Old News Home

● Project 'Pimp My Plane' Status Updates...my RV-6 will be parked outside the Garmin area at OSH'10. dr.
- Mostly just wiring now. It's pretty amazing how much is being done away with.

- New starter key location - lower left of panel instead of up top. Now I can have one of those fuzzy dice keychains.

- Pretty much just wiring and then configuring software from here on out. While the wiring continues, Grady has the panel for painting. Seats should be here Friday or Monday and painting of a few items (canopy handle, louvers on cowl, etc) will take place next week.

● RV6-vs-RV9A - A Brief Flight Comparison ...Jim Lewellyn
   For those of you that do not know me, I fly an RV6 that I purchased (flying) a few years ago. I have logged roughly 400 hours in the 6 and have loved every minute of it. I recent flew a friend’s RV9A, so I thought I would share my impressions of the two machines for those trying to decide which model they might prefer.
   My 6 has an O320 with a fixed pitch Sensenich prop. It is a very mannerly tail-dragger. Taxi requires little if any s-turning because forward visibility is quite good. Simply holding right rudder pressure during the take-off run keeps her tracking right down the middle. Once off the ground, the 6 is very responsive in pitch and roll. Both pitch and roll forces are very, very low. In fact, when I give the stick to someone in the right seat for the first time, I ask them to grab hold of it with the thumb and index fingers only. The reason for this is that almost all non RV pilot’s will drastically over control when using their whole hand on the stick. I once turned the stick over to a very seasoned pilot (without giving him the 2 finger instruction) and he promptly pitched the nose up pulling about 3.5 G's. Once he realized it, he pitched forward and vaulted us both off the seat. He just wasn't prepared for such responsiveness and low stick force requirements. In cruise, my 6 will indicate about 155 knots using 2400 RPM at 2500 ft. Back in the pattern, just easy the throttle back and trim the nose up to slow down to 90 mph, then dump out all the flaps. I fly final at about 65-70 knots depending on conditions, then three point land. As I said earlier, the 6 is very mannerly on the ground and again requires rudder pressure to keep it on the center line. Rudder/tail wheel response is also very quick (like pitch and roll). It is totally the opposite of a Cub where you kinda jab a rudder and then wait for something to happen...The 6 responds right now.
   My friends RV9A is also fitted with an O320 and fixed pitch Sensenich prop, so engine start-up procedures are identical to my 6. My first impression while sitting in the 9A was that I was sitting really high off the ground, and forward visibility was incredible. Taxing the 9A was simple and felt like I was riding on a cushion of air (compared to my 6 with a solid tail wheel tire). The 9A just floats along in taxi like a magic carpet. Take off was simple and required about the same rudder inputs as my 6. Just hold right rudder pressure to keep it tracking straight ahead. Out of habit, I let the speed build up to about 80 MPH before rotating. My friend said that I waited too long and the 9A would have flown off nicely much earlier. I could tell that he was right because the 9A jumped into the air and climbed nicely like an RV does. I really didn't pay attention to the climb rate, but it seemed a bit better that my 6 would do 2 up. We leveled off at 2500 ft. and I pulled the throttle back to 2400 RPM's. It was a bumpy day, and we were indicating about 135 knots. I rolled the 9A to about 45 degrees and did a 180 in each direction. My friends 9A requires much greater stick force in roll than my 6, which makes perfect sense due to the extra 5 feet of wing on the 9. I did a couple of steep 360's (roughly 70 degrees). Pitch forces during the turn (and flying straight ahead) feel very similar to the 6 (very light). I would have to guess that the roll forces are roughly 3-4 times greater in the 9 than in the 6. The 9 is very stable and seems to right itself better than the 6 after coming out the back side of a bump. Back in the pattern, I slowed the 9 down just like I do my 6, just ease the power back and trim the nose up and wait. The 9 is very slippery like the 6 and requires a bit of planning to get it down to flap speed. But with a little practice, it is very easy to manage. Same full flap routine in the 9, as I use in the 6. I flew final at about 65 knots and floated way down the runway. The 9 just wants to keep on flying. Flare was simple and I made an extra effort to keep the nose wheel off the ground as long as possible. Landing the 9A was very easy, and if I could have done just a few more, I could have really greased it on.
   Before flying the 9A, I had read all the specs for it on Vans web page. I must say that it flew just like I expected it to. It is all RV, and a real hoot to fly!
Jim Lewellyn
N6312V
RV6 - O-320 FP
GRT Sport - With GPS and XM Weather

Construction
● Paul Winkels Panel ...Lakeville, MN
Here's a picture of my panel in progress. The panel is 1.25" taller than the stock panel, waterjet cut, powdercoated in VAN's light gray, labelled using DecalPro FX, with a matte clearcoat applied over that. All components are installed with the exception of the ELT control head, as I'm waiting for ACK E-04's certification.
Now all I have to do is wire it all up...

● Andrew's Servo Activated Pitch Adjustable RV-8 Landing Light
   I've been keen on pitch-adjustable lighting to enable each lamp unit to double as landing and taxi lights (taildragger), so to this end I've designed and manufactured a new light bracket to accomodate the Planelights.com MR16 35W lamps. I've chosen to have a single lamp each side, one being fixed and the other pitch adjustable by a servo.
   I spent some time CAD-ing up a nice round leading edge aperture that accomodates the appropriate pitch and beam cone angle, along with my idea of a bracket
   I had fun and discovery converting it all to flat patterns for CNC cutting. (continue)

Video
● Dale Parker Video
(from Garrett Easley) "Here is another example of the GoPro in action. A fellow RVator friend of mine Dale Parker, just got one and this is his first video in the RV6. I did the editing for him on this. Just something quick and simple to test the camera out. The quality is A LOT better than what you see here, This is a semi-compressed version, but still not bad."

(from Dale) "Experimenting with the GOPRO video Camera for the first time. Took off from TS89 Parker Airport (Private Grass Airstrip).... Towards the end of the video I flew passed my dads resting site below a group of Live Oak Trees in the middle of the pasture."

Milestones
● New Runway - First Flight
Yesterday the final layer of asphalt was laid and we decided to reopen flight operations today even though there is some work remaining to prepare the new grass runway for seeding. We have been shut down since June 24.
I asked a couple other guys if they wished to make the first flight and both declined, so I had do it my self.

   The runway slopes down hill to the west but with a light southeast wind, it had to be an uphill launch to the east.
   What a difference, that used to be a bouncy take off, now it is smooth as a baby's bottom. Even with the slope, the RV was off in 720' with a FP prop turning up just 2170 rpm.
   Grass operations is charismatic and all that stuff, but I will take performance any day. A smooth surface does make a difference. When the wind shifts to west, the RV will be off in 500' hands down. I like it.
David Domeier
RV-7A N707DD
Barrett IO360-X
AFP FI
Vetterman 4 pipe (Harley) exhaust
Catto 3 Blade 66x74
Troy, MO

Wed 07.14.10 1124z
Hump day! The ISP that hosts the VAF servers had an internal router go stupid yesterday around 1pm, resulting in spotty access to the site for a half hour. They put a man on it and made it mo betta lickity split.

Doug Reeves (RV-6 'Flash')

● Project 'Pimp My Plane' Status Updates...my RV-6 will be parked outside the Garmin area at OSH'10.
   - Last minute wiring items arriving from Garmin and SteinAir today.
   - Dropping panel off at Grady's for paint today.
   - New pressure sender manifold on firewall ...cleans up things considerably.

- Newly covered seats on way from Oregon Aero.

● Fuel Exhaustion ...a true story from air traffic controller and forum contributor Tony Kelly. You want an example of a post that will end up saving a life someday? This is it.

"Exhaustion/starvation is the leading cause of aircraft accidents/incidents. This is an audio clip of the actual controller trying to help me after I possibly made my last mistake. He did a great job along with a Spirit pilot trying to help as well. Everyone involved did a great job trying to make the best of a bad situation. I have a lot of people to thank and a lot to be thankful for.

This incident is a serious embarrassment and blow to my ego. It has taken me awhile to get over it but now that I have, I hope to educate other pilots so they do not find themselves in a similar situation. Before I begin, some background information is needed. I am a controller by profession and was recieving VFR advisories from the facility where I work as I was flying from one small airport to my home airport on an overcast November afternoon. (the day before Thanksgiving) The final leg of this day would be a short 20 minute flight.

That morning I did a normal pre-flight. I physically checked the tanks and they were both full. The fuel guages were not accurate and as such I did not use them. I based all my calculations off of the hobbs meter. I had been in the market to purchase my own airplane and in my search I ran across many advertisements that read "Cruises at 8 gph", many said similar things ranging from 6-9 gph. Occasionally I would come across an extremely thirsty plane that consumed 9.5 gph. I had trained in a C-152 that burned 5.5 gph and on this day I was flying a C-172 which I assume would never burn more than 10 gph. I figured that was a very safe estimate but obviosuly I figured wrong.

I took off from my home base in NJ to visit a friend in PA. About an hour flight. We hung out for a bit and then off I went back home. I had tentative plans to take a skydiving buddy of mine up for a local flight and when I arrived back home I called him and he said he was on his way. He explained he would be there in 20 minutes and asked if it would be ok to take his 14 yo nephew. I said "Sure", I wasn't fortunate enough to get many opportunities in my life, so I was always willing to supply a few when I could.

As I waited on my friend I figured I would fuel up and looked over towards the pump and discovered another airplane just pulling up for fuel. "Oh well" I thought, I have plenty of gas. There is only 2 hours out and should have at least 2.5 more hours.

My buddy and his nephew arrived and we took off for a local airport for lunch. It was a 25 minute flight. Unfortunately, the grill was closed for remodeling. Off we went to another local airport. We flew over the airport I work and decided to do a touch and go enroute. Then off to the destination airport. That flight took about 35 mintutes. We landed and had lunch. It was a great day and the 14 yo who had been nervous about his first GA flying experience was getting comfortable and decided to sit up front for our last leg home.

As we approach the plane my buddy asks me if I want him to check the tanks. I declined the offer and just rechecked the dispatch sheet and hobbs meter...the plane was only out a mere 3 hours. Surely I had enough fuel for the 20 minute flight home with 30-45 mintues of reserve.

We take off and I immediately acquire advisory service from the approach control where I work. Ten minutes into the flight...then engine sputtered and quit immediately. The following audio clip will explain the rest. It's slow at first but will have some highlights that may hit home and help you to avoid a similar mistake.

As you can see, this was a typical accident where a chain of events lead to this potential disaster. If I had broken any of those links this might not have happened.

As I said, I am extremely embarrassed to make such a mistake. At the same time I am extremely proud of the fact that I did not give up...I did not panic...I flew the plane until it would not fly anymore. It was hard enough to maintain composure but it was tougher when the 14 yo was crying out that he "wanted to see his mom again" and "he didn't want to die". (He is now a big 6'4" teenager that would never admit to this but I think he did a great job anyway) I knew my buddy would keep his cool because we have been in extreme situations with each other before. (we are skydivers) I told my friend to tighten up all the belts. We weren't going to make the open field off in the distance.

When the engine quits it is very quiet up there. 2 minutes and 21 seconds doesn't sound like a lot of time but it is forever when you are looking into the face of death. A non-moving prop looks very eerie. I remember at one point I tried to restart the engine and the battery was turning the prop over, for a split second I was pleased to see the prop turning over thinking it would actually propel me enough to make a nearby field. (Your survival instinct will play tricks on the brain sometimes) When we were coming into the treetops it sounded like an aluminum canoe slapping into some choppy waves. I flared as if I were going to land ON the treetops. This had us at a very slow speed. Soon after I had no control as the plane bounced off of several trees but I STILL tried to manuever. We came to a stop and we all got out without a scratch. The first thing I did was check the tanks for fuel...I was still in disbelief. On this day the C-172 burned 13.9 gph. A far cry from the 10 I assumed would be a lot."

A few lessons learned...

Construction
● Pre-Osh Update on Bill Repucci's RV-9
It has been almost 13 months since my taxi incident and N941WR is getting close to move back to the airport. Here is what I have left to do: The oil filler door needs to be riveted in place and the Hartwell latches installed. The carb heat has to be fabricated and attached to the HIGHLY modified FAB. I need to modify the mixture so I have enough movement. For some reason, this worked great with the MA3 carb on the O-290 but the MA4 carb on the O-360 is just different enough that it isn't a bolt up operation. (more / pics)

Advertiser's Corner...sent in by the advertisers of this site.
● Beringer Nose Wheel Kit for RVs ...OSH special.

Miscellaneous
● Still Just A Lurker? ...you're missing out.
Registering in the VAF Forums is quick, easy...and FREE. Below are some reasons you might want to consider do it.

    What's a 'Buddy List'?
       The buddy list is used to keep track of the friends you have made on this forum. By going to your "Open Buddy List" in "Quick Links" menu of the navbar, you'll be able to see which of your friends are currently online and send them a private message. Adding people to your buddy list also allows you to send private messages to multiple forum members at the same time. You may add any member of the forums to your buddy list by viewing their profile or by going to "Buddy Lists" in your "User CP".
        (register)

Tue 07.13.10 1117z
● Project 'Pimp My Plane' Status Updates...my RV-6 will be parked outside the Garmin area at OSH'10.
- Oregon Aero has the newly-recovered seats almost finished.

        By comparison, this is what I sent them (8yrs of use)

          related: OregonAero.com

   - Floor carpet measurements sent to Abby at Flightline Interiors

related: FlightlineInteriors.com

- Last minute harness and other stuff on way from Stein and Garmin. Pitot lines and connectors installed. Final wiring underway (even though the pictures don't make it seem that way). Updated pics start here.

- Panel ready to paint.

● N348AS Flies
   On Saturday July 10, 2010 N348AS my 8A QB took to the air for the first time. I only flew her around the pattern and then landed so I did not get into any specific flight testing on this first trip. Just wanted to get the wheels off the pavement. When I get back from Oshkosh and getting over my next cataract surgery then I will begin in earnest.
   Allan Stern,
   RV 8A QB,
   Lycoming 0-360 Hatzell C/S GRT & Garmin panel.

● First Flight: Tim Dawson-Townswend RV-10
   N52KS (RV-10 kit 400245) parted company with the ground yesterday afternoon (7/11/2010) around 3:30.   Flew 30 minutes in the first flight. Everything looked good afterwards, and the weather was so nice we did another hour before the day was done. No major squawks, just a heavy left wing we’ll have to look at.
   This RV-10 has an IO-540 from G&N Aircraft, Avidyne Entegra PFD & MFD, GNS-430, SL-30, etc. The most unique feature is the Magnum ballistic whole aircraft parachute, the engineering and installation of which probably added a year to the project!
   The airplane was built by Ken Smith, Tim Dawson-Townsend, Anton Nielsen, and Tom Smith over the course of just over 6 and a half years.
   Pictures / Video

● Trip Write-up: Big Sky, the Sequel ...Pete Howell
My brother Andy called and said the Rainbows were hitting in the Gallatin Valley, any chance Ryan and I could come out for a few days? It was not gonna happen if we drove but the RV could get us there on Friday in time for lunch and afternoon fishing.
Beautiful early departure over 1 of 10,000 lakes....(continue)

Video
● GoPro Camera Video ....Bruce Sturgill
First off let me apologize, it's not an RV it's a Cozy MKIV. Ken Murphy (pilot/AC owner) and I have been working on using different cameras (SD and HD) and attaching them to his plane. I think we have the right camera now.
Here's a link to some video that was shot using the GoPro Hero from three different cameras on his plane for the first time. It's a pretty large file (122.6MB) and only 4 minutes long, but, worth the download time. This video will give you an idea as to how good this camera is, you should see this in full HD! The GoPro does have some issues when mounting to the plane as you can see in the video (vibration), but, they are easy to overcome.

Milestones
● 1st engine start ...David Redding
   Fired up my o-320E2 for the first time.   A couple of seconds of prime and it started right up. Numbers look good so far.
   The only thing I did not do during this 5 min test is lean it. I got about 2250 RPM full power so I think it'll fly. Maybe if I leaned for field elevation (6500') I'd get a little more.
   No squaks - maybe the idle needs to be adjusted up a little (~450 RPM). I expect this because of my light weight Sterba prop.
   I bought this engine used (450 hr SMOH) a while back and, although the logs looked good and the engine appeared in great shape, you don't really know what you've got until you crank'er up.
   I'm happy

Safety
● Why Synthetic Vision? ...a data point from Carlos at GRT.
   A customer called GRT Avionics yesterday to share his story of an engine out experience while on-top, over mountainous terrain, climbing through Flight Level 180.
   In short, he heard and felt a loud bang and the engine immediately stopped. He radioed air traffic control (ATC) and they helped as much as they could.
   As he descended into the cloud covered mountains; radio and radar contact were eventually lost. The pilot used the "forward looking synthetic vision" on his Horizon HX and flew the plane. The result was a safe, uneventful landing. "It may have saved my life", he said.
   Details of the event and ATC audio to be released in coming weeks.
   Fly safe.

Mon 07.12.10 1205z
   Good Monday morning! Couple trips to the airport, the British Grand Prix, Golf, the World Cup final and washing the cars....and the weekend was over. The DVR really got a workout this weekend. Vacation Bible School starts today for the kids. Gonna be a busy week juggling it all.
   Please remember to donate yearly if you're a regular reader and think you're getting roughly $2/mo in value. The site is how I feed my family.
   Have a great work week and thanks again for helping support this small business.

Doug Reeves (RV-6)

● Project 'Pimp My Plane' Status Updates...my RV-6 will be parked outside the Garmin area at OSH'10.
- Old wires coming out....new wires going in (mostly engine sensor stuff).

- New engine sensors going on

- New left/right control grips installed (Tosten) - sticks shortened.

- Starting on pitot static and left stick now...

● A Norwegain RV visiting a former secret Swedish fighter base
   A few weeks back the wifey and me flew down to a Fly Inn at Save Airport close to Gothenburg in the SW Sweden.
   This place was built in the -50's and used to be a AFB belonging to the Swedish AF where they operated fighters from for many years.
   When their AF was scaled down, the AFB was handed over to civilan use and this Fly Inn was the first oppurtunity for the public to see the former secret underground facilities. It contains several hangars, offices, resting quarters, maintenance ares etc etc. In short; a complete self contained AFB underneath a mountain. It's now turned into an air museum. (continue)

● A RV-suited Norwegian airstrip situated on an small island (almost)
   I just have to share with you all some pics from yesterday. The wifey and me took a daytrip to an airstrip located in a fjord, "Randsfjorden" on a small "half-island".
The airstrip is 600 meters long, situated 14/32, so it's more than long enough for a RV.
   It truly was a beautiful and peaceful place, with birds in the air, fish in the water and a big warm sun on the sky! (continue)

● First PNP flight: four labs ...Ron Lee
   I saw the post for getting four puppies from Elk City OK to Denver two days ago. Details were finalized yesterday and I departed early this morning.
   Upon arrival in Elk City I was surprised to see about six people including a photographer from the local newspaper.
   After taking care of piloting duties, we loaded up the pups shown here. Three in two crates and one beside me. She eventually worked her way across my lap where she stayed during the cruise portion.
   Another woman picked them up at 00V and drove them to Denver. The female yellow lab (on my lap) was a sweetie and I wanted to take her.
   If there is a count being kept, add four to the RV-6 series.

● Welcome HomebuiltHelp.com ....their RV-12 video ad will live on the front page.

   "HomebuiltHELP has been creating affordable how-to videos for the experimental homebuilt aircraft community for the last 5 years. Our library of video titles include specific topics such as: weight & balance, licensing, scratch metal building, glass panel cockpit construction, and more. Other titles are aircraft model specific. This includes complete step by step aircraft kit assembly and engine installation demonstrations. Work on additional aircraft models for new video titles is constantly in progress to grow the expanding library.
   The most common feedback we receive from customers after using the videos is how the videos significantly speed up the building process. No matter how accurate the written builder instructions may be from the manufacturer, having a complete visual demonstration of each completed step reduces errors and cuts building time and frustration. In addition, customers also purchase videos prior to kit purchase to witness actual construction techniques and gauge the efforts needed to complete the project.
   Sample photos from each video title as well as a sample video clip is available on the HomebuiltHELP website for evaluation prior to purchase. These videos are available from Aircraft Spruce, Wicks Aircraft and the Kitplanes Bookstore. Purchase directly from our website and shipping is free anywhere in the world!"
   fmi: http://homebuilthelp.com/RV12/RV12EmpTailcone.htm

● Tip: I now have a bonded slider canopy ...Kelly Johnson
Well, it's been a very busy weekend for me but I can now say that I too have bonded my canopy with Sikaflex. I've looked at a lot of websites and corresponded with a few folks and got enough info to take a stab at it myself. I wanted to share with y'all what I've learned and what info I've gathered. The majority of what follows are tips and techniques that others have used before me. I'm just putting them all in one place for the next guy. I'm going to randomly throw in some pictures as well:
-Masking tape: I played with several different masking tapes. I tried yellow electrical tape, 3M blue paper masking tape, and some very old Permacel P366 plastic tape. All tapes mask pretty well but line created by the paper tape was just a bit less crisp than the vinyl tapes. However, I found the electrical tape much harder to work with due to the fact that it stretches. I leaned toward the Permacel tape, which by the way, appears to be obsolete. Mine has a 2001 date on the roll! (continue)

● First Look at my Panel
This is the first photo of my panel...The basic design was "stolen with permission" from Paul Story at Steinair...and thanks to Stein's staff for great support.!!! Dual Advanced, UMA backups, GMA240, SL-30, GTX-327, Klixon Beakers, Davtron Timer, SIRS Pegasus Compass...Not labeled yet!
Brian Cutler
DuBois,Il
N433BC Reserved
7a-Wiring..Home Stretch

Motivation
● Tommy continues to rub it in...
After camping for almost two weeks, we packed up our stuff at Johnson Creek and flew over to McCall for some fuel and then headed northwest to the Idaho Washington border and then north to Sandpoint, Idaho. This route took us over Hells Canyon and some other awesome country. This picture is of Hells Canyon.

As we approached Sandpoint, I snapped this picture (yes Bonnies turn to fly today) of Lake Pend Oreille. Our lake rent house is on Bottle Bay which is between the two points on the right side of the picture. It was a beautiful day to fly this route. Check out the route on the Spot link in our signature line below.

When we landed we asked about hangar rental, and found a place to park two RVs for the week. Keep pounding those rivets.
Tom Lewis
RV7a N967BT 730 hrs.
RV10 N143EB 180 hrs.
Granbury, Tx

Milestones
● Hauling day, always a milestone.... Dan Horton 8QB
Fuselage only.....the wings need paint before they go too. Faithful airplane help, Terry, Stan and Bill:

And finally at the airport. This is the 5th RV to 08A for "Old Faithful" (my trusty red trailer):

Safety
● Loss of Airspeed (melted heated pitot tube)
Lost my airspeed today inflight. Was IMC with Tampa Approach. Asked for a vector out towards the Gulf where I knew I could get VMC quickly. Landed safely back at home base. Not real happy however. Postflight inspection reveals that the Gretz heated pitot tube apparently melted, even though it was not turned on! Can this happen? Searching the forum makes be understand that this is possible. I don't know whether or not to start over with a fresh Gretz (ease of install) or switch to Falcon or Dynon. Anyone else experience this?
(from a later reply) The pitot looked like a narrow pencil eraser sticking out of the front tube. I pulled the "plug" out and it looks like it broke off other material inside the tube. The pitot heat was NOT turned on during the inital airspeed failure. I did turn the heat on after the initial failure hoping that might restore the airspeed indication. I suppose I could be having a problem with the AHRS, but think it unlikely to suffer two mechanical failures at the same time. I am surmising that the power to the pitot heat control card is always on and the pitot on/off switch functions more as a control relay. Otherwise I can't explain the failure mode.

Ongoing Maintenance Issues
● Group dynamic balancing report ...Axel
About 3 weeks ago I organized a group balancing day at Inyokern, CA. I had 4 people signed up however, only 2 showed up. I installed the sensors and started working. The results are indicated below.

First plane
Engine: O320 E2D
Prop: Catto 3-bladed (fixed pitch)
Initial Reading: 2228 rpms/0.48 IPS/ 115 deg phase angle
Number of runs req: 6
Final Reading: 2183 rpms/0.01 IPS/175 deg phase angle
Notes: Aircraft balanced at full power.

Second plane
Engine: IO360 EXP
Prop: Hart 2-bladed (constant speed)
Initial Reading: 2518 rpms/0.37 IPS/ 344 deg phase angle
Number of runs req: 7
Final Reading: 2510 rpms/0.01 IPS/024 deg phase angle
Notes: Owner selected 2500 rpms for balancing runs. Previous balancing (by me) was done at 2650 rpms.
(continue)

Fri 07.09.10 1137z
   Friday! Spending time out at the airport today (status update below). Starting to come together!
   O.T. and totally unrelated, Paul Goydos (the golfer my wife follows) shot a 59 yesterday, something that had only been done three times before in a PGA event. How cool is that? (leaderboard). Pretty heady stuff for a guy who describes himself as 'the worst golfer in the PGA'. On to cars, the Santander British F1 Grand Prix is this weekend and the DVR is set. OK, that's planes, golf and cars - let's stop there <g>.
   Have a happy, safe and RV-filled weekend!

