Build Modifications

This being my first (and maybe only) airplane build, for the most part will be sticking to the plans. My goal is to only deviate from the plans when a modification

• improves safety and/or
• reduces cockpit workload and/or
• makes the build process somewhat easier 

There is a whole industry around third modifications available for the Van's RV-10 and I have spent (and will continue to spend) a lot of time reviewing all the available options. If something fits into one or more of the above criteria I will consider adding it to my RV-10 build. Of course, reading about other builders' experiences adding the modifications also gives me a lot of insight into whether a modification is worth doing, so I am very grateful to those builder's that share these details in their build logs.

Following is a list of modifications that I have done so far, as well as those I've committed to doing. This list will be updated as needed.

Empennage

Elevators

• IFlyRV10 Billet Trim Brackets - [build logs] - Purchased to replace the welded WD-415 anchor brackets provided in the empennage kit. The machined aluminum brackets look much nicer, add only a few grams weight compared to the welded brackets, and I've heard that some welds have failed in the past so I feel more secure with the single piece aluminum brackets.

           Kit change: DELETE 2 of WD-415

Tail Cone

• Dynon Pitot/Static/AoA Installation Kit - [build logs] - replaces the rivet called for in the Van's instructions for the static air ports. Static ports are similar to those that Cleaveland used to offer, and I like the look of them.

• Avery Rudder Cable Fairings - [build logs] - Van's does not supply any rudder cable fairings for the cables that exit the tail cone. These are fairings that a number of builders have used, and with some trimming and prep work will provide a nice finished look. 

• Garmin Pitch Servo Mount for RV-10 - [build logs] 

• Garmin Yaw Servo Mount for RV-10 - [build logs] 

Wings

• Aveo ZipTips Premiere Winglets - not purchased yet

           Kit change: DELETE W-1015-L Left wing tip

                                DELETE W-1015-R Right Wing Tip

                                DELETE W-1016-L Left Wing Tip Rib

                                DELETE W-1016-R Right Wing Tip Rib

                                DELETE VA-193 Wing Tip Lens

• Garmin Roll Servo Mount for RV-10

Fuselage

• Stainless Steel Heater Bypass Boxes 

           Kit change: DELETE VENT TG-1010 L&R RV-10 Heat Boxes

• Andair FS2020 Duplex Fuel Valve - ordered EFS2020-D2-TMT on March 16, 2023 with 4 elbow (EF20) and 2 straight (MF20) fittings, and a 6" extension with countersunk mounting holes

           Kit change: DELETE BAG 487-1 RV-10 Fuel Valve 

                    - unfortunately as of 2/2023 Van's no longer allows hardware bag deletions from kit orders so 

                      BAG 487-1 cannot be deleted

• Control Approach Rudder Pedals - not purchased yet

           Kit change: DELETE 2 of F-1052 Brake Pedal Set 

                                DELETE 2 of F-1052B Brake Pedal Side Plate

                                DELETE 2 of F-1052C Brake Pedal Doubler Plate

                                DELETE BAG 665 -  F-6115 Rudder Pedal Bearing Block (center)

                                    - unfortunately as of 2/2023 Van's no longer allows hardware bag deletions from 

                                       kit orders so BAG 665 cannot be deleted

                                DELETE WD-1006-R-PC Right Rudder Pedal 

                                DELETE WD-1006-L-PC Left Rudder Pedal 

• Aircraft Specialty Flightlines Brake Hose Kit - not purchased yet

           Kit change: DELETE F-8105 Brake Hoses 

                                DELETE PT062X1/4 Tubing

                                DELETE BAG 1377-1 Hardware

                                    - unfortunately as of 2/2023 Van's no longer allows hardware bag deletions from 

                                       kit orders so BAG 1377-1 cannot be deleted

                                DELETE AT0-032X1/4X12 Tubing

• Aircraft Specialty Flightlines Cabin Fuel Hose Kit - not purchased yet

           Kit change: DELETE 1 of F-1048D (for wing root filter kit) 

                                    - unfortunately as of 2/2023 Van's no longer allows hardware bag deletions from 

                                       kit orders, and F-1048D is part of a hardware bag so cannot be deleted

                                DELETE VA-188 (for wing root filter kit)

                                    