Dec 10, 2023     Engine Controls - (1.5 hours) Category: Research

I spent a little time gathering parts and studying the best way to install the engine controls and exhaust pieces. Looks like controls go in before exhaust pieces because of easier access. A little out of sequence, but so be it.

  Sep 29, 2023     Skybolt Fasteners - (3.0 hours) Category: Research

I spent a couple hours reading the Skybolt install guide and the Van's cowling instructions as well as consulting with 2 of my favorite builders on how to layout the firewall and longitudinal fasteners. Or do I want to keep the firewall lower hinge versus installing the Skybolts all the way down? That is the question! Now I'll lie in bed all night trying to figure it out.

  Apr 01, 2023     Sun n Fun - (4.0 hours)       Category: Research

3/31/2023 - We spent the evening at the Skybolt Chalet as my buddies rehearsed for their PanAm history presentation for Saturday night. If you are reading this and considering building ANY airplane - Skybolt fasteners are the way to go for any application where access is needed. (Note, I do not work for them.)

4/1/2023 - Spent the day at SnF checking on my engine, instrument panel parts, headsets, and many other 'shopping' opportunities (all research time), including talking and visiting with the incredibly great staff like Kelsey and Greg and others at the Van's tent. Tried to put money down for a couple of RV-15's for a friend and myself:-) No joy, maybe at Oshkosh. We then visited with John Stahr and his wife Pattie who had the booth adjacent to Van's. John is the aircraft painter who does the incredible artwork you've seen on all sorts of planes, including my award winning RV-7A. We then watched the Blue Angels do their terrific show. Later we watched the Skybolt PanAm presentation led by our friend and Captain Bob Gandt, PanAm/Delta and also the writer of many outstanding aviation books and the TV show, Pensacola - Wings of Gold. Those folks knocked it out of the park. Ned Bowers, Skybolt's founder and owner, who also happened to be a PanAm/Delta Captain (among other airlines) arranged for the event so his family and friends could enjoy this great historical evening. I might add we took a break for the night airshow and an awesome fireworks display, which rivaled that at Oshkosh. What a great day and evening!!!! Thanks to all those great PanAm folks and to Ned!!!!!!

  Mar 22, 2023     Instrument Panel - (2.0 hours) Category: Research

Responded to the new AFS letter where they explained certain issues with my desired panel layout. I also researched many items they had sent things like circuit breakers, sub panels and shunts that I hadn't initially seen. Again, things are moving forward nicely in this area. AFS continues to be outstanding.

  Mar 20, 2023     Instrument Panel - (2.0 hours) Category: Research

Reviewed the excellent and detailed response of my letter to Advanced Flight Systems. Progress is being made,

  Mar 19, 2023     Instrument Panel - (5.0 hours)       Category: Research

I spent a lot of time today working on layout number 1 of my Advanced Flight Systems based instrument panel. Much too much info to document here, so that'll come later as the design develops. Teaser - it is AFS-6600 and Avidyne IFD based, I attached some stock photos.

  Aug 31, 2022     Avionics - (3.0 hours) Category: Research

Research is winding down on the avionics, (it will always continue to find the best combinations), but the initial basic decision has been made, AFS will build the panel and it will have at least the following: AFS-6600 PFD, MFD, Avidyne IFD5400, a yet to be determined audio panel, Dynon Nav and Comm, and a G5 to use as a backup to the PFD. Switchology is still being researched as is the placement of the equipment on the panel.

  Aug 26, 2022     Instrument Panel - (4.0 hours) Category: Research

I've spent a lot of time researching what instrumentation to buy and I've been working with Advanced Flight Systems for the build. As much as I enjoyed it, one instrument panel (my RV-7A) per lifetime is probably enough. I should have the rough design semi-finalized over the weekend, but we'll have to wait and see.

  Dec 23, 2020     Christmas Gift - (.5 hour)       Category: Research

I've been busy with the plane, then last week hurt my back, so now I decided with one day left before Christmas I need to go gift shopping for my wife. I know, I'm a little late on this, but I decided on a nice, handcrafted, one of a kind, neckless because she's been SUPER supportive. I hope she likes it. It's a very special, one of kind, piece don't you think?

  Sep 20, 2020     Updating of Plans - (2.0 hours) Category: Research

I purchased a 2013 wing and empennage kit. Since then there have been numerous updates to the plans, making it very difficult, to update each individual page of the plan. I purchased an up to date thumb drive with updated plans and I have printed the entire updated empennage and wing kit documentation.

  Sep 13, 2020     Printing the Plans - (1 hour) Category: Research

Helpful Hint: This kit was from 2013 and thus, so are the plans. I purchased a new set of plans on a thumb drive from Van's. When building, I have to check the computer and then the plans. Van's doesn't annotate what changed, you have to figure that part out. Lots of wasted time there. I happened to have just bought a new printer that does tabloid size paper, which is what the plans are. I decided to completely print out the new, up to date plans. It definitely is easier and faster.

  Sep 12, 2020     Tool Needs/Determination - (2.0 hours) Category: Research

Just when you thought you had them all, tools that is, you find out you don't. So I researched what tools are necessary for the next few weeks/month's work. What I found is that clever folks have made RV-14 unique tools that really appear to make the job easier. Normally I would skip these, but after talking to a number of builders, they may make the build easier. They are now ordered. I'll identify these as I go along and assess whether they're a good buy or not.

  Aug 18, 2020     Ordered the Fuselage Kit - (3.0 hours) Category: Research

Reviewed the options and specs for what i wanted in the Fuselage. Decided on the Quick Build - 7 months lead time should allow me to finish the empennage and wing kits. Now to decided what to include and delete from the kit.

  Jul 21, 2020     Found, purchased and picked up the kit. Thank you Rob and VAF! - (12 hours)       Category: Research

Found an empennage and wing kit for sale on VAF on 7/17. Bought it and picked it up on the 18th. The empennage was barely started with about 50 hours of build time on the vertical stab and rudder. My hangar is now being cleaned and prepped for the build, which should start in earnest after the EAA Together week!