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The VAF News - 11.19.2024. #6217. 1000 hrs, Steps for Taildraggers, Lightening Holes, Reamers, Tailwheel Fairing Strike, Foot Wells, More…

DeltaRomeo

doug reeves: unfluencer
Staff member
CD.
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Mel
…step for taildragger
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dr
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jamcgee1978 RV-10
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DanH
…RE Correct Reamer for Lycoming IO-390 exhaust valve guide
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Removal Panel Parts
…Carl Froehlich Data Point
As a side note, be aware you are locking yourself into a panel design that is hard to maintain, modify or update. I recently helped a builder do an RV-6A panel and did a modification targeting this common pitfall.
...The first photo shows the bottom of the panel cut off to make an apron (just like is done in the RV-10). The apron and top panel are joined by a splice plate, riveted on the bottom and nutplates on the top. This apron always stays in the plane and is where non-avionic stuff gets mounted (breakers, switches and such). The top part of the panel is where the hard to get at stuff gets mounted (radio stack and the always a PITA audio panel). The top part however is fully removable from the plane in a few minutes to work on the bench. Once the top part is out the apron stuff, along with the remote avionic modules are fully accessible.
...As I have preached in the past, the rule is “never on your back with your head under the panel”.
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Spotlight on Classified
…Craig Tayler
292 posts. Joined 2008. Vietnam Vet.
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RV-4 Tailwheel Striking Rudder Fiberglass Fairing
…Jvon811 Data Point
I wouldn't call it common to see damage on the bottom of the rudder. Either the landing wasn't as smooth as you might have thought, or the field was pretty dang rough. In my local network of ~15 or so RV-4 friends, none have that damage. I have had damage from steering chains dragging on the rudder before, but that isn't the same. I've got just over 1000 hours in my airplane doing everything from STOL contests (landing tailwheel first) to Hurricane Relief missions hauling right up to the MGTOW of the airplane. I've never once had to think about the tailwheel hitting the bottom of the rudder. I apologize that I don't have a great answer for you, I don't think your tailwheel spring can "go bad" and need to be replaced unless it's been previously bent by some rough landings. Just food for thought.

Attached is a pic of 2xxlbs in my backseat. My father plus a full 3.5 gallon smoke tank in the baggage area. You can tell, it's already flexing a measurable amount, but still plenty of tailwheel spring clearance.
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fixnflyguy’s RV-4 Foot Wells
Lowers your foot a good 3-4 inches, but mor importantly, your foot rests at the comfort angle rather than ankle bent forward on the flat floor
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Pro Tip:
Insert Images vs Attaching Images
‘Insert Image’ is less work for the reader, they can see the image embedded in the text without the extra step of having to click on it. To insert an image, click on the button highlighted with the red arrow, or press Cloverleaf-P (if you have a Mac). Drag your image from your computer over into the box that pops open when you click on the button and you’re done. You can even grab a corner of the image and resize it if you wish.
v/r,dr
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OFF TOPIC:
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