Tips & Tricks
Here are various tips and extras we have come across along the way. Pick and choose which ones you agree with just as we have done. Part of the benefit of building a plane means the plane is custom-tailored to your specific wants and needs.
- Gotchas: http://www.myrv10.com/tips/gotchas.html
- Removing old hard to get off blue vinyl http://www.assistaviation.com/builder_tips.htm
- Aircraft Hardware 'What you need to know" http://www.zenithair.com/kit-data/ra/hardware.html
- Fluting tip http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=28076
- Rivet removal tip: http://www.our7a.com/20070505.html
- Drilling steel - drill very slow RPM, use lubrication (cutting oil or etc), keep lots of pressure while cutting, keep cutting - don't stop and start. If you let the bit spin too fast you will heat up the steel and it becomes super hard.
- Consider primer for only ribs and spars, not skins - use aerosol sprayer cans such as Sherwin Williams GBP 988
The stuff you actually do need to prime, IMHO, is what Van's tells you to, like the non-Alclad reinforcing angles, rudder control horn, that sort of thing.
- I don't think electric rudder trim is necessary but a trim tab of some sort will almost certainly be required even if its a manual tab.
- Use LED or HID wingtip lights from the outset http://www.duckworksav.com/LELightKits.html#LC HID Kits
- Discussion on local grounding http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=18851
- Tips on proseal http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=7602
- Buy heated pitot - recommended for IFR - flying through clouds helps build up ice
- Upgrade from Bob Archer antenna to cat whiskers on the tail if greater VOR reception desired
- Step modifications http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=54322&highlight=%22step+bolt%22
- Step Mods #2: http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=66204
- Make good size access panel for fuel filter area in the tunnel - leave fuel pump and filter where they should be by default
- Use stainless steel heat boxes or at least use RTV red and some kind of thermal baffle to help prevent tunnel heat
- Tunnel heat discussion http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=70841
- For comm antenna consider Rami AV-17 from vans: http://www.rami.com/gaa/antenna-info.cfm?pid=20
- Consider the McMaster Carr door seals - requires more work to the door lip but look much nicer and probably seals better. Costs about $75 for 50 ft of the seals.
- The throttle and mixture lengths for the Vans cable set need to be increased 1.5-2 inches for better routing options and fit. http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?t=80263&sid=5ce1c84290ffa97f49fc1b3845ba8cb9
- Installing main landing gears: http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=69130
- Replace stock wheel related items: http://www.myrv10.com/tips/mods/index.html#Better_Tires_and_Tubes
- Electrical grounding http://aeroelectric.com/articles/Battery_Grounds/Battery_Grounds.html
- AirWolf remote oil filter mount. There is plenty of room on the firewall and every time I change the oil I am so happy I have it. (about $500 though)
- Use something stronger in rudder stops or get gust lock http://www.matronics.com/digest/digestview.php?Style=82701&View=html&Chapter=2010-11-15&Archive=RV10
- Rudder lock discussion http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=71155
- Share Garmin 430 update costs http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=61665
- Troubleshooting instrument interference when transmitting on comm:http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=63836&page=3
- Painting tips http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=66807
- Rotate tires on the wheel about 150 hours depending on how uneven the wear is. It is normal for the inboard side to wear faster.
- When loading airplane to gross weight, make sure when unloading to have rear passengers get out first to prevent tipping the airplane back on its tail. Alternatively, as the pilot, you can go back there to support the tail near the tie-down ring, just in case.
- When doing maintenance, be sure to have a very clear work area where you place all parts. Screws and etc go in cups, or on paper towels. Thoroughly make sure every part that came off goes back on and being organized will help this.