G-RVBA http://www.rv-8a.com/ This blog follows the assembly of an all aluminium Van's RV-8A aerobatic 2 place aircraft kit. When completed, the aircraft is inspected by the 'Light Aircraft Association's' approved inspectors and when satisfactory is granted a permit to fly. Aircraft kit no. is #80697 This is a photographic record of my build project and is primarily of use to me and other builders. en-us Copyright 2012 Sun, 02 Sep 2012 19:44:07 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification Fuselage (over view) IMG_0411.jpg

The empennage has been removed for ease of moving to and fro from the workshop. New larger tyres (tires) now fitted to all wheels. Broader tyres for the mains and 5 x 5 for the nose wheel.

More pictures to follow soon re revised nose wheel yoke.

]]> http://www.rv-8a.com/2012/09/fuselage-over-view.html http://www.rv-8a.com/2012/09/fuselage-over-view.html Aircraft Build Log Canopy Fuselage Centre Canopy Engine Mount Sun, 02 Sep 2012 19:44:07 +0000 Brake reservoir (2) DSCN0841.JPGHole drilled to allow reservoir stub to penetrate the firewall for LP brake lines.]]> http://www.rv-8a.com/2011/09/brake-reservoir-2.html http://www.rv-8a.com/2011/09/brake-reservoir-2.html Aircraft Build Log Firewall Forward Sun, 25 Sep 2011 17:35:29 +0000 Brake reservoir DSCN0839.JPGFitted to port side of firewall.]]> http://www.rv-8a.com/2011/09/brake-reservoir.html http://www.rv-8a.com/2011/09/brake-reservoir.html Firewall Forward Fuselage (Section 8) Sun, 25 Sep 2011 17:34:28 +0000 Rudder weldment. DSCN0842.JPGFinal hole drilled through, though this is at full extension and you would need to have the longest legs to use this setting!]]> http://www.rv-8a.com/2011/09/rudder-weldment-1.html http://www.rv-8a.com/2011/09/rudder-weldment-1.html Sun, 25 Sep 2011 17:34:26 +0000 Rudder Weldment DSCN0836.JPGDrilling out the 1" holes along the rudder slidebar.]]> http://www.rv-8a.com/2011/09/rudder-weldment.html http://www.rv-8a.com/2011/09/rudder-weldment.html Aircraft Build Log Fuselage Forward Sun, 25 Sep 2011 17:00:27 +0000 Baggage door

DSCN0832.JPGFitted baggage door lock, though a little unhappy concerning the fit of the lower door edge as still not truly flush!

Everything else fits perfectly.

]]> http://www.rv-8a.com/2011/09/baggage-door.html http://www.rv-8a.com/2011/09/baggage-door.html Aircraft Build Log Fuselage Forward Baggage door Thu, 15 Sep 2011 18:15:41 +0000 Baggage door Lock DSCN0819.JPGDrilling the door skin for the placement of the door lock.]]> http://www.rv-8a.com/2011/09/baggage-door-lock.html http://www.rv-8a.com/2011/09/baggage-door-lock.html Aircraft Build Log Baggage Door Fuselage Forward Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:43:12 +0000 Canopy cut begins! DSCN0788.JPGThis is the first cut to divide the canopy in two parts. Loads of marking, measuring out, and treble checking so not to make a monumental avoidable cock up. Easy to cut the wrong end of the canopy if you're not awake!]]> http://www.rv-8a.com/2011/09/canopy-cut-begins.html http://www.rv-8a.com/2011/09/canopy-cut-begins.html Aircraft Build Log Canopy Canopy Fri, 02 Sep 2011 19:26:46 +0000 Preparing the canopy cut.

Lesley's Nikon 874.jpgThe cardboard planar board is visible between the two weldments, a line is then drawn that then becomes the 'cutting' line.

Also, note the 'witness' marks along the edge of the canopy and top skin. These are to help reposition again after removal etc.

]]> http://www.rv-8a.com/2011/09/preparing-the-canopy-cut.html http://www.rv-8a.com/2011/09/preparing-the-canopy-cut.html Aircraft Build Log Canopy Canopy Fri, 02 Sep 2011 18:29:55 +0000 Canopy Planer board DSCN0787.JPGPer the Van's instructions, a cardboard sheet is sandwiched between the forward bow and the canopy bow and a line is drawn on the canopy perspex to mark the cutting line.]]> http://www.rv-8a.com/2011/09/canopy-planer-board.html http://www.rv-8a.com/2011/09/canopy-planer-board.html Canopy Fri, 02 Sep 2011 18:28:40 +0000 Drilling of Elevator Horns. DSCN0527.JPGYou can see how I was able to accurately drill the hole in the port elevator horn. It worked a treat having had the AN4 bolt drilled through the centre perfectly.

It also acts as a bushing and protection for the bearing! The hole was initially drilled at #40 then opened up in stages to accommodate the bolt shank

]]> http://www.rv-8a.com/2010/09/drilling-of-elevator-horns.html http://www.rv-8a.com/2010/09/drilling-of-elevator-horns.html Aircraft Build Log Elevators Empennage (Section 6) Horizontal Stabilizer Sat, 18 Sep 2010 21:51:50 +0000 Drilling of Elevator Horns (port) DSCN0523.JPG


Image is slightly blurred but still illustrates the drill through principle I used on this 'tricky if you get it wrong stage' of the build.

A replacement bolt, nut and spacing washers will be used to secure the elevator horns together via the bearing. The nut head's have just enough space to avoid the weld seam, but not too much!
]]> http://www.rv-8a.com/2010/09/drilling-of-elevator-horns-por.html http://www.rv-8a.com/2010/09/drilling-of-elevator-horns-por.html Aircraft Build Log Elevators Empennage (Section 6) Fuselage Aft Sat, 18 Sep 2010 13:18:09 +0000 Rear Canopy bow (2) DSCN0329.JPG
This picture shows the correct position of the rear bow.
]]> http://www.rv-8a.com/2010/06/rear-canopy-bow-2.html http://www.rv-8a.com/2010/06/rear-canopy-bow-2.html Aircraft Build Log Fuselage (Section 8) Fuselage Centre Wed, 30 Jun 2010 23:02:36 +0000 Rear Canopy bow. DSCN0305.JPG
The rear canopy bow when first offered up to the fuselage is often too high and is required to be bent to a specific measurement as per the drawings. In my case it must be reduced to 3/4". above the canopy rail as illustrated
]]> http://www.rv-8a.com/2010/06/rear-canopy-bow.html http://www.rv-8a.com/2010/06/rear-canopy-bow.html Aircraft Build Log Fuselage (Section 8) Fuselage Centre Wed, 30 Jun 2010 22:51:20 +0000 Canopy Frame DSCN0307.JPG
The canopy track is drilled through the fuselage then clecoed in place.

The rear canopy bow is slotted into the white UHMW fitting (just visible) to ensure the canopy locks into position correctly.
]]> http://www.rv-8a.com/2010/06/canopy-frame.html http://www.rv-8a.com/2010/06/canopy-frame.html Aircraft Build Log Fuselage (Section 8) Fuselage Aft Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:23:23 +0000