November 19, 2024
The Utah Back Country Pilots Association (UBCP) maintains a list of back country airstrips. Since I frequently fly over a lot of rugged terrain in Utah, I really wanted to have these airstrips shown on my display in case of engine failure. For members they offer a great set of ForeFlight Waypoints for these airstrips, unfortunately this did not help…
November 18, 2024
The Utah Back Country Pilots Association (UBCP) maintain a list of back country airstrips. Since I frequently fly over a lot of rugged terrain in Utah, I really wanted to have these airstrips shown on my display in case of engine failure. For members they offer a great set of ForeFlight Waypoints for these airstrips, unfortunately this did not help…
June 26, 2024
The back right cylinders on Lycoming engines are always the hottest on Van’s RV planes. I’ve not had any major issues (with CHT temperatures) on cylinder 5 until recently. Departing Las Vegas at 6:45am in 90+ degree temperatures it took a lot of playing with my climb rate and oil cooler dampener to keep the CHTs in line, and even…
May 29, 2024
After a number of questions on VansAirforce.net about my rudder trim system, I decided it was to for a post to help others who may be interested in a similar system. I wanted a system that would move the entire rudder and could be adjusted via a switch on the panel. Originally I purchased the Aerosport Products Rudder trim but…
May 29, 2024
Each Condition inspection I have battled the reinstallation of the Matco brakes. The issue is that there is almost no room to get the inside brake pad lined up and start the bolt. I’ve spent upwards of 40 minutes getting one bolt started, frustrating and a total waste of time. I’m embarrassed it took me this long but I finally…
February 6, 2024
Well I was lucky, it happened just after fueling up at my home airport. As I twisted the locking tab it broken off into my hand. Huh. Maybe I had them too tight or maybe the composite material is just not up for the job. Regardless I needed to find the parts to get it fixed. Searching I found that…
November 12, 2023
UPDATE January 12, 2024 I watched the full two hour Van’s Engineering Presentation – Laser Cut Parts video and KITPLANES Roundtable on Van’s Laser-Cut Parts Tech Briefing video I was left impressed by the level of detail and how extensive the testing that was completed on the laser cut parts (and punched parts). And yes I was surprised to find…
June 15, 2023
I struggled to find a simple guide to understand the various Kavlico sensors and relevant service bulletins, here is my consolidation of that information. Relevant Links: The issue was outlined by Larry, N38LA (RV-10) back in 2020 on this VansAirforce post: Link The Garmin Service Bulletin: Link The Dynon Service Bulletin: Link The Van’s Service Bulletin: Link Original Sensors on…
March 31, 2023
I had help with the engine cowling during constructions and unfortunately the nose gear gap was cut off center and larger than necessary. So back during construction I fabricated a repair using epoxy and flox. Pretty dumb of me to think that the small amount of surface area (I did sand the fiberglass cowling at an angle) would be sufficient…
December 4, 2022
Like many others I was extremely bummed to learn that Aveo stopped manufacturing their overhead light that had both white and red lights built-in. After unsuccessfully searching for surplus or used lights I gave up and settled on the EyeBeam Mini with white light only. I loved the touch sensitive On/Off and Intensity selection but needed a way to make…
November 12, 2022
My hanger neighbor sold his Husky and while the new owners were poking around I noticed his Minimax tug sitting in the corner. I asked him if was for sale and he explained that it was gifted to him when I got the hanger but it made a terrible grinding sound and didn’t work. And I was free to have…
November 11, 2022
I’ve watched plenty of Mike Patey’s videos showing the fabrication of carbon fiber parts but watching and doing are very different things. I knew this would be a learning project and I definitely developed some new skills. Next time I will be much fast with better quality. That said, I am very happy with the results and improvements I have…