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Search took 0.12 seconds. Search: Posts Made By: fixnflyguy
Forum: RV-8/8A 12-04-2019, 05:47 AM
Replies: 14
Views: 1,123
Posted By fixnflyguy
I made the Braided SS switch..

I was a huge fan of the plastic lines when I built my -4 because they were simple, light and easy to DIY the length and routing. However, after 10 years of service, I found myself continually...
Forum: RV Ongoing Maintenance Issues 12-02-2019, 06:30 AM
Replies: 31
Views: 3,293
Posted By fixnflyguy
What I did..

I used 3/8 Stainless tubing which I threaded the inside of the ends and put in Heim bearings similar to the hinges on the flight controls. I then cross drilled a rivet through the shank to prevent...
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 11-27-2019, 01:12 PM
Replies: 38
Views: 2,709
Posted By fixnflyguy
A couple more things..

Along with some of the other comments, I found that wearing a Gopro on a head mount, I could concentrate on flying and not trying to digest all the instrument readings and speeds on the initial...
Forum: RV Ongoing Maintenance Issues 11-26-2019, 06:11 AM
Replies: 4
Views: 968
Posted By fixnflyguy
All my grease guns and grease tubes reside in a 5...

All my grease guns and grease tubes reside in a 5 gallon bucket, and in clear plastic bags. Never do I leave it in hot place..stays in the cool as much as possible...and FAR from any toolbox !!...
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 11-20-2019, 07:00 PM
Replies: 20
Views: 1,566
Posted By fixnflyguy
I lost my mother 3 weeks ago. She always wanted...

I lost my mother 3 weeks ago. She always wanted to ride in my -4, but the getting in and out of the plane was a challenge we couldn't get past. She last flew with me in an old Taylorcraft about 15...
Forum: Safety 11-15-2019, 05:45 AM
Replies: 11
Views: 777
Posted By fixnflyguy
What I did..

I was in a similar situation as yourself, as I built my -4 and was flying a Taylorcraft BC12 at the time. I had 350 hrs. of T/W time in the T-craft, and had no worries whatsoever with T/W...
Forum: RV-4 11-13-2019, 11:53 AM
Replies: 8
Views: 707
Posted By fixnflyguy
Sterba

I run a Sterba on my -4 , I bought it for less than $300, refinished it and balanced (static). Smooth, durable and very easy to maintain. Im running a 160 hp O320, and get about 162 kts true at 2600...
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 11-13-2019, 05:50 AM
Replies: 13
Views: 2,302
Posted By fixnflyguy
The quadrant

The quadrant is the part that baffles me. Moderators took my comments out because I speculated (my bad, I apologize), so let me re-phrase. I know the plane he was in because I was going to ferry it...
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 11-08-2019, 06:30 AM
Replies: 13
Views: 2,302
Posted By fixnflyguy
He was a friend of mine

I knew Joe well, and am familiar with his plane and his airstrip. He relied on me often to answer questions about his plane (this was his 2nd RV-4) and I wish he would have given me a call the day he...
Forum: Rocket 11-07-2019, 12:22 PM
Replies: 7
Views: 1,188
Posted By fixnflyguy
Offset is on all RV's..

On the -4, as well as all the RV series I know of the offset is built into the mount. It requires no shims, and the cowling is noticeably designed to set the spinner gap at the correct angle. For the...
Forum: Job Board 11-07-2019, 06:23 AM
Replies: 35
Views: 2,745
Posted By fixnflyguy
Greensboro NC is an option.

I have been in the Airline and MRO (Mod,Repair,Overhaul) business for 40 years, and worked Liason Engineering on and off in both businesses. Greensboro NC has a huge aviation MFG and repair network,...
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 11-07-2019, 05:36 AM
Replies: 7
Views: 874
Posted By fixnflyguy
Metal hole plug

Metal hole plugs with the little tabs push right in and can be installed with proseal or RTV . They come in lots of sizes at the big box home stores. I use them all the time..clean,simple and cheap.
Forum: RV-4 10-11-2019, 05:33 AM
Replies: 3
Views: 548
Posted By fixnflyguy
What I did..

There are some recent posts on this topic, and I shared my solution . All easy to make yourself, I fabricated a full closeout panel for the rear stick well, and a boot from left over seat leather. I...
Forum: RV-4 09-30-2019, 11:32 AM
Replies: 4
Views: 560
Posted By fixnflyguy
Several ways to go..

I built mine with the VANs optional kit. It uses a different weldment, or modifies the one that's set up for manual. Others have mounted the actuator in the passenger sidewall instead of the tunnel...
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 09-27-2019, 12:31 PM
Replies: 12
Views: 1,297
Posted By fixnflyguy
Ditto Dan's comment

As Dan stated,
Be careful not to make the whole affair too tight. I made mine (on a -4) too tight, and the torque movement of the engine eventually caused the carb to loosen, resulting in backfiring,...
Forum: ADS-B 09-25-2019, 12:16 PM
Replies: 24
Views: 3,036
Posted By fixnflyguy
My observations..

