As 2024 reaches its final few ticks, I wanted to thank you for helping to make this site what it is over these past 12 months (11 months since the cutover to the new software). The knowledge base contained here, one that always expands, never ceases to amaze me in its technical focus, motivation, fellowship and comedic relief. It’s a handful to run to be sure*, but I really do believe the RV universe is a better place with VAF in the mix. And while it hasn’t been the most pleasant of years with the mothership ch11, I’m grateful to have a wonderfully capable GA airplane coupled with a large contact list of kind, helpful RV friends.
Thank you for sharing your year with me here.
I hope you and yours have a happy, safe, RV-filled and Blessed 2025.
v/r,dr
*mild understatement
dr
Welcoming kenandsteph14
…new to the community. Checking in.
339A MX PIREP
RE DIY Repair of Squeezer
…rongawer
I recommend you doing the service yourself. They're pretty simple internally and generally just need the o-rings replaced. You might just pull it apart (take photos for reference as you disassemble it) and measure for replacement o-rings. My old Chicago pneumatics (made back when it was actually made in the US...) uses a harder durometer BUNA o-ring, but you can use Viton as well. Any simple hydraulic fluid will work; I use MIL-5606H, but jack fluid from Harbor Freight will do the job as well. If you have a newer unit, it might have teflon rings as well; both are available at various suppliers. Reassemble with silicone grease and you should find it's working much like new.
PaulvS
HFS
AirplaneDetective
dr
OFF TOPIC:
Get your VansAirForce.net Charity Cap!
Please consider donating yearly to help keep this American 1-person pirate ship afloat:
Older issues of the ‘VAF News’ can be found at:
THE VAF LIST (a list of RV-related lists)
Thank you for sharing your year with me here.
I hope you and yours have a happy, safe, RV-filled and Blessed 2025.
v/r,dr
*mild understatement
dr
WDYDWYRTW? (12 / 28-29 / 2024)
....getting this weekend's started. Raining here Saturday in N.TX. Ugh. v/r,dr
vansairforce.net
Welcoming kenandsteph14
…new to the community. Checking in.
New Medford RV14 builders looking for community and mentorship
Hello VAF! I'm Ken and my wife Stephanie and I are building an RV14 in the Medford area in Southern Oregon. We've toured ShowPlanes shop in MFR, and already used VAF to acquire a DRDT2 from a local here in the Ashland area. This community has been really awesome, and we're looking for more local...
vansairforce.net
339A MX PIREP
FYI Here's a New Maintenance Issue...
I went to pull the nose wheel pant off of 339A today to do a maintenance/tire pressure check. In doing so I heard the "tink" sound of metal hitting the hangar floor. What was that I wondered, well soon enough I see the following: This one is from the left/port/driver/pilots side of the nose...
vansairforce.net
RE DIY Repair of Squeezer
…rongawer
I recommend you doing the service yourself. They're pretty simple internally and generally just need the o-rings replaced. You might just pull it apart (take photos for reference as you disassemble it) and measure for replacement o-rings. My old Chicago pneumatics (made back when it was actually made in the US...) uses a harder durometer BUNA o-ring, but you can use Viton as well. Any simple hydraulic fluid will work; I use MIL-5606H, but jack fluid from Harbor Freight will do the job as well. If you have a newer unit, it might have teflon rings as well; both are available at various suppliers. Reassemble with silicone grease and you should find it's working much like new.
Pneumatic Squeezer Overhaul
I have a C style squeezer that isn't squeezing like it should and is probably in need of overhaul. I know Bob Avery used to do that, but I'm not sure if he still is or who else might be doing that. Any suggestions? Thanks, Scott
vansairforce.net
PaulvS
Orange Peel, Runs, Solvent Pop and Dust!!
I've started painting my RV, in a temporary paint booth inside my farm shed. The paint is single stage polyurethane 2K and the plane is going to be red and white. It's been a bit of a learning curve painting the top coat and trying to get it to turn out nicely. This morning I got up early...
vansairforce.net
HFS
Pistol Grip Applicator (60cc syringe) for Adhesive/Tank Sealant
Shown is a smaller version of my other "pistol" type grip applicators - made specifically for a 60cc disposable syringe. For me (I'm old), I needed to use both hands to "squeeze" out highly viscous materials, i.e. thickened epoxy adhesive & tank sealant, and it pretty much wore out my fingers...
vansairforce.net
AirplaneDetective
CAD Help - STEP File for Waterjetting
I've done this once before, now i cannot repeat the process. I I have drawn up my instruments on the Vans provided drawing for my 14, now I need to create a STEP. Note I am working with the maker version of Fusion 360 so my export options are limited. If I export the STEP file now, upload to...
vansairforce.net
dr
A Day In The Life Of A Pilot
Contract trip side gig today to aid with 🍔, 🏠 & 👕. Four legs filed - 7 hours in the cockpit minimum. Happy for the occasional SIC side work. Woke up 0330 for an hour drive to the plane and scheduled 0600 departure. At 0430 I pulled into Whataburger’s drive thru to get a taquito. “Could I...
vansairforce.net
OFF TOPIC:
Get your VansAirForce.net Charity Cap!
VAF Charity Cap: Help your charity and promote this site.
Get the cap all the cool kids are wearing! I don’t get a penny. It’s around $15. $5 more if you want your N-number on the back (I put 'STAFF' on the back of mine because it makes me laugh. Put STAFF on yours too if it makes you smile). And down the road $10 to the charity of your choice...
vansairforce.net
Please consider donating yearly to help keep this American 1-person pirate ship afloat:
Older issues of the ‘VAF News’ can be found at:
Doug's Area ...The VAF News, About VAF, My Resume
Pushed out every now and then.
www.vansairforce.net
THE VAF LIST (a list of RV-related lists)
THE VAF LIST (a list of RV-related lists)
The VAF List ...a list of RV-related lists. RV-related things you might want to browse over (a closed post that is sticky and maintained by dr). Link to this in 'Links' in the menu. v/r,dr Small businesses that help bring you this list of RV-related lists: 360 Avionics www.360Avionics.com Ace...
vansairforce.net
