All the ANSWERS after 2 years, 200 hours Flown
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- Опубликовано: 22 июл 2023
- The costs, a thorough review of the RV-14, and detailed breakdown of components.
Giveaways, 250+ back catalogue episodes +more at www.flightchops.com
In this episode of Flight Chops, I'm doing my best to share what I've learned operating the airplane for 200 hours. I'm also answering a bunch of the key questions such as what did things cost, what do we like, what did we modify, what do I wish I knew, what snags have there been, etc...
Here are some of the major component partners we are proud to be working with on the Van’s Aircraft RV-14:
www.vansaircraft.com/
www.garmin.com/en-US/
www.lycoming.com/engines/thun...
hartzellprop.com/
www.steinair.com/
www.earthxbatteries.com
hartzell.aero/
aeroleds.com/
www.classicaero.com/
www.mcfarlaneaviation.com/
www.hookerharness.com/aviatio...
www.vettermanexhaust.com/
Center console:
www.aerosportproducts.com/pro...
Glare shield:
www.aircraftspecialty.com/rv-...
Air / Oil separator - Raven Aircraft
- have it now installing ASAP
ravenaircraft.com/products2/e...
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FLIGHT CHOPS DISCLAIMER:
I am a "weekend warrior" private pilot, I fly for fun with no intentions of going commercial. I have had my PPL for over 15 years, but still consider each flight a learning experience - I generally take detailed notes after each flight to remind myself what went well or what I could do to improve.... Having GoPro cameras to record flights like this is invaluable. I find these self analysis videos very helpful in my constant quest to improve, and am happy to share. Feedback is invited; however, please keep it positive.
Visit www.FlightChops.com/ for behind-the-scenes #Aviation content, giveaways and to search episodes by aircraft type!
An airplane that is enjoyed and used will not stay perfect.
The way you edit, tying multiple subjects into one, overall theme, makes for a very interesting and entertaining video. Add to that, your multiple excellent camera angles and quality audio throughout every scene (an impressive feat, considering the wide variety of environments). Your work is absolutely Top Quality Content
😎🎩♠️💙
Feedback greatly appreciated - I work really hard on the edits to make the stories as engaging as I can while also delivering the info :)
thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for not making me sit through a half hour of b-roll to find out what to expect when building an RV-14.
Glad you enjoyed the way I framed this one.
Hi Steve...I followed your RV-14 build from the beginning. I certainly appreciate your full disclosure of the costs for such a venture and as you showed with the RV-4, how the costs can widely vary especially with a little DIY. So many producers gloss over these costs. I have always counted on "Flight Chops" to give the straight scoop on "the good, the bad, and the ugly". It would be nice if fewer producers would spend less time as influencers and more time (like you) educating ...Mark
Great video, I really appreciate that you mentioned that you don’t have to go full high end with everything. Awesome!
Hey Steve!!! Thank you for practicing where you do. I love walking out of work to see you overhead and upside down!!
Great video. One thing for builders to consider when adding complexity to their project is the maintenance access. As one ages, it is much harder to work in the cockpit.. I built my 7A when I was 40's Now in my 60's it is much harder to maneuver in the cockpit during the conditional inspection and maintenance.
Dream it, Build it, Fly it
EAA Tech Counselor, Sheet Metal Workshop Volunteer 20+ yrs.
Great tip!
Dave has lost weight! An inspiration in more than one way.
I know! I commented wanting to know what he did. Looks great.
Your passengers reaction to the loop was great. I love this plane, you did a great job with it.
The question is would you spend $250k out of your own pocket. I'm assuming sponsorship paid for lot of that which is great I would do the same. RV-14 quick build is 65k it's possible to get it flying for $120k if one does lot of their own work overhauling a used engine themselves. Even find an A&P to assist in an engine overhaul.
2 years!! Hard to believe Steve... I clearly remember watching the build videos.