Doug Reeves (RV-6 'Flash')

● Project 'Pimp My Plane' Status Updates...my RV-6 will be parked outside the Garmin area at OSH'10.
- Cockpit side panel progress courtesy Scott at Flightline Interiors, LLC.

- Starting the new engine sensors and control grips...then drilling in the holes for the switches.

● Rosie & Tuppergal's Whitewater Rafting Trip to Colorado ...via RV.
With a flying RV (keep poundin' rivets builders...), a three-day weekend can take you half way across the country if you are up for it (and have good weather)! Tuppergal and I have always wanted to go whitewater rafting, and we decided to combine it with a trip to visit Scott & Deb Mills and Gary & Carolyn Zilik who are based at Front Range (FTG) airport just southeast of Denver.
I took a few hours of vacation on Friday, 2 July 2010 and we departed the Rosamond Skypark around 1300 local. Our route at 13.5K (on O2) took us past Edwards AFB, over Las Vegas (with a view of Lake Mead) and into Bryce Canyon for fuel (2.4 hours). (continued in multiple parts / lots of picturess)

● Bob Stack RV-4 Video
And before you ask, yes, the camera was by itself on the fence rail - I was 200' away over to the side in the car <g>.

VAF Family
● Update on Steve Pofahl's Instrument Rating
   Scored an 88; was hoping for 90+, but I'll take it. Much harder than the Private written test. 25 hrs under the hood now, including numerous approaches and a three-legged cross country.
   Minor setback (I hope) with a Dynon HS34 glitch. Seems to be a thermal problem whereby on any flight other than the first flight of the day, it's about 50/50 as to whether the HS34 will power up. Called Dynon, RMA issued and the unit is on the way back to the factory for testing and hopefully repair. One thing I really love about experimental avionics is the responsiveness and customer service that they all seem to practice. Wish the rest of the world was that way.
   The journey continues.... target date now established for instrument rating by Sept. 21 (last day of Summer).

Advertiser's Corner...sent in by the advertisers of this site.
● Tina's Pilot Shop Specials ... www.TinasPilotShop.com and (817) 490-0046

Thu 07.08.10 1133z
   Did you feel the Earth shake yesterday? My beautiful daughter, my tiny little angel who has me around her pinky.....got her student driver's permit. Slow, deep breaths.
Ok, now on to the plane's facelift....

● Project 'Pimp My Plane' Status Updates...my RV-6 will be parked outside the Garmin area at OSH'10.
   - panel v4.0 top curve matched to canopy frame
   - angle on top of panel riveted
   - instruments rough fit (updated pictures begin HERE)

   - Abby from Flightline Interiors (web) sent me a sketch of what she thinks the side panels will look like.

- Oregon Aero (web) is working on recovering the seats (using Douglass 'Jaguar' color). Pics as they come in...

Doug Reeves (RV-6 'Flash')

● One more RV-10 flies. ...Ron Belliveau (Yarmouth, Nova Scotia)
   C-GPES is no longer a project. I lifted off on it's maiden flight today. Other than an oil cooler line leak all went well. Very smooth , hands off flying. Took thinks slow, performed two stalls one clean and one full flaps. Stall speeds were as published. Very pleased with our first day. We also installed our Skyview filters before flight (just got them last night) and they cleared up all the noise (for those with Skyviews). One of my build partners has the photo's, I'll try to twist his arm and get them posted here.
   Thanks to all on this forum for the last 2 1/2 years and I guess before that as I read your post history, for all the help. If I had to give up the Van's plans or this forum during the build I don't know which it would be. I might be exaggerating just a bit, but the forum is a great help.
   Thanks to all for this great day.
Ron

● Bob Stack's RV-4 ...based at 52F.
In WWII, Bob's father flew the P-47N 'SWEAT'ER OUT' with the 21st fighter squadron, 413th Fighter group based on Ie Shima (on the NW end of Okinawa). B-29 escort, Kamikaze patrols and fighter sweeps/ground attacks against Japan.
Fast forward to 2010, his son's RV-4 is painted in his dad's P-47 livery. Outstanding!!!!!

Construction
● Its like Finishing a Marathon ...David LaSala
Well I don't actually know what that feels like but today I felt the way I think I would after a marathon. It took all day but by 8pm tonight I finished riveting the bottom skins on the right wing SOLO!!! Some rivets were pretty difficult to get too but with a bit of tricky arm twisting I was able to get them all.

Motivation
● Anyone want to show off their RV to my flying club?
I've recently been elected as the Vice President of my flying club, based out of Santa Monica airport in California.
Is anyone interested in giving a short show and tell presentation to my club next Wednesday evening, around 7:30pm? If you have a flying RV or one that's still in the project stage we'd love to hear about. Most of these pilots have flown nothing but spam cans their entire flying carrer, it would be a great eye opener for them to hear about the experimental side of aviation.

Advertiser's Corner...sent in by the advertisers of this site.
● Press Release from E-Mag electronic Ignition
   "Due to the economy, we are finding warehouse stocks of certain electronic components are low, and re-supply schedules are running much longer than normal.
   We typically keep a one to two month supply of sub-assemblies on hand. However, these shortages may hinder our ability to maintain normal inventories.
   We have an adequate supply for now (early July), but backorders are possible later this summer and fall.
   By alerting customers ahead of time, we hope to minimize any inconvenience.
   If you plan to install this summer or fall, please plan (order) ahead."
   fmi: http://www.emagair.com/E-MAG_product_page.htm#Note:

● Support PIREP for GRT ...Skylor Piper
   I have been meaning to share my experiences in dealing with Grand Rapids Technologies service and support for some time, but I'm finally getting around to doing it.
   I originally purchased a 3 display GRT Horizon 1 EFIS system + EIS for use in my RV-8 back in 2006. Well, since I'm a slow builder, I didn't get my plane completed until this year. My display setup consists of 2 displays mounted in the instrument panel and the 3rd display installed in the back seat for the passenger.
   Anyway, I've had my wiring pretty much complete since early 2009 and everything initially worked great. However, earlier this year (March I think) one of my 2 front displays started misbehaving and would sometimes go into a continuous reboot cycle. After some trouble shooting, I removed the display and further bench tested in at home. The problem was intermittent, but I was definitely able to get the display fail outside of the aircraft with nothing but 12V DC power hooked up, so I called GRT and they told me to send it in. (continue)

Wed 07.07.10 1129z
Hump day! Plenty of RV news today to keep you from getting much done at the office. You're welcome <g>.

Doug Reeves (RV-6 'Flash')

● N819WB flies!
On July 3rd, 2010, 11:30, N819WB took to the air. She flew beautifully. Hands off. I circled the airport at 2500' for about 20 minutes. Conducted stalls with and without flaps and returned to land. Not the prettiest but down safe and without drama. Taxied back, shut down, and grinned. Pulled the cowl and looked the engine over carefully. No oil except for a little weeping around the oil temp sensor. That was it for the day. Time to celebrate!

(more pics)

● A 2-ship Norwegian RV dinner trip into Sweden
A few weeks back, a friend of mine and his wife, the wifey and me flew a 2-ship mission to Fjallbacka airstrip (ESTF) in the SW Sweden for our Sunday dinner.

(more pics)

● Lobstah Run - Port Clyde, ME ...Jeff Vaughan
A very large slow moving HIGH was poised to dominate the weather in the northeast providing an opportunity for me to fly from West Chester PA (KOQN) to Rockland ME (KRKD) to visit a friend of mine. My friend and his family were vacationing in Port Clyde ME where I go every year with my family. When we vacation in ME we bring with us 2 kayaks, 5 bikes and one small motor boat. No room for the RV to explore the many Islands from above. Unfortunately my wife was not available for the trip but my good friend Scott jumped at the opportunity. Scott and I both played hooky from work on Friday and departed at 7 AM in the severe clear skies. Our route lead us around the NY Bravo airspace then direct to Portland and then on to KRKD overflying smaller airports as we went. The trip took 3 hours and 25 gallons of fuel. We did not see one cloud in the ski the entire way up in the morning. My friend Craig met us at the airport where we assumed the driving responsibilities and dropped Craig and his kids at a golf course and I drove around the area acting as a tour guide for Scott. He had not been to this area in ME and was interested in learning about the area as a possible future family vacation spot. The evening ended with cocktails and a great lobster roast with Scott, Craig, and his family. Saturday we awoke to a perfect blue sky morning. After some blueberry muffins and coffee we departed for PA with our overnight bags and four live lobsters that were to be consumed for dinner in PA. Again we did not encounter any clouds the entire way home. We had flight following all the way from Portland ME to West Chester PA and we even got to fly through the NY Class Bravo airspace. Flight following was very accommodating. Total time going home was 2.75 hours and 21 gallons used. I finally got my chance to see Port Clyde from the air. I will be returning to Port Clyde by car in two weeks for our annual vacation. Here is a link to my friend Scotts photos from this trip. Enjoy!!

● No Longer a Project ...Chad Jensen's RV-7 Gets Its Airworthiness Slip
   7/6/2010-Airworthiness Inspection Day
   I got out to the hangar at about 0930 this morning to get things tidied up around the hangar for the DAR. I didn't know exactly what time she was gonna make it to the hangar, but at about 1000 she called to tell me she was leaving the office in Springfield, and would be in Bloomington at about 1130. She had one short appointment before me at Image Air, so we decided to meet for lunch at the airport resturant to go over the paperwork. Lunch and the paperwork ran about two hours, but all was in order with the exception of me forgetting the second page of the Repairman's Certificate application. Not a big deal, I'll just fax it to her, but I'll have to drive down to the FSDO office next week to provide my build log.
   After lunch we headed over to the hangar where she proceeded to go over the airplane with an inspection mirror and flashlight. She was pleased with what she saw, and only had two items for me to correct. I had one bolt on the carb saftied incorrectly, and I need to write the date on the oil filter. When she was done inspecting it, she had me push the airplane out to run it. Just a quick run was enough for her to give the thumbs up. I got out, and she asked if I was ready to sign the papers. Heck yeah!!
   I present...N755CB in a condition for safe flight...AIRWORTHY!!

Click to enlarge.

Chad is 'cjensen' in the forums and his online build log is HERE.

Construction
● The Big Cut Completed ...illustrated.
Today was a good day. After many days of second guessing myself, laying down the cut line, erasing the cut line, laying down the tape, and pulling up the tape, I finally got my guts up and now I find myself on the other side of THE BIG CUT. Somebody on here said that they were told to "grow a pair" and just cut it. Well, those words also got me through this stressful time...wise words indeed.

Actually, I was MORE than ready to do the cut today. I guess I was just tired of thinking about it. (continue)

● Help with RV-10 FWD fuse longeron
So I was working through the manual and got to step 3 on page 29-9. I put everything together to match Figure 2 and then started to drill the holes and found what was a VERY big problem.
My holes in the Longeron are very close to the edge and if I keep drilling they will hit the edge on the aft most hole. I know I need to order a new longeron, but how do I fix this so it does not happen again?

● RV-10 I ntersection fairings - the best I have ever seen ...Janekom (South Africa).
...asked a pro to help out. He has made molds and provided me with the best intersection fairings I have ever seen. Having made molds means that they are available should other RV10 builders need them. No pinholes and an excellent fit. All that is left is to drill the attach holes and paint.

In The Shop....
● David LaSala ...RV-7 Wings
Wings came out of the stands this weekend and are now in the cradles, 2 more weeks and I suspect these will be finished. Then its off to OSHKOSH!!!!!

● More from Tommy
Yes Smokey, Dale and Denise are camped next to us. We met them here 3 years ago and picked up right where we left off. Good people. I told them you saw their airplane on my picture and said hi.
Today we flew over to McCall to pickup supplies for the week. Heavy frost so we had to wait for it to melt before flying out. This is a picture of the valley from the south of Johnson Creek. The green strip near the top of the picture of the valley is the airstrip.

Miscellaneous
● OT: The Best $89 I've Ever Spent.....
   Maybe one morning a week it's absolutely perfect. About 6:20am when there is no wind, and I mean no wind. If you can see one leaf even slightly twitching at the top of the tree it's too much. If a neighbor's outdoor patio ceiling fan is on...it's too windy. Late evening dead calm most of the time won't do, as there are micro thermals still separating from the warm ground. It's an O'God thirty sunrise sport with about a ten minute window.
   Welcome to the world of micro r/c planes <g>.
   I bought a Hobbyzone Champ a couple months back, and once, maybe twice a week after I push out the daily site I peek out the window and look at the very top of a neighbor's tree. If the leaves are rock solid I go fly for five or ten minutes, then it's back inside for breakfast and the other morning things you do before settling into the workday.
   I'd be embarrassed to really let on how much fun I'm having with this thing, but with my RV down for a facelift this is the only flying I'm getting here lately!
   Over the past week, with a little help from Tater, I pieced together some highlights - but it doesn't do it justice. 1/3rd power slow passes right at your shoulder height turns this 44yr old into a 9yr old boy again. After two months I'm still on the original (4) AA batteries in the transmitter.
   You know, with some lightweight foam you could make a pretty decent RV-12 version. Krueger, can you shrink down the plans so we can use 'em as a cutout?
   I might be getting a little bit back into R/C <g>.

Tue 07.06.10 1208z
Back to the grind - hope you had a nice holiday weekend (USA).

Doug Reeves (RV-6 'Flash')

● Coming to the front page: the iFlightPlanner Widget
This is a piece of code written specifically for the VAF crowd by airplane nut and pro golfer, Andy Matthews (golf site). He has developed iFlightPlanner.com as a side business. Andy and I had dinner a few weeks back when he was in town and talked about some ways that we could customize it for the VAF bunch.
This is the first piece, and it's still in beta....and there is more to come. Soon their widget will replace the Metar/Taf box at the top left corner of the front page, but you play with it now.

   How
   Go HERE and enter a string of airports
     (ex: Dallas to San Antonio: KDFW KACT KAUS KSAT).
   Note the Metars in the left column and TAFs on the right. As you scroll down, think of a stop light. Green is good (VFR), yellow is caution (MVFR) and red is IFR. At the bottom of each segment is the raw Metar/TAF info.
Below is a screen capture of San Antonio, TX today...

● Best life for a 16 year old ...introducing Casey Stewart
   Let's start it off with the idea that I am one of the rare young pilots. My dad and I began building our first plane in 1998. It was completed in 2002. In February of 2006, we began work on an RV-7 with the desire for speed. Our first plane cruised at 185kts. We completed the -7 in December '09 and reached 100 on the hobbs today.
   I have been flying (with controls quite often) since I was 9. I am now 16 and consider myself to be spoiled in aviation terms. Today, my dad and I decided to go for a flight around the puget sound (we are based out of Arlington). We took off and went south for some aerial photography of Mt. Rainier. Then it was back North for some flights above the san juan islands at 1500'. Back into land at Arlington following the Blackjack squadron, the local group of RV formation pilots, all in about an hour.
   I just began ground school and will be starting official lessons in September. I realize that i have an amazing opportunity and will never forget the good times my dad and i have spent together because of our planes.
   Here are some pics of the flight...(see 'em)

● Winchester Breakfast Flyin (KBGF) Great Day! ...Brian Chesteen
   Here are a few pics my wife and I took while our flight of three from KMOR visited Winchester, TN in search of pancakes!!!
   Weather was a challenge and I hope all that came and went found their destination safely!!
   Furthest trip so far for N159SB!!!

● Tommy and Friends at Johnson Creek
We flew over to Johnson Creek this morning. It was a great flight across some rugged country. We had a 20 knot headwind and some clouds at 11k. Here is a picture of the turn to final.

Construction
● RV-3 Tail Tale...Paul Dye (RV-8 flying / RV-3B building)
   Well once again, we have a good story of how much “fun” it is to build an RV-3. As much as an art as it is a science, our latest “tale” involves a mystery of a mismatch between the vertical and horizontal stabilizers…..
   We have been attaching the Vertical Stab this weekend, and ran into this interesting problem – once we had bolted the rear spar to the back of the fuselage, the forward spar is about 3/8” back from the tab that sticks up from the Horizontal Stabilizer forward spar to join it. We traded some notes with the engineering guys at Vans and they are OK with a thick spacer and four AN3 bolts, so the problem is solved – but the mystery remains. {BTW – when I call Vans guys on the RV-3, I generally am not looking for a “factory position” on anything – the truth is, no one there but Van has built one, and that was a LONG time ago. Rather, I call them for an independent sounding board for engineers familiar with the general design. It relieves them from feeling that I am depending on their answers to be “official”…}
   The problem:

   Here’s the thing – we didn’t build our tail feathers, so we have been backtracking and measuring through the drawings to see if there is an error. The placement of the horizontal stabilizer on the fuselage is dependent on where the vertical attachment bars (for the rear spar) are located – they are located on the F-310 bulkhead. That bulkhead is in turn set relative to the aft bulkhead (F-311) by the tail wheel mount weldment. The Vertical Stab aft spar is bolted to that aft bulkhead, so that that point can be considered as a “zero point” for measuring the assembly. In our case, the distance between the F-311 and F-310 is exactly per drawings, and the distance between the HS spars is perfect (10.5 inches). So we know that the HS forward spar (and its tab) is where it should be relative to the aft spar of the VS. So the question then was the distance between the VS aft and forward spars. What we found is that on the Vertical tail drawing, there is a measurement that basically sets the distance from the aft spar to the bottom of the forward spar – it is given as 14-11/16”. There is a change note bubble by it – and when you check the change notes, it says that it was previously 15”. That is almost the exact distance of our discrepancy (5/16 - approximately 3/8”). The change to the drawing was done in 2001.
   Now the fellow that built our tail (how many folks are lucky enough to get a QB tail on a -3?!) was on his fifth RV. Everything he has built has been to about 1/64” tolerance to the drawings. He obviously built this exactly to the drawings, but it doesn’t fit the HS, which is built to the drawings. So it’s our current theory that the Horizontal Stabilizer and Vertical Stabilizer drawings don’t currently match. The question we have, of course, is if any of the other current builders out there have run in to this mismatch. Since most tails are built long before the fuselage – and you need the fuselage to know how these are going to fit together, it is a good thing to know when you are building. As I've stated many times, building a -3 is an adventure - you have to enjoy solving little puzzles like this!
   Oh - Our fix was to make a spacer that measured 3/8” (built from two pieces of 3/16”x1 - ½” bar), measured carefully for edge distance for four AN3 bolts, and match drilled to join the two spars. I then drilled some lightening holes that fit with proper edge distances to keep from getting the CG too far aft. Not a hard fix.
   The fix:

Independence Day
Weekend 1119z
God Bless America and all those who defend her. In honor of Independence Day, the text below...

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America:
   When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
   We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
   — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,
   — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
   Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.
   But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
   — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States.
   To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
   He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
   He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
   He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
   He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
   He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
   He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
   He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
   He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.
   He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
   He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.
   He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
   He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.
   He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
   For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
   For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
   For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
   For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
   For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:
   For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:
   For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies
   For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
   For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
   He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
   He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
   He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
   He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
   He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
   In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
   Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence.
   They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
   We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare,
   That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do.
   — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

● First Flight: RV-12 N391MQ: Steve Rush (Arlington, WA)
Add another flying RV-12 to the list. N391MQ took to the skies for the first time recently. As has been noted by others it flies very well. I am also having the same issue with Northwest weather that others have noticed and will have to wait to get the clouds high enough to finish the testing. Things will be largely on hold this week for the Fly-In anyway. (more / pictures)

● The Getaway ...Pete Howell
   No baseball.....No Soccer.....No graduation parties....
   Nice weather......Full tanks.... and a destination.....
   20 years ago, 2 kids from Iowa State got hitched and began life together with a trip to Door County, up in Wisconsin. It was close, cheap and a great time. Hard to believe living in Minne we never went back. We changed that today. Up at 7am for an 8am departure, we picked up flight following out of Anoka and headed east, 090. (continue)

● In Honor of Independence Day ...I present 'Bianca', the Russian Tortoise owned by Abby at Flightline Interiors, LLC. One of your advertisers sends you an email with their tortoise carrying a flag, you run that sucker on page one!

Milestones
● 10 Year Anniversary of First Flight: Paul Rosales
Happy 4th of July to our RV family of friends! Tuppergal and I are in Colorado this weekend celebrating the 234th birthday of this great US of A with friends Gary & Carolyn Zilik and Scott & Deb Mills

Today also marks the 10th year anniversary of my first flight in our RV-6A which should see 3200 hours on the return flight home on Monday. Looking back on 10 years of flying our plane, we've made new friends measured in the HUNDREDS; All because we built an RV

We're heading out now to go river rafting on the Arkansas River (Buena Vista), and tomorrow were flying to Telluride (KTEX), landing at 0900 (if you are nearby and would like to join us). Mercedes (Cougar) and Sean (Goose) are in Grand Junction with friends and will be meeting us there.
We wish safe flights to all of you flying this holiday weekend, and if you are building: Keep poundin' them rivets because it's ALL worth it! Rosie & Tuppergal

Fri 07.02.10 1138z
   Yesterday in the Pimp My Plane studios I spent an hour in the cockpit leaning into a spaghetti bowl of wires cutting plastic wire ties off until I couldn't feel my feet anymore. You know that rotary knob a lot of us have that lets us select the CHT of one cylinder at a time? It has about fifty wires going into it? Randy cut through them all with a pair of cutters in one chomp on purpose (don't need it anymore). Seeing that happen just doesn't feel right, even if it's supposed to come out <g>.
   While in the cockpit crawling around on all the blankets and cushions, my right knee rested next to the control stick mount on the passenger side (stick was out). Doing this made the left side control stick start moving, and when I pushed it out of the way IT CAME BACK....so of course my first thought was that the wires were somehow HOT and my autopilot was on. Then I realized that a) the autopilot head was over there on the shelf, b) the battery cables were still off and c) I'm not the sharpest tool in the drawer <g>. I did chuckle out loud that my first thought was 'autopilot disconnect'! Pavlovian...
   The v4.0 panel is rough fit - final trimming in progress. The sensors arrived later in the afternoon at the house - taking those out to 52F this morning and starting on that. Updated panel pics start HERE.
   In the 'totally off topic' category, I have a nearly-lifelong friend who is letting me play with one of his '06 BMW R1200GS bikes for a bit, and I've been using it to go to/from 52F (taking the Accord today due to forecast rain). This thing is an engineering masterpiece - even the luggage racks are a thing to behold. Anyone wanna buy a pink scooter <g>? Yesterday after leaving the shop I took the long way home and got the shot below (compare it to Scott Schmidt's photos just below it <g>). Something about this bike just makes you want to throw the laptop and some clothes in a bag and go to Alaska...and then Austria.
   The RV has been down for improvements for over two weeks now. The motorcycle is helping with the withdrawal pains.
   Remember, the mothership will be closed Monday. Wishing you a happy, safe and RV-filled weekend.

Doug Reeves (RV-6 'Flash')

● Garmin G3X EFIS Rebate - big $$'s ...posted by Stein
   If you haven't seen it yet, Garmin has announced a new rebate for the Garmin G3X EFIS system - $3500 for the typical 2 screen system. Here are the details:

      Single Screen system (no XM): $2000
      Single Screen system (w/ XM): $2500
      Dual Screen system (no XM): $3000
      Dual Screen system (w/ XM): $3500

   Here's how it works - simply buy a system from a qualified dealer and Garmin send you the customer a check directly. You'll notice the difference in rebate price just about covers the price of the XM (which is built in to the screen - no external module required). The rebate runs from July 1 - Dec 31, 2010.
   Anyway, this coupled with the forthcoming giant display at OSH focused on Experimentals (and some internal happenings at Garmin) shows that they are now really serious about us homebuilders. Should be a fun OSH!

Video
● RV8 spins ...Jon Thocker (RV4, RV4, RV6A, RV8, RV8, RV8, RV12(starting))
Here's a video I took yesterday of some spins in my RV8. I was hoping that the "mount" on the rear seat back would afford a look at the Dynon, along with the view out the front windscreen. Next time I'll mount it on the front seat cross brace so it's closer to the screen.
This was my first try with the video camera remote, and as you can tell, I shoulda practiced with it first. I didn't get all the other loops, and Cuban 8's as I had hoped to because I inadvertently turned the camera back off!

Safety
● Other side of the coin ...first flight risk/reward vs consequence/likelihood. Wonderful example of the civility, even with differing opinions, that can be had (refreshing). From this thread.

Advertiser's Corner...sent in by the advertisers of this site.
● G3i Introduces New Ignition Interface for Magneto and E/PMAG Users.

Thu 07.01.10 1202z
   Our RV buddy Jim Pappas underwent surgery yesterday to remove a cancerous growth on his kidney. His mother called me yesterday and said the procedure went fine, the doctors think they got everything, and that Jim would be home in a day or two. Doctors said there is a very good chance he won't need chemo. Please keep Jim in your thoughts, and if you want to shoot him a note of encouragement...reply to this (there is an email link at the bottom, too).
   Our 15yr old daughter Audrey found out yesterday she made varsity choir. Totally off-topic, but you understand. Proud papa.
   Today in the 'Pimp My Plane' studios, while Monk rough cuts in the v4.0 panel, I'll be taking measurements for some cloth-covered side panels that Abby from Flightline Interiors will be helping me with. My job is to take accurate measurements, email them to her, and then get the hell out of the way <g>. Have I told you lately how much I like that Abby?
   Yesterday we got the radio mount permanently mounted to the panel. Latest pictures start HERE. Good times.

