Maintainability Wish List
So before the RV-15 becomes a production airplane, here’s my list of maintenance annoyances on the RV-9A that I hope can be avoided on the RV-15… And I bought my RV-9A already flying, so that’s my excuse, lame as it is.
Some of these ideas are different from traditional RV ways of doing things, but then, so is the RV-15. And the inherent philosophies of the builder / maintainer’s time being free, and the philosophy of strict cost minimization is challenged as well, with a few minor costs incurred for maintainability, and maybe just a touch of added weight and drag – not much – here and there. After all, if you're out in the bush, that's when maintainability can be even more important.
Screws
* Reduce the number of kinds of screws! Get rid of #6 screws entirely, and make all the #8 screws of each type to be the same length.
* Make it easier to get into the tail cone for condition inspection. I’m no longer physically able to get back there and I’m running out of agile friends. Design it so that you don’t have to remove the whole bulkhead, especially those $^$^$% screws at the bottom.
* On the floorboards under the seats… make that a double layer, the bottom layer giving stiffness to the ribs but with enough big cutouts that you can access everything without removing it. On top, to cover the holes, a removable floorboard that only needs a few screws for location.
Wiring
* It’s really hard to run additional wires out through the wings or into the tail cone. That’s why I’m not updating to LEDs.
* Electrical connectors at the wing roots, in case the wings have to be removed, or for moving the plane to the airport first time.
Cowling
* Instead of the traditional RV cowl, go with something like a Cub or Bonanza cowl with swing up panels that give easy access to the engine for preflight and maintenance.
* Should not have to remove the cowling to check brake fluid or change the battery. Ideally, should be able to change the plugs without pulling the cowling.
* Should be easy to change the oil filter without making a mess – and that should be part of the FWF package.
Miscellaneous
* Have a windshield defroster, even if it’s just an avionics cooling fan
* Provision for camera mounts and possibly wiring. Lotsa folks doing that these days
* Backup power for the elevator trim. (Electric trim is part of the autopilot)
* Swing out motor mount?
* High flap extension speed for deceleration at busy airports
* Cowl *easily* removable by one person, and replaceable, too.
* Reduce hiding places for dropped items on the floor. As much as possible, make the floor completely flat and smooth so that it is easy to clean.