Carl & Rafael's RV 14A Builders Site
  • Home
  • Aiken Airport KAIK
  • Previous Builds
  • Carl's RV 7A
  • Rafael's RV 12
  • About the RV 14
    • RV 14A Specifications
    • RV 14A Performance
  • Work Shop
  • Empennage
    • Kit Delivery
    • Vertical Stabilizer - Sec. 1 thru 6
    • Rudder - Sec. 7
    • Stabilizer - Sec. 8
    • Elevator - Sec. 9
    • Rear Fuselage - Sec. 10 thru 12
  • Wings
    • Kit Delivery
    • Spars - Sec. 13
    • Main Wing Parts - Sec. 14
    • Ribs - Sec. 14
    • Wing Assembly - Sec. 14 Thru 17
    • Fuel Tanks - Sec. 18
    • Bottom Wing Skins - Sec. 20
    • Flaps - Sec. 21
    • Ailerons - Sec. 22
    • Aileron Control System - Sec. 23
    • Wing Tips - Sec. 24
    • Aileron Trim - Optional
  • Fuselage
    • Kit Delivery
    • Mid Fuse Bulkheads - Sec. 25
    • Mid Fuse Lower Structure - Sec. 26
    • Firewall - Sec. 27
    • Fwd Fuse Lower Structure - Sec. 28
    • Fwd Mid Fuse Side Structure - Sec. 29
    • Aft Fuselage Attach - Sec. 30
    • Fuel System - Sec. 31
    • Baggage Area - Sec. 32
    • Interior Painting - End Sec. 32
    • Rudder and Brake Systems - Sec. 33
    • Flap Actuation System - Sec. 34
    • Upper Fwd Fuselage - Sec. 35
    • Aileron & Elevator Systems - Sec. 36
    • Roll Over Structure - Sec. 37
  • Finishing Kit
    • Finishing Kit Delivery
    • Canopy and Window - Sec. 38
    • Seat-backs - Sec. 39
    • Landing Gear and Engine Mount - Sec. 40A
    • Wing Attachment - Sec. 41
    • Miscellanea - Sec. 42
    • Engine & Propeller Delivery
    • Engine Installation - Sec. 43
    • Spinner & Propeller - Sec. 44
    • Cowling - Sec. 45
    • Tricycle Gear Legs & Fairings - Sec. 46A
  • Firewall Forward
    • Engine Specifications
    • Cowl Baffle - Sec. 47
    • Exhaust System - Sec 48
    • Fuel & Oil Systems - Sec. 49
    • Control Cables - Sec. 50
    • Firewall Forward Misc. - Sec. 51
  • Panel & Instrumentation
    • Panel
    • Wiring & Equipment
    • Sensors
    • Avionics
    • Landing Lights - OP52
  • Move to KAIK & Final Ass'y
    • Empennage Installation
    • Wing Installation
    • Odds and Ends
  • Fiberglass & Body work
  • Weight & Balance
  • FAA Inspection & First Flight
  • Phase I & Changes
  • Interiors
  • Paint Design & Painting
    • Scheme Designers
    • Glo Custom
  • RV Builders Forum
  • RV 14 Builder Sites
  • Builder's Location
  • Closing Thoughts
  • Picture Page

Phase One Flight Testing & Changes

After a few hours of chasing minor problems, we could actually get into doing some of the actual flight testing. We have been using the RV10 flight testing curriculum from the RV 10 builders manual as a framework and guide. I believe Van's will have one done for the RV 14 in the future, but I'm not sure where their priority list stands. So far there have not been any major surprises. We have been getting similar speed ranges and stall speeds to the prototype. Our empty weight was 15 pounds heavier at 1255, but we have a full IFR, 10.5" dual screen panel with all the accoutrements. We are happy with this and GloCustom is noted for quality paint jobs without a lot of extra weight. Grady is thinking around 20 pounds.
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Rudder Trim

One area that was pesky for us was the trim. The rudder trim specifically. We tried the wedges on the rudder and that works at a specific cruise speed, but you alway have too much or too little based on the speed you are flying. Then we found the AeroSport Products Rudder trim and we immediately bought the kit and installed it. This is a really great product that is worth the money and works very well. My one reservation is the nob can be a little hard to turn when you are going for a high speed cruise setting, at least on our plane. Your mileage may vary if your plane does not require as much trim you may not even notice. Pictures below:
AeroSport Products
Picture
These two nicely machines aluminum horns attach to the rudder pedal cross tube with double sided 3M tape and SS aircraft quality hose claps. Easy install, we did ours in a couple of hours.
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This is AeroSports trim box, nicely machined and attaches with two plate nuts on the panel bottom edge. I do wish they would offer it in anodized or powder coated Black.
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