Doug Reeves (RV-6 'Flash')

● First Flight: RV-10 (SN 40838) C-GMDV ...Ivan Kristensen
   On Monday June 28, 2010 I added another wonderful airplane to our growing fleet of RV-10s. At about 2:30 in the afternoon C-GMDV Lifted off runway 26 at Waterloo Regional airport CYKF.
   This project took 26 months and just over 2300 hours to complete to this pre-paint stage. The test flight went very well and the RV Grin is still intact 2days and 5 hours of flight time later. (more pictures and video)

M o d e l - S p e c i f i c F o r u m A r e a s
12	10	9/9A	8/8A	7/7A	6/6A	4	3

Safety
● Doug Rozendaal's Thoughts On the First Flight Mindset
   The accident record for first flights of homebuilt aircraft is terrible. There are several reasons why.
   First, the builder has spent all their spare time for at least several years building instead of flying. Very few active builders do very much flying. They are almost never the most qualified person on their airport to do the test flight, and certainly not the most qualified person with in a one hour flight in an RV.
   Second, the test pilot MUST be willing to sacrifice the airplane to save their butt. A builder has an emotional attachment to the pile of tin and they are also more likely to be in denial that their magnificent airplane is letting them down. A dispassionate test pilot will trade an airplane for their a$$ in a heartbeat and that is a necessary skill to be a test pilot.
   If the builder is not willing to risk allowing a test pilot crash their airplane, does anyone think they will quickly chose to crash the airplane to save their life?
   Third, just because many people do their own first flights and do not crash that does not make it smart. An RV would fly with half the rivets installed and the other half in the bag. That does not make flying an RV with only half the rivets installed a good idea.
   Most of the first flights that I have witnessed by builders have been near disasters.... Many of the first flights that I have done have had significant issues that very well could have caused major problems for the builder.
   Very few builders are qualified to do their own first flights.... Even the ones that might be good candidates to do someone else's first flight, would be better served by letting someone else do the honor.
   Indulge me one quick story....
   We had a old boy who built a very nice RV but he was totally unqualified to fly it at all, much less first flight. I tried repeatedly to convince him to select someone else. I told him, it did not need to be me, it was not about me, I would help him find someone else if he wanted me to, but he should not do it.
   He said to me, "50 years ago on my wedding night, I didn't know what I was doing but I didn't hire someone else to do it for me."
   That is a really cute story, but it doesn't apply. Most likely nobody was going to get hurt on his wedding night.
   He flew his beautiful airplane and nearly wrecked it. This is an area in the industry that definitely needs education and culture change......

Recent RV Travel Stories

Our Trip to Alaska ...
The Cards go to CA
My trip to Houston ...Larry Pardue (RV-6)
Trip Write-up: Naval Aviation Museum ...Bill Cloughley
Vacation Spring Break ...Don McMullen
The race, and the trip home (which aint over yet!) ...Bob Mills
Air Force Museum, Dayton, OH ...Jim Brown
Flight in Bruce's RV-9A ...Brad Oliver
Easter Sadie ...Pete Howell
Everglades City, FL - X01 Another Great Day Trip ...Carl Raichle
Flight from KTFP to KVCT ...Gus and Peggy
Taking Mom Home ...Jim Brown
A Norwegian RV-weekend on a frozen lake in the Norwegain Mountains. ...Alf Olav Frong (RV-7 Norway)
Pilgrimage to Portland ...Mike and Aneta Rettig
RV-10 Adventure: Baja Flying and Whales - February 2010 ...Scott Schmidt
Scott & Deb's EXcellent Weekend Excursions: Movie in the Mojave
Central America 2010 ...Don McMullen
Julia & Greg's most excellent holiday trip to Texas ...Greg Arehart
A Pup's Second Chance ...Bruce Sacks (RV-9)
Jersey Girl.... Pete Howell
Day trip to Kitty Hawk ...Bill Cloughley (RV-7)
Lake Placid, NY ...Jim Lewellyn (RV-6)
A short trip to the west: Monument Valley, Page, Grand Canyon, and Seldona ...Ted Chang

Recent Photo Albums

RV Day 2010 in Boone, IA
Pilots N Paws Fly-in, SC Breakfast Club (Triple Tree Aerodrome, SC)
Big River ...Pete Howell
SnF'10
Bruce Sacks | Bill Cloughley's | Larry Geiger | Radomir's | Joe Ramirez
Kids Rides ...Pete Howell
6th Annual RV Fly-in cookout @ KCUB ...Robert Cutter
Cool Experience For All ...Axel
Olney Gather (S.Card, L.Hose, C.Pratt, J.Humphreys)
Pilots n' Paws KLZU-KOCF ...David Maib RV-10
Meet Sully ...Pete Howell
Tour of Brazil RV Factory...Alex DeDominicis
Lunch with Megan ...Pete Howell
more

Recent Videos:

First Flight Video ...Jeremy Constant
GRT Sport SX Landing with Synthetic Vision & Tail Camera
Bill Steppling's RV-10 First Flight (and construction)
Video of RV-12 In Flight sn: 120141 Flying ...Ben Bradley/Jim Olson
RV-10 Albuquerque / Formation Flight ...Bill Steppling (Granbury, TX)
RV6 with under wing camera
Tate's First Time Flying The Plane

Wed 06.30.10 1132z
   The computer-cut panel blank arrived yesterday (pictures start HERE). I'll say it again, SteinAir rocks!!!! Left room on the top so we could custom fit it to the canopy frame (mine's not perfectly symmetrical). Extra space at the bottom so the extra-tall radio stack would line up with the tops of the G3X screens.
   New static lines started. Probes/sensors on way via Stein and should be here Thursday. Serious panel work starts NOW, baby.
   I leave for OSH in 26 days. Oorah!

Doug Reeves (RV-6 'Flash')


   Real work on panel starts now...
   related: Garmin G3X / SteinAir

● Bryce Canyon and Ruby's Inn ...Frank Stringham
This morning a group of the usual suspects made a breakfast run from 1L8 (Hurricane) to KBCE (Bryce canyon). Wayne and Joe in Wayne's Evo Winged F1 Rocket.....RED STAR 1, Gene and Rick in Gene's RV7A .....Yellow 1 (Rick runs SKYDIVE ZION and has thousands of jumps to his credit), Larry in his beautiful Skybolt, and Frank in his RV7A......BUZZ...(continue)

● A Few Air To Air Pics From This Weekend
Me and a few other local pilots performed a fly over for the Discovery Bay "Paddle For Fame". This was the 4th annual event in Discovery Bay, CA to attempt to again reclaim the Guinness Book of Records for the most paddle boats and/or non-motored boats in a single gathering. The official results are not out yet, but the information gathered indicates we broke the record again! (continue)

● On to West Yellowstone ...Tommy and gang.
Yesterday, Monday, morning we flew from Cheyenne to West Yellowstone on a perfect day for flying. Smooth, light head wind, and clear as a bell. This is a picture of Sutter's RV7a over the mountains (continue).

● Talk about good access behind the panel!!!!
Tony working on George Graves RV-3 over at Richmond Aircraft Service at 52F. Removable panel that completely makes working behind the panel a pleasure, I'd imagine.

Construction
● How to Spend a Day Doing a Five Minute Job ...Mike Cencula's take on it.
Well today was time to start working on the vent lines in the fuselage. I've always known that I wanted to do something a little fancier than the "cut a bulkhead fitting at 45 degrees", so here's a picture story of what I ended up with. (how he did it)

● Larry's RV-12 Muffler Heat Shield Project
Okay, as requested here is my muffler heat shield. I think it is better than the muffler wrap due to corrosion, weight, and not being able to see cracks.
Here is a visual list of materials. Anyone remember the Popular Mechanics projects? The metal used is .025 aluminum sheet cut to 14 1/4" x 19" and rolled at a local shop to 6" diam. (continue)

● Panel, Panel Cover, Canopy Status ...DanH
Final fit of the panel, panel cover, and canopy this last weekend. I got all the truss head screws (w/ nylon washers) to clear the underside of the front canopy skirt, but it took some tweaking. Looks like the handy reference is setting the panel about 1/16" - 3/32" low where you see the arrow. (continue)

Safety
● First Flight - Are YOU Ready?...Terry Kohler
   I see we have an open thread about an RV12 which got bent on its first flight. The pilot exercised a great deal of courage in sharing his experience with the forum readers and ultimately pointing the finger at himself. I'm glad he's alright and the airplane can be fixed. What I'm about to say is not a personal assault, but an observation of Experimental Aviation in general and RVs in particular.
   When I was building my 9, I would venture to say that at least half of the aircraft under construction at my EAA chapter were being built by low time pilots. Thankfully, many of these were RVs, with relatively little worry about rigging and flight characteristic problems that may come with plans-built aircraft. Unfortunately, most of the first flights were ultimately carried out by these same builders, in many cases encouraged by their peers that "you've gotta do the first one"!
   In spite of the forgiving nature of the RVs, two of my best friends, both longgg time pilots, opted to have their first flights and initial testing done by a very qualified test pilot (Terry Lutz - Airbus Test Group). Not every one has someone like this available, but my point is that two very experienced guys felt the better of doing it themselves.
   Another friend, recently completed a plans-built, single seat biplane and in spite of having about the first 10 hours flown by a professional (and owner of a pitts), the builder unfortunately managed to stand it on its nose of "his" first landing after only recently having acquired a TW endorsement. Was he ready? Only he can answer that. But from my point, it you have ANY concern whatsoever, get someone you know is qualified to really shake it out, and keep training until you feel comfortable. Your first flight is really going to be the "First Flight" anyway
   The RV12 situation had the potential of turning out much worse than it thankfully did. I'm just glad the pilot was able to tell the story instead of forum readers endlessly speculating what went wrong. In addition to asking ourselves if we meet IMSAFE before our flights, we should probably be asking ourselves if I am "Really Ready".
Terry, CFI
RV-9A N323TP

Miscellaneous
● Roberta's RV-7A Model
I just received my miniature model of the 7A that I built. Since I sold it two years ago, I needed a keepsake, so I had this model made. Gift of Wings was the vender that contracted the work out to a Philippine company. I opted for the bubble canopy with detailed interior. The work was extraordinary and I am completely pleased with the results. (continue)

Tue 06.29.10 1213z
Monday was canopy crack repair day at the 'Pimp My Plane' studios. Monk's idea of making a cap strip of .025 has worked out much better than either of us thought it would. Described in the pics below starting here.
New panel blank cut by Stein arrives today. Good times!

Doug Reeves (RV-6 'Flash')

● Kudos to Freedom Flight, Conroe, Texas ...Troy Millican
   Yesterday, I was quite pleased to have had the most fun flying in the eleven years since I have been out of the back seat of the F-15E, and the most fun I have EVER had flying as a pilot.
   I was privileged to fly with Freedom Flight as #4, on Deuce's wing with Wheel and Hacksaw as our lead element.
   This was my re-introduction to formation flying, and it felt like drinking from a fire hose. My rejoins were very timid, and I felt very cautious--thus rarely tight enough in formation. Echelon turns as a newbie #4 are very humbling. Where is that afterburner when I need it?
   After the basic formation intro came the real fun. Trail formation aerobatics. Wow. Three perfectly-spaced RVs in front of me. Then there was me, somewhere about 1/2 mile behind trying to figure out what is going to happen next. In the briefing they were kind enough to point out that with my nosewheel, I would have a hard time keeping up. So I'll accept that excuse. Yeah. Whatever. I only became blind once, as everyone else rounded a cloud formation and I struggled to keep up.
   Overall, this was the most rewarding experience yet of my brief, eight-month career as an RV pilot.
   Many, many thanks to Freedom Flight. I will be back to see you fellas.
   Hopefully many more great experiences to come.

● OK, I forgot ...Kent fesses up.
   I'll make a confession. Last night I took off and forgot to latch down my tip-up canopy. As I was climbing out I noticed that it just didn't climb right and there was more noise than usual.
   I reached up with the right hand and pulled down as hard as I good and then shoved the latch closed. Of course that didn't work. You can't get the canopy low enough for the latches to catch to lock it down.
   I announced that I would be returning to land and just flew the pattern normally. Taxied to takeoff again and this time latched the canopy down.
   If it happens to you don't bother trying to latch it in flight. It can't be done.
   The plane flies very close to normal with the canopy up, at least at pattern speeds. The thing only raises up about 3 inches.
   Hope this helps someone with the same problem.
Kent

● Bill's Pics From the NW Fly-In
The first is my new (to me) RV7 about to touch down at its new home, flown in to the fly-in by my friend who helped me pick it up in Michigan and fly it back to Portland. The rest are of the formation team -- please pardon the spots caused by a camera that needs to be professionally cleaned!
I'm happy to be taking over the NW Fly-in host hanger from Don Wentz (of Duckworks lighting fame).

● Dave Chapdelaine Panel Update
Here's a shot of my panel. This has definitely been a challenge, but I'm pretty happy with it now. TT Efis, Dynon EMS-120. Stienair vents. I used the decal pro method for the lettering, like others have said, a bit of a learning curve but after a bit I could zip out what I wanted in about 10 min from typing the decal on the comp to application. My biggest time consuming problem with it was learning to use MS Word to get exactly what I wanted!

● West Coast Ravens at KRHV (06-26-2010) ...note the Oakland Raiderettes.
Here are some photos of the West Coast Ravens (NorCal Squadron) flying at the Reid Hillview (San Jose) airport day.

● 1st Fly-in for N159SB... ...Brian Chesteen
   Took the bird to KLOZ this weekend for their annual open house fly in.... Just 2 RV's there but it was still fun!! They had a pretty good local crowd but it is my understanding that it was way down from last year even though they were expecting much more than last....
   It was weird seeing all the people swarm my airplane!! Scary weird! Kids everywhere!! It was amazing to see the people take such an interest in our two homebuilt airplanes. The other one was a very nice painted RV6A and mine as you know is not painted but the people did not seem to care!!
   At least I made a decent landing in front of the crowd. My friend and I flew up & took off and flew home in loose, (real loose) formation...
   It was very hazy and hot!!

Construction
● Look - No Legs!!! ...Keith Boardman
First public appearance - took the work-in-progress to an airshow we were holding at our local airport. Definitely tail heavy with no dong at the front.

VAF Family
● Thanks to Stu Birge ...from Lee Logan
   Hope I've got that spelling right. Flew up to Gastonia, NC yesterday on a business trip in my Rocket and forgot my tiedown rings for the wings. Tied down the tail and chocked the airplane. Wasn't too worried about the wings since Weathermeister had not alerted on winds or gusts earlier in the day. The guys at the airport got concerned with some local storm activity after I got my rental car and left and took it on themselves to do a better job of tying my airplane down than I did.
   Someone I don't know named Stu Birge loaned his RV wing tiedowns to the project and when I returned this afternoon, it was snugly tied down. I returned the rings to the office, Stu, and wanted to thank you publicly for your North Carolina hospitality. If you're ever down Ridgeland, SC (3J1) way, please let me know you're coming. Lunch is on me!
   P.S. Straight line distance is 162.8 nm, done against a bit of a headwind in just under 59 minutes at 21/22 inches and 2300 rpm. Counting driving to/from Savannah, that would be a three hour trip each way on United. Ya' gotta love RV's and Rockets!

Troubleshooting
● Backfires and Possible Cause ...Scott McDaniels
   A back fire doesn't mean Fire comes all the way back to the filter. Back fire just means fuel/air mixture burned somewhere within the induction system. This produces a lot of pressure just like it does within a combustion chamber. If the pressure is high enough it can blow out the filter.
   As for preventing it... I have been flying RV's with fuel injection and a snorkle for more than ten years and I have never had a backfire. With that being said it could be your starting technique or an issue with your airplane (or even a little of both).
   First place to look...If your engine has two standard magnetos and only one of them has an impulse coupling (typically the left one), make sure your ignition switch has the grounding bar installed for disabling the non-impulse mag while starting. If you have an impulse and a non-impulse mag and you are using separate toggle switches for the mag switches, make sure you are only switching on the impulse mag for starting (switch on the non-impulse mag after start).

● Interesting engine issue
I have an RV-4 with a carburated O-360 180 hp engine (-A1D). One side is a bendix mag, the other is Lightspeed ignition. Recently, I have noticed that when I am decending at a relatively high speed and reduce the throttle to idle so that the plane decelerates, it feels like the engine quits running, or or sometimes quits for 2-3 seconds, then runs, then quits for 2-3 seconds... If I open the throttle when it is doing this it always runs, but it is nerve wracking. I always wonder if this will be (another) dead stick landing.
Do any of you engine guys have an idea what may be causing this? It would be nice to get it fixed.

Ongoing Maintenance Issues
● Care and Feeding of Jet Glo Paint
We are about half way through painting the 9A with Sherwin-Williams JET GLO paint and have had pretty good success for a painting newbie. My questions are about how to take care of it going forward... What are you JET GLO guys doing to maintain and clean? Using wax or polish and how long after the application of paint? Do you use a buffer or hand work only? Bugs / belly oil / general washing products / brand names...
Any info would help - THANKS!

Miscellaneous
● Shock Waves ...the footage about thirty seconds from the end will blow your socks off.

Mon 06.28.10 1146z
   Good Monday morning to you! In the last 72 hours, project 'Pimp My Plane' as seen the louvers drilled in place, a plan of attack formed on 1) fixing the 8yr old crack in the canopy and 2) repainting parts of the interior, but most importantly Stein has cut the new panel and shipped it. It should arrive tomorrow. Onward Ho!
   Today is prepping the inside of the cockpit for paint and making a template for a baggage area cover to mail off to Oregon Aero - they are making a custom piece, as every RV-6 standard build is a scooch different.
   OT: Did you see Webber do the back flip in his F1 racer at the European Grand Prix in Spain? If not, go HERE. Wow.
   Hope you had a great weekend and that Monday goes swell.

Doug Reeves (RV-6 'Flash')

● First Flight: Steve Wyman RV-12
RV-12 #38 is now an airplane! I flew N167SW for the first time, this morning at Front Range Airport, outside of Denver. The flight was uneventful- the plane is a sweetie, light on the controls and very responsive. I needed a little more prop dialed in, and I took care of that after I landed. I'm looking forward to flying it back to our new home in Missouri, and building some hours on it.

● First Flight: Steve Johnson RV-9A
My RV-9A became an airplane today over Abilene, Texas after 7 years and 2 months of building. My transition training in the the RV-10 with Alex DeDominicis really got me ready. I received my airworthiness certificate 6 days ago with Mel Asberry whom I highly recommend. Other than a malfunctioning tachometer, the flight was flawless. This is one nice airplane to fly. The landing was so smooth I wasn't sure I was on the ground until the nosewheel came down.

● First Flight: Dick Seiders RV-12
Flew my first flight today and a fine airplane it is. Took off essentially on it's own and climbed like it was programmed. Good flyer. A bit light compared to my old 6A, but that is not a bad thing. The stick force is very light as well , but so is the airplane so that is to be expected. Very responsive. Looking forward to flying it every day the weather permits. Thanks, Van , for another great airplane.
Dick Seiders

● ALASKA Trip, 2 RVs ...posted by Ed DArcy for Fred Stucklens. More info by Jim and Jennifer.
The bad weather here has given me the time to finally put together some of the pictures I've been taking while here in Alaska. It has been very interesting flying here, with good days and spectacular views, to wet rainy days where we were flying low and slow over known terrain. The bad flying days have been kept safer by utilizing moving map displays that have excellent terrain detail that includes roads (it's legal to land on roads in Canada and Alaska), rivers, and all the terrain relief data. There were times on the way between Whitehorse and Fairbanks where we were at 300' - 500' above river beds or the Alaskan highway just so we would have good forward visibility. It turns out that flying low like this is the norm around here for the local pilots. (continue)

● Summer 2010 Travels ...Tommy Lewis
Last Friday, Tom & Bonnie and Martin & Claudia Sutter flew out of hot Texas looking for cooler weather. The Lewis's are flying the RV10 and the Sutters have an RV7a. The following pictures are sightings of VAF shirts at Estes Park. (continue)

● Part V - Flight Testing Report...Tony Phillips
   Yesterday I reached 10.1 on the tach and it was time to do my first oil change. I considered this my first maintenance milestone. I haven't cut open the filter yet, but I did filter the oil from the sump and nothing unusual appeared. No, bits of safety wire, rod nuts, shop rag remnants, nothing but oil, precious crude.
   The first ten hours were really spent getting comfortable. If something catastrophic was going to happen it was likely to happen during the first ten hours. High oil temps had my attention more than anything. Although now (around 12 hrs tach time) it seems to have stabilized and is coming down. I am usually running in the 190's, but in the climb or running hard, it'll go over 200. My plan is to wait till I have about 25 hours on it before I do anything drastic (install louvers). I still have a little cowling work to do that I think will help to bring them down. Also, the gear fairings should speed me up a bit and that should provide more cooling air.
   The airplane really performs well. Today we had 80 OAT and a little crosswind (20 degrees at 11kts). I saw 2350 FPM briefly at 75kts. Normally I climb at 90 kts at about 1700 FPM until 500 ft then 100 kts at 1000 FPM. It's clear that this is a great climbing aircraft. Albeit that it is light with a flight test weight of about 1469 lbs.
   Cruise performance is preliminary at best. Since I don't have the gear fairings installed I am not paying too much attention to it. Still it does seem a bit slow. I was hoping for about 140kts in my current configuration, I am seeing more like 130kts. I am not complaining. It'll still get me to where I want to go. I will start to get the gear faired this weekend and hopefully have some new numbers soon.
   Again I am going to say that this is an "honest" airplane. You do have to fly it. While it is REALLY stable and the trim system works perfectly, I still find that my pattern and landings leave something to be desired. I have botched a couple landings. It remains very pitch sensitive in ground effect. I have greased quite a few, but bounced a couple as well. Crosswinds are no more complicated than a Cessna, but pitch sensitivity is more of a challenge.
   For the next 20 hours or so my plan is to complete my POH. I am waiting till the gear fairings are done (hopefully this weekend) to get going with that.
   All of my squawks have been fixed except for my intermittent Nav reception. I will work on that after the gear fairings.
   My interior is supposed to be delivered on Monday. That'll be really nice. The lawn chair cushions are getting pretty old.

● Last Skin Riveted... Jeff Bloomquist
Well last night I figured out that those access panels I installed in the top skin have other uses too. To let heat and swear words out while bucking.
"Oww my back, I can't get my other arm, dam, %^$, who put all this *&^& under here!!! Get me another pillow, what's poking my back, ^&%#, a cramp, my arm is stuck. &*^ #@$%%#!!!!!!"

Thank you Vans for saving that skin for last so I didn't quit a long time ago.

● Bob Stack's RV-5 ...just out of 52F.
My "new to me" RV4, painted in my dad's markings, P-47N, 413th fighter group, 21st fighter squadron.

Safety
● Wx Watch: Outflow info (aopa)
Still more reasons for steering clear of convection

Ongoing Maintenance Issues
● 1st Annual
   The year has gone by very fast since airworthiness certificate, first flight and 48 hr TT. Of note after a pretty thorough inspection with the help of an AP.
   Compression - two cylinders 80/78, one 80/75 and one 80/73. Hoped for all being 80/78 on a new Lycoming YO-360-A1A - perhaps long storage during build contributed - or not enough rpm during break-in and pootling around Phase 1 restricted area ???? Switched from mineral oil today - hope cylinders not glazed. Will keep an eye on during future inspections.
   Wheel bearings - outer bearings and races showed signs of corrosion - again perhaps due to sitting on wheels for a couple of years during last stages of build. New bearings on the way.
   Slick Mags - Timing retarded indicating wear per Slick SB. Need to rework mags per SB !@#$
   Plugs - One Autolite plug failed test - AP recommends replacing all with more expensive Champions. Also a couple of plug caps loose.
   Otherwise OK. Glad I used an AP for this time around at least.
Jim Sharkey
RV-6

Fri 06.25.10 1206z
   T-minus one month and counting. The 'Panel v4.0 rearrangement and cockpit cleanup project' has been officially shortened by Monk's wife to 'Pimp my Plane'. Works for me. SteinAir has the panel cut measurements in his hands and I should get a picture in the next 24 hours of him making the CNC cuts. We decided not to use the blank I had, as we needed it to be about an inch taller for everything to work out like we wanted. Stein starts with a blank sheet, makes it as tall as you need, does the cutting and bends the 90° on the bottom. Seats in the UPS box on their way to Oregon Aero for recovering.
   Two new grips (from Tosten) are inbound - going to move the elevator trim to the stick and will have buttons for autopilot disconnect/Control Wheel Steering.
   Oh, did I mention I'm putting in a 3rd Garmin G3X screen? (thought that would get your attention <g>)   Just like Matt is doing on his -7 project.

