Mods

"We choose to install mods on this aircraft in this build and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one that we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win"

In the UK if you modify the aircraft from the design/plans you have to apply for a modification. There are exceptions and the latest information can be found at LAA Engineering. The general advice is to keep the number of mods to a minimum for cost and hassle reasons mainly! A list of Standard Mods for RV's can be found here.

So here are the mods that I am looking at so far and will develop them as I progress through the project.

Rudder Cable Fairing
Standard Mod 11202

This just makes the exit of the rudder cables from the fuselage look neater and can be bought from Gloster Air Parts.

Autopilot
LAA Mod 12594

Using the MGL Voyager EFIS as the control head and two Trio Gold Servos.

Roll Servo : Using the Trio Roll Bracket (Revised version) to be installed in the right wing

Pitch Servo: Custom made tray support at the elevator belcrank at F-808 Bulkhead (Full details to follow).

Delrin Aileron Stops
LAA Mod 12593

These simple delrin (acetal) aileron stops makes setting up the aileron stop simple and accurate and will prevent metal on metal. There will be one on each aileron. See these links for more details and I will post my mod details when complete.

Vans Air Force Forum
Aileron Stop 1
Aileron Stop 2
Aileron Stop 3

Smoke System
LAA Mod 12572

Once the aircraft is built I would like to enter Standard Class aerobatic competitions, do some minor display work and also enter handicapped air races. As a result I would like to fit a smoke system that has very good reviews from other users and it will also act as visual ID.

This mod comprises of three items:

1. Smoke pump reinforcement doublers to fit pump under cockpit right hand console on the floor.
2. Smoke tank fitted at rear battery tray location.
3. Access door to fill/drain the smoke tank

Full details to follow

Doug Bell Tailwheel
LAA Mod 12276

The Doug Bell tailwheel is extremely popular due to giving better ground clearance. This is a repeat mod and thanks to Stan Hodgkins for initiating it. More info can be found here.

Canopy Bonding
LAA Mod 12801

Decided I did not want to drill 69 rivet/20 screw holes with the chance of anyone of them being a stressor source for a future crack. I therefore have approval to bond the canopy using Sikaflex. Thanks to Eric Wolf for his procedure and full details to follow.