Great breakdown of your thoughts - pros and cons - for sure the touchy trim function must be a bit irritating. You certainly have a more than handsome and fast plane - take-off is impressive. The EarthX battery is amazing at 600A cold start. Overall a huge investment but in value terms pretty darned good - you probably have a near permanent smile when flying, not to mention the thrills of accro. :)
Outstanding overview, and thanks for sharing the most common questions up front, as it allowed me at least to just relax and enjoy the rest of the video over a nice coffee. Well done, and thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
I'm afraid though that these numbers are changing a fair bit heading into 2024...
It's fantastic to see you getting comfortable in your airplane!! Hope to join you soon
I took a couple of those in flights shots of Perry and John! Great guys! 8:01 20:27
Nice shots!
Very interesting. Great breakdown. Thank you FlightChops!!
My 7A came out a little aft of where I'd like the CG. It was VERY pitch sensitive!!! Flew it like that for 10 years and just a few months ago added a second battery forward of the first. Added about 14.5 lbs and shifted the empty CG about 3/8 inch forward. Doesn't seem like much but it did make a difference. The additional benefit of bringing the second battery online before cranking... WOW... that prop spins! I fly until the amp draw is normal indicating batteries are fully charged and then switch the second battery off.
Not the first rv to come out like that. I have a friend with a 6 and with 2 people you have to lock your elbow on the arm rest or it’s easy to pio. I would want to fly it with 30 lb of baggage. He needs to put a steel crush plate on the prop or something. A little bit of cg movement goes a long way.
Seeing your plane last year at Osh Kosh was a highlight of the trip. Stunning airplane.
Excellent Video as always! Some of the best Aviation Storytelling and mix of content focus. Have fun at OSH!
Good Job! Thanks for the REAL experience!
Cool to hear them talking to the flying club planes in your video. GGPO. I've flown that plane!
Thanks for your input. It took a while to get this out of you. But it was worth the wait. And with the details. Now will you begin sending out some of your flights to destinations and back to some of the old Steve flights. You haven’t been doing this for a long time. Thumbs up on all the work you’ve put into this 😊
I never would have chosen manual trim, but the RV-7 I bought had manual trim and I am so glad that is what I have!
Yeah - that’s cool.
Great episode! It looks like the plane has held up pretty well over the 200 hours and two years. Thanks for including the build cost. You really do save a lot when comparing experimental and certified avionics. My only suggestion would be to engineer a little access door in the wheel pants so you can check tire pressure and fill the tires with air. My old Cessna 150 and my old Piper 235 had wheel pants that made the tube stem unaccessible and it was such a pain.
As always, awesome stuff. Really enjoyed!
Thanks for your straightforwardness....the plusses and minuses are important to share and you do it.
Glad it was helpful! (Sorry I missed this comment before - it was a busy summer)
Nice! I'm waiting for the Fsexpo video! I'm amazed at how fast you made it home!
Was awesome meeting you at the Houston sim Expo!
That was so interesting Steve. I love your plane. Great video thankyou.
Great aircraft and brilliant execution! I admire your attempt at a positive transfer of controls with John. “Yep” just doesn’t cut it :(
Great video with great info!
Very enjoyable video. Thank you
Great video as usual!
Also had to change heat muff end. VPX controls trim at speed so no issues there. Lost bearing on original tailwheel as well. I dumped the springs for the solid rod. Ended up going with an upgraded tail wheel assembly that provides more clearance for the tailwheel, if not the clearance is too small and it will drop down in a tie down hole eventually and risk damage.
Great video! Thanks so much!
I'm not a Garmin expert by a long shot but looking at their trim servo motor, it looks like a stepper-style motor. Maybe ask Garmin if there is an option in software to slow down or microstep that output?
The elevator trim speed can even be programmed with airspeed.
The trim servo is not a Garmin servo, its a a Ray Allen, supplied by Vans.
Most people run their trim signal through the Garmin autopilot. This gives the benefit of the autopilot being able to control the trim to reduce forces on the pitch servo, and being able to slow the pitch trim based on airspeed. Also allows the avionics to detect trim runaway and stop trim motion. Not sure why they didn't go with that setup.