   Totally unrelated, yesterday there was a helicopter moving (6) new air conditioner units on top of the middle school two blocks from our house. It was staging off the playground...and that's big news for the neighborhood kids. Here's a pic and a short video clip (the kid you hear screaming would be Tate <g>).
   Have a happy, safe and RV-filled weekend.

Doug Reeves (RV-6 'Flash')

● First Flight ...N816KC
Yesterday. Great flying little plane! No sqawks other than oil temps a little high - we glassed a small ramp in the NACA duct, it lowered temps 25 deg - perfect. Logged 3.5 hours. Stupid grin still on <g>.

● Van's OSH Banquet Tickets Now On Sale
- featured speaker: Paul Dye (NASA Flight Director / RV builder). Topic: "Flying the Space Shuttle - a Pilot's Perspective"

● Hit the BIG 500 yesterday ...Dan Landry
   What I truly find amazing is the only down times I've experienced over the last 4 years has been:
     - Building the fairings & wheel pants
     - Down time for paint and my polishing experiment.
     - Replacement of the Superior Ryton sump.
   Otherwise, this airplane has been a low maintenance fun flying machine.

● West Texas 100 Photos ...via Tim Hardage, Cam Benton and Bob Axsom
A careful observer can spot some speed secrets here. All things on Race 91 and 18 are worthy.

● Dana's Back....and he's building an RV-10 this time
Well getting back into building didn't take long. Headed to the bank here shortly to wire the money for a partially completed 10 emp and tailcone. Let the compressor noise once again commence. Repeat offender!!

I know, I know, I'm going from a hot little taildragger to a four person, nose wheel....but it's still an RV and I'll still be the builder!! Now, where are those bucking bars.......

VAF Family
● RV SOLD! Now for the real battle - Cancer ...Jim Pappas,
[ed. Jim and I talked for about 45 minutes the other day, and since he's looking to have a pile of encouraging notes from RV friends to read post-op he thought a post about his battle would provide some encouraging replies. dr]
   To all my VAF friends I have been keeping a secret while selling my plane which a handful caught on to and that I swore to secrecy due to my kid still being deployed and didn't know about it. Once she found out the secret was out. My kid now knows and should be home very soon so it is safe for me to finally tell the truth to all my friends here.
   I have been told I have a Renal Mass on my right kidney. It is operable and I will have the surgery 6/30. They say it will be orthroscopic and outpatient. They do not think it has spread but won't know for sure until they finish and will monitor me for a while.
   This is a tough one for me as most of my family, which used to be large, died from cancer but most of them smoked. I don't, but there are few of us left in my family so I hope the Doctors are right. My hope is that I am well enough to make it to OSH at least a day or two since I'm only a couple hours away.
   Getting well enough to greet the transport plane when the kid comes home is my main focus for now, I've been waiting a year for that hug and I plan to be there no matter what.
   The plane can be replaced, I have to beat it for my kids and for a lot of other reasons I won't go into here. It went to a great home, it returned to it's home out West actually and I'm glad it went to whom and where it ended up. When I'm better I can even go visit it and my pals there.
   I have too many people to thank for getting me this far and for helping sell my baby, Doug and Rosie stand out but there are many more that "figured it out" and called or emailed and kept the secret.
   Well the secret's out, even in town and at work they know about it so I am actually being greedy and selfish here by writing this (with Dougs' permission) because I have no family left but my flying pals and as the surgery gets closer it gets lonelier and scarier and I could use some chatter to keep me busy.
   I'll get word out after the surgery to one of the guys to let everyone know how it went but I will probably be too out of it 6/30-7/2 maybe to reply much but email anyway please.
   Most of all, blue skies, be safe and hopefully see you folks at OSH.
   You are the closest thing to family that I have in a lot of cases.
Thanks
Jim (jimpappas13 'at' gmail 'dot' com)

● INTRODUCING TANGO VICTOR !!...
   I wanted to introduce myself to the community of RV owners and users of this site. My name is Tim Verroi. I reside in Beaufort SC. I am a building contractor by trade and own a few other small businesses. I was poisoned by an introductory flight of an RV7A some time ago and have never again been the same since. I have been and am now in the process of selling all my worldly possessions to get my hands on one of these RVs. I am very close to it all happening for me! I'm sure my wife would appreciate having me back, as I have been living in a fantasy world of possibly owning one of these for some time......Not really all that, but I am very excited about getting into one of these.
   I am an experimental flying nut!, however while doing so I have acquired IFR, Commercial, and Gyro ratings. I am a 1200hr pilot with an additional hundreds of hours in GyroCopters. I have owned a few Cirrus SR22s, Cessna 210, Lancair Legacy, adventura ll, Quicksilver MXll ect..ect...Oh yea and now on my 6th Gyro of which I built from the ground up. It is an Aurora Butterfly sporting a 912S, G Force Landing Gear and Metro Launch Prerotator.
   At the present time I also own a 2005 Symphony SA160 of which I am trying to sell to be able to get my dream plane....An RV6A, or 7A !!!!
   Seems I cant really sleep and am consumed with having one and joining this community of flyers. I have been a silent member for a little while, but am constantly checking the VAF Forum daily...reading and learning. I don't have really much to contribute at this time as I am just getting into the RV world, but hope to make some new friends and begin one day soon to fly with you guys or at least drop in to some fly-Ins and break some bread with you and build some new relationship.
   If you guys will have me here, I do sincerely wish to be a part of it all.

Motivation
● RV-10 N31TD In Flight ...Tim Lewis
   RV-10 N31TD achieved first flight on 20 March 2010. Powerplant is an IO-540 that I overhauled under the guidance of IA/Tech Counselor/Bax Seat Award winner Dick Koehler. Avionics includes GNS530W, Advanced Flight System AF-3500 EFIS, Tru Track Advanced AP, Garmin 496 for GPS backup and XM weather, and steam gauges for A/S, altitude, and attitude backup. I painted the plane at home with PPG Concept. Stripes and N-numbers are 12-year Oracal vinyl, cut with a fairly low cost vinyl cutter. Vinyl work is not done yet... I'm too busy flying!
   Empty weight 1634 lbs (includes paint, fairings, and interior).
   A huge "thank you" to my wife Debbie for her support during both this project and the RV-6A we completed in 1999. The number one requirement for completing an RV is a supportive spouse! Thanks to Dick Koehler for his outstanding expertise and support to me and dozens of homebuilders throughout our area. EAA chapter 186 is a great asset to builders in the N. VA area.

Miscellaneous
● 2010 Donation List Up To Date (how to donate)
A heartfelt thanks to the regular readers that send in their annual $25 honor system donation. This family owned small business absolutely depends on it, especially in this economy.

Thu 06.24.10 1158z
Getting the RV ready for OSH continues... Eight year old Oregon Aero seats in the mail on their way up to Scappoose for some McLovin. Today I'm focused on louvers (105° heat index yesterday). Getting final panel dimensions up to Stein before the end of the day. I suspect he'll take a picture of the panel being cut on the CNC machine before shipping it. Monk's wife has some ideas for sewing up a nice cover for the top of the panel to cover up the wiring and stuff. Developing...

Doug Reeves (RV-6 'Flash')

● Health-related shop hiatus ...Rick's on the heal and needs some advice on what he can be working on in the mean time.

● Giving a plane to a charitable organization ...George Tyler
Has anyone had any experience with giving a plane to a charitable organization and taking the value of the gift as a tax deduction? If so I would be interested in the pro's & con's. I am thinking of selling (giving) my 1993 RV-6, as I have found that the high cost of keeping it vs my actual flying hours makes it hard to justify. The plane flies well and is in decent shape but I am one of those types that hates to sell my own stuff and the endless negotiations that go with it, not to mention the potential liability. So I thought that a gift might be a quick way to handle it and essentially end up with the same net result. Anything wrong with my thinking?

(reply from Philip) I hanger next to the chief pilot at Wings of Hope. He seems to fly somewhere every week to pick up a plane donated to them. They recieve all types of plane donations. Stuff like T-28, tri-pacer, and cubs they sell, C-170, Husky's, and other STO aircraft they may send to South America to use in missionary work, and C-206 and light twins they will keep to fly patients around the US for medical care. Excellent Organization.

● Louvers!

Dave B's Setup (removable for winter)
I installed a cut down version of the louvers shown on the Rocket. I cut mine down to 6 openings per side and installed on the l and r bottom of my RV9a cowl just forward of the fw. I made an aluminum "collar/frame" that has the platenuts on it and mount the louver on the outside attached through the fg of the cowl to the collar on the inside of the cowl using #6 flush ss screws. This way the collar plus the louver "sandwich" the cowl. I use these in the summer and use a blank piece of aluminum over the opening (same size as louver and attached the same way) during the winter. Since the pic I have painted both the louvers and the winter blank to match the plane. The louvers dropped my oil temps, speaking from memory here, about 10 degrees and my chts slightly. If they affected cruise speed it is so small that it is not measurable--and I tried to measure it with before and after runs in similar conditions.

Wed 06.23.10 1212z
   Day Two of the panel v4.0 project (did not know all this stuff was behind the panel). Yeah, I know....very funny <g>.    Actual day two photos start HERE. The bigger-brains-than-me at SteinAir will be custom cutting a panel blank on a CNC machine in the next day or two after Monk and I get them the dimensions. In order for all the screens and racks and stuff to be level across the top we need about an inch more panel height - this is stuff Stein can do. A not-pleasant 102°F OAT at the hangar yesterday. Ugh.
   Totally unrelated, dinner at El Chico last night after the son's karate practice found me, Tate and his bud as the very first table of a new waitress. Going to community college until she figures out what she wants to do and working nights as a waitress. She had finished training ten minutes before we arrived and they had given her a section of exactly one table - us. She had all the rookie moves: took my glass 30' away from the table to refill it, forget the washcloth and had to use my napkin to get my hot plate off the tray, etc. I have a soft spot for this stuff because I worked at Casa Del Rio as a busboy in Waco while in high school. We left her a $20 tip on a $15 ticket, and were already out the door before she found out. Dang it felt good...
   Finally, congrats to RV-8 buddy Jerry Lawlor. A grandfather for the second time as of yesterday around 5pm.

Doug Reeves (RV-6 'Flash')

● NW RV Fly In report   ...Joe Blank
   The NW RV Fly In was again marred by inclement weather which made it difficult for some folks to get there. I'm guessing we had around 50 RV's show up despite the upper level low that plagued the area. Most traffic from up north (Puget Sound area) was stuck on the ground on 400-500' ceilings for most of the day. At least one aircraft was able to file IFR did make it down from Pierce County (KPLU).
   We were able to still serve 145 folks BBQ lunch, and several vendor booths sprouted up during the fly in.
   Despite the weather gods best attempt to foil us, we were able to brief and fly a very nice 10-ship formation. This years 10-ship participants were: Wendell 'Runaway' Folz, Steve 'Noname' Payne, Mike 'Easy' Wilson, Len 'Nel' Kaufman, Pete 'RT' Forsyth, Jon 'JJ' Friedeman, Ken 'KK' Kreuger, John 'JB' Brick, Dan 'Lava' Miller, and Joe 'Shadey' Blank.
   Below are a couple of shots, one from Leads aircraft, and the other onboard shot by 'Girlcam' photographer Amy Kreuger. Amy is Ken Kreuger's (Van's Chief Engineer) daughter. (more)

● Virtual Hangar Entry: RV6 Lyle Hefel N136MM
I have included pics of the areas of the airplane that seem to attract the most attention like the rear fairing, throttle quadrant, wingtip nav lights, rudder pedals, tail wheel, fit of the canopy and instrument panel.

Construction
● RV-3: Side Console Development ...Paul Dye
The RV-3 lends itself to customized cockpits, since the plans are, shall we say, a it “Sketchy” when it comes to internal appointments. It is only a slight exaggeration to say that they suggest a throttle control be placed somewhere, and oh yes, a couple of side pockets would be nice! Being a bit of a nut about cockpit design, I decided from early on that we’d have to do better than that. Yes, it would add a little bit of weight, but seeing as how this is going to be a multi-purpose machine, with one of those purposes being cross-country, I wanted to have as much storage space as would fit (for maps, flashlights, chocks, etc.). And there isn’t much room to play with.
Louise and I are building the -3 together, and one of my goals is not to do any work on the primary airplane structure or systems without her being part of it. That doesn’t include amenities and appointments – my creative areas when I need something to do! With her going off on a two-week trip for work, it looked like cockpit design work was going to be on my agenda for awhile! It took about that long to reach what I would call the “roughed in” phase of construction – the basic design is finished, the boxes are built and attached, and what is left is fit and finish – making them look good enough for eventual paint, and installation of systems. (continue)

● The gap between the upper...
....fuselage skin and windshield was not exactly uniform on my -8 either. I solved that problem by using the common glareshield edge trim I just could not bring myself to use on the edge of the glareshield like 90% of the RV's out there and instead used that edge trim to fill in the gap instead. For a more rounded and substantial look, I chose to use a slit air hose on the glareshield edge.

● I read an article about...
...lowering the wind noise in your aircraft and they suggested carpet for the top of the glare shield. I purchased a piece of black aviation carpet and cut it to fit on top of the glare shield. The thickness hid the intersection very well. I then purchased some rubber trim from McMaster carr that fit over the edge of the glareshields and carpet. It kind of clamped itself on. I did not need to secure the carpet or the trim. It holds everything in place and is easily removable if needed. The gps antenna do not wander on the carpet.

Video
● $12 Stick-On Tail Cam ...KevinH.
   So in paragliding acro land folks have lately started using the 'MD80' camera. These are cheap (eBay $12 including shipping + $10 for a micro SD card from Amazon) cameras that are the size of a stick of gum, record 2 hrs of good quality video on their rechargable battery.
   I thought I'd try one on my RV. The prop tear (due to the CMOS sensor in the camera) was pretty bad when I tried taping it to my canopy handle. Next time I'll try the top of the VS and it will hopefully be less noticeable.
   Other possible locations for this tiny camera: wing tips, wheel pants, looking backwards, monitoring tufting etc... (more)

Tue 06.22.10 1218z
   Serious work began yesterday on what I'm calling 'panel v4.0'. The unveiling will be at Oshkosh this year, and in a great location. Garmin will have 12,000 sq. ft. of expanded outdoor exhibit space this year, located directly in front of Hangar D (now also sponsored by Garmin - look for the sign over the hangar door). My little 'ol RV will be the plane parked in front of the experimental section of Garmin's digs, plugged up to an inverter so the panel can be on all week. You can have a Garmin rep demonstrate stuff to you...they might even let you touch it <g>.
   Two thoughts immediately popped into my mind when they asked, 1) this puts a Van's RV where foot traffic will be through the roof (note to self: stick a map to the Van's tent somewhere in the plane), and 2) I better not screw this up. Get this thing done now, and don't be configuring it enroute to Ripon. As always with my panel facelifts, none of it happens without the help of the big brains at SteinAir and my A&P (a.k.a. Crew Chief) Randy 'Monkey' Richmond.
   I'll leave some of the surprises (along with more Garmin news) for the future, but you'll be happy to know that after nearly nine years of happy RV flying....I'll be finally finishing out the interior.
   The Lasik procedure I've been thinking about (and with it my male modeling career) are most likely on hold - cashflow will be thin here for a few months getting prepped for OSH. Sorry Hollywood...(rimshot).

Doug Reeves (RV-6 'Flash')

Day One. (more pictures HERE)

● Another RV-9A in the air ...Andrew Brandt.
Thanks to Paul and Victoria Rosales, my 9A made it's first flight Saturday (19 June 2010). -Apparently one day shy of ten years between our respective planes. I'm working on a couple of squawks but everything else is otherwise healthy with my bird. I'd also like to thank Dayton Murdock for providing a thrilling vantage point to calm my nerves as chase in his RV-4, to Mercedes for transition training, and last, but not least, Larry... your knowledge is unsurpassed. :-)
Personally, my first flight grin started small but is increasing with each Phase I hour. It was well worth the adventure and I look forward to more memories. (more pics)

● N888JM First Flight !!! ...Jeff Moreau RV-8A Virginia Beach, VA
   Sunday morning (June 20th, 2010) at approximately 7:40 AM EDT, my RV-8A
N888JM took to the air for it's first flight. Some of you may recall that several of my fiberglass pieces were lost in a paint shop fire. This certainly slowed up my progress, but I didn't let it stop me. The airplane flew extremely well.
When trimmed up it flew quite level (No Heavy Wing) with the ball in the center. Nothing more than a few minor squaks with some settings on the EMS.
   The project was completed over a time span of 5 years 7 months and 11 days.
   I won't consider it complete until final paint is completed. It weighs in at 1,115 pounds and includes a complete IFR panel that includes a Garmin 430, Garmin SL-30, Garmin GTX 327 Transponder, Dynon D-180 Flight Deck and a Tru-Track
dual axis autopilot. Thanks to Abby at Flightline Interiors for a great looking set of seats and armrests. Thanks to everyone that helped in the construction of this aircraft. If you have any questions I will be glad to assist you in any way that I am able. I wouldn't have been able to complete this aircraft if it wasn't for this forum. Thank you very much! Here are a few photos of the day where my dream came true.

● Grady's 100th!
Grady emailed me the following pics of the 100th RV he has painted. I'll let that sink in for a minute....
His phone number is (682) 225-6008.

Construction
● First Wing Hanging ...Jess Bentley RV-8 Muskego, WI
Bolted up the wings for the first time Saturday morning! Great fun to see the beast start REALLY looking like an airplane!

Ongoing Maintenance Issues
● My 2nd rudder gust damaged ...Ted Chang
I use a U shaped steel rod to lock rudder to the rudder stop. My original gust lock was made of 1/8" rod and after it was twisted by strong wind gust I changed it to 3/16". Last Sunday when I came back from an oversea trip I found my new gust lock twisted again. I am not sure it was due to the thunderstorm or helicopter prop wash. My airplane was parked at Linden Airport that is a base for many NYC helicopters. I guess it is time to find a better solution. (more)

Mon 06.21.10 1157z
   I hope all the Dads out there had a nice Fathers Day. I got candy, one of those singing cards, about eight hours on the couch watching golf/racing and two kids that did some housecleaning (shocker). Then Tate fooled me again, yes again!, with 'Pull my finger". Can't believe I keep falling for that...
   Friday's appointment with the eye doctor went swell. The doc said he turns away about 1/3rd of patients wanting Lasik due to some physical reason, and that because of this he has a success rate of over 99.5% of getting folks to at least 20/30 uncorrected. When they checked my vision with glasses on, it turns out I was seeing at 20/30 anyway, so if they do get to 20/20 that would be even better. The idea of better peripheral vision (like when scanning for traffic) is pretty appealing. I'll keep you in the loop.
   Over 100°F all week here in N. Texas, but it's a dry heat (rimshot).

Doug Reeves (RV-6 'Flash')

● 2010 Donation List Up To Date (how to donate)
   A heartfelt thanks to the regular readers that send in their annual $25 honor system donation. This family owned small business absolutely depends on it, especially in this economy.

   a) 374 donations so far in 2010. (list)
       Daily visits M-F is somewhere between 7,000 and 5,000 (graph).

   b) Note from CPA: A few folks, when they sent in their 2009 donation, noted on the check that half was for '09 and the other half was for '10. My CPA said I had to report the entire amount as '09 income, so that is why you don't see your name in the '10 list. Sorry, I gotta defer to the advice of the CPA.

● Patience pays off, First plane ride for the wife
After 25 years of marriage, 10 years of building, and 3 years flying, early this morning Laura finally announced " I want to go for a plane ride". "OK, Let's go!" (more)

● 1st Passenger In N159SB!!!
   My wife got the honors of being the first passenger in N159SB last evening!!!   I think she liked it more than she is willing to admit...she always says that traveling by air is not her favorite thing but she enjoys the speed in which she gets somewhere...
   She has flown with me a few short times in a 172 rental but that is the limit of her light plane experience.. (more)

● Minne Sunset ...Pete Howell
Yes, I know - You are saying "Not more sunset pics from Pete". Sorry, I can't help myself. Perfect end to Father's day was a little photo hop with Ryan. He manned the Canon as I drove around.

● Pilots N Paws Fly-in, SC Breakfast Club (Triple Tree Aerodrome, SC)
   Today was the first annual (maybe?) Pilot’s N Paws fly-in at Triple Tree Aerodrome just south of Greeneville, SC. Pilot’s N Paws partnered with the South Carolina Breakfast Club (a group I now want to hang out with more) to host a breakfast for both groups. As far as I am concerned, it was a great success.
   Triple Tree was such a great venue. What an amazing place.
   As usual, I’m posting these pictures, and may come back later for some more commentary. I’m working on the trim tab right now, hence a lot of pictures of peoples’ tabs. Also, there were a ton of planes there, maybe 150? Of course, most of my pictures are of RVs.

● RV Day 2010 in Boone, IA
A pretty good turnout at RV Day in Boone, IA. Also took some pictures of some projects taking place on the field at W&C Aircraft Works.

Construction
● Cob webs are bad ...Scott Card
   It has been a while since I've done any real -8 work in the shop... A few days ago, as I shuffled out through the garage to put out the recycling, I noticed growing piles of small dead bugs and other fod in most corners that I looked. So I committed to get out there and clean the place up a little the next day. Then it occurred to me; how better to squash the summertime heat than to chill down the shop and do a little -8 project work. Novel concept I know.
   So, the following day, I did just that. First step: Figure out where the heck I left off. It took about an hour of pouring through plans, instructions, and inspecting the parts still strewn across the benches. Yep, those holes have been drilled, yep, these have been deburred... I got down to a step in the instructions that was something like "prime and rivet all of the prepared parts in this assembly". Aww, surely there is something else that can be done before having to break out the primer? Nope, that would take me into another full sub assembly. Wouldn't you know it, I left off right at a definite primer prep location. Ok, so be it. I did the primer prep and setup to shoot the parts.
   While standing over the tubs of soapy water and Prekote I looked up to notice that there was a big cob web glistening in the sunlight stretched across the tops of the completed gear leg towers on the forward fuselage assembly sitting on the other work bench. I acknowledged the bugs that have had free reign for a few months and got those parts primed.

Safety
● Another RV-4 canopy takes to the sky ...Ryan Dean
   Unlike most "first flight" announcements, mine isn't one that I'm too proud of. That's right, I joined a club that I really didn't want to ever join - those who failed to secure their canopy, and subsequently blew it off. Fortunately for me, mine departed the aircraft on the take-off roll and considering what could have happened, the whole thing was fairly uneventful. I was also fortunate that the canopy didn't hit me or the empennage on it's way off AND landed right side up before sliding down the paved runway - I think it's salvageable, but it's going to take some work.
   The flight: It seems that most others who have been down this road have had something out the ordinary (be it their own doing or some external cause) introduced to their usual pre-takeoff routine, as did I. For me, it was my little Flip pocket videocamera. I have never brought it in the plane before, but decided that yesterday morning would be a good time to do so. My RV-4 canopy is equipped with a taxi latch, and the canopy is always in that position until I do my run-up, at which point I drop the canopy and lock it in place. Not so yesterday. I got in, strapped in, fired up, and then turned to mount the camera where I wanted it - just to the right of me on the roll bar support tube. I then closed the canopy to make sure the camera would clear, it did. I left the canopy down and began my taxi for departure. Again, I never taxi with the canopy down. Once at the runway, I did my usual run-up, went through my mental pre-takeoff checklist, which included confirming the canopy was secured. I looked over at the yellow knob to confirm that it was back, but I didn't touch it to make sure. In hindsight, I realized that although it was back, it was only back to the point where the pins are just entering their holes; the latch needed to be pulled back another inch or so to full engage the pins. Anyhow, I announced my intentions, pulled onto the runway, applied full power, got the tail up...and watched in horror as the canopy raised and immediately ripped off. I instinctively ducked as the canopy came off and next thing I knew I was well on my way for a ground loop. I was able to arrest the rotation will full rudder, but ended up veering off the runway and into the grass. Shut down, got out, and picked up the pieces to my canopy and pride. It's been a very humbling experience.

Ongoing Maintenance Issues
● A Curious Puncture ...Paul Dye
It is disappointing to walk out to the hangar, anticipating a quick morning flight, and find your airplane sitting on a wheel pant – deflated black rubber oozing out from underneath. Not quite as disappointing as that sudden feeling of deceleration when the tire blows on landing, of course, but nevertheless, it can mess up your morning! I have been flying the Val almost every day, and as a matter of fact, had checked the tire pressure just last Sunday for the first time in months. It seemed like she was getting a little harder to pull in and out of the hangar, a usual sign that the tires need air. (more)

Fri 06.18.10 1213z
I'll be flying our RV down to Waco this weekend to attend the funeral of a good, good man: Mr. Harold Clinefelter. The father-in-law of my wife's brother, Harold set the bar high and was a shining example of how to live a life (read the obituary and you'll agree). Married 65 years. Eagle Scout. "Chief Electrician's Mate who served in the battles of Marcus Island, Tarawa Island, Wake Island, Bougainville, Gilbert Island, Augusta Bay, Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands, Marianas, Hollandia, Caroline Islands, Saipan Islands, Tinian, and the First Battle of the Eastern Philippines. He stood on the deck of the USS Missouri and witnessed the surrender of the Japanese to Allied Forces Sept. 2, 1945."
A great American, and a role model in a world that could use more. I was honored to know him.

