Construction progress and builder's log for my Van's RV-7 project N769WB
More progress riveting the outboard bottom skin on.
I also checked out my new lightweight tailwheel. This unit came from a company called Flyboy Accessories and weighs almost 1 lb less than the stock tailwheel. This is a direct help with the weight and balance because it takes weight off the furthest aft place on the airplane. It also has modern sealed bearings which don't require any grease.
I made a lot of progress on the right wing bottom skins. I was able to finish the inboard skin and get a portion of the outboard skin done.
One more day of work and I should have the bottom skins finished!
More progress on the inboard bottom skin. It's getting quicker as I work my way outboard.
No pictures today.
I was able to finish up riveting the most difficult areas on the inboard wing skin.
I have ordered the installation kit for the BRS aircraft recovery parachute system!
BRS has been making aircraft parachute systems for a long time but the RV-7 installation is a very recent development. This system is a great option to have onboard as a last resort for emergencies and enables you to do aerobatics without having to bother with a backpack type emergency parachute.
The parachute is rated for maximum weight of the RV-7 (1800lbs). It can be deployed at up to 175 mph and is extracted from the fuselage by a rocket. I believe the company recommends 700-800 ft above the ground for a minimum altitude but they have had successful deployments below 400 feet.
The downside with the parachute system is that it weighs 45lbs and it is located aft of the baggage compartment. Normally this would limit the amount of baggage you could carry due to the weight and the location of the parachute. To help offset this tail heavy tendency I'm switching to a longer engine mount that will shift the engine forward by two inches. I'm also looking at weight reducing options such as lighter batteries, lightweight interior materials, electronic ignition etc. Overall I think the penalty for the parachute system will end up being very minor compared to the benefit.
I will be getting the installation kit first from then I have up to one year to purchase the parachute and rocket unit. This is helpful because the parachute must be sent back to BRS and repacked every six years and the rocket has a twelve year lifespan.
Accomplished today:
Finished riveting flap brace to rear spar, set up snap bushings and pull strings to enable easy wiring when wing is riveted, installed the autopilot servo wiring and started riveting the inboard bottom skin on.
The inboard section is the most difficult riveting on the bottom skin due to the close spacing of the inboard ribs. Progress is slow but I got about half of the hardest riveting done.
Accomplished this session:
Finished dimpling wing skins, prepped and primed flap brace and both bottom wing skins, removed aileron and push pull tube, started riveting flap brace to rear spar.
I did not have as much time as I hoped but I was able to get the flap hinge deburred and all of the rivet holes on the flap brace countersinked to accept the dimples in the skin for the flush rivets.
Just a couple more things to do and I can start priming the parts to finish up the wing.
No photos today.
Posted with Blogsy