My day job is maintenance oversight of very large Military aircraft, some of the stuff mentioned applies, and some not. I do crew air briefings once a month or so, and share RV stories with the like...
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 09-25-2019, 06:10 AM
Replies: 16
Views: 963
Posted By fixnflyguy
What I did..016/.020 aluminum.

I used .016/.020 aluminum in my -4, and built armrests into them front and rear. All my rudder cables, flap mechanisms and wiring are completely hidden. All my interior is painted flat light grey,...
Forum: RV Building Tips/Techniques 09-20-2019, 12:12 PM
Replies: 167
Views: 165,682
Posted By fixnflyguy
Freezer

If you have a big freezer, put it in there..that will stop the cure. Get it out and let it thaw when you are ready to start again. Put it in a bag and get as much air out as possible to prevent...
Forum: RV Ongoing Maintenance Issues 09-08-2019, 02:17 PM
Replies: 11
Views: 1,256
Posted By fixnflyguy
What I do

I have mine on blocks now. I simply remove the axle nut, insert my 1/2 drive Snap On breaker bar handle first, jack that up with a small floor jack. I slip the wheel out on the bar, put a couple...
Forum: RV-4 09-03-2019, 06:16 AM
Replies: 3
Views: 537
Posted By fixnflyguy
Go slow and think ahead

The FWD skin is pop riveted to the round tube canopy bow and the square tube frame but the round tube bow is not riveted to the square tube frame. Think it all out carefully and make minor...
Forum: RV-4 08-29-2019, 06:16 AM
Replies: 9
Views: 1,108
Posted By fixnflyguy
My experience

I trimmed my skin per plans, as I can see it would be very easy to have a serious head strike if things go bad. I experimented with some 1/4" styrofoam glareshield "inserts" in various shapes that...
Forum: RV-4 08-29-2019, 06:00 AM
Replies: 9
Views: 1,108
Posted By fixnflyguy
My experience

I trimmed my skin per plans, as I can see it would be very easy to have a serious head strike if things go bad. I experimented with some 1/4" styrofoam glareshield "inserts" in various shapes that...
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 08-28-2019, 01:22 PM
Replies: 6
Views: 385
Posted By fixnflyguy
Get a bulk O-ring kit

I bought one of the multi size bulk Buna-N O-ring kits, and it has the standard sizes for everything up to 2" . Probably cost me less than a dollar to re-build both Cleveland masters on my RV-4...and...
Forum: RV-4 08-27-2019, 07:05 PM
Replies: 4
Views: 646
Posted By fixnflyguy
What type?

Electric or spring bias?
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 08-26-2019, 06:03 AM
Replies: 6
Views: 516
Posted By fixnflyguy
Liability vs. Airport requirement

At our airport, and many others, it is a requirement for the liability insurance regardless of flying aircraft or building/project. If insurance lapses, you will get 30 day notice of eviction....
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 08-23-2019, 12:44 PM
Replies: 10
Views: 884
Posted By fixnflyguy
Leave the carpet

I built much of my -4 in unfinished basement, but I covered most of it with Airliner carpet (I work in the airliner business) and had a ton of unused airplane carpet. Your feet will be happier if...
Forum: RV-8/8A 08-22-2019, 05:13 AM
Replies: 8
Views: 2,057
Posted By fixnflyguy
Fly it..

Fly it after "deep clean" washing. No water will remain anywhere that will matter. I've been flying my -4 for almost 10 years and have only done the hose wash a couple times. Usually, I just mist...
Forum: Southeast 08-18-2019, 04:15 PM
Replies: 12
Views: 999
Posted By fixnflyguy
What model?

What model you are interested in may make a difference of who you need to find in the area. Several builders/owners at my home field a little over an hour from CLT.
Forum: RV-4 08-15-2019, 05:46 AM
Replies: 6
Views: 1,375
Posted By fixnflyguy
What I did..

I finished mine 10 years ago, and did use Proseal between the skirt and Plexi, as well as the Plexi and frame. Essentially, I drilled everything up, countersunk the Plexi and dimpled the skin using...
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 08-14-2019, 06:07 AM
Replies: 16
Views: 2,330
Posted By fixnflyguy
100LL and denatured alcohol

Even at pump price, 100LL is cheaper than any solvent around. No mater what you use, there is flammability issues, so use good judgment. I spray solvent through a basic air siphon gun if needed, and...
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 08-09-2019, 08:50 AM
Replies: 20
Views: 2,099
Posted By fixnflyguy
Do it, and don't look back.