Doug Reeves (RV-6 'Flash')

● G3X Stuff ...

I got in a short .3hr flight yesterday morning. Took a couple pictures and shot about 30 seconds of video. If you're new to EFIS stuff, a couple of things stand out that I thought I'd bring to your attention. The first thing is the 'signposts' in the G3X that point to nearby airports. In the picture below you can see 'TA87' in the field of view around 11 o'clock. Two more off in the distance. Alternatives right there in front of you.
Second thing is the flight path indicator. It's the green circle right center that looks like an airplane flying away from you. It shows where you're actually going - and in the picture below you can tell I'm flying west and have a strong wind from the south. Makes wind correction a no-brainer.

   I also shot about 30 seconds of video, but before you watch it, familiarize yourself with what's labeled in the pic below:
      A: The flight path indicator moving from right to left as I turn from west to east (southerly wind)
      B: Wing vector doing same.
      C: Ground track line doing same.

   OK, on to the video. I'm flying on a westerly heading, away from 52F (and have just entered it into the GPS). The autopilot is making the turn and winds aloft are in the 30kt range from the south. Watch how the flight path indicator (A), wind vector arrow (B) and ground track line (C) all swing to the other side as I turn from west to east. Also watch the course line on the HSI center after the turn - note XTK showing 1.4 n.m. at first, then disappear as the turn is finished.
   To see better detail you'll need to use the 'full screen' option while viewing the video. Click on the full screen button (identified below) to do that.

You might already know about all this if you fly glass all the time, but I think it's the cat's @ss.

● Service Bulletins do apply to me ...Don Prosise (RV-6)
I never did the rudder pedal SB since Van said they met FARs and I figured I was not one of those ham footed pilots standing unnecessarily hard on the pedals. Well, caught up with me this morning doing aerobatics. Interesting straddle the center console, using the copilot right pedal, no flap, one brake landing. New ones on order. $226 + shipping.

M o d e l - S p e c i f i c F o r u m A r e a s
12	10	9/9A	8/8A	7/7A	6/6A	4	3

Construction
● How to crack a canopy ....stories from folks who cracked theirs (so others can learn).

Ask A Controller
● Wanna Ask an Air Traffic Controller A Question? ...meet Tony Kelly (air traffic controller)

VAF Family
● Tate Reeves: Orange Belt
Tested the other day. He's pretty jazzed.

Building Tips / Techniques/ Mods
● Tip: Bowden Cable Friction ...Jim Talbot (RV-7A)
   The Van's Bowden cable (CT A-740) I use for my carb heat control did not have enough friction to keep the carb heat door closed. Ram air pressure would push the door back again. Even my cabin heat Bowden cable would "creep" closed quite quickly through vibration and pressure inside the cowl closing the cabin heat bypass box door.
   I fixed the problem by using small "R"-clips instead of the spring to provide more friction against the detents on the cable.
   Prize the spring out of the slot in the shaft and move it back down the shaft and slip the "R"-clip onto the shaft with the straight leg in the slot. The straight leg of the "R"-clip had to be sanded down a little to fit snug in the slot in the cable shaft.
   I don't know if this mod has been mentioned before. If it has - my apologies for repeating someone else's idea. I hope this tip may be helpful and may save others buying more expensive locking cables.

Thu 06.17.10 1143z
   Our daughter Audrey turns 15 today. She's never known life without an RV in the family (as it should be). A collage of her growing up in the garage below.
   Tomorrow I have a consultation for a possible Lasik procedure - kinda getting tired of having to dip my head down in the flair so I can focus down the runway. Often I move my glasses down my nose a quarter inch or so on downwind so the up-close portion of the lens (bifocal) is moved a little out of the way. They're going to put my head in an oven or something and run some tests. I've got a little Miata money left and have been thinking about this for about a decade and a half. I'll let you know if I'm a candidate.
   The place I'm going for the consult has an RV connection (of course) - Dr. Hendricks built/flies an RV-8. I trust RVators.

Doug Reeves (RV-6 'Flash')

   The 2010 pic was taken yesterday at her 'summer job' - checking
   people in/out at a yoga studio down the street. Most know this,
   but if not, N617AR is named for her (June 17th Audrey Reeves). She's my hero.

● N524AP Takes Flight! ...Tony Phillips RV-9 (Hartland, WI)
   Yahooooo!! First flight is over!. That was one of the most stressful ordeals I have ever been through.
   First flight had some issues. Shortly after takeoff I realized my airspeed was dead. No worries. As a CFI I train all my students to fly without ANY instrument reference. Still sucks to have any failures. Then 30 minutes in, my wing transition fairing seal let loose and starting pounding on the fuselage. Yikes, that'll get your attention. So it was Pan Pan and precautionary landing with no airspeed indicator. Probably the best landing I have ever done. ASI's are WAY overrated.
   Quick trouble shoot of the ASI/Pitot system revealed that the AOA and Pitot lines were crossed when the local Avionics shop did my Pitot/Static Cert. Also a couple of quick pop rivets to the the fairing seal and I was back in the air. Second flight was AWESOME. What an incredible machine. The RV-9 is just as advertise, well balanced, great performance and a pure pleasure to fly! I'll go to 6 Flags if I want to go upside down.
   Many thanks to all the VAF folk who put up with my mindless postings and aimless ponderings. This site really helped me to learn and the think through some things I could have not done otherwise.
   Especially thanks to my wife Kellie, who "ran the show" for the past couple of years while I was working tirelessly. Also, Jeff Point my EAA chapter Pres. who provided some great guidance. Bill Repucci for answering many many questions and Chip Frietag, Smitty, Mike Shipper and a few others for letting me read their build logs online.
   I am going to post (whether you like it or not) in detail all my thoughts (and now results) of building an RV. Give me a couple of days. Hey, I got a plane to fly!

● Flight Test times (RV-12) ...Tony's experience
I have finished the first two test cards and am working on the 3rd. It takes me a couple of flights of about 1.5 hours each to complete a card, but some of that is due to the crummy weather we have been having here. I had only one day where the sky was open so I could do a sustained climb to 10000'. Then there are speed boxes to fly at 7500' density altitude, which also require high ceilings.
So, if I can't do the climb required I will go up and work on other aspects of the card and come down with a partially completed card. Of course, it is easy to just fly around and enjoy the plane and not get a lot done

.
   Another issue is shuffling the paper around up there. The autopilot is a big help. I let it fly while I watch for traffic and turn the papers over on my clipboard and read what to do next.
   You really need to read and fully understand the test card before launching or you will have trouble understanding once in the air. I had one flight where I did not fully understand how I was going to record the climb data and had to come down and make a simpler form to fill out as I climbed. You have to record block altitude start and ending times and OAT -- keeps you busy.
   I think it is going to take me about 15 hours to complete the cards. But, who cares

Ongoing Maintenance Issues
● Trutrak Service Bulletin Released: #060810
"Released today. The part is available for shipment immediately. We're going to try a new way for submitting. Bear with me as I try this out. If it doesn't work, I'll try something else. To request a retainer bracket send me a PM here (TT forums) including your full name, full address, phone number, email address, number of servos. Please take note of the torque enhancer/capstan section of the service bulletin."
Lucas Massengale
Technical Support

● What a night ...Kirk Groves (RV-8)
Just wanted to share what a amazing night I had last night, yesterday I flew from Smoketown down to Atlanta. It was a good flight - just ran into some crud around DC but other than that it was a good trip. I flew into KFFC and visited with the Falcon RV Group - a great group of guys! Then I flew up to KPDK and got ready for the main event - I got the incredible honor of meeting the man I think of as my personal hero....I surprised Bob "Punchy" Powell at a dinner at the 57th FG restaurant and got to show him my 8 painted in his honor. It was really something at the table. There was Punchy (a WWII P-51 ace), a SR-71 pilot, a F/A-18 pilot who flew in the second Gulf war, a ret AF General and a Marine Harrier pilot and my new Friend Bill who flew helicopters and A-10s :-). Needless to say I spent the whole night with my jaw on the floor listening to their stories. I don't say this lightly, it was one of the greatest experiences of my life!!!!

Motivation
● In the Air...and that red canopy latch in the first picture is BAD@SS!!!

Troubleshooting
● Help removing this fitting from my crankcase...
I'm converting an IO-360-A1A from fixed pitch back to constant speed. Among the myriad of issues I have ran into, this latest one has me spooked.
There is a fitting on the nose of the crankcase that is now occupied by a plug, but needs to have a steel 90 degree fitting for the stainless steel oil line that runs from the governor. This plug is very very stuck! I have tried soaking it in liquid wrench, taping on it in various ways, different versions of the 1/4" allen wrench to engage what is left of the teeth and nothing is moving it.
I am considering using a large size easy-out that will engage just the inside the hex slot as I don't want to drill it for fear of getting metal inside my crankcase - any sage advice before I do some real damage?

Building Tips / Techniques/ Mods
● RV-8/4 'Half Back' Canopy Latch (one way)
To release you simply slide the canopy slightly forward until the cam clears the latch block, then slide to the rear. Very simple, one hand operation.

Wed 06.16.10 1650z SPECIAL
...from the factory,
"Possible phone service interruption at Van's today. Due to service work on our phone system, there may be short and intermittent interruptions in our phone service today, Wednesday June 16 between 9:30am and Noon.
Keep trying as interruptions should be very short in duration. Thanks for your patience!"

Wed 06.16.10 1157z
Hump day! It turns out I actually did go flying yesterday morning for a bit (said yesterday at publish time it looked like rain was going to make me scrub). The boomers broke up just shy of the house, but the wet was in the area long enough in the form of light virga that I could give the RV a little wash. Home by 1000 and back on the keyboard, mental gyros all re-aligned...and with a clean canopy.
RV White Pages are up-to-date and live. Donations list is next on the punch list.

Doug Reeves (RV-6 'Flash')

● RV White Pages Updated and Current
...courtesy the wonderful Audrey Reeves (on summer vacation). Now 2,831 listings in 26 countries.

● Fun Exercise, Nuthin' But Rudder ...Scott Card (9A)
   You don't have to be going 140kts and 1000 nm from home to have fun in an RV, even without aerobatics.
   Today I was out enjoying a fresh new oil change. I climbed to 7500' up through the white puffies to cooler air and contacted Approach since I would kinda' be in their way for the next 10-15 minutes. I got my squawk code and spent some quality time with my standard stick wiggle. Some lazy 8s, steep turns, accelerated stalls, slow flight, etc. Then it was time to go for some fuel. The puffy clouds were kind of like playing in a loose forest. It was going to take me a few minutes and a little maneuvering to get down. I decided to pull the power to idle, move pitch trim all the way nose up, and let completely go except for rudder. I remember doing a test during Phase I similar to this just to prove that the airplane was controllable in such a condition with no elevator or aileron inputs, but didn't really take it very far, just a proof. This time, I endeavored to take it from 7500', 7 nm out, all the way to the runway environment. I completely let go of the stick and didn't touch it. The rudder worked perfectly to control bank and direction of flight. With the power at idle and trim all the way back, the aircraft setup a very nice stabilized 59-63kt decent with very little pitch oscillation.
   I maneuvered with my feet through a number of turns and course changes. Along the way, I tinkered with some flap and trim adjustments to simulate the ideal pitch angle and speed for a hands off touch down. That is a tricky deal since you trade a desirable slower speed for an undesirable lower pitch angle. Also, the quality of the rudder control in maneuvering (hands off) was a little more positive without flaps. I only played with 10 and 20 degrees of flaps. By now, I've pretty much got this figured out and am just entertaining myself on the way down. Once under the cloud deck (vfr scattered all the way) at around 3500', it was time to add in another control, power. I fed in just a little bit of power to begin to arrest the decent, and took out a little bit of pitch trim for about 75 kts. Still hands off, haven't touched the stick, navigating toward the airport. The aircraft is flying level. There are a few more pitch and speed oscillations in this mode that never completely damped out, but nothing too extreme. Mostly probably just reactions to the little bit of turbulence down low. I did some more tinkering with changes in power, speed, pitch, and maneuvering in this level flight mode on my way to the destination. It takes a while to get there going this slow

! Rudder and power easily flew me all the way into a close right downwind when I decided to terminate the experiment.
That was fun. Maybe next time, on a quiet afternoon, I'll try flying an actual stabilized approach all the way to a low approach and see what it would look like to actually level off for landing. I'm pretty confident at this point that I could put it on the runway with little more than a prop strike and maybe bent gear with the circumstances being the same. Obviously this little exercise doesn't address all of the other bad things that can happen related to control system failure like jamming or decoupling, but I had fun.

● Tom and Bonnie Lewis are Home
   We did make it home today. I flew the first leg and climbed to 8500 where it was 52 degrees and smooth. Had good VFR weather so we did not file IFR but when we stopped for lunch in Mississippi the thunderstorms started popping up and Bonnie had to do a little deviating around some storms across that state. She climbed high to clear some buildups and then came back down to 10500 for the rest of the trip. XM weather was again very valuable.
   Not exactly the direct route home, but our plan worked. These RVs really are great cross country machines!!
   Boy is it HOT in Texas!!

● RV X-C vs. Commercial Airlines
Seeking comments and input on a X-C planning issue. I am going to Washington DC for a Tuesday, 29 June hearing. The decision: to accept the reimbursed commercial air travel, or to fly the RV-8A. (more)

Construction
● Warning Bells ...RV-3B Builder Paul Dye
   I have mentioned before that one of the interesting things about building the RV-3 is the fact that you really, really, REALLY have to know how to read the drawings and cross-check the information between the various sheets. It is simply not enough to find a part (or an assembly) on a single drawing and figure that you know enough about how to make it. Frequently, the information is all there, but simply doesn’t register until you see a different view of the same area (or a related area) on another drawing that makes a light bulb go off in your head. Sometimes, that light bulb is a little slow to go on….and sometimes, it is surprising to find that little warning bells have been going off along the way, but it takes a few chimes before we put the pieces together and recognize our mistakes.
   Today, for instance, I felt the “click” as the bulb came on for something that I did over a month ago! Fortunately, I have adopted a policy of healthy suspicion on just about everything we do, never calling anything “complete” or “final” until we have no other choice than to drill, rivet, or close it up. Frequently, we’ll do a job, and as we move on to other things, I’ll be perusing the drawings and learning a little more about the overall assembly when those little bells start ringing. The problem part today was the lower forward stringers in the fuselage – they form the lower corners of the fuselage from the center section to the firewall, and set the geometry of this critical relationship, as well as providing a strong structure to transmit engine loads to the wing.
   I had framed this portion of the skeleton up awhile back, using the side view drawing of the forward fuselage. Looking at this area, you see the longerons, the lower stringer, and a diagonal brace stringer, all of which look alike in side view. The longerons are ¾” x ¾” heavy angle, as is the diagonal brace. And, if you look at the lines on the drawing, this appears to be the case with the lower stringer as well, so that was how I built it. All looked just fine, and since the longerons matched the lower corners, it seemed to make sense.
   But then a few days ago, I started to install the lower forward floor skin. There is a cross-section drawing a few pages back that show the details of this and the two triangular ribs that help to support the firewall where the engine mount intermediate pads bolt on. This area also has some angles to support the rudder pedals, and says that you might have to put those angles up on to the “1” x 1” angles…”. Hmmm, what 1” angles are they talking about? I looked closely, and the cross-section showed the corner angles with the rudder pedal support angle sitting on top. Well heck, those corner angels are 3/4”….couldn’t be talking about those! (Warning bell!!!) I went on to something else, but came back to this drawing for another detail later on. Sure enough, it still said the same thing – the rudder angle might have to go up on top of the 1” angle.
   Well, we spent a couple of days doing some skin riveting on the aft fuselage, but I kept thinking about this little incongruity. Any time I get different answers to the same question, I get suspicious – and the warning bells keep going off. Sure enough – today, I put the pieces together – if only due to an unlikely circumstance! We were cleaning up the hangar for an RV gathering, and as part of the clean-up, I was putting away some long angle stock that had been lying on the office floor. And…I came across this five foot length of 1” x 1”x 0.125” angle stock. Well, we’ve used up most of the big angle stock by this time….what the heck could this be for? And suddenly, the alarm bell went off loud and clear – along with the brilliant light bulb of illumination!
   I pulled out the drawings again, and sure enough, there on the original side view was the thing I’d missed. While the three angle piece were all DRAWN to the same width, the note pointing at the lower one said 1” x 1” x 0.125” angle stock, whereas the top and diagonals were shown to be ¾”x ¾”…..Fooled by the drawing! I expected that since the three looked to be the same size, they must be the same size – and missed the note.
   Fortunately, it was a very simple fix to remove the floor skin and the two incorrect angles. It only took about an hour to fabricate and match-drill the two new pieces. And I was right back where I was, ready to proceed with skinning the forward fuselage. But once again, I learned to read the drawings with just a touch of suspicion, to look deeper for what they are trying to tell me – and to listen to those little warning bells that are telling me that something just doesn’t add up….

Troubleshooting
● Leaking caliper
My caliper is leaking around the piston. I put fresh linings on, still does it. How do you fix that? Does anyone make a rebuild kit for the caliper? I found plenty for the master cylinder on Wicks. FYI: RV-4, standard Cleveland whatever.

Tue 06.15.10 1146z
   I had it all worked out to go to the airport around 0630 for some touch 'n go practice after today's edition went live, but it looks like rain is moving in about the time I'd pull up to the hangar.
   So on to plan 'B': flying the micro R/C plane in the backyard for a few minutes before breakfast. In pajama bottoms. And flip flops. Then back to the computer.
   Simple pleasures...and less traffic. ;^).

Doug Reeves (RV-6 'Flash')

● Tom & Bonnie are 'on the road' again
   After a great 12 day visit with our daughter and family in New Hampshire, which included a week at a beach house on the Maine coast, today we started the trip back to Texas. The weather was not quite as good as our VFR flights up to NE. We were flying the RV7a because we expected an IFR leg on the return trip, and our expectations were met today as we had two IFR legs so we each got to fly one.
   We filed IFR out of Nashua, NH this morning, my turn to fly, and climbed to 8k to follow the victor airways down to Altoona, Pa. If someone knows how to get a direct IFR flight in that part of the country, I would like to hear about it. We were in and out of the clouds all the way and shot the GPS 21 approach into AOO breaking out well above minimums. The 530W, GRT, and TT autopilot all did their job well.
   After refueling, checking the weather and realizing our original flight path plan went right through a LARGE area of thunder storms, we changed plans and filed for Greensboro, NC. Not exactly on our direct flight plan, but it did get us south of all the weather. We did get direct routing on this leg. At 10k feet, Bonnie is flying this leg, we were again in and out of the clouds but with buildups and turbulance from the weather moving in from the west. The XM weather was essential for this leg. But as we got to Greensboro, a storm was over the airport so we canceled IFR and proceeded VFR around to the south of the weather and proceeded west to Shelby, NC where we landed to refuel and access our options. After a look at the radar to the west, the decision to spend the night was easy, expecially when we were given use of a hangar for the night. There is also a car rental place in town that will deliver a car to the airport. There are several good motels and restaurants in town.
   On every trip we make the decision as to wheather we run the plane in the economy mode or the speed mode. Today were operating the plane in the best speed mode with true airspeeds of 170 knots all day long because of the developing weather. These RVs are really amazing.
   Tomorrow we will be flying west toward Texas in hopes of getting home. Check out our progress on the SPOT link in my signature block.

● N524AP Gets Her Wings ...Tony Phillips RV-9
Inspection went well. I had the plane opened up and he took his time looking around. The Milwaukee FSDO is great to work with and I felt that I was treated very fairly. Pete had a couple of suggestions but felt my plane was well done. Weather here in WI is IMC today and tomorrow looks to be the same. Wednesday looks good however for a first flight.

● My first RV-12 ride ...Dave Gamble
I liked it a lot! I'm glad to be building one of these. I was pretty sure it was a good decision to choose the RV-12, but now I know it was!

● Fuse almost done ...Ken K (LN not listed)
So I gave up painting cause it just wasn't working out for me using stewart system.. Then after a weeks break I re-attacked with a different technique. I applied three coats, let dry for an hour and applied three more. This solved the translucence problem without the runs. So here is a pic with the fuse nearly complete and ready to transport to the airport. I have some more squadron insignia to install but otherwise she's done...

VAF Family
● To Colorado and Back to Texas ...John Eldridge
   My wife Amanda and I have been working on our RV6A since October 2008. We took a break and flew our 182 up to colorado. We have flown the same route for years... GPM to BGD for the first fuel stop and finally up to 4V1. 4V1 is a very sleepy little airport with about 10 hangars. Only in the past few years did 4 more get built. Anyway, we arrived and powered down. We pulled out our new folding bicycles that was suggested HERE.
   We rode around the little airport and then got geared up to move baggage into the vehicle and get going. I reached for the master and turned it on.... but there was not the familiar click. I knew right away that the either the switch or the master itself was having a bad day. While we were riding around, the normally deserted airport had a flurry of activity. One pilot was caressing his newly purchased cessna 410, while in another hangar two fellas were resurrecting a Piper Comanche 250.
   When I discovered I had a technical difficulty with the 182, I pulled out my tools and got busy. I soon discovered that I needed a multimeter.... which would be in my cabin 45 minutes away. I zipped over to the hangar where the Commanche was getting fixed and asked to borrow a meter. They had one and I was back to work. After a bit of screwing around I figured out that the Master solenoid was bad. I began to remove it and one of the guys working on the Commanche came up and asked if all was well. I told him that I needed the master and was just going to order one. He said "I'll be right back". What a great day for me!!! In just a few minutes he came back from his hangar and handed me the very part I need to bring the old 182 back to life. I need to drill cable ends to a slightly larger diameter hole so I went to his hangar to do this. In there I found that he is in the process of assembling an RV7A. I of course took a big interest in his project. He has done a masterful job with the panel and workmanship is excellent. He is retired....he used to own an aircraft repair shop in Pueblo. I was sooo happy to get help in repairing my 182, but it was really cool to get it from another RV builder. This coincidence goes one step further. My cabin is in a remote part of colorado and I have very few neighbors. However, a neighbor that I met on this trip just happens to own a RV8!
   My wife and I have had a very positive experience with the vans community , not just with the building part... but also with the spiritual and just dumb luck of meeting other vans people. We just wanted to share this others.
   We have a few hoses we just had made for PHT (Tulsa) to install and then we have to fix our lower cowling. We are hoping to have our first flight in the next month or two.

● RVers to the rescue ...Joe Norris
   I want to thank Randy Stisser and Jim (didn't get his last name) of EAA chapter 75. These two fine gentlemen are based at Kewanee Airport (KEZI). I ended up weathered in at Kewanee yesterday and today, trying to get home from Creve Coeur airport (St. Louis area) in my Waco UPF-7. Randy and Jim, along with FBO Dale Lindstrom, went above and beyond to help in any way they could, and I truly appreciate it!
   If you are ever flying across Illinois, take time to stop at Kewanee. You won't find a friendlier place.
   Thanks guys!!

Video
● Team RV Video - New ...posted by Ron Schreck
Crank up the volume and watch the latest performance of Team RV at PDK. [ed. wouldn't play embedded.dr]

Milestones
● Final Inspection ...Ivan Kristensen RV-10
   On Friday June 11, RV-10 SN 40838 registered C-GMDV passed final inspection. Here in Canada the cowl. all inspection plates, seat and interior has to be removed for the inspector to be able to do his work.
   Now I have to wait for the paperwork to be processed, which will take a week or two. In the mean time I will put the plane back together and ready it and my self for the first flight.
   My flying and building buddy Art Penner took some video and posted it on Youtube.
   For the inspection we have to start the engine as the inspector has to be able to see the instrumentation and engine controls are all working correctly.

● First Engine Start ...Jon Clements (RV-7 Melbourne Australia)
   Quick update.... Fired up my engine for the first time on Saturday. After a couple of squirts of the fuel pump my Aerosport IO-360M1 fired into action and ran OH SO SWEET..   No leaks etc so I was very happy.....that said, a bit of work to do on my GRT EIS and EFIS settings so I get accurate readings.
   Weighed in at 1162lbs empty.
   Now on the home straight.....first flight expected in a few weeks.
   Here's a recent photo of my baby on the ramp wearing most of her outfit....

Troubleshooting
● Tell Tale signs of a dying alternator? ...Jeff
   Been having some intermittent issues with our alternator.. Normally, I show around 13.6v on the voltmeter while the plane is running and alternator is selected. Now I am running around with ~12.8v showing.. Occasionally, it'll jump up to 13.6v..
   If I turn on everything - and I mean everything - sometimes I can coax it to picking up the load..
   Is this a dying alternator? Anyone have any ideas?

