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
The Matco manual suggests unbolting the brake disc to assemble the brakes, my preference is to not touch the disc which can be accomplished with the procedure below. The trick is to use two 5/16-24 x 4 inch long bolts and two 5/16-24 x 3.5 inch long bolts. With the added length it is easy to position the inside brake…
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…
July 29, 2023
Another interesting and fun year at AirVenture, punctuated with beer, learning, and soaking up the experience with like-minded folks. Speaking of learning, thanks to DanH for his training on the Spotted Cow tap and for organizing another great evening with RV builders. Now on to what else I learned: Vic Syracuse (Base Leg Aviation) I ran into Vic while he…
July 15, 2023
Configuration Settings To keep it simple I have just taken a screenshot of every page. If you are using this as a guide you will need to compare my schematics to adjust for how my various interfaces are wired (COM, HSDB, ARINC 429).
July 13, 2023
Firmware Update 1. Power on the PFD into Configuration mode by holding down the “Menu” button while the screen is booting up, or reboot the screen by simultaneously pressing “D->”, “Menu”, and “NRST”, then continue to hold the “Menu” button. 2. Insert the SD card with the most recent software version into the EFIS to load the most recent software…
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…
April 29, 2023
It took some time for me to full appreciate how to fine-tune my P200-6X Lycoming P-mags. I’m putting together this page to help others get up to speed more quickly. Information: I have been most please with settings of 23° BTDC (MIN) and 28° BTDC (MAX), but you will want to experiment to determine your optimum values CHT will increase…
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…