Aussieflyer
Active Member
Dear RV14 colleagues,
VH-XIV our RV14A has had its first flight. Apologies when I learn how to upload photo's I will post same. However we have found an important lesson that those following should take note. We followed the plans regarding preloading the nose wheel. On first flight it flew beautifully and again the Van's grin quickly filled out test pilots face (sorry we didn't have enough hours on type to first fly it ourselves - that's safety - we began flying it for its second flight).
On the first landing the nose wheel shimmed (oscillated left to right violently). We immediately removed the split pin and tightened the nut on the castering wheel. All was good for the next two or three landings and then again the nose wheel started shimming on landing. Spectators on the ground said it looked scary. Pilot in the plane (self) thought it was a little scary too. The nose wheel steering nut again took up another flat of tightening. All is good again. However I suspect while the bearing settles in another tightening may be expected.
We have removed the damaged wheel spat and intersection fairing for repairs. They will not be replaced until we are confident that the nose wheel pre-tension is finally set and no adjustment is necessary.
Recommend all builders leave nose wheel pants and intersection fairings off for initial flights. Recommend all builders carefully inspect the pre-load tensions on the nosewheel at construction, then after pushing the aircraft around the hangar and other maneuverers such as down to the fuel bowser and back. Make sure the nose wheel always stays within pre load tolerances otherwise you can expect an uncomfortable landing and possibly some damage. Hope advice is helpful for those to follow. What a wonderful aircraft!!!
VH-XIV our RV14A has had its first flight. Apologies when I learn how to upload photo's I will post same. However we have found an important lesson that those following should take note. We followed the plans regarding preloading the nose wheel. On first flight it flew beautifully and again the Van's grin quickly filled out test pilots face (sorry we didn't have enough hours on type to first fly it ourselves - that's safety - we began flying it for its second flight).
On the first landing the nose wheel shimmed (oscillated left to right violently). We immediately removed the split pin and tightened the nut on the castering wheel. All was good for the next two or three landings and then again the nose wheel started shimming on landing. Spectators on the ground said it looked scary. Pilot in the plane (self) thought it was a little scary too. The nose wheel steering nut again took up another flat of tightening. All is good again. However I suspect while the bearing settles in another tightening may be expected.
We have removed the damaged wheel spat and intersection fairing for repairs. They will not be replaced until we are confident that the nose wheel pre-tension is finally set and no adjustment is necessary.
Recommend all builders leave nose wheel pants and intersection fairings off for initial flights. Recommend all builders carefully inspect the pre-load tensions on the nosewheel at construction, then after pushing the aircraft around the hangar and other maneuverers such as down to the fuel bowser and back. Make sure the nose wheel always stays within pre load tolerances otherwise you can expect an uncomfortable landing and possibly some damage. Hope advice is helpful for those to follow. What a wonderful aircraft!!!