Safety
● Ninety Knots – It’s Never Too Early! ...practicing the OSH approach. Paul Dye
   I got our Oshkosh 2010 NOTAM book in the mail yesterday, which was a good reminder that it is never too early to go out and start flying around at 90 knots for awhile. I’d bet that most RV’ers don’t’ go out and do this near often enough – and many don’t think about it until they are coming up on Ripon during their trek to Oshkosh. Ninety Knots is the magic number on the “Low Road” for the Fisk Arrival (and while some argue that they can just speed up and take the “High road”, that is not the interpretation given before by the FAA – which means you can be cited for “Careless and Reckless” if you ignore the NOTAM – and let’s face it, Oshkosh is CRAWLING with Feds!), and RV’s are very capable of flying that speed, so it’s a good idea to make sure the pilot is as well.
   I went out for my annual simulation this morning and tooled along our local countryside with 85 degree OAT’s and 90 on the speed tape. It REALLY feels slow if you haven’t done it for awhile. It’s probably a good idea to go to altitude and slow down from 90 to the stall a few times, so you realize just how much margin you have at 90 – very comforting, as a matter of fact. I think that the trickiest part of the arrival is not maintaining the speed – it is maintaining the speed with my eyes OUTSIDE the cockpit. RV’s are slippery enough that a small power or pitch change is going to make a difference, and at peak traffic times on the arrival, the LAST place you want your eyes is the on the panel.
   So I like to go out and hit the speed, then stop looking inside and fly with my eyes out for a couple of minutes – then glance back in to see how well I did on airspeed and altitude. It can be sobering, and lead to more practice. I’ll be honest, my biggest concern about flying in to Oshkosh are the folks who fly about 50 hours a year – and half of that is going to, and returning from, Oshkosh. It takes some measure of skill to fly precisely, and precision is required to fit in on the road from Ripon to Fisk. And even if you’re not going to Oshkosh, there’s no harm in brushing up your skills for the next time you have to follow a Cub in the traffic pattern at your home field…:

Ongoing Maintenance Issues
● Which parts is nice to replace during annual other than oil, filter and plugs? ...Alf Olav Frog (Norway)
   Does anyone has a list of parts you routinely change during annual or every second year for example?
   I'm not thinking about ELT-batteries etc, but parts like those bolts in the tread above; parts which are not mentioned anywhere?
   For example; does anyone routinely change the bolts on the brake-flange? (those four bolts which holds the flange which holds the wheel pant). Those bolts are exposed to vibrations and stress I'd think? (continue)

Advertiser's Corner...sent in by the advertisers of this site.
● SteinAir Garage Sale ....stuff sells fast. Thread edited by Stein throughout day with 'SOLD' placed on various items.
"After a good spring cleaning a couple weeks ago, we sold off a bunch of spare stuff, and I managed to find some more this week to get rid of at good deals. All are nearly new."

Mon 06.14.10 1142z
Fun weekend! Logged 1.1hrs flying down and back to the Pecan Plantation gathering Saturday morning (since I showed up to our airport last I was made lead). The folks down at Pecan did a first rate job on this fly-in, as they always do. Food, parking, entertainment....just an outstanding job. They made it look easy, which it is most certainly not. Got to hang out with the usual suspects in a really nice setting (sat view), and caught up with some friends that I don't get to see very often in person (Larry Pardue, Paul Dye, David Hendricks, Mel, Don Crum, Gary Brickner, the Sutters and so many more). Really nice time and the best of people.
I took the small pocket camera, mainly because it was less work and I wanted to just hang out. HERE's a link to the pictures I took - if more links come in I'll post. Larry Pardue took the best photo of the day (a scooter we stumbled upon).
I'll sum up the remainder of the weekend in the rest of this sentence: Yoga, Karate, World Cup, Porsche beat Ferrari in the GT2 class at LeMans (scorecard), Canadian Grand Prix F-1 race (lap chart), St. Jude Classic Golf Tourney (leaderboard), mowing lawn, time on the keyboard.......and fixing a water heater.
It's the first full week of summer and no rest for the daughter - she's babysitting at a local yoga studio. She promised to help me update the RV White Pages and donations list this week. Yeah, right <g>.
Lots of extra news that isn't in today's edition - will post throughout the week. Don't want to 'over-RV' you on Monday morning <g>.
Hope you had a great weekend and that Monday goes swell.

Doug Reeves (RV-6 'Flash')

● 4 Leaf Clover ...act of RV charity. Pete Howell (my hero).
The Boxer signal went up on Thursday, a little white Boxie, Clover, needed a ride from Des Moines up to rescue here in Minne. Clover was dealing with a serious case of the mange, and was in some danger of bleeding out due the state of her skin.
The weather Saturday was pretty crummy, but as usually happens, Sunday was a nice one, cool and clear with winds out of the north. I launched early so I could get back to finish the deck and go rollerblading with the wife. The early start gave me a nice view of the Mississip heading into downtown Minne. (continue / pics)

● N7185A, RV-12 SN 120164 has left the nest
Today at about 5:45 PM central time, 120164 with Dean Sombke (RV-10 pilot) at the controls, took to the air for the first time from the Central Ne Regional Airport. After doing a few touch and go's with Larry Geiger in his 12, who flew into Grand Island from Crete, Ne, Dean piloted 7185A for about 45 minutes doing several touch and go's and reported upon his final landing that the flight was a non event, i.e no heavy wing--no problems--it flew straight and true. After the 5 hour flyoff time, I will be able to go for a ride in my own RV-12 as presently I only have a powered parachute endorsement under my sport pilot license. Can't wait!!
Alan Zwink 120164

● The Cards go to CA ...trip write-up. Many parts and more than one link to pics. Great story!
   Part 1
   "To 'Rosie'mond we go"
   Today's objective was to get from Georgetown to Paul and Victoria's house in Rosamond CA with as little excitement as possible. The previous few mornings at home had all begun with the standard summertime low crud. The forecast was pretty much the same for our departure morning. All the plans and contingencies had been hatched, and we rolled out of bed at 5am to get an early start. I had expected to look out the window at low IFR conditions this early and just go file my IFR flight plan that I had prepared. But, no, it was a beautiful VFR morning. This can be a little bit of a trick as we've found. Just as the sun gets high enough, you can be pulling the airplane out of the hangar and the weather goes from beautifully clear to what we call "flash IFR". So I dutifully filed my IFR flight plan just in case we got to the end of the runway and needed it. It was nice watching the sun rise during our 30 minute drive to the airport. I'm not a morning person, so it is pretty rare that I see the sun come up in all its glory over the eastern horizon. A beautiful sight indeed. Tanya had the airplane packed in short order, and I made one last check of our cockpit resources. Another oddity that I'm not used to is that our control tower wasn't open yet, so we were in uncontrolled airspace until 7am. As we started our climb into the beautifully clear morning sky, I noticed a controller in the tower cab setting up for the morning shift. We all waved as we passed his window at 90 knots. (continue)

Milestones
● N159SB - On to phase II !!!!
N159SB completed Phase I on 6/12/2010 and has been entered into Phase II !!!! Man my wallet sure feels lighter!!! AVGAS = GOLD!

● Airworthy At Last ! ! ...Jeff Moreau RV-8A
I am pleased to report that my RV-8A officially became an airplane yesterday. I can't tell you how delighted I was to receive the "Pink Slip".
My aircraft passed the inspection with zero squaks. Back in December of 2009 the machine was just a few weeks away from being completed. Then it happened. A shop fire that destroyed many of my fiberglass parts including the upper and lower engine cowling. Flash forward almost six months to the day and I now have a flyable airplane.
There are so many that I wish to thank. Of special note:

John and Tammy Andre
Mark Banus
David Buckwalter (Avionics Systems)
EAA Chapter 339
Al Faison
Al Goins
Nick and Connie Jones
Jeff Michonski
Bob Moreau
Pete Pearson
Dick Reynolds
Tim Ribble
Jeff Riblet (for convincing me I could do it)
Ed and Janie Smith
Steve Solomon
Kent Stitt
VAF Forums (couldn't have completed the project without the help that I received on this site).
All of the many others that stopped by to lend a hand over the years.
It is my goal to thank all of you in person.

I will post again when we perform the first flight test. My heartfelt thanks to all. Especially those that encouraged me to press on after the fire.

Seen and Heard
"I was waiting for hangar space to become available at my home base, and my newly minted 9A sat on the ramp for the first few weeks. During preflight I heard a strange noise coming from the horizontal. A tap or two released a torrent of smokin' mad bees. Found there way in through the rib holes behind the elevator horn. Quite a job to extract them and their nest. Aluminum tape neatly covers these holes on my bird." --- --- Chris Schmitt

Fri 06.11.10 1219z
   Friday! If you're anywhere near Texas and want to see many, many RVs this Saturday, the Pecan Plantation gathering is calling your name. See you there!
   Summer vacation has officially started in our house - while I type this (6am) everyone else is asleep (and will be for another couple hours).
   Wishing you a happy, safe and RV-filled weekend.

Doug Reeves (RV-6 'Flash')

● N348AS now legal ...Allan Stern RV-8
Yesterday my project of @ 14 months was given it's pink slip by my local DAR inspector. He found very few nit picks. I had the trim tab wires reversed and had to secure a few loose wires. Now to put it all back together, and find a time to let her slip the surly bonds of gravity and take to the sky. Probably when I get back from China (too) in early July. Still have to do a bit of tweaking.

I also got myself a T Hanger at HTS to put one of the planes in.

● Rudder Trim Troubleshooting (RV-12) ...Scott McDaniels
   Q: (background info) "I initially added 6" of the Avery wedge and am still about 1/8 of a ball out of trim. Added another 3" and there was NO effect...... Next step?"

   A: (Scott) I have never seen a case were adding more wedge didn't cause more change in trim. It is true that if you have a major out of trim condition, that adding a second 6" piece of wedge won't produce the same amount of change as the first, because the further you try and displace the rudder with a tab or wedge, the more opposing force there is trying to push the rudder back straight.
   N412RV, the red RV-12 prototype has no rudder trim tab and it fly's perfectly in trim. Not all airplanes are exactly the same as far as trim goes.
   It is important that the roll trim be adjusted first.
   I think it was already mentioned that if you adjust roll trim to fly level when a 250 lb pilot is flying solo you may be causing a need for more rudder trim than effectively needed.
Assuming you have the roll trim adjusted properly, I would do the following...
   Make sure the rudder moves very freely on it's bearings. If you disconnect the rudder cables, you should be able to lightly flip the rudder and have it swing and bounce off of the rudder stop and swing back. If it doesn't, recheck the spacer washers for the rudder bearings to make sure no side load is being applied to the bearings (it doesn't take much to add a lot of friction).
   Check the rudder trailing edge shape cord wise with a straight edge. The straight edge should lay pretty flat on the skin surface all the way to the tight radius bend at the very trailing edge. If it is pillowed out it can cause the rudder to have a dead band and reduce the effectiveness of trim tabs that are mounted there.
   If those two things are ok, a trim tab wedge should be able to correct for proper trim in yaw. It is possible that placement location on the rudder can change the effectiveness of the tab. I have no experience putting a tab on an RV-12, but it is possible that the canopy produces a flow disturbance down low on the rudder that would not be present further up (so it might be more effective up higher, but you guys will have to tell me).

● Great Lakes RV-10 Builder Gathering This Saturday
For the last two years the four partners in N44YH have hosted a gathering of RV-10 builders for lunch at our hangar. We will be doing the same event this year, however since this is the third annual event Tony decided it was time for a name "Great Lakes RV Gathering". This is an informal gathering geared around meeting other builders and sharing tales of RV's. Lunch is on us, so if you are available please fell free to stop in, all RVer's welcome, any size any stage.
No sales pitch or strings attached, just a chance to get together with other builders and share ideas, and stories.

Date: Saturday 6/12/09
Time: 10:00, lunch at 12:00, break up after lunch (last year it ended around 3)
Where: KSBM (Sheboygan County Memorial Airport) - Sheboygan Falls, WI
Who: Family and friends welcome

If you plan to attend please let me know so we can have enough to eat.
Thanks, Jason Kreidler 920-946-9976
4 Partner Build - Sheboygan Falls, WI
Wayne Elsner, Kyle Hokel, Tony Kolar, Jason Kreidler
N44YH - #40617 - Flying

● Paul's Experience Using Multiple Tailwheel/Fork Combinations
   I have flown with three of the various types - API, Van's, and Bell. We also own one of the Aviationtech "Bell Clones", but haven't flown it yet - I expect there will be no difference between it and the Bell (noticeable from the cockpit).
   Van's, Vince's, Bell and AviationTech all use the same "Knuckle" on the end of the tail wheel spring - you don't have to change it. They all also use the same steering arm and axle bolt. The API has it's own shaft diameter (slightly less than Van's), so you have to use their knuckle and steering arms - as well as a different axle, which means different bearings. If you buy that one, you have to match drill the two holes to the spring for the mounting bolts. Not a big Deal, but it takes an hour (and careful measurement).
   The API, Bell, and AviationTech all look similar - rounded forks that are really pretty looking and have the greatest ground clearance - the wheel will hit ANYTHING before the fork will. Vince's and Van's are more like heavy "sheet" wrapped around to the axles. Vince's has far better ground clearance than Van's.
   When I changed to the API on the Valkyrie, it was pretty much the only easily available option. if I were to change it out today, I'd go with the Bell or AviationTech for commonality purposes with the rest of the "fleet". It is a pain to need a different wheel and steering arm. Not that they have to be changed all that often, but I like commonality. I haven't used Vince's, but have read nothing but good things about it.
   While there are different heights involved, my personal experience is that an inch or two of tail height disappears if you squirm in your seat just a tad, or sit differently, or the cushions are cold rather than hot. Minor irregularities in a turf runway will matter more than which wheel you have - unless you get one of those monster tundra tailwheels of course....

That's about all my experience with the different wheels - I have a few hundred hours with each, and honestly, they all fly about the same (in my opinion) within the normal variations of RV'ating.

● Scott Schmidt's Baby Hauler ...and some stuff about a secondary door latch.
   I was one who did not feel a secondary latch was needed as well, after installing Sean's latch design (Planearound.com) I sure am glad I took the time to put it in. I have discussed this on another thread but it works great and makes closing the door that much easier, the integration into the handle does not make it more difficult or complicating. The Japanese would call Sean's design a Poke-Yoke, it basically means the operator cannot screw up closing the door, it is now mistake-proof. You either close the door 100% correct or it is VERY obvious that it is not closed and needs to be re-addressed.
   I've talked Sean into flying my plane out to Oshkosh this year (I'll be going like the pioneers did, in my air-conditioned truck pulling my trailer) and he will give me a 2 day start and still beat me. Anyway, you all will be able to see this latch system there as I'm sure others will have it too.
   Anna had her first flight at 6 weeks old and the latch is just a little more insurance that all is well and she can rest all she wants!

Milestones
● 16,225 ...Chad 'Rain Man' Jensen
There's the number! 16,225 rivets in my airplane to the point of being ready for inspection! I will have a few more when I get to the plate nuts for the wheel pants, but I don't know when that will be. So...to build an RV-7 to inspection readiness, one will use approximately 16,225 rivets, plus or minus a hundred or so depending on mods I would say.

Thu 06.10.10 1122z
The (mostly) RV fly-in at Pecan Plantation (near Granbury, TX) is this Saturday, and the weather is looking good. Expecting a pretty huge RV turnout. Come if you can!!!!
Last day of school for the daughter and son! They're somewhat excited...

Doug Reeves (RV-6 'Flash')

● It's legal! ...jcbarker
   Well, the Feds signed off on 819WB on Tuesday morning (so gullible). Actually Keith Rucovich from the Hillsboro FSDO was very easy to work with. He gave the airplane a good inspection before tackling the paper work. No squawks, very complimentary. Gave me a 75nm radius operational limit for phase 1. Wa who! All in all a good experience, and free. Just make sure you've got all your paperwork in order and all supporting documents. He looked at everything. Spent a fair bit of time going over my builders log and photos. He really wanted to make sure I built it.
   Anyway, that's the latest. First flight will have to wait until I get back from China on the 24th. I'll keep everyone posted.

● The Cards Are Back From California in Their 9A ...many watched them in real time on APRS.
Thanks for watching. Altitudes were all correct vfr altitudes. Sometimes the aprs tracker reports incorrectly, it seems, more often when up high. Yep, landed at Andrews for fuel and a pit stop. We never touched a cloud the whole trip, amazing. We can't believe it either. I told Tanya I was going so I could fly, and somehow, I flew every hour of flight the whole trip. She rocked the position of chief navigator, operations, and logistics officer. All i had to do was wiggle the stick. It feels good, but I'm pooped, need sleep. Of course we will be at the Pecan Plantation fly in this weekend!

● 339A Panel Upgrade Begins ...Scott Mills
After being on the road for a while I have finally made it back to Littleton and my airplane. Upon arriving back home a few items were delivered by Mr. Brown. Most of the parts/equipment that I ordered showed up. So now I can get started on the IFR panel upgrade for 339A.

   What I thought I would do is to keep a running post here, of the event as I progress along and throw in an update when something interesting takes place.
   I do have a general plan of attack for this project. Obviously I want to limit the amount of down time for the plane. I would much rather be flying than working. So the first step is to get the electrical design done. That is complete and I'll post a link to the drawings when I get a chance. I have been playing around with ePanel Builder for the last year and have a layout that I can live with. One of my objectives is to limit the amount of re-wiring that I need to do. That being the case the placement and reuse of existing equipment had to be worked into the layout.
   Here is the panel as it is today. It's had a few upgrades since it was first completed in 2005. (continue)

Motivation
● Southern Version: Bill Gipson's RV-10
Finally finished with the paint and interior on the Geareddrives RV-10. Thanks to Geoff Combs for loaning his paint scheme. We made a few tweaks to give it some "Texas" flavor.

Milestones
● Engine Hung (Mike Coates 9A) ...Crestwood, KY
Well all you other guys had me feeling bad about my progress so this week I got the engine hung. Another milestone accomplished.

Building Tips / Techniques/ Mods
● Project Quiet Air Compressor (update)...Chris Hinch.
   Well, I finally got around to doing some measuring of what is going on inside the box - and no surprises. Moving air around is critical to keeping the temperature down - and therefore prolonging the life of the compressor.
   Three separate runs across three consecutive nights in three different configurations - no fans running (cyan), all fans running (green), all fans less outlet fan (purple). When the tap is open and the compressor was running are shown as red and blue lines at the bottom of the chart.
   The procedure was the same each night. From cold, open the tap, turn the compressor on, let the compressor free run for three minutes to get the oil moving, close the tap. At 10 minutes, open the tap for two minutes. Temperature measured inside the box immediately above the cylinder head every 30 seconds. I know this is not typical usage pattern, but I wanted to give the trends some time to establish.
   Y axis is temperature in Centigrade (100°F = 37.7°C). X axis is elapsed time.
   I could do more tests of other configurations to find out which fan is most effective, but this is just a compressor box, after all.
   If you are thinking of doing something similar to what I have done (which has been very effective in making my workshop a quieter and more pleasant workspace), keeping air moving across the cylinder head AFTER the compressor has been running, and moving cold air into the box is absolutely essential to not cooking your compressor.
   My last mod will be to put the fans on a thermostat so whenever the temperature inside the box gets above 20°C, on they come.
   (...I really do need to get my kit ordered...sigh.)

Ongoing Maintenance Issues
● An Awful Sound ...Paul Dye
   It was a very short flight over to our neighboring airport this evening to attend our monthly “Choir Practice” (no actual singing takes place – it is simply a hangar get-together….), and as luck would have it, someone had parked a truck where I usually put the airplane. In order to give myself an “out” when I wanted to leave, I swung the Val around hard – but misjudged the edge of the pavement just a wee bit….
   The sound was sort of a “Bang/Snap/Crunch!” Whatever …. it was loud, and I could tell I wasn’t going anywhere. I shut down and climbed out to see that I had apparently invented the RV retractable tail wheel – the wheel was pointing up at the bottom of the rudder, having spun on the round spring, and there was a fair amount of mud spread around. Both of the cross-bolts that hold the tail wheel “knuckle” to the spring had obviously sheared. I was surprised to see a small muddy hole with no obvious fixed objects – I expected that I had unluckily hit something hard and/or solid, but this was not the case.
   Truth be told, I generally change these bolts every other annual since they almost always develop a little bit of play, and when removed, show obvious signs of wear. I didn’t change them this most recent annual, but will now make it a yearly event – they are pretty cheap! Still, better for those to shear than to damage the spring attachment to the fuselage – we did a thorough inspection, and found nothing bent or popped after tonight’s incident.
   Fortunately for me, I was broken down next to several hangars full of homebuilding tools and parts – we had it all back together before the party really got going. I had to get a quick ride home to pick up a spare tail wheel link we have on the shelf – the one on the plane was slightly bent and had a broken rod end bearing (repairable) – and everything was back together with about 20 minutes of work.
   Memories of that awful sound will probably make me a little less casual about imparting side loads on the tail wheel, and I’m going to make sure to swap the bolts out annually. Meanwhile, I have some little bits of “bolt shrapnel” to add to my “worn out parts” collection that I keep to remind myself that nothing lasts forever….

Paint
● Tips and techniques wanted for Rustoleum Hammered Interior Finish ...Dave Gribble (9A)
   I'm almost decided on the use of Rustoleum rattle can hammered paint for my interior. I'm thinking of using silver for the interior, bronze for the panel, and black for the canopy frame & windscreen.
   I started a test of the 3 colors, and decided to try 3 different surface preps. I scuffed and cleaned 3 test pieces. On the left I applied the Rustoleum clean metal primer, which is white. The center of each piece is bare (no primer) and the right side is Napa 7220 which is what I've been using elsewhere: (continue)

Wed 06.09.10 1128z
Upgrading the pitot static plumbing system in Flash - it's nearly nine years old and has been spliced and moved around so much during panel upgrades that it looks like a bowl of spaghetti. You can find complete pitot/static kits online in a few places, but I found (and bought) similar quick connect stuff from AutomationDirect for much, much less. I can replace it every three years at this price if the mood strikes. Ordered blue tubing for pitot and clear for static. It's gonna look awesome. I'll get pics when it arrives and a before/after of the install.
Weekend weather looking good for this Saturday's fly-in at Pecan Plantation. Should be an amazing turnout.

Doug Reeves (RV-6 'Flash')

● First Flight: Lonnie Rush RV-12
DAR signed it off on 06/03/10 and I tidied up a few details (dead battery), did the taxi test and the initial flights today 06/08/10. Serial #12008 (Airframe done by Carl Wright) Avionics, AP, engine, details by me. Flies great!!!!

N83LR

● A RV dinner trip into the Norwegain mountains ...Alf Olav Frog (Norway)
   Last Sunday, the weather was beautiful in the south of Norway, so why fire up the grill by the house for dinner when you have a RV in your hangar?
   Instead of firing up the porch grill, the wifey and me fired up the IO-360 and set course westbound into what some people call "The heart of Norway"; Telemark.
   There's an airstrip "Fyresdal" situated by the lake "Fyresvatn" and it's only 30-40 minute walk to the small community (you cannot call it a "town"...) (continue)

● I have an official airplane! ...Steve Ingraham
   I have been building for five years now. I picked up my RV9A project from a fellow builder who had started building in 2001. He had completed all the tail feathers, ailerons and flaps. I picked up the rest in boxes ready to start my own building project. Ken, if you are out there, she is finally a legal airplane.
   Anyway, on June 17, 2005 I started this trek of building an RV9A. Well, without going into a long dissertation that will just bore anyone reading this, I want to post that on Monday, June 7, 2010 my local FISDO office signed off on all the airworthiness paperwork necessary to make this project an actual registered and airworthy aircraft.
   Here is a recent picture just from a week ago just prior to having the inspection.

   I have so many people to thank for helping on this project. If I do not mention someone here please note I am eternally grateful for everyone involved. Of the utmost importance to mention is my wife for getting on board with this project. She has spent 5 years of having me postpone many "Honey Do" list items in order to work on the airplane.
   I could not have completed this airplane if it were not for my good friend Clark Taylor. Clark is not an RV builder but he is an extremely experienced machinist who has spent his entire adult life working on every imaginable thing that could be built by man. Without his assistance I know I truly could not have completed this airplane.
   I also want to thank Doug and everyone on this forum for participating in such a fantastic resource. Without the input from all who post here I would be left in the dark trying to figure out on my own what needed to be done. I truly wonder if I would have attempted this type of construction a decade ago when this forum did not exist. I know many of you on this forum did just that and my hat is off to every one of you. I don't know if I could have done this without being able to go online and ask questions of all those who have been down the road before me.
   I look forward to flying my new airplane for the first time. You can be sure I will post again when that happens. I am looking forward to supplying a picture of my "RVGrin" on that day.
   The adventure started 5 years ago. The first phase (construction) of the adventure is at its end but now the adventure takes on a new purpose with some very exciting times ahead. The adventure of flying my newly completed airplane is set to begin. I look forward to experiencing all the flying fun I can possibly stand now.
   It has been said many times before by many other posters but it stands to be repeated here. Keep bucking those rivets. It will all be worth it some day soon.
   Live Long and Prosper!

● Teen Flight on local TV (Oregon) June 11th ...Scott McDaniels
Just a heads up for anyone who receives Portland TV. Portland KATU news (local channel 2) is supposed to be running a special news feature about Teen Flight (www.teenflight.blogspot.com) on Friday June 11. The story and interviews were done by local TV weather guy and pilot Dave Salesky.
I do not know what time it will run. Should be at least one but maybe all of the Friday evening news programs (5, 6, and 11 PM ?)

