I have some top views of the RV-7 and the RV-9:

http://www.smittysrv.com/rvcoloringbook.asp

My guess is that Van's may have decided that the fly-cutter was too dangerous for some builders. When that dude digs in and sticks, you feel like your fighting Jackie Chan.

Things have really changed since I work on mine. You use to have to drill the lightening holes yourself:

http://www.smittysrv.com/more_stuff.asp ... Section=32

When you cleco the skins on, it will straighten out. I wouldn't try any straightening or bending of that part at this point in the construction. You'll find that the skins are the determining factor in pulling everything together throughout the project.

Yep. I kept the big box to hide the pink cowl until I really need it.

Allright!! Is the engine cowling still pink?

I guess I've turned into a "new age'r" in my old age. I wanted to build an RV. I didn't have a job that would pay for such a thing, so I ordered my tailkit anyway. I decided not to worry how to pay for it, but just enjoy the process. As I approached the end of each stage (tailkit, wings, fuselage), ...

I always keep a quart or sealant in the fridge for when I need some. http://vansaircraft.com/cgi-bin/catalog.cgi?ident=1320094406-64-762&browse=misc&product=proseal You can mix it small batches when you need it. The following sealant is a waste of money. Mainly because you have mix the whole thing f...

Looking back now, I have to agree on both items with Chad. I didn't get the DRDT and wish now that I had. It's tough to be consistent with the C Frame whacker and get every dimple exactly like you want it.

Here's my adventure:

http://www.smittysrv.com/more_stuff.asp?ID=315

I have a question about the foreflight ipad use. I bought an ipad and the foreflight ap and have used it a lot in my C172. Luv it! Last week, I was invited last week to fly with a friend of mine in his RV-7A. I had the ipad on a knee pad strapped to my leg. He told me that we probably couldn't use i...

I removed each grommet and squeeeeeezed it so I could get the cable end through and then put the grommet back in place. In this picture, I had previously run a piece of string behind one of the installed baggage area panels so I could pull the rudder cable through later. http://www.smittysrv.com/pho...

I'm working on wiring my avionics. Wiring harnesses are the best thing since frozen pizza. It's hooking things together that get me.

"Damn it Jim. I'm a programmer, not an electrician!"

Excellent choice in aircraft!

hmmm.... let's see... what does it take to make flight planning software? Free charts downloaded from the FAA. Free airport database downloaded from the FAA. A web guy with some savvy with SQL Server database. And a lawyer....   Holy friggin' moley! Mapquest better watch out for these guys...     Su...

I emailed the EAA about this also. The current Advisory Circular is the basis for what the DARs and FAA inspectors are referring to, saying that the engine in an amateur-built aircraft must comply. A new revision is in the works to contain additional language to clarify the situation as it relates t...

I knew that I'd seen this somewhere else before...

I went with the manual trim with my RV-9A. Wrong decision! Installing and running that manual cable was a major pain in the bahooty. On my next RV, I'll get electric trim!

Talk about a tight sphincter muscle...
"Engine fails over mountains on rainy overcast day after taking off Redmond airport. Pilot declares emergency and flies the plane."

http://www.funplacestofly.com/blog.asp?ID=278

Here's the latest:

From AVweb: "Kings To Help Develop Police Aviation Training"

http://www.avweb.com/avwebbiz/news/King ... 213-1.html