There are those builders who have no distractions, and there are the ones like yourself that have responsibilities and "life happens" things on a daily basis. If the build is a dream, then do it. I...
Forum: RV-4 08-08-2019, 12:06 PM
Replies: 9
Views: 1,528
Posted By fixnflyguy
Well done Devin!

You did a fantastic job with all the coordination and hospitality. Parking and camping worked out great. My liver is almost fully functional again after all the gatherings and story telling we did. I...
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 08-08-2019, 09:57 AM
Replies: 29
Views: 2,400
Posted By fixnflyguy
Kelty Salida 4

I have a Kelty Salida 4, which has aluminum foldable linked poles, been through 2 OSH trips that had storms that took out lots of tents. Plenty of room, good full coverage rainfly and small...
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 08-07-2019, 12:09 PM
Replies: 3
Views: 987
Posted By fixnflyguy
I want to see it..

I was really hoping he would be demoing it at OSH this year! I bet if you sneeze while flying it a snap roll may occur.
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 08-01-2019, 11:52 AM
Replies: 65
Views: 7,506
Posted By fixnflyguy
Pat Hatch

Pat Hatch built a beautiful -4 and a couple of his co-worker pilot friends also built a -4 and a -6. Pat gave me my first ride in his -4, and the grin was on!I bought a tail kit shortly after, and...
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 07-25-2019, 08:23 PM
Replies: 47
Views: 8,132
Posted By fixnflyguy
Wow!

What a blast! Connecting the names to the faces of folks I have followed, advised, or seen only on the net was fulfilled. The location and weather couldn't have been better. Hats off to those who...
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 07-21-2019, 04:11 PM
Replies: 60
Views: 6,336
Posted By fixnflyguy
Fondulac

Just tied down after being here all afternoon, so the NC beers are getting ready to be consumed. Not sure when OSH will open up.
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 07-19-2019, 12:11 PM
Replies: 47
Views: 8,132
Posted By fixnflyguy
I'm In !

I plan to be there! Going to drag a Rocket guy with me too.
Forum: RV-4 07-19-2019, 05:52 AM
Replies: 6
Views: 1,146
Posted By fixnflyguy
Come to OSH Skip!

Great picture Skip!..we are departing 8A7 at 0530 Sunday, flight of two to OSH, come on with us!
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 07-19-2019, 05:48 AM
Replies: 18
Views: 3,056
Posted By fixnflyguy
Teflon Paint on mine

After my first scratch on the bottom of my pants, I quickly realized it wouldn't be the last, so when I had them off, I painted the lower AFT pant bottom with Teflon urethane paint we use on the wear...
Forum: RV-4 07-17-2019, 05:52 AM
Replies: 5
Views: 963
Posted By fixnflyguy
-4 Canopy seals..or not.

I built my -4, and can tell you the sealing of the canopy takes a little trial and error. What i did was put a very small "bulb seal along both sides, but the seal across the front is tricky. It...
Forum: RV-3 07-15-2019, 11:42 AM
Replies: 10
Views: 830
Posted By fixnflyguy
Below cheeks on my -4

I put a NACA below the cheek on both left and right sides of my -4, which likely has the same airflow characteristics as the -3. I did not put the flex ducts and vents as most do, but rather bonded...
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 07-12-2019, 01:10 PM
Replies: 27
Views: 2,465
Posted By fixnflyguy
If I had done this, I would have been considered...

If I had done this, I would have been considered by most as unfit to build a plane!..the hours of pondering and shuffling around with an adult beverage likely exceeded the actual productive process.:D
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 07-12-2019, 05:07 AM
Replies: 27
Views: 2,465
Posted By fixnflyguy
I started my build before internet was helpful...

I started my build before internet was helpful and digital cameras could only hold pics on a floppy disk..so lots of "real" pics in a photo album and dated notes in the margin of my builders manual....
Forum: Painting your RV 07-11-2019, 09:27 AM
Replies: 22
Views: 3,363
Posted By fixnflyguy
B737 vs. RV-4 paint job

Doesn't fully answer your question, but ironic solution to my 737 related paint job. I work at an MRO that maintains heavy jets, and I had a customer needing a 737 re-painted all white for lease...
Forum: RV Building Tips/Techniques 07-03-2019, 09:17 AM
Replies: 167
Views: 165,682
Posted By fixnflyguy
Check with Hank Cheng?

Chris,
Have you reached out to Hank Cheng (Lots about him on VAF)who built the RV-8 in Hong Kong a few years back? His build was sponsored in part by the HAECO group MRO in Hong Kong,( I work for...
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 07-01-2019, 06:30 AM
Replies: 60
Views: 6,336
Posted By fixnflyguy
Cigar City (Tampa)

Todd,
Cigar City has some good ones down in Tampa, and they have cans..have you tried them?
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 07-01-2019, 05:49 AM
Replies: 60
Views: 6,336
Posted By fixnflyguy
Coming from NC with Beer!