Construction
● Mike Mork's Panel Progressions
I have an RV-7 tipup with an O-360 and CS prop. This is my new panel. I didn't build it, but I did design it for serious IFR flight. This is what I started with:

The system includes dual AHRS, EIS, external GRT GPS, Garmin 430W & SL40 Comm, XM WX, TruTrak Digiflight II VSGV with Auto-Trim and Zaon XRX traffic. I also had an "N" number change. Now the real learning curve kicks in.

● Tail Art ...Ken K. (LN not listed)
Identical to my squadron aircraft (HSM-70). Still need to add squadron name at the top but that's tomorrow.

Tue 06.08.10 1132z
   Lots of little news tidbits today, so I'm going to do them rapid fire style...

   Item
   You're reading today's edition on the new and improved server. I could use some buzzwords like synergistically reintermediate client-focused methodologies to explain the migration, but let's just go with 'it runs faster'.
   rel: Web Economy Bulls&%t Generator

   Item
   ...from Mark Smith regarding the 4-ship A-10 flyover at TMS this past Saturday,
   "I lurk on your website from time to time. Not a RV builder or pilot, just like looking at the construction pictures! Today I just happened to see your shout-out regarding the A-10 flyby at TMS on Saturday. Some useless information for you… That 4 ship was from the 47th Fighter Squadron stationed at Barksdale AFB. Lead pilot was Lt. Col. Marc “Thor” Olson. He’s actually a closet RV-7 builder. He completed the empennage at Propwash a couple of years ago. Thor is one of the most “seasoned” active A-10 pilots with approx. 4000 hours. Marc is grew up from Mineral Wells, TX so this part of the country is home."

   Item
   Raffle items for the fly-in at Pecan Plantation, TX this Saturday (courtesy Avery Tools) :
   1.    CDI Torque Wrench / ¼” drive / 30-150 inch pounds / our part # 4910 / value $ 165.00
   2.   VO Scope video scope with 24” long X 6mm diameter flexible shaft / our part # VS24-6w   /   value $ 295.00

   Item
   Bill York (byork3 'at' cox 'dot' net) has a Christen Eagle II that he would like to trade for an RV-6/7/8. He is 'eaglen92ce' in the forums, lives in Chandler, AZ and can email anyone interested all the specs and pics they want. A pic:

● Niner Seven Kilo Echo Flies ...Dave Estapa (RV-9A)
After 8 years of construction, N97KE, a RV-9A flew Saturday June 5th for the first time. It was built by my brother, Keith, and me. First flight occurred at Calhoun, Ga (CZL). Flight was uneventful with some minor squawks, most of which were taken care of that afternoon. The airplane is equipped with a Advanced 3500, Garmin 495, and a Zaon. Weight came in at 1096 Lbs. The fun begins. For those who know me-NO SOY BEANS were hurt in this endeavor.

● The Cards In California. ...adventure continues.
(from Scott) The adventure continues. We stayed the night in San Luis, did a winery tour, and checked out Pismo beach for dinner. Launched from there this morning headed north for a very leisurely slow flight following the coast line. Norcal approach was very accommodating to our scenic tour. Our plan was Half Moon Bay for lunch (just south of the San Francisco surface area), but that just wasn't to be with the low fog hanging around there all day. I'm amazed that we had an APRS track all the way up the coast. We were below the ridge line most of the way. Trying to use the terrain experience Rosie gave us a couple days before. Got lunch and landed Merced where 22C will sit for a couple of days. Rental car to Mariposa for a day trip into Yosemite tomorrow. No APRS TV tomorrow, but Wednesday will be the next big day, beginning very early, for a full day flying back to Texas hopefully.

Milestones
● 704CH Wings Complete ...and one great pose. Chad Hankins of Sammamish, WA.

Advertiser's Corner...sent in by the advertisers of this site.
● TCW Announcement....

Mon 06.07.10 1142z.
    Fun weekend! Didn't fly Saturday morning because the wifey and daughter were heading down to San Marcos for the day/night to see a niece graduate high school and we wanted to see them off. Then it was too hot to fly. So, later in the day around 6pm I took Tate to his first race - the Firestone 550 Indycar race at TMS. Went with RV-8 bud Jerry Lawlor.
Tate and I stopped in at McDonald's before the race there near the house and bumped into a visiting Steve Murray from Atlanta. He's a RV-8 builder who noticed my VAF shirt. Small world, huh?
   Best part of the race was when Danica took the lead for a brief moment (at the 4min 20sec mark of this clip - you'll recognize me in the stands: I'm the middle-aged white guy wearing the baseball cap). Tate was flabbergasted that the entire field was getting 'beat by a girl'. We told him to get used to it...
Being there in person was more enjoyable than watching it on TV - no commercials and you can follow one car all the way around the track.
   The A-10 flyover during The Star Spangled Banner was timed PERFECTLY. Four ship in fingertip strong right hit show center right at 'freeeeeeeeeeeee'. We knew they were going to be A-10s before most at the track - I got a text from Monkey that said 'A-10s holding over 52F' about ten minutes before the pass.
   Sunday the heat index was 104°F - we slept in and stayed by the air conditioner vent all day.
   Hope you had a good weekend and Monday goes swell.

Doug Reeves
(RV-6 / IFR rating progress)

● First Flight: Juan Pablo RV-8 ...Argentina
Today we flew our RV-8 LV-X-418 for first time. Everything OK. only need minor instrumental adjust. It's a dream plane!!!

● Upgraded Panel Done: Jim Shannon (RV-8)
Last flew March 20 with a VFR panel, and flew for the first time yesterday with the new panel shown below which will allow me to fly IFR with redundant equipment. This shot was taken after a flight this morning, and the plane is parked outside my hangar, 90 degrees to the runway. With AFS' synthetic vision, you can see the Blue Ridge mountains in the background, and well as the approach end of runway 3 at KCHO. I am still learning how to use the entire avionics system, and a lot more test flying is ahead. But for now, it is one sweet package. I did not count the hours to do this work, but I worked on it non stop since about mid Feb, when I started wiring up the avionics at home.

I designed the panel so that only about 1/4" of the avionics bezels protrude from the panel. I think that makes for a neat looking installation. The 430 required a modification to the comm connector so that it would clear the bulkhead cross-brace. The mod is described earlier in this thread. The 430, 696, and XM antennas are mounted under the cowl. The 430 has performed superbly with this antenna location. In the previous VFR panel, the 696 and XM antennas worked flawlessly under the cowl for the 60 hours or so they were installed before the plane was taken down for the panel upgrade.

Thanks go to the fine folks at AFS for producing this equipment, and their tireless support as I asked them a gazillion questions during the installation. AFS is one fine company for sure. And thanks to Stein as well who was very supportive as well during the project.
Jim Shannon
RV-8 N52VV
Charlottesville, VA
AFS 4500 EFIS & 3400 EFIS/EM
G430W - SL30 - G327 - G696 - G240
TT DigiFlight II VSVG
VP-X

● A couple of RV's from a local fly-in (KCMY) ...Terry H.
There were many other planes there. I went over to see the -6 that is almost complete and ended up meeting a bunch of nice folks and enjoying breakfast. In fact my whole unit went over and had breakfast (it is drill weekend).

Construction
● Door hinge "Gottcha" ...Mike Starkey
   I just ran into a "Gottcha" on the door hinges, one of those things that can be easily overlooked.
   The hinges on my right door were installed (by the original builder) in reverse, and I also found the same thing on a buddies plane.
   Take a good look at the detail on page 45-06, drawing of the door hinges. The hinges are built with a tilt to the axis of the hinge pin, and the correct installation is to have the lower side of the tilted pin aimed at the other hinge. (continue)

● Pat Stewart's RV-10 Has Arrived In The Building (at KZPH) ...words and pics by Carl Raichle (Lutz, FL)
After a long Sunday ride from Alabama, we unloaded Pat's fuselage from the trailer and into a new (literally) hanger at ZPH:

Finished taking the previous photo and Pat reached inside and powered up the panel. Awesome - sorry turned off for the photo.

Safety
● An Interesting Observation
Recently while hanging out at the airport, I had the opportunity to witness an aerodynamic blunder. The "pilot" was unlicensed. He didn't need one. Although he was without a license, he's probably a better pilot than most of us. This "pilot" was what appeared to be a small bee. I was standing in the hanger which has a very smooth floor when I noticed this bee skimming across in ground effect towards the big hanger doors. It looked as though he had another bug in the grasp of its little legs, (maybe lunch). He had flown about 50 feet in a straight line at what had to be full throttle. Despite his best efforts to gain some altitude, the best he got was maybe half an inch. This presented the little critter with a problem; on the floor was an air hose! This fellow had two choices, either climb to clear the obstacle or make a 20 degree heading change to go around the end of the hose. I stood there in amazement and watched the events. I was an eye witness to a controlled flight into terrain accident. Contributing factors would be failure of the pilot in command to consider weight/balance and density altitude. I suspect he chose to try and out climb the hose because he ended up flying right into it!
I laughed as the bee, with his load still firmly clutched, made his way walking now around the end just 3 inches away then he took off again. He again headed toward the doors where he was finally able to gain a little altitude. The last I saw of the guy, he was headed west around the side of the hanger.
This goes to show that no matter what is flying, from the space shuttle to an insect, we're all bound by aerodynamic laws.
Paul Gray
Foley, Alabama
RV 7A QB
Tail and Wings Completed Fuselage in progress

Building Tips / Techniques/ Mods
● Flash's Panel v4.0...putting in the 2nd G3X Screen.
There is a cutout on the left side that will affect the final placement of the ELT and CO detector, but this is close. Note that the entire right side will be a removable panel that can be used to test other devices down the road - and when not in use a panel with a glove box can be quickly installed with screws. The plan is to have it all done and in place for OSH.

Miscellaneous
● OT: Red Bull Racer G-Stalls: Touches Water ...status of his shorts unknown.

Fri 06.04.10 1352z
   Friday! Got in a thirteen minute flight yesterday morning before the heat climbed too high. Taxied it over to Monk's before going home so we could take some measurements of the panel - that 2nd screen is going in sometime before OSH. That's the plan, anyway. On the flight I spotted a Cub (I think) enjoying the morning low and slow. I was about a thousand feet above it - it looked so nice I got out the pocket camera and grabbed a few shots. Four pictures starting HERE.
   Back home on the keyboard (and in the air conditioning) by 1000.
   The forums server was taken down around 4:45am CDT this morning for unscheduled maintenance. Dr. Feelgood at the ISP put some lovin' on it and it was up and running a short time later - some bytes got loose. Sorry for the hiccup.
   Have a happy, safe and RV-filled weekend.

Doug Reeves
(RV-6 / IFR rating progress)

● RV-12 with Stripes and Pants...John Bender
"Red Vinyl with 1/4" black vinyl boarder. Picture is only fair, but you can get the idea."

● RV-10 Engine ON ...Dwight
Got my braces off my teeth and my engine mounted in the same week. Not sure which I'm happier about

● AeroLEDs Sunray Lights on Kelley Kokemiller's 9A ...posted by Dean Wilkinson
Here are some photos by Kelley Kokemiller showing how our AeroLEDs Sunray lights can be mounted in the RV wingtips. We will be introducing a higher output version of the Sunray called the Sunray Plus this summer that puts out a beam with over 25,000 candela and 1000 lumens per light.

● More Eyes ...Tony Phillips RV-9
I had a total of 7 people inspect the airplane today. 3 non-builders and 4 builders including 2 tech counselors. Had some really great input from several. A few easy fixes and a couple hours work. I will have a fellow A&P IA over in a couple of days.

VAF Family
● New soon to be builder ...Brian Murphy (Nashville, TN)
   "...I have received the preview plans (had to put them in plastic sleeves to protect them from all the drool) :-) for an RV8 and just purchased the RV "from start to finish" book set from kitplanes magazine bookstore. I think I am going to go with the Isham tool set and should have that by mid summer.
   My goal is to build an RV8 that is geared for ifr cross country trips and also for formation aerobatics. The Team RV videos have me hooked and I want to join in all the fun.
   I have tons of questions for you all and have no idea where to start...lol. I am leaning towards an IO360 but have seen people putting the 390s in 8s. I would love to buy a kit engine and build it myself, mainly for the education value as well as the pride in knowing I did it myself. I am also leaning heavily towards the new dynon glass system for all my avionics needs.
   Anywho, just wanted to introduce myself and say hi. I have been reading the forums for awhile and decided what the heck, I can do this. Time to stop dreaming and start doing. :-)
   I live in Nashville, TN and if there is anyone that needs a seat warmed in their RV let me know. :-) Will beg for plane rides...lol
   I am glad I found these forums.

Construction
● Tip: Canopy Cutting with Rockwell Sonicrafter Oscillating Multi Tool
Well, it was finally hot enough and I was ready enough to make the big cut today. After talking to many people, including my uncle (who taught plastics for years in school) I decided that the Vans abrasive disc wasn't for me. I did try it on a couple of practice cuts (as well as the smaller dremel tool version). It worked fine, but made a lot of dust and there was a fair amount of melting. I noticed that most industrial people are cutting plexi with a saw. (continue)

● A classic Case of not reading the instructions all the way through ...David LaSala
So I have gotten into a really bad habit of not reading the instructions fully and just following the plans, well when it came to adding the stiffiner rings to the tank access holes, I just lined them up how they looked good and drilled away, no aligning the flat portion of the "Cap" to the stiffiner bead. One one of the Ribs I got Extremly Lucky and it lines us parrallel to the bead but the other is off pretty bad. I believe I have thought through all the issues that could arise from this and there are none that are major. However when it came to making an anti hang up bracket, this would not be straight up and down. I decided to continue on knowing that I may have to redo the entire piece but I thing It may work out alright, Do you see any issues with the Hang up bracket not being exactly perpendicular to the spar??

Ongoing Maintenance Issues
● Wash-Wax-All "Scrubby" ...Paul Dye
   Ever since I had the Valkyrie painted, I have taken care of the finish using the Wash-Wax-All products (blue and red). I have found them to be a pretty good way to clean the plane, and (as Louise will probably attest) I try hard to keep the airplane looking good, and the bugs to a minimum. Our local Aviator’s Shop carries the product in gallon refills for about $26, and I have been surprised to find out just how far a gallon goes – I have used less than a gallon per year – and (again, as Louise will attest), I am pretty fanatical about not letting bugs spend the night on the airframe…
   I have always used the product with a soft rag (old T-shirts, generally) and good old “elbow grease" to get rid of the 200 knot bugs. Takes a bit of scrubbing. When I went to the Aviator shop to buy my annual gallon of “blue”, I asked if there wasn’t a good “bug dissolver” I might try. Tony’s response was “are you using the Wash-Wax-All scrubber?” Well…no, I just use rags – why spend $4.50 for a scrub pad? Well….because it’s part of the cleaning SYSTEM! OK, so he shamed me into buying the pad, which is sort of a flesh-colored Scotchbrite – and I am glad he did!
   New system – spray the leading edge with W-W-A, scrub quickly with the pad (it does NOT scratch the paint), wipe dry with the cloth – done! Faster than what I have been doing for four years (old habits, old dog – you know the story…), and a nice finish. I haven’t tried the pad on Plexi yet – sort of afraid to. But yup – it’s worth the $4.50 for the pad, even for a frugal guy like me…..I was only using half the W-W-A system – “bug season” will be much easier now!

PIREP
● Vertical Power Customer Care ...Daniel Mouly
I just wanted to publish a big thank you to Marc Ausman from Vertical Power and let you fellow RVers know how well he takes care of his customers.
In early January, after a long hesitation between VP-50 and VP-100 models, I finally decided to order a VP-50 and its wiring harness. I was really tempted by the VP-100, but the price difference was quite big and for my day-VFR RV-9A was not really worth it. (continue)

Advertiser's Corner...sent in by the advertisers of this site.
● New safety item: Canopy Breaker Tool ...Vince Frazier
We just received a shipment of a brand new safety item. The Sabre Aviation canopy breaker is something that many of us would want to consider placing right next to our fire extinguisher. Check it out.

Miscellaneous
● Solar Transit of ISS and Atlantis ...ties in nice with the hat sighting today (it's the orbiter Atlantis in both shots).

Thu 06.03.10 1212z.
   Temps slowly climbing in N. Texas this week with a forecast calling for 102°F this Sat/Sun in Dallas. The heat wave starts again!
Quick update on the new server: it's up and running and all the data is on it. I'm running two sites right now in parallel...doing testing. Probably today we'll turn the switch and you'll be looking at the new box. You shouldn't even notice it, but you know how technology can be <g>.
   If for some reason your email to me bounces back today/tomorrow (remember that server upgrade), you can use my alternate email address of vansairforce 'at' hotmail 'dot' com. Actually, I can see an upside to email not working (rimshot).
   Had a nice wedding anniversary yesterday. Susie and I got take out from Wendy's and went up to the school and surprised Tate at lunch. Simple pleasures...

Doug Reeves
(RV-6 / IFR rating progress)

● First Flight: RV-10 May 30th. ....Doug's N277CK (LN not listed in profile)
First flight May 30. Flew great. I had a couple minor squawks… Alternator wasn’t working – Someone forgot to attach the wire to the switch to ignite the ALT Field. EGT hot on a couple cylinders… Pulling the injectors to look for trash. Quick build, IO 540, Dual AFS 4500 + 3400 slave screen, G3I ignition…
And here is the pair of siblings… Interestingly, they both drink from the same hose

● First Flight: Peter Hicks VH-JPD ...Melbourne. Looks like it's set up to be flown from the right seat.
"RV7 flown two days ago after 3 year build."

● Phase I Complete ...Jerry Cummings RV-9
Alrighty fellow -9er's. Here's a couple photos of my baby. Phase 1 complete! Hoping to take her on a short cross-country soon.

● #18 is legal! ...Steve Rush's RV-12
   I just got my airworthiness certificate today! It all happened so fast I ddin't even have time to be paranoid.
   I turned in my paperwork package to the Seattle MIDO last Thursday and figured it would be 10 days to 2 weeks minimum before I got the nod to continue, especially with Monday being a holiday. Last night I got a call from the DAR asking if he could look at the plane today. It was either today or a couple of weeks from now, so, I said "sure, tomorrow works."
   The whole process went real smooth and there were no findings. For anyone in the Northwest I have to add my recommendation to all the others for Charlie Cotton. He's a nice guy and really knows the process.
   We weighed it a couple of weeks ago and it came in at 751 pounds with the light kit, paint, and the full interior kit.
   Can't wait to fly it. (pics)

Training
● Military Competency to Flight Instructor Pirep ...Larry New
I previously posted about changes to the Military Competency to flight instructor for those with Military flight instructor experience. You can now get your civilian instructor ratings with NO lookback time limit. Just an easy test and a records review.
This is a pirep for those in the San Antonio FSDO area. After taking the test, I contacted the designated examiner recommended by Sheppard Air: http://www.sheppardair.com/milcompcfi.htm. No reply to voicemails or email. I contacted the FSDO office and was given another name. No response. After going to the San Antonio FSDO website and to the designated examiners page: http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/.../media/dpe.pdf, I called Dennis Bazemore in Corpus Christi. Highly recommended. Always answered his phone. Records review was fast. Said he was happy to help those that served. His phone is on the link above.

Construction
● Peter Fruehling's Prop
   I just received my prop from American Propeller yesterday and wanted to show you what an amazing job Kevin and his painter Doug did on it! I worked with John McFarling of AirborneKustomz on the design for the prop and after we kicked ideas around for a month or so this is what we came up with. John would normally paint things like this himself but for me to get the warranty from American Propeller on the prop they needed to paint it. I’m VERY happy with the work and the prop!
   The only thing that caught me a little was that one of the owners of American Propeller charged me extra to paint the spinner blue to match the blue on the prop AFTER we had agreed on the price and I had approved the proofs…which showed the spinner in blue. He said he could understand how it might seem like it was included because it was on the proofs. With that I offered to split additional cost with him and he declined saying that even though it was a misunderstanding and wasn’t clear, he was going to charge me the full amount if I wanted the spinner painted. I didn’t think that was cool but I was stuck at that point so I paid it and moved on.
   Here is the proof and a couple shots of the prop from when it was delivered. It really looks great!
   I want to reiterate that Kevin at American Propeller was AWEOSME to work with through the group buy as well as the “Designer Prop” process. They are lucky to have him!

● Disassembly Blues ...Paul Dye
   One of the few things that slows me down when working in the shop is a little malady I have come to call the “Disassembly Blues”. It goes like this – I have spent a couple of days cutting, trimming, fussing and fitting the seat pan into the RV-3. Bending, drilling, trimming some more, and finally, the odd-shaped piece of aluminum has succumbed to my will (and Van’s contours)to form the place in which I hope we will spend many happy hours aloft. Next comes the seat back (which Louise was building at the same time) – sliding in the hinge pins, we now have a cockpit!
   Pulling a few strategically inconvenient clecos, we can set an old set of RV upholstery in place, climb in, and make airplane noises! We can invite the neighbors (also builders) over to “Ooh” and “Ahh”. Dinner on the ramp in front of our hangar lets us look at the work we have accomplished, enjoying the fruits of our labors as we gaze at our carefully crafted parts. And yet…..
   In order to make any more progress, it all needs to come apart. We have to drill the holes to final size (I like to start with 40’s on all fabrication). We have to remove EVERYTHING to do some priming. The stick mixer needs to come out so I can rivet in the crotch strap anchor. All of these tasks are fairly easy and on the list of things that need to be done….but for now, isn’t it cool to have a cockpit in which to sit?
   See? This is what I mean by the “Disassembly Blues”. Like the Sirens beckoning ancient sailors to their shore - diverted from their necessary course and dashed upon the rocks of inactivity - we can easily lose days or weeks of progress because we don’t want to undo those hard-won battles of fabrication. It takes a conscious act of will to grab the Cleco pliers and start pulling the pieces out, to carefully store these gems of construction until they once again can enjoy their rightful place in the gestating thing that is to become an airplane.
   Yet maybe these slow times truly are necessary. It is in these times that I sit on the shop stool for an hour in the evening, staring at the project and thinking my way through the tasks to come. My gaze shifts from the cockpit to the aft deck, then up to the firewall, and back to the panel. I shuffle across the hangar to the wing stand and contemplate how we will determine the length of the aileron pushrods before the wings slide in to place. Thinking your way through the build is an important part of the project – as important as being able to drill a nice round hole – and to think, you need time. Maybe these “Blues” are just a counterpoint in the melody of the shop – a chance to stop and admire our accomplishments while developing the plans for our next campaign….

Milestones
● First Flight (sorta) ...Tonny Tromp
   There is light at the end of the tunnel!!
   Today was a great day for my wife, who finally saw the plane leave the garage, to make room for two cars, again. The plane went "flying" to the paint booth, a few streets down the road. As you can see in the picture, it is ready and taped up for paint. I had a special lifting jig made (at work) to lift the plane at the front, at the engine mount.
   If everything goes to plan, it will be at the airfield on Friday evening, for final assembly. (the wings are already awaiting the fuse, there).
   I will report back later.

Safety
● Close Call ...Jerry Martin
During my last flight I had smelled gasoline in the cockpit, Took cowling off and couldn't located leak, thought it was a new carb supplying too much fuel. WAS I EVER WRONG. My A/P came over to take a look and probably saved my aircraft and me from an impending disaster! I have an Andair Gascolator mounted on the firewall. Two fuel lines, one goes in from the tanks, the other goes out to the carb. Each line is screwed on to a standard fitting, BUT THE FITTINGS ARE SECURED TO THE BODY OF THE GASCOLATORS WITH 4 SMALL SCREWS. These are small and hard to see, but three of the four had come completely out of the fitting for the out going line to the carb. The fourth was ready to come out, which would have resulted in fuel pouring into the engine compartment. I urged everyone with similar gascolaters to start checking the gascolator at each oil change or anytime the lower cowling is removed. I had never paid any attention to this area. It took a mirror to see this screws were missing because they were on the inboard line. I'll gladly provide pic's if requested. OH SO CLOSE to disaster.
Jerry Martin
RV6A N331RD

Advertiser's Corner...sent in by the advertisers of this site.
● Stein's Having a 'Garage Sale'
"All items are first come first serve. Please email us at "sales at steinair.com" or "stein at steinair.com" (PLEASE do not PM me, as my mailbox here is always nearly full). All items do not include shipping charges and are cash/check although option for CC's."

Wed 06.02.10 1123z.
   Twenty years. Twenty years ago I didn't have an RV, or even a pilot license for that matter. Hadn't heard of the Internet, and a large portion of my day job was teaching computer software classes for a small computer consulting company (anyone remember using WordPerfect 5.0 and Harvard Graphics?). Oh yeah, twenty years ago Susie and I were married - today's our wedding anniversary.
   I bought her a nice card, some candy and some flowers. As a couple, we bought her a new neck. She thinks she'll use this present more than the string of pearls I bought her on our 10th anniversary <g>.
   Best. Wife. Ever.

