Skybolt innovated and developed Vans RV cowling fasteners in the early 1990s while we constructed our RV4. Actually, we did not invent the fastener, we simply adapted proven technology to a new market. Yes, we did make it better with several features you can see and many you can't. It was through that Vans RV project that I designed (somewhere between Nat Track 20W and 30W) and eventually perfected the US patented (5,795,122) adjustable receptacle. (Since that project was completed, we have been very active at Oshkosh and Sun N Fun meeting face to face with hundreds (thousands?) of builders). This year, Skybolt will establish hands on forums to better interact with the builder. We have teamed with cowling builders Sam and Will James to obtain a wealth of information on cowlings specific to the Vans RV (and other) kit designs. I discovered, by flying our RV4, the first bulging issue that has caught a lot of attention on these forums. Working with James Aircraft, we resolved the bulging issue, not unlike every manufacturer of any type of external panels or cowlings that fly. That includes commercial jets that tend to exceed airspeeds greater than the common RV aircraft. I built internal doublers that were a work of art, but, like Sam James warned me, they would be too pricey to sell to the average builder. So, together, we came up with "Skybeam" as a very lightweight and extremely structural material that is a simple lay-up application. Skybeam is very cost effective and resolves the structural problem for older generation cowlings. Over the years, Skybolt has worked directly with countless builders to successfully develop a fastener kit that is user friendly at a reasonable cost relative to the average RV investment. It will never compete with hinge pricing for obvious reasons.
I have noted quite a bit of discussion on the forum about proper stud lengths. Our kits use the CLoc -2 stud. We have even used -O length studs in some applications (with modifications). The problem with common stud lengths less than -2 is the unique grommet required. 99.9% of every project I have been involved in, the -2 studs work perfectly. Unfortunately, a competitor was distributing -3 studs using (might I suggest copying) our old instructions that were designed for early 1990 fiberglass (tank) cowlings like we used on our RV4. I also noted the resolve while they attempt to re-invent the wheel at a cost to the builder. I find that unfortunate. Notching a standard grommet will work for short studs; unfortunately, they will not meet our strength requirements. The specific Camloc grommet designed for those short studs do not have a flush appearance. Just because it is experimental does not relieve good common sense. Remember, we pride ourselves on airplanes that cruise at 200mph.
Another sad item I noted in pictures of one of the nicest RV7 projects I've seen, are holes drilled off center. Skybolt kits include simple drill templates that would have prevented that.
As far as the movement of the "floating" receptacles (we also make an adjustable SK215-4 that is rigid): In a properly designed cowling (such as a Beech Baron, Cessna 210, Aerostar.....all aircraft that see similar airspeeds as a Vans aircraft), if the float were an issue, those aircraft would never fly. When we talk about 3-4 inches of spacing, they use 8 and 10 inches of spacing. How? Look at the internal structure. When properly installed, a CLoc cowling (using flaoting receptacles) will perform flawlessly.
Finally, the group buy programs. I will yield to our competitor. That is (was) a great marketing tool. While Skybolt will always provide a more up to date kit with extensive hands on experience built into our kits (we simply walk through a door into our own maintenance hangar), it is our goal to actively compete in the very market we developed. Our 2007 kits are completely revised for the new generation cowling that takes into account a balance between structural requirements (hole spacing) and economic flexibility. Skybolt offers several kit versions from complete to a very economical kit that simply does the upper firewall. Every builder has their own idea of a balance between fully functional and economics. We can supply those requirements. Skybolt kits include required fastening hardware for the nose section, and the required drill templates to drill perfect holes. We also provide options for oil doors and other exterior and interior panels utilizing lightweight "Skytanium" fasteners. (The all stainless receptacle option accomplishes nothing but adding weight (and cost) and will not add any notable performance advantage over our standard receptacle).
After reviewing the group buy program, Skybolt 2007 RV Kits were specifically designed for better value while adding fasteners for those applications leaning toward 3 versus 4 inch spacing. Our group buy program is simple: Call us (its on our dime) 1-800-223-1963. Order your kit on your terms for delivery now, next month, or the month after that. Have a question? It?s on our dime and we welcome questions and give answers that are real time, hands on. Through Sun N Fun, we are also including other valuable packages on complete kits! We invite you to review our website, www.skybolt.com for the most up to date kit lists and pricing.
As an active aviator, builder, and designer: know your product, know your source, build the best and be safe.
Ned Bowers,
Skybolt
I have noted quite a bit of discussion on the forum about proper stud lengths. Our kits use the CLoc -2 stud. We have even used -O length studs in some applications (with modifications). The problem with common stud lengths less than -2 is the unique grommet required. 99.9% of every project I have been involved in, the -2 studs work perfectly. Unfortunately, a competitor was distributing -3 studs using (might I suggest copying) our old instructions that were designed for early 1990 fiberglass (tank) cowlings like we used on our RV4. I also noted the resolve while they attempt to re-invent the wheel at a cost to the builder. I find that unfortunate. Notching a standard grommet will work for short studs; unfortunately, they will not meet our strength requirements. The specific Camloc grommet designed for those short studs do not have a flush appearance. Just because it is experimental does not relieve good common sense. Remember, we pride ourselves on airplanes that cruise at 200mph.
Another sad item I noted in pictures of one of the nicest RV7 projects I've seen, are holes drilled off center. Skybolt kits include simple drill templates that would have prevented that.
As far as the movement of the "floating" receptacles (we also make an adjustable SK215-4 that is rigid): In a properly designed cowling (such as a Beech Baron, Cessna 210, Aerostar.....all aircraft that see similar airspeeds as a Vans aircraft), if the float were an issue, those aircraft would never fly. When we talk about 3-4 inches of spacing, they use 8 and 10 inches of spacing. How? Look at the internal structure. When properly installed, a CLoc cowling (using flaoting receptacles) will perform flawlessly.
Finally, the group buy programs. I will yield to our competitor. That is (was) a great marketing tool. While Skybolt will always provide a more up to date kit with extensive hands on experience built into our kits (we simply walk through a door into our own maintenance hangar), it is our goal to actively compete in the very market we developed. Our 2007 kits are completely revised for the new generation cowling that takes into account a balance between structural requirements (hole spacing) and economic flexibility. Skybolt offers several kit versions from complete to a very economical kit that simply does the upper firewall. Every builder has their own idea of a balance between fully functional and economics. We can supply those requirements. Skybolt kits include required fastening hardware for the nose section, and the required drill templates to drill perfect holes. We also provide options for oil doors and other exterior and interior panels utilizing lightweight "Skytanium" fasteners. (The all stainless receptacle option accomplishes nothing but adding weight (and cost) and will not add any notable performance advantage over our standard receptacle).
After reviewing the group buy program, Skybolt 2007 RV Kits were specifically designed for better value while adding fasteners for those applications leaning toward 3 versus 4 inch spacing. Our group buy program is simple: Call us (its on our dime) 1-800-223-1963. Order your kit on your terms for delivery now, next month, or the month after that. Have a question? It?s on our dime and we welcome questions and give answers that are real time, hands on. Through Sun N Fun, we are also including other valuable packages on complete kits! We invite you to review our website, www.skybolt.com for the most up to date kit lists and pricing.
As an active aviator, builder, and designer: know your product, know your source, build the best and be safe.
Ned Bowers,
Skybolt
