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Dave's RV-7A Builder's Log
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Date: 8-12-2017
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Number of Hours: 5.00
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Manual Reference:
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Brief Description: Bled brakes, attached rudder pedal & rudder cables
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When I started this project, my oldest daughter had just started high school. Today, all three are graduated from college…and two are married with children. We welcomed our newest grandson into the family on Wednesday!
After ensuring that the dog had another bone to bury, I headed out to the hangar with a laundry list of finishing tasks, but no real plan as to how to tackle them. I had finished the aileron rigging during the last session, but needed some super glue to attach some washers to the elevator rod end bearings…of course that was sitting on the counter at home. So, I turned my attention to the brakes. Bleeding brakes involves using a small pump can, clear tubing to attach to the brake bleed valves, an overflow tube from the reservoir, and some method of catching the overflow. Fortunately Ross had all of these from his Pitts days, and graciously allowed me to use them—to include donating a can of fluid. The process is pretty straightforward, but in my case, very messy as I had two incorrect fittings installed (what can I say, they came with the brakes), and after cleaning up a puddle of brake fluid on the floor of the aircraft, I got everything at least full of fluid. Due to the fact that part of the tubing is clear, I can see a small bubble on each side of the system, but my research indicates that brake feel is the #1 indicator of function…and they feel pretty good. I may do a little more work on this, but for now it’s ok.
Next I installed the rudder pedals permanently. This involved climbing back under the panel and working in those close quarters to attach the bolts holding the nylon support blocks—including drilling two additional holes on the center support. I then measured the distance between my desired pedal location and the end of the cable attach bracket. After fabricating the F-6119 brackets from steel stock, I climbed back in and attached everything. Full travel on the rudders, but surprisingly noisy as the cables rub on the grommets. I have a plan for that...
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Making rudder cable links
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