Doug Reeves
(RV-6 / IFR rating progress)

● Dashing Through the Cold Front ...Paul Dye
   The best way to avoid Flying in IFR conditions? Be loaded for Bear! Louise and I had to go to Minnesota for some family business over the long holiday weekend, and watching the weather the days before, I had everything ready to file and fly IFR both ways – Dual-redundant EFIS all set, GPS database current, pilot(s) current and ready. With the equipment we have in the Val, we’re ready for anything (except thunderstorms and ice…). So of course, the possible low weather forecast for the trip up evaporated the night before, and we launched into an early-morning sky that was a bit hazy, but VFR legal and rapidly clearing to mucky but clear. So much for the trip up (two-hop, VFR, 6:30 on the clock due to headwinds, but split between the two of us, an easy day).
   While taking care of business in the Cities, we kept an eye on the return weather. I needed to be back in Houston for a Wednesday meeting, so we figured we’d fly home on Monday unless Tuesday looked absolutely perfect (rare). Our fall-back plan was simple – if we couldn’t’ get out and home either day, I could hop a SWA flight home, and Louise could bring the Val when the weather cleared – she had more work flexibility this week than I did. It’s amazing how much work one can do these days with a laptop and a cell phone! With a low pressure area and a cold front forming up in the mountains and getting ready to move into the plains on Sunday/Monday, we kept an eye on the weather page all weekend. Sunday’s picnic/BBQ was dampened by occasional showers in the vicinity, but by 1900 local, the clearing line was evident to the west, and by sunset it was clear. A line of showers/thundershowers now stretched southwest from central Wisconsin to El Paso.
   Monday morning dawned very early in Minnesota (I forget what summertime at high latitudes can be like – light skies at 0500!), and it looked like the line of weather behind the front had died away – mostly. A few light showers showed on the radar in eastern Iowa and north Missouri, and a stubborn pocket of red and orange (thunderstorms) seemed to have the eastern half of Oklahoma in a clench, neither building or receding – and not really moving. Our course takes us right down the seam between Kansas/Missouri and Oklahoma/Arkansas, so this blob was of distinct interest. The METARs were good (VFR) all the way home, and the TAF’s equally optimistic. This didn’t seem to jive with that cold front charted on the maps, but since we were in the clear all way to our fuel stop in eastern Kansas (Fort Scott), I figured we could get that far and then decide if we had to go out west to make an end run around storms. It would have been a long deviation – out to Wichita Falls or so – but this time of year, that would have made more sense than going east if things were building. (continue)

● 400+ hours...finally ...David Domeier
   There is a minor front moving through the area right now but I beat it with an earlier local flight this morning. It was one of those "smooth as glass" mornings and a most enjoyable local cruise at 2000'.
   It was also a notable flight in that the machine finally broke 400 hours. That's not much of a milestone compared to many here, but it is for me. Most of that time, about 325 hours, was screwing around with an auto engine, 2 of them in fact, and being grounded for one reason or another sometimes for months on end. I did fly to SNF and OSH several times while things were up and running, but it took some planning and luck to pull it off without an event.
   Since back peddling into a Lycoming, things have stabilized. No more cooling issues, no more PSRU issues, no more lugging an extra 180 pounds around and fuel efficiency has improved. This air cooled engine moves the airplane at least 10 knots faster in cruise at the same fuel flow. I like that and it was not an issue of drag as it is the same airplane. Some individuals are doing much better in this area, but it was beyond my skill to get it done.
   A long time ago I chided friends with "...anyone can hang a Lycoming and go fly...". Well, that isn't all bad.

If flying is your bag, it is the only way to go.

● Update on TT Servo ...from Lucas at TT.
"We are awaiting some parts to be cut and shipped to us. As soon as they are here we will release an official bulletin. The bulletin will only apply to retrofit applications where the new servo screws were put in place of screws used with chemical threadlocker. Anything manufactured after 1/22/2009 will not be included as it is not affected. Keep checking back, thanks!"
__________________
Lucas
Trutrak Tech Support

● Larry Vetterman (Vetterman Exhaust) on Vacation
"We will be closed for vacation from June 8 to June 20. If you need assistance please call Clint @ 307-756-2788"

Motivation
● Wow! I am glad I built this thing! ...Brian Chesteen
   After a full day of nasty stuff floated thru our area, I saw an opportunity to make the trip to the airport and get some more Phase I testing under my belt...
   I spent 1.7hrs bobbin and weavin between what was left of the day's storms to be rewarded with an outstanding flight!!!
   Sorry about the crappy Iphone pics...
   On top of a 5500 ft scattered layer, changing course often to avoid the vertical towers. (continue)

Milestones
● Phase I Flown Off ....Matt Dralle (RV-8)
"I flew off the Phase 1 time on Saturday. June 8 2010 it will be two years ago that the first kit arrived! On Sunday a trip to Shelter Cove California was awesome!"

Advertiser's Corner...sent in by the advertisers of this site.
● From MGL Avionics....

● First Family Cross Country ...Wayne Hadath
I have recently flown off the 25 hour restriction in my newly minted RV 10 and I am busy installing the wheel pants and fairings to see what the real speed numbers will be. For those who are building one or are thinking of building an RV 10 it is a real nice machine, especially as a four seater. I have built an F1 Rocket from a parts kit and I have being flying it since 2005 and have over 425 hours and probably 80,000 miles on it. Most of my trips have been in Ontario and the US. I have never flown over the Rockies. I built the RV 10 because my wife, Barb and my 2 children are tired of taking turns and so the need for 2 more seats. All are very happy with the new toy.
I am playing in the Snoopy Hockey Tournament in Santa Rosa Ca the week of July 10 to 17 and we decided this would be the perfect reason and destination for a long summer cross country in the RV 10. I am looking for preferred routes and attractions for our trip. We will be departing CYKF in Kitchener Ontario and will need to be at KSTS, Charles M Shultz Airport in Santa Rosa by July 9. He must have been pretty famous to have his own Hockey Tournament and an Airport named after him!

I will be traveling with my wife, 15 year old daughter and 13 year old son. I am VFR with O2 onboard. Any suggestion on what we must see and routes would be appreciated. After the tournament we will decide to either return home or travel north along the coast up to Vancouver BC. This is all new to us as a family.

VAF Family
● Self Portrait: George Barth ...posted by Carl Raichle
George, with steely eyes behind the shades, turning crosswind following departure from Sebring, FL (KSEF). This in his beautiful RV-9A. Unfortunately, we're not able to make the Wednesday breakfast get togethers there. (Sorry Turbo) However we did enjoy breakfast with Sam James of Holy Cowl fame. Talk about learning a lot in 30 minutes.....

Construction
● Tip: Door Fitment Duplicator Straps ...Rudi Greyling
I trimmed and fitted my doors this weekend with good results, with the aid of Index Hole Duplicator Straps. It might be common knowledge, or someone might have done the same, but I though it might be useful for some guys to document it here...
First you, fit the door back on the cabin outside. I transferred the edge of the door on around the cabin frame. Then I removed the doors, measured back the width that needs to be cut off door to get a close fit to the door frame recess (I took a measurement every 4 inches or so) and transferred this measurement onto the door and cut to this line instead of the scribe line. In the picture below you can see the first cut for fitting the doors, you can also see the old door exterior lines and the places I took my measurements. (continue)

● Another Reason to Love Abbey (at FlightLine Interiors) ....Jesse Bentley
I'd ordered a new seat cover for my Harley and after I removed the old one, I realized I was in WAY over my head having zero upholstery experience. Had I proceeded, no doubt the thing would have come out stretched in the wrong directions, puckering, pulling and looking worse than the ripped one I was replacing.
I then remembered Abbey. Fortunately for me, their shop is literally right down the road from me! Really, maybe 5 miles, no turns!! (continue)

Milestones
● RV-12 at 100 Hours ...John Bender
Was a super smooth morning in Iowa to fly. Temps at alt, about 70 degrees, 21 C. Hazy, but NO BUMPS ! Saw 5 barges along the Mississippi River.

Safety
● NTSB Prelim Info: RV-10 N110TD Accident 5/7/10
"Injuries: 2 Serious. This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed."

   No RV time this weekend for me sorry to say - Sat/Sun filled with house/car/lawn stuff and watching racing and golf on TV. Lewis Hamilton won the Turkish Grand Prix, Mr. Ashley Judd the Indy 500 and Zach Johnson the Colonial. Lotsa time in that Lazy Boy! If the FIOS went out and I couldn't watch the F1 Grand Prix Sunday morning, plan 'B' was to go flying while it was still cool. It topped out at 98°F, so afternoon flying isn't much fun and the density altitude stinks. I did get in some micro R/C flying in the backyard Saturday morning about 0615 (doesn't count, I know, but is cheaper to operate).
   Busy week ahead - cutting over to a new and improved server on the part of site that holds everything except the forums (the forums are already on a newer box). Sometime in the next 24-72hrs the front page might go down for a few hours. Forums not affected, but if you only get to them through the front page here, make sure you write this down on a scrap of paper: www.vansairforce.com/community/index.php.
   May God Bless those U.S. soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

● First Flight for N868RV! ...Craig Schwartz (CA)
My RV-8 finally flew today on a beautiful, calm morning in Santa Rosa. Like many others, I can't believe how fast I was off the ground. She flew beautifully, in trim without even a heavy wing. The CHT for cylinders 1 and 2 were getting a little high after the long taxi for takeoff, but cooled down nicely once I got my airspeed up. 24 squared gave me about 150 knots indicated without any wheel pants or gear leg fairings. Slow flight seemed docile, so I landed after a short 20 minute flight. My landing was nothing to brag about, but on centerline and where I was aiming.
When I first ran the engine I had problems with it running roughly. I got that fixed and it ran great before and during the flight. Once I was at idle on the ground though it went back to running rough. I also found that I have a small oil leak that had gone undiscovered before. I don't suppose it would be a true first flight without something to work on afterwards. I owe thanks to many people, especially my wife and son for putting up with this obsession of mine. I also want to thank my friends Kevin Quirk, David Lynch, and all the other EAA Chapter 124 members who have given me support and advice. Thanks to Alex for the transition training, and Van's for the great design. Here are some pictures of the big day. I mounted a video camera, but must have hit the wrong button before take off, because it didn't record. (continue)

● First Flight ...Carl Nank (KY)
   Saturday May 22,2010, after 8 long years, my RV7-A airplane took to the skies and touched the face of God!!!!! What a thrill! In two days I put 5 hours on the Hobbs Meter.
   After much dithering over the past 2 months, I sat at the departure end of the runway with the engine running, and could not think of another thing I had to do to the airplane, or plan that I needed to add to. With some trepidation, wearing cotton clothes in case of fire, all the thoughts of what could go wrong, all emergency plans worked out, and realizing this is finally it,,,,,,, I broadcast over the radio to Sharon's (my wife) hand held radio, I LOVE YOU SHARON,,,, I put the throttle full forward, and blasted down the runway. With the airplane going faster then I could think, I was off the ground and into the sky!
   I can tell you, I don't believe I have had a bigger thrill in my life. Well, maybe one!
   Since this is a new engine in the plane, I have to spend some hours breaking in the engine, going back and fourth from 75% power to 65% power, switching back and forth every 15 minutes, prior to continuing the test process on the plane. So I stuck around the airport circling and not getting too far away so I could land in case of an emergency. By the way, I GREASED THE LANDING!
   I have to say again, the airplane flew great. Sharon is also ecstatic. She thinks I am a superman. I try my best to keep her thinking that.
   God bless you all and a huge thank you to all who have helped me in this process

● First Flight: Dick Jacobs RV-12... Garland, TX
First flight of N912RJ went off uneventfull and the RV12 flew perfectly. It just didn't want to land.
That wing loves to fly. Shot four landings and everything just got better. All I can say is, "you're going to love it". So get 'em flying. (continue)

● CAVU Twin Cities ...Pete Howell
Just a lovely morning in the Twin Cities and I had a few hours before the boy's sectional baseball game. (continue)

● 'Bout Done ...Tony Phillips (WI)
Today was a big day at the airport. I am officially completed with construction and now in "Preflight". I fueled and oiled with no leaks, PTL!
I was able to time the mags and op check the starter. Tomorrow AM I will do my first engine run. If everything goes well on Tuesday I will call the FAA and schedule my inspection. Also, next week I will have a EAA Tech Counselor (Jeff P) come and take a look and see if he sees anything that needs correction.
I still need to do pitot-static, transponder check, misc panels install and get a latch for my oil access door. Getting very close...(more)

Fri 05.28.10 1152z
   Friday!!!! No more complaints about how hard it is to land on the skinny runway at my airport (pic of what landed there yesterday).
   Yesterday Ross and I took my RV up and shot the coupled RNAV (GPS) RWY 17 approach at Decatur (plate). The GX Pilot autopilot worked like a champ - all annunciations on the EFIS as expected. Ross flies coupled approaches often using a 430W in a Mooney he flies, so I asked if he would come along to keep me from wasting time pecking around the menu. I scanned for traffic while he pushed the buttons. I'll work up some cards to help me memorize the process. Progress!
    Completely unrelated, but involving motors, this Sunday morning is the Turkish Forumla 1 Grand Prix - 0700 Sunday on the Speed channel in Texas. On the subject of F1, the US Grand Prix will be hosted in Austin starting in 2012. "This will be the first time a facility is constructed from the ground up specifically for Formula One in the US.” Sounds like a good opportunity to fly the RV down to Austin each year for a decade!!!
   Have a happy, safe and RV-filled weekend!

Doug Reeves
(RV-6 / IFR rating progress)

● Upcoming Server Upgrade
Somewhere in the neighborhood of June 1st my ISP will be moving everything (except the forums) over to a newer, faster server. It could take some time for the DNS entry to get updated once the cut occurs, so the front page might be inaccessible for several hours (maybe all day). The forums will not be affected, as they live on another server. If you want to bookmark the forums so you can get to them while the front page is offline, the direct address is http://www.vansairforce.com/community/index.php.

● Functional Redundancy! ...Paul Dye
   So there we were, cruising along in good VFR over the heartland of the nation, ready to descend from 8.5K to pattern altitude at Fort Scott, KS – needed fuel on the way to Minnesota. Like I had done thousands of times, I reached up to the right knob on my #1 Display Unit, and gave it a push to highlight the altitude preselect box – and nothing happened. And I knew instantly that something didn’t feel right – that little “click” just wasn’t there….it was more of a squish. Hmmmm….this is interesting – no select capability, which means I can’t really set the altimeter quickly either.
   What to do, what to do….Oh yeah! Display Unit #2! Since the units trade information between them what you do on one is transferred to the other. I simply inverted my normal panel, putting the PFD on the bottom and was able to do all the entries that I needed –a routine reversion to backup mode. (To tell the truth, it took a couple of minutes to think about doing it this way….failures of this sort are so rare that there is some finite time for comprehension and cogitation!) This is what redundancy does for you, and knowing exactly how the system works when faced with a “failure”.
   Oh yeah – the problem. Turns out that the set screw that holds the knob on to the shaft had somehow loosened up just enough to let it slide instead of grip when the knob was pushed to activate. All I need to do is find a tiny set of Allen wrenches (I think it’s a fifty thou) here in the Cities to tighten it up before heading home in a few days….

VAF Family
● Brian Wallis Write-up in AOPA Mag
     - direct link to blog
    "When Brian Wallis works on airplanes in remote areas, he doesn’t worry about bringing generators or the fuel to feed them. Everything he needs, from an engine hoist to an air compressor, fits in a small trailer, and his power tools, computer, and printer get their power from his car—or the sun.
   “Next week I’m doing an annual inspection on an ag plane in a hangar in south Georgia that doesn’t have electricity, and it’s just no big deal,” said Wallis, 33, an A&P mechanic with inspector authorization, helicopter flight instructor, and commercial fixed-wing ratings. “I’ve found ways to do the work that are efficient, environmentally green, and just a heck of a lot more economical and cost-effective way to do business.” continue

Construction
● Panel Upgrades ...Tim Blake
This is third generation panel, my most recent upgrade is the GRT SX-SV. I have one more planned change, I want to replace the GX-55 with a 430W.

Safety
● Challenges Abound with FAA's 'ADS-B Out' Mandate (AOPA)
The FAA on May 27 published its final rule mandating what owners will be required to have on board their aircraft in order to operate in the new satellite-based air traffic control system known as NextGen. By 2020, Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Out (ADS-B Out) will be required equipment in all airspace that currently requires a transponder. According to AOPA, the ADS-B Out equipment that the rule requires will cost the individual general aviation aircraft owner thousands of dollars but only duplicates what already exists with today’s radio transponder. The association is conducting a detailed analysis of the rule to further understand its impact on GA.
(continue)

Miscellaneous
● Uses for airplane building materials, tools and skills ...Bob Axsom.
   We have a bird feeder that we hung at the boundary of our back yard in full view of our window by the kitchen table for our observing pleasure.
   The only problem is the squirrels love it as much as the cardinals, bluebirds and other birds. The squirrels devour the sunflower seeds in no time. So I says to my wife over breakfast one morning, "I can fix that". I used some leftover 0.016" aluminum sheet, a small piece of hinge, some rivets and my sheet metal tools from building our RV-6A and I made a 18" diameter cone and clamped it around the support pole. It made them stop for a little while to evaluate the obstacle but they soon went right around it. So I added an extension aluminum skirt to the cone taking the diameter to 20". That had them stopped for quite a while and most could never make it around the barrier. But the most athletic found a way:
   Yesterday I added another skirt extension up to 24" and no squirrel has made it past the barrier yet.
   I bet I'm not the only RV builder that has found the materials, tools and skills useful in everyday life long after the plane is built.

Thu 05.27.10 1124z
Hoping to get out to the airport around lunchtime, but Mt. Email has grown somewhat in the past week and I need to put on my climbing gear. Dang plate tectonics...

Doug Reeves

● First Engine Start ...RV-12 John F.
I fired up the Rotax for the first time this morning. Started right off, but with the throttle full closed the lowest RPM I could get was 3470...not the 1800 or so that I wanted. Oil pressure, etc, seems OK. Due to family responsibilities I can only get in 3 hours or so each day on the plane, so I had to leave it until tomorrow for troubleshooting. A quick peek through the oil door didn't show anything wrong at the right carb, so it will be interesting to see what the trouble is...prop set for max 'bite' so my preliminary thinking is that it is carb related. More tomorrow.

   (from Scott McDaniels) The engines are generally supplied with the idle set pretty close.
   If you are getting that high of an idle (BTW Larry is correct, you should not run the engine above 2500 RPM until oil temp has reached 120 F.) I would suspect one of two things:
   1) The cable stop on both or one of the throttle cables is hitting the adjusting barrel before the throttle arm on the carb(s) reaches the throttle stop screw(s). Pull the throttle all the way to idle and see if the tabs on the carb. throttle levers are touching the adjustment screw. 3500 RPM would probably require you to be missing the screw by at least an 1/8".
   2) The other possibility is that the starting carb. valves (commonly referred to as the choke) are not being controlled correctly and are staying partially open when you move the choke control to off. Make sure that when the control is in the off position (pushed all the way in), that the springs move the control levers all the way against the stops.

● N ew RV-8 Joines Up On Sebring Wed 0800 Group ...Ed DArcy
"i got the opportunity to meet a super nice guy at our FAC flyin at treasure coast airpark last saturday. being interested in gyros a friend brought me over to meet a local guy from the airpark and voala there is an rv8a and gyro owned by geoff. we need more rvs in this area. this was a great surprise. the rv8 was very nice except the 'us' should of been 'vans'. we will let him slide with u.s. air force. if was a perfect day at sebring as usual. turbo"

● IFR Update ...Steve Pofahl (9A Sioux Falls)
   15 hours dual under the hood including a dozen practice approaches...starting to really enjoy this now. Skills improving, and no longer mentally exhausted after a long session under the hood.
   The RV9A seems like a great bird for this training; agile and good performance, but stable with deliberate control movements. Instructor also seems impressed. Running 91 octane car gas helps keep the cost down.
   Autopilot coupled GPS approaches all the way down to DH are an amazing thing to behold! A bit disappointed, however, to discover that my Digiflight II VSGV won't couple to the 430W in an ILS approach. A call to the tru trak factory confirmed it: "it's not made to do that".
   Finished the King instrument ground school, now taking practice tests in preparation for the test. Got a big kick out of seeing Joe and Martha age 10 or 20 years (or grow 10-20 years younger!) in the middle of the same lesson. Obviously they made the course in the 80's and then spliced in updates as the years went on.
   The journey continues...

● Why the FAA Written Tests Suck and What You Can Do about It ...Robert Goyer (Flying Magazine Senior Editor)
The FAA Knowledge Tests are designed not to teach aviation knowledge but to get you to miss questions. In the process, they miss a golden opportunity to teach.

● LED Landing Light Video ...Dean Wilkinson (CTO, AeroLEDs LLC)
I made a video to demonstrate the difference between a 100 Watt GE4509 with a 120,000 candela beam center intensity vs. a 30 Watt Sunspot 36 (narrow lens) with a 30,000 candela beam center intensity to show the difference between a very narrow beam incandescent landing light, and a slightly wider beam LED landing light. This demonstrates that a very narrow beam is not necessarily better when two lights produce roughly the same total lumens of light. The Sunspot 36 is more like a GE4594 in terms of its beam angle and intensity.
The perspective shown in this video is meant to represent the sight picture seen by a pilot on final just before touchdown (6 to 10 feet above the runway).

Wed 05.26.10 1132z
   Hump day! Been slowly and methodically working through the punch list on the changes made recently to my RV. Annual: done. P-mags: done (about 2 hours on them now) Newly relocated ILS cat whisker antennae: done (and flight tested on Denton's ILS 17). Fast forward a few weeks, remembering the neck surgery my wife had puts a big hole in this timeline, and I'm at the line labeled 'autopilot'. The TruTrak GX Pilot that Monkey and I installed would hold heading and altitude, but wouldn't take steering commands from the EFIS. Suspected mis-wired connector confirmed yesterday, and it was my mistake. Pins 14 and 15 on the autopilot were swapped (not a connector I had Stein make up for me). Swapped those wires and took the plane for a short flight yesterday after lunch. All better. Put it in heading mode, spun the wheel on the EFIS so the bug would swing around the HSI and felt the plane steer along with me. Cool.
Now begins the education on the menu structure and function of the EFIS integrated autopilot softkeys regarding the vertical and lateral modes of this amazing combo. That would be ch9 in the manual, which you can view HERE. Picture from the flight below...
   Next on the punch list is the rudder trim system we installed - goal here is to be able to re-center the ball on the 90kt stabilized IFR approaches (trim tab fixed for cruise). Slowly, and without rushing it, we're going through the list. Good times.
   Atlantis is sched'd to land this morning 8:48am EDT weather permitting (watch online). Go NASA!!!

Doug Reeves
(RV-6 / IFR rating progress)

      - autopilot taking me to KLUD (note 'KLUD' signpost in synthetic vision
               and sideways runway just under flight path indicator)
      - 'AP', 'GPS' and 'PIT' annunciation in green (active)
      - 'ALTS' annunciation in white (armed)
      - GX Pilot in it's 'let the EFIS steer me' mode
      - top 430W feeding the steering data to the EFIS
      - bottom 430W showing nearest airports and monitoring 121.5 on COMM 2.

● Bubba's Big Adventure ...Bruce Sacks
   He was my passenger last Saturday for about 100 miles through Georgia. His trip started in Brandon, FLA that morning by car. I met him in Adel, GA and flew him to Perry, GA where we were met by another car driver who took him to ATL. This transport chain took him all the way to Canada where he arrived on Sunday to be with his new adoptive family.
   He was a great passenger with no complaints!

● RV-12 = Dead Stick Landing ...Larry Geiger

One of the "exercises" I had to complete before I could get my ultra lite instructor's license years ago was to dead stick a UL in, 3 times, successfully. I'm not talking about engine pulled to idle, I'm talking about a stopped prop. It was some of the best flight training I have ever received. Thank you Frank Cuba, Lite Wings Aviation.

Today, I had the wheel pants done, 17 gallons of fuel, I weigh 200 pounds, and I was at 7,500 MSL over my airport at 1,500' MSL. 67F was the OAT and I was ready to find best glide.

The POH says best glide is 60 MPH if you have an engine out in the RV-12, so I set out to see if that was right. I climbed to 7,500' and pulled the throttle back to allow the engine to cool a little. I then pulled the throttle back to idle after 5 mins of cooling, pulled the nose up to bleed off airspeed down to 60 MPH and I killed the mags. The engine came to a stop as the airflow slowed over the prop and soon it stopped around 50 MPH, and immediately pushed nose down, AND turned the mags back on. Just in case I needed an emergency start.

I was a glider!

After I silenced the Dynon alarms (I had to do this several times) I settled back to find best glide and to attempt a dead stick landing at my airport. There is no traffic in the area and after announcing my intentions I started with airspeed of 75 MPH and I was loosing about 800 - 1,000 FPM. I knew I could do better than that so I pulled the nose up and trimmed for 65 which came in at 500 FPM. MUCH better! I slowed down even more and found 60 MPH airspeed was about 400 FPM! SWEET!

After writing down some notes and talking to the air I decided I had better try a restart just to make sure. I hit the starter and POWER!

I killed the engine again and now it was time for a dead stick landing. I had plenty of altitude to make the MIDDLE of the runway. I emphasize the MIDDLE of the runway if you are doi