Van's RV-7A HB-YMT » Finishing

Dynamic Prop Balancing

Bernhard Daenzer — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 12:19:59 +0000

Went to Langenthal (LSPL) to have the prop dynamically balanced. With the help of G. Staude (AIRLA Maintenance) we got the engine/prop from a fari 0.25ips to around 0.01-0.04 ips :-)

HB-YMT passed final FOCA inspection

Bernhard Daenzer — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 12:27:51 +0000

Yesterday, 6.7.2010, HB-YMT finally underwent its official inspection by Mr. Alex Husy on behalf of the Federal Office for Civil Aviation (FOCA).

We’re happy that we passed with very few and small writeups only and no showstoppers :-)
Brother P-Touch calling for some more labels *G*

Now, as there’s no such thing as a “Pink Slip” as in the U.S. (which lets you fly right away), we have to wait until we receive the provisional permit to fly. Let’s see how long that takes.

As a rough idea, the first flight could happen as soon as this weekend or as late as beginning of August. All depends on when the final papers arrive and both Lex and I are/will be on vacation as well. Preparation of the EAS internal paperwork was trickier than expected and provided us with a nice delay, so that we start conflicting with vacation :-( Then again, i can imagine worse kinds of conflicts ;-)

Mr. Husy wrapping up the inspection with some more Paperwork

Quick Progress Update

Bernhard Daenzer — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 12:37:36 +0000

Since i’m getting a lot of questions ;-)

First flight is not far out! We just passed the EAS (Experimental Aviation Switzerland) internal inspection last Friday with very few (mostly paperwork) details to clean up, so the FOCA final inspection won’t be far along.

Everything slipped a bit due to a great vacation in Florida and the Carribean ;-) But we should be able to fly before Oshkosh time is coming around.

Keep checking back.

Weight and Balance

Bernhard Daenzer — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 08:04:04 +0000

Also, again using the guidance, help and advice from Max, we were able to complete the weight and balance measurement. This was actually an interesting one, as we had not really weighed the airplane before. The result wasn’t much of a surprise and neither a disappointment, just a tiny bit heavy at 1166lbs. (529kg). Considering the airplane is fully finished with paint and interior, just about as much electronics as we could fit and a relatively heavy constant speed prop/engine, this isn’t that bad. We certainly knew that we were going to be above 1100lbs. Still, because the RV has such a nice envelope and payload, this still leaves ample room for us medium weight europeans ;-) Now we just have to stay in shape *LOL*

This HB-YMT Mass and Balance.xls lets you play with some figures. It also checks the limit nosegear load as per Van’s and the Aerobatic limits. Feel free to reuse, many thanks to Carl Morgan (RV-7A, new zealand) for the excellent template!

Static Thrust Measurement

Bernhard Daenzer — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 07:55:02 +0000

With the generous help of Max Vogelsang, we were able to complete the static thrust measurement. Of course, the RV has more than enough power, so that was another one for the papertrail…

Move to Birrfeld LSZF

Bernhard Daenzer — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:28:20 +0000

What a great day!

With a lot of help from several friends, we managed to move the airplane to the airfield and even start final assembly.
Since we have a few days off, we should be able to get quite some things done.

Nice to see everything come together so well!

Preparation for the move

Bernhard Daenzer — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:18:54 +0000

The move to the airfield is coming up. Thursday, Feb 25, 2010. 5 years, one month in the making.
The airplane is really taking shape now.

Paint Scheme @ the Paintshop

Bernhard Daenzer — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:00:43 +0000

On February 1st, we went to the paintshop, to appy our paint scheme to the already prepped fuselage. Even though that looks simple, it took us several hours to get a good result. It’s definitely much easier doing it on the computer vs applying it in real life. Anyway, it’s done and the painters are working on it. Not before long we should be ready to move to the airport.

Unfortunately we forgot to take a picture of the complete side view when we were done.