Thank you very much. I am not a pilot. But I do have a transponder app on my phone, and I live in North San Diego County near where planes are on final to Palomar McClellan Airport in Carlsbad. I see these Vans flying around and will step outside to observe them, if possible, amazed at how small and zippy they are. This prompted me to watch your video.
I do love your videos! Every time I note your registration #, I chuckle that some accountant didn't grab it a long time ago ("Certified General Accountant")! 😃
Interesting how both you and Mike Patey's latest video (the Turbulence engine explosion) are grateful for upgraded batteries
Hi Steve, we went to OSH this year (from Ireland), saw your plane at Hartzell, didn't see you though. It was quite the experience. All going well I should be ordering my 14 emp kit this month, plus down payments on engine and prop. My partner and I sat in the 14 at the Van's tent and looked each other in the eye, she now kinda gets it! The new barn/workshop gets built next week here in Limerick, ready for fit out then full steam ahead. It was great seeing this vid, the cost is a big deal but hey you can't take it with you, your thoughts after two years are really useful.
Awesome!
And too bad we missed each other.
That Vans tail wheel looks like a hockey puck, good job 😄
You do such a great job with your videos
Thank you so much!
Got to this late, but some notes: Ah yes, the stall warning is a bit loud, as are traffic calls in my airplane. Anticipating the cowling removal difficulties I've seen other owners struggle with, I went with the Skybolt fasteners for the top cowl and stock hinges for the bottom, so my cowling goes on and off fairly easily. I modified my wheel/lower intersection fairings from 3-pc. to 2-pc. during the winter; they're not completely finished yet and I'm flying with them for another season before I do. All my trim is manual for the reasons you guys mentioned. The RV elevator is the most sensitive control of any aircraft I've ever flown, as is the trim. The mechanical vernier trim appeared to have some slop in it during assembly, but in flight it's rock solid and very sensitive. I have a total of ten full knob rotations lock-to-lock and in flight I never have to move the knob more that 1/4 turn to trim; usually about 1/16 turn. My Whirlwind prop has no extension and my battery is aft-mounted; most RV-8 s are nose-heavy but I cannot exceed my forward CG envelope without overloading the forward baggage. I can overload it aft but I'll usually exceed gross before going outside the aft envelope. My engine never backfires, which surprised me. Watching many RVs coming into OSH parking, many sound very unhappy while taxiing, but mine purrs like a kitten. Barrett dialed it in just right! My controllers are always making references to my Pilots That Don't Go Anywhere video and that always makes me laugh. Congrats, John, on the RV-4! Hope to see you guys soon, at CAM and at Sarnia!
cool yeah - you did a great job with yours.
I agree about using the Skybolt fasteners. My -8 has them as well. My RV-4 did not and it was a pain. I fly my -8 100% solo and agree about the nose heaviness. Mine is fix pitch metal prop and would switch to a composite to move the cg aft. I currenly fly with 25# in the aft baggage compartment. Seems if most of Van's side by side RV's have an aft cg. My electric trim is slow so even at high speed there is no jerkiness when triming. If I had built the plane I too would have gone with manual trim to eliminate the "trim runaway" factor. So far I have never heard of someone experiencing it. Steve's is one if not the nicest RV's ever but of course at a cost. My -8 was produced for $80K and does 90% of what his does.
Great vid by Steve and love his honesty!
I assume that video with 87-0262 was from last year or the last couple? That jet was pretty good for the time we had it in the WIANG.
Great looking airplane you've got!
Thanks much for the honest $$ info Steve! Given that a reasonably optioned "172" is about $700k that price for the "loaded" RV-14 is not that bad! (I can't believe I just said that LOL) My "thinker" is still a little preoccupied right now too. I just watched Mike Patey sort of bare is soul about the PT6A in his Lance "blowing up" on the way to Osh!! They don't do that!?! It exploded so violently it only took 3 revolutions to go from 30,000 RPM to 0! Shrapnel from the compressor hit both wings and tail, all small bits like a grenade!! It blew oil all over the inside/outside. Thank God he and his buddy made it down ok!! 8( --gary .
