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Dave's RV-7A Builder's Log
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Date:  8-19-2017
Number of Hours:  7.00
Manual Reference:  
Brief Description:  Flight controls & control stick wiring

Today started with a dead car battery, I should have seen the rest coming.

When I finally got to the hangar, I decided to start by applying the “NO STEP” and registration number decals. I used a Sharpie to make a reference line for the left side registration decal to make sure it was level and properly positioned on the vertical stabilizer. The application was uneventful, but when I used some denatured alcohol to remove the line, I inadvertently smeared it across the top of the numbers…oops. The other three decals went on without issue. I also attached the data plate under the left horizontal stabilizer, so that little task is done.

I then started work to attach the pitch control pushrods and once finished, things got a bit more interesting. My initial control travel check turned up a big no-no…the control stick hit the throttle when it was moved to the full forward and right position. The next five hours involved some major changes to the cockpit configuration, all of them eventually positive, but the work itself was very frustrating since it involved undoing a lot of what I had thought was finished. During the process I did the following:
• Shortened the control stick by 1 ¾” to help with clearance. I had thought the stick was too long as it was, but didn’t want to shorten it due to suggestions from various sources to keep the original length. In this case I really had no choice and I’m happy with the results.
• Added wiring for the CWS to the control stick head. This included some soldering in a very tight location, but it all checked good and since I had the control stick disassembled, it was the perfect opportunity.
• Moved the throttle quadrant almost 3” to the right to get the throttle out of the stick throw path. This did a couple of things—full clearance from the control stick, a better spacing (things don’t feel so “jammed” to the pilot’s side, and now I can actuate the flaps with my thumb while my hand is on the throttle.

All's well that ends well I guess!
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Data plate is on

Data plate is on

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This is mostly a reminder for me

This is mostly a reminder for me

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Reconfigured stick and throttle quadrant

Reconfigured stick and throttle quadrant

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