CD.

Mel
…step for taildragger

dr

jamcgee1978 RV-10

DanH
…RE Correct Reamer for Lycoming IO-390 exhaust valve guide

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”.

Spotlight on Classified
…Craig Tayler
292 posts. Joined 2008. Vietnam Vet.

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.

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

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

OFF TOPIC:

Get your VansAirForce.net Charity Cap!
Please consider donating yearly to help keep this American 1-person pirate ship afloat:
Older issues of the ‘VAF News’ can be found at:
THE VAF LIST (a list of RV-related lists)
1000 Hours PIC Milestone
I passed 1000hrs PIC on a flight yesterday evening and I thought I share my milestone with the group. :) I'm attaching a few pictures I took on the flight. The RV is an amazing machine! chad
www.vansairforce.net

Mel
…step for taildragger
Steps on an RV-6
I'm looking to get back into an RV after selling my last one about 2 years ago. There is a local RV-6 available that looks promising. My question is, are steps on an RV-6 common, or are there going to be problems with ground and obstacle clearance issues? They look to have been added at some...
vansairforce.net

dr
WDYDWYRTW (11 / 15-17 / 2024). Icarian Settlement from 1848 and more....
What did you do with your RV this weekend? Here's my entry to get this round started... Friday for me is what others might call Sat/Sun due to usual weekend part time sim work, so I thought I’d report a short flight from Thursday (close enough) to start this weekend’s ‘WDYDWYRTW’ thread. A...
vansairforce.net

jamcgee1978 RV-10
Lightening holes for conduit
Morning all, So I have to create a pass through in the rib under the rear seat for the conduit running from the rear. As others have done my plan was to bring it up through the rear seat pan. Any tips or advice how to proceed at an angle and a tight space. My initial plan was to use my angle...
vansairforce.net

DanH
…RE Correct Reamer for Lycoming IO-390 exhaust valve guide
Correct Reamer for Lycoming IO-390 exhaust valve guide
There are several threads proposing that the correct reamer for a 1/2” exhaust valve is the McFarland VGR-LC4. I suspect the better choice is the -LC3. My valve stem measures at 0.495 or slightly less depending on location and technique. According to the McFarland chart the LC3 is the better...
vansairforce.net

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”.
Panel Ready to Cut Metal, Laser Cutting, Mock Up, Design Choices, IFR Glass Cheap, Critique My Panel
I have asked plenty of questions and it's time to cut. Local metal laser shop is cutting it, about $150. Hold my hand, ha ha. I am pretty much locked in to final design give or take a few details. But last chance to "change my mind". Take a look, any gotchas you experienced. suggestions. Q...
vansairforce.net

Spotlight on Classified
…Craig Tayler
292 posts. Joined 2008. Vietnam Vet.
For Sale Hartzell Blended airfoil prop and aluminum spinner
For Sale: Hartzell Blended Airfoil propeller, HC-C2YR-1BFP, F7497 72” Type “B” Hub SN NS993B no eddy current inspection required. Blade Type: F7497 SN: L25782/L25784 New 7/30/2012 Total Time 2330.5 TSO 1190.4 Overhauled 10/02/2018 Very little blade leading edge erosion Price $5000.00 plus...
vansairforce.net

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.
Tailwheel hit my rudder
I recently had a friend that was heavy 190 lbs in my rear seat landed well but the airport was rough and now I can see some damage to my fiberglass bottom of the rudder Has this happened to anyone else? Do I need to replace my tailwheel spring ?
vansairforce.net

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
Passenger Space /Foot Wells
Hello , I am building a RV14, but very frustrated with Vans parts issues. My engine is scheduled for late 2027… So I have now made the decision to purchase an older RV for local flying, and the odd VFR trip. My question for RV 4 owners My wife and I are both 135 lbs , I am 5’ 6 ( pilot ) ...
vansairforce.net

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

OFF TOPIC:

Get your VansAirForce.net Charity Cap!
VAF Charity Cap: Help your charity and promote this site.
Get the cap all the cool kids are wearing! I don’t get a penny. It’s around $15. $5 more if you want your N-number on the back (I put 'STAFF' on the back of mine because it makes me laugh. Put STAFF on yours too if it makes you smile). And down the road $10 to the charity of your choice...
vansairforce.net
Please consider donating yearly to help keep this American 1-person pirate ship afloat:
Older issues of the ‘VAF News’ can be found at:
Doug's Area ...The VAF News, About VAF, My Resume
Pushed out every now and then.
www.vansairforce.net
THE VAF LIST (a list of RV-related lists)
THE VAF LIST (a list of RV-related lists)
The VAF List ...a list of RV-related lists. RV-related things you might want to browse over (a closed post that is sticky and maintained by dr). Link to this in 'Links' in the menu. v/r,dr Small businesses that help bring you this list of RV-related lists: 360 Avionics www.360Avionics.com Ace...
vansairforce.net
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