Just saw your plane at the hartzel booth/display!
Love your videos Steve, of course it’s all Greek to me but I find it interesting and I learn a little. Enjoy Oshkosh.
I was briefly thinking about getting into flying and building a kit plane RV8 or so but thanks to this video I realized that unless you have a very large amount of time and money it's probably not a good idea :P
20:42 WAIT! Is that an Avro Lancaster?
YES TEXAS VIDEO!!!!
Great episode on the 14! it's like you had a list of the Q's a was going to ask when I got to Windsor! The trim on my RV6 is very sensitive too, but it is a manual trim so with a little practice, it's no biggie. I wish we could have got to Windsor on our trip down to Southern Ontario, but I guess I have an excuse to go back there now.
This is a beautiful airplane :D
Being a bit in the aft CG range probably doesn't help with the elevator trim over-sensitivity
Great video Steve, do you send flight plan through WiFi, from fore flight, to Garmin screens?
Great video as always, but good grief $250,000 for a 2 seat experimental is outrageous. There is no way the average person can afford anything close to this. Fabulous plane though!
He pimped it out beyond belief and I have a hard time believing a lot of it wasn’t paid for by sponsors given how much promotion is done here. I’m building the same plane but not nearly as show quality and it’s not going to be anywhere near that price. Your point is still valid though it’s not cheap. His estimate is accurate though for the low end cost ($150k), although mine will be ifr for that cost (gps only)
One can be built much cheaper. I think best way to buy one is to find a used one already flying can always upgrade it.
You guys have no idea what you are talking about…
No clue of parts costs not to mention labor…
@@edgbconsidering I’m building one and am just about done, I kind of do know.. labor is not included it’s “free”. You don’t build an airplane to calculate labor cost, it’s a hobby.
I'm an average person and I'm building one that will probably cost about the same.
I agree the Garmin angle of attack /stall warning sound is horrible. One of the most annoying sounds in Aviation. It makes me wonder how much engineering thought went into the pitch of that sound and also how loud it is. I never thought I would prefer the Cessna stall horn. thanks for the honest video showing how even when you have it all, it’s hard to be completely content.
I could build an RV-7 for less than 90k. but I'd paint it myself, save a ton on avionics and engine, etc.
Awesome airplane ...Just curious, why did you choose a tail wheel configuration?
I mostly chose that config so it would fit in with the fleet at the museum.. but it also just looks SO much better :)
65k for the panel, it always blows my mind how expensive these things are
How do you like the AeroSun lights? Are they aimed correctly for a tail wheel aircraft? Are they adjustable? The ones you have are much more affordable that the new $4k wingtips, but those new tips do look amazing! I’m currently building an 8.
Cool yeah - I am very happy with the lighting, and they are adjustable.
This episode shows the first night flight with them:
ruclips.net/video/S_5axPgnFns/видео.html
Working on my third build, an RV9, at the wing stage. My first, was a RV6 with electric elevator trim. Second was my RV9A with manual trim. I very much prefer the manual trim. Accurate and it becomes second nature very quickly. Just my 2 cents, for what it’s worth.
Well I am glad I re-watched this on my way home today. I must have been really distracted because I missed a lot of details. I definitely instantly regressed the total price tag at the very beginning. Here's what I've learned. Building any RV in today's world is scary but possibly still worth it. I mean, who knows. I guess I have a lot of years living vicariously through others. 🤦♂ I'm gonna need your help with that last part so chop chop Flightchops!
What are engine temperatures like with the Thunderbolt engine? *You said in your OSH arrival it did not like 90 knots...* A carbon plenum may be in order. Love seeing great capability out of the RV perform.
The engine temperatures are never really a problem - CHTs are easily controlled at low speed , the only time we see them creep near 400 is a slow, higher power , extended climb in hot weather.
