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Derek & Kims RV-9A Build Log
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Date: 7-4-2012
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Number of Hours: 12.00
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Manual Reference:
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Brief Description: Duckworks Leading Edge Landing/Taxi Lights
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I decided to install a Duckworks Aviation Landing/Taxi Light in the leading edges of both wings. These are the 50W HID models. I have planned for a seperate switch on the panel for each light. I predict they will be more used for anti-collision lighting for day flying than actual night flying. I am not installing a "wig-wag" flasher to flash them in an alternating pattern; as many seem to like...
The kit proved to be quite extensive amount of work. Like the stall warning horn; glad i decided to install these now, while the leading edges are on the bench rather than after they are riveted to the wing. They sell these for both new installations (like in my case) and also advertised to be able to modify an existing plane and add them. The instructions are written as if you are installing them to an existing wing. Although i do unserstand how it could be done, i'd hate to be the poor sap laying on the floor of your hangar trying to do so... If anyone is contemplating adding these after the plane is built, i would advise doing it now.
The most intimidating (proved to be the most enjoyable though) part is hacking into your wing to cut the hole where the light will shine through from inside. A template is provided, but trust me, i did several google searches to verify i had even installed the template correctly. The first instructions are virtually "layout template, trace hole and cut wing"..... Damn, here goes nothing!
I started off with the leading edge pointing straight up and layed into it with a hack saw cutting to straight lines into the leading edge, straight down. (leaving about 1/16" to the pattern line) Next, to cut the spanwise slots i used a cut-off wheel in my dremel tool. Also used the cut off wheel to cut three segmented straight lines inboard of each radiused corner. The metal is somewhat sprung in it's bent state, so be careful making the cut that relieves this.
After the bulk piece of metal was removed I used my hand file and a sanding drum in my dremel tool to finish off th
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The Kit from Vans
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Template for Cutting Slot
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Cutting Tools
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