Browsing Category : Plane Work

Broken Fuel Cap Tab, Grrrr


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…

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Van’s Aircraft Laser Cut Parts


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…

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Garmin Kavlico Sensor Failure Replacements


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…

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Repairing the Cowling Nose Gear Slot


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…

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Project to help with night vision flying


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…

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Trying my hand at fabricating carbon fiber parts


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…

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Fall Plane Maintenance


An oil change was due making it a good time to tackle a few projects on N241VP. First up was the oil change, I was one of the lucky few who had stockpiled oil filters (filters have become scarce during the past year). I’m down to my last one but it should get me through until the reusable Challenger oil…

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Installing the SDS Aero Sealed Induction Tube Kit


I performed the Savvy Induction leak test last month and everything was looking good but I decided to be proactive and upgrade my induction tube flanges. Vic Syracuse recommends replacing the induction gaskets at 300 hours and seeing as I’m at 220 the time seemed right. SDS Aero out of Canada has a great kit the replaced the crappy paper…

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