Thanks for sharing as always. I also follow on instagram. I’m one of your early subscribers and I can’t help but notice Dave’s extreme weight loss… a massive congratulations to Dave. What is his secret. I ask because I want to get another 30kts on my cross country 😊
The secret is a considerable amount of cycling. A couple years at 6 to 8 hours a week. Not a huge amount of diet change but less evening snacking. Thanks for the kind words.
My electric trim in my 6A took ten miles to get it in a good level trim at 180.
😂
Nice prop….and very nice price to have even a single rock chip repaired. Think I’ll stick with my aluminum that I can sand out.
What was the (aluminum??) heat shield material that you applied over the Fiberfrax, on your lower cowl?
I need to do the same and suspected the adhesive-backed aluminum material offered by Spruce might not adhere very well.
I believe that is the stock part that Van’s ships with the finishing kit / I can confirm.
Not enough credit to Hoover for crew stress management. 🐾
I mute the stall horn on my RV8 by dict taping the vein to the wing. There really auta be a volume adjustment. 🤷🏼♂️
Are you doing the forum today at Boeing plaza?
Sticker shock 😂😳
I believe I saw it & you at yxu july 18th
Such a beautiful aircraft with so much capability. What is its current empty weight?
Thanks! Empty is 1294, max gross 2050 lbs.
Well I think it turned out incredibly well. The panel alone is amazing. And I was completely wrong about the paint, which turned out really incredible. I am curious if the trim tab servo cannot be adjusted to a slower rate. If not, some shopping around to get a slower rate servo might be the solution. It's time to put a for sale sign in the window, and start building that four-seater RV 10 to haul the family around!
Glad you like the paint! And the trim speed is fine when in landing config (in fact I wouldn’t want it slower when trimming while deploying full flaps).
So it is really a case of deciding to upgrade the firmware and trust “auto trim”, or live with it as is.
@@FlightChops another comment mentioned that you should be able to dig into the configuration and set up airspeed-dependent trim rates.
I love your videos!! I built mine concurrently with you. Copied. Few things too! Q: do you have inverted oil system or fuel flip flop tube?
Awesome! I have no flop tube, but working on adding the half raven!
@@FlightChops Keep up the great work!
cool!!!
How many manhours went into the construction?
Could you use a tire pressure monitoring system to help you keep an eye on that without needing to remove the wheel pants?
I considered that, but then learned that those things can often be the point of failure and the cause of a flat tire… so I decided not to.
Late to the game here but you can get wireless tire pressure monitoring caps that transmit to a small device with a screen that plugs into an onboard 12v outlet. It makes it really easy to check your pressures before a flight.
Yes, I considered that, but then I was told they are often the weak link that ironically cause the a flat tire - which can be a pretty serious issue in an airplane with wheel pants is low profile as these.
@@FlightChops Those slick things are a bit different than a Cherokee!
Noticed the Lanc in the hanger (21:27). What are you folks planning to do with it? Restore for static or get it airworthy?
It was mounted on a pedestal in a city park for decades and the spar irreparably damaged, so it will be restored to static and possibly taxi.
My 14 trim motor isn’t sensitive maybe it’s a quick avionics settting
Do you have auto trim enabled? I think that solves it.
But the larger debate is, do you want to have auto trim enabled in case it ever was to run away based on a software glitch?
You may have addressed this elsewhere, but... burning question as this kinda hit my brain while trying to sleep last night. Did you handpick CGA's reg? Does it, like I think it might, stand for FlightChops General Aviation?
Yup :)
@@FlightChops That's so epic! I love you, your RV and your channel. Great AV content!
I thought you were a accountant!@@FlightChops
Any plans to shift the CG forward more? Seems the current CG would get in the way of a 2-person trip with bags.
Yes, I have some ideas, the first being to instal the air oil separator which will add~ 7 lbs firewall forward...
On my G3X, I tap on the AOA display when it shows to stop the sound.
