hand, you may miss some good stuff just because it's only described in one location or because you don't really can take it as a reference as it comes from a plane-in-construction.

[Ironflight]

While this sounds on the surface like a great idea, the problem is that there are many ways to do a certain thing right - and many ways to do a thing wrong (or, if not wrong, not that well). We can't even get a forum full of experts to agree on how a torque wrench works - what makes you think that a moderated list of "best practices" would work?

Every builder has different goals - for instance, some want the fastest, lightest RV possible. Others want a traveling, IFR machine. These two goals will result in different "best" ideas. Now multiply those choices by hundreds, and you'll see that there are no easy answers.

Like others have said - you need to do your own filtering based on your needs - develop an idea of who you can trust (or should I say "who you like to follow"), and then head off in that direction if it works for you.

Paul

[Greg Arehart]

Maybe a slight tweak on this thread, I know that I would like to have seen (and would still like to see) a category labeled something like "modifications to plans" wherein folks could post their, well, modifications. There are some great mods out there for speed, lightness, convenience, etc. that I might have used had I known about them. Of course, caveat emptor should anyone choose to utilize those mods.

Greg

[rockwoodrv9]

Originally Posted by JurgenRoeland

That is exactly the point and the reason why I would be in favour of a moderated and centralized list by experienced builders who's bird is already flying.

Not all builders are 2nd offenders, not all of us have ATPL or engineering backgrounds. For a real unexperienced newbie builder, it is often difficult to judge - even using common sense - if a technique or especially modification or add-on is good.
To be clear, I count myself in the last category.

I agree with you. In my limited experience working with aluminum, I read as much as I can before I attempt something. I have been involved building a Kitfox and rebuilding wood wings, and built everything from furniture, houses to entire communities and resorts. Most of that doesn't translate to aluminum.

I made a comment on the plans and manual for the 9. They are good, but there are many things left out that would make it so much easier and save large amounts of time if they were included.

An example - on the rudder construction. The manual and details on DWG 7 show how to cut the stiffners. No where does it say that one side they will be reversed with the strength leg up and down on the other. They show how to cut them to the notch - why not a simple note that tells you this? It would save time looking at other builders web sites and their photos to see how it is done. Yes, if you try it, it is easy to see, but by that time, you need to order new stiffners from Vans.

Another way to help and make sure things are fabricated from the correct material is to make sure the size is marked on the scrap aluminum sent with the kit. Again, a micrometer will tell you, but if it is marked, you know already.

I am # 92094, just received the end of Jan. Since my plans were drawn in 1999 and last updated in 2000, maybe it is time Vans updated and improved them with some tips and more clarification. I don't see that happening. If we had a thread that tips - as easy as a simple note about the rudder stiffners could be posted - and vetted by forum members, I thing that would be great. I know the tips thread already exists, but it is pretty broad and not that easy to find specific information.

Just my thoughts. I know as a new builder, I would like to be able to find model specific tips that will save me time and expense. Im building because I have always wanted to and want a new plane, but I do not like wasting time trying to figure out things that should be explained in the plans and manual.

rockwood

[Vlad]

Originally Posted by hydroguy2

I found looking for information to be part of the education/recreation of my build.

....

The same applied to my build.