A couple of us coming in Sunday from NC with no PAX, so seems we can haul some local brews..looking forward to the tasting!!
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 06-26-2019, 05:38 AM
Replies: 5
Views: 559
Posted By fixnflyguy
AD's and Proseal

I squeezed mine using AD's and also Proseal as a bonding agent. No loose rivets or issues in 300 plus hrs. The extruded hinge is superior to the formed, although I used the kit supplied formed hinge...
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 06-20-2019, 12:22 PM
Replies: 23
Views: 4,638
Posted By fixnflyguy
I love the metal, but..

I am a metal guy at heart, and love wheeling,hammering and forming metal more than anything. Back in the 30's and 40's almost every airplane had artwork in metal all over it,and fiberglass wasn't...
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 06-20-2019, 09:52 AM
Replies: 51
Views: 4,429
Posted By fixnflyguy
More importantly..

Picking Cherries or lifting engines..make sure you have your oil pressure fitting in place!! Don't want to pick more cherries than you need too!
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 06-18-2019, 05:19 AM
Replies: 39
Views: 4,306
Posted By fixnflyguy
Fridge...and..

Refrigerator (well stocked) and a humidor are at the top of my list, a golf cart if you are allowed to have one is also essential. Once these items are in place, Tools and cleaning supplies as...
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 06-12-2019, 11:42 AM
Replies: 6
Views: 1,036
Posted By fixnflyguy
Planning for Sun-Wed

Thanks Devin for posting the details ! Wx permitting, I'm hoping to arrive Sun or Mon and stay until Wed. I do wish we could be closer to our planes, as I have always camped next to what I flew in....
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 06-12-2019, 07:03 AM
Replies: 15
Views: 2,706
Posted By fixnflyguy
I lost count..

Took 15 years to build my -4, and since I shot rivets all day at my day job, I never really counted. I did how ever remember a significant number of parts storage boxes that have B..dlight on the...
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 06-06-2019, 09:01 AM
Replies: 11
Views: 1,131
Posted By fixnflyguy
One more thought..

While I agree with Vlad's bit about the emennage being a significant reward..you MUST then meet Vlad himself. At that point, your RV experience will be full circle...but have Scotch and Steak ready...
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 06-06-2019, 06:38 AM
Replies: 11
Views: 1,131
Posted By fixnflyguy
Every plane has them..

Joggles are very common in metal aircraft, and I doubt there is a plane built that doesn't have them. At my day job, we have a shelf full of joggle blocks and joggle forks as I call them for pressing...
Forum: RV-4 06-04-2019, 06:09 AM
Replies: 4
Views: 541
Posted By fixnflyguy
A couple things..

I built my -4, and had the second generation blue/green cowling with honeycomb core. I believe third generation are all pink now. Mine definitely had offset built in it, which is easy to see when you...
Forum: RV Ongoing Maintenance Issues 05-31-2019, 06:24 AM
Replies: 23
Views: 3,175
Posted By fixnflyguy
Re-use them

I wont elaborate on my day job, but 40 years as a structural specialist and liaison engineer on Heavy Jets, I can say in design, nearly all load bearing joints and assemblies are SHEAR. Then one can...
Forum: Rocket 05-29-2019, 06:09 AM
Replies: 7
Views: 611
Posted By fixnflyguy
A couple things..

There have been retractable harnesses for decades in many aircraft (all airliners) and a bunch of old warbirds, some of which are lockable when you are in turbulence, combat, ect. I have flown with...
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 05-29-2019, 05:56 AM
Replies: 8
Views: 1,499
Posted By fixnflyguy
Seen it happen

It happened to me a couple years ago. I have about 300 hrs. on my plugs, and I have never dropped them since removing from the box. In my particular case it caused an above normal mag drop during...
Forum: RV General Discussion/News 05-15-2019, 12:20 PM
Replies: 39
Views: 4,554
Posted By fixnflyguy
Cant put a cost on mine..

My cost is something I don't really factor, but as the builder and also an AP/IA, I fix whats broke and inspect whats needed. My hangar is $300 a month, its 32'X48' and allows me to do more than just...
Forum: Southeast 05-14-2019, 05:39 AM
Replies: 3
Views: 471
Posted By fixnflyguy
Acrodynamics/ Mikey Mathews

I would recommend Mikey Mathews down at Lake Norman Airpark. He is close by, and you can fly down to his place. He has a bunch of RV time and also a nice Decathalon. Several RV friends of mine have...
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