Thanks yes, I have figured out that is one way to do it, but I’d rather not have to take a hand off the controls during take off / landing to do that… I’m wondering if there is a way to assign that function to a button on the stick.
Is there any reason not to install a tire pressure monitoring system?
I thought about that, but enough people warned me that those things can end up being the weak point that causes your flat… it’s just not worth it. They can also knock the wheels out of balance a bit.
2 years… damn.
Re the trim issue at high speed via the GSA 28 servos. Did you utilise the Garmin GAD 27 control. I have both the VPX pro and the GAD 27, the latter controlling autopilot and trim functions as per the G3x install manual. VPX is utilised to control the remaining electrics.
The Screaming Eagle Tailwheel gives a better ground clearance and functional bearings.
A really good summary of owning a 14, much of which I concur with!
Exactly, he has the trim wired wrong. The gad 27 will move it exponentially with speed.
My understanding is that this only works when you give the auto pilot authority to trim. I have not. But I am considering updating the firmware and giving it a try.
Did they have a g3x touch simulator at the expo?
Not yet that I know of... But I think it is coming.
Since I sold my low time RV6A with 180 horse and CS prop for $52k, pre plandemic, the new numbers are a real nut punch.
Bet you are sorry you sold Chris. No kidding about the new prices. I have had a -4 and now an -8 and there would no way to afford the new pricing. I love my -8 and the space but secretly miss my -4.
Yeah that’s a tough one. It’s hard to figure out the market.
add a spacer on the engine mount like a 1/8 inch would fix your cg
Wouldn’t that require a modification to the cowl?
@@FlightChops maybe not
Can you have an RV-14 professionally built?
Buy a used one and upgrade it.
Hearing about the elevator trim being so sensitive reminds me of Austers. One very important thing to check on the Auster is the trim cables. They must be in good condition and replaced when required. Some fatal accidents were caused when they snapped as they cause massive G forces in pitch resulting in the lift struts bending. Here in New Zealand we had a J1B Auster have that happen but the wings stayed on and the pilot managed a safe landing with very bent lift struts!
if you are going to keep an eye out on that burn spot .dont forget to use your nose . be careful....good video.....thank you../..
Shallow approaches help prevent bounces and hard landings, due to lower sink rates. When it can be done safely I do it all the time. But also when aircraft are heavier with more inertia a high sink rate profile is harder to arrest. Hence the jet pilot train of thought on approach. I’d be just as guilty also.
Hey Steve, apologies for the tangent, but how is your T-6 progression coming? Any more Yellowbird content coming soon?
I ask apropos the T-6 crash at Oshkosh. Your friend and mentor Dan Gryder had some particularly harsh words about the pilot and her ability, and I'm curious to know what you think.
Super sad situation about that crash. I'm not qualified to comment on it, I haven't watched Dan but those sorts of takes are not helpful. I think Juan / Blancolirio did a good analysis about what may have happened, and what the risks are with flying a T-6.
@@FlightChops Thanks for the reply! I think a lot of us got an itch to fly by looking at a cool old airplane and wonder "could I fly that?". I'm still following for FlightChops flies a Spitfire arc!!
@@BigDickMark Scott Perdue/Flywire also covered it and is very qualified in T6 ops.
SHOW US THE SKYMASTER
Are you sponsored by Vans, Garmin and Hartzell etc?
The question that really needs an answer. How much you would pay for a production plane that performed the same mission with the same or better performance?
There is not really as production plan that fits all the profiles the RV-14 can fly, but essentially if you look at an RV-10 (the 4 seat version of this airplane) It's nearly a match in all specifications to the $1M+ Cirrus SR22
lol same cowling, wheel pants! pain. Cowling, always look for help to get it back on. not a one person job.
yup :)
Are these CAD or USD prices?
I thought I put USD in the text overlays with the numbers...
But yes, they are USD prices (as of ~late 2022 / early 2023)
65gs for the panel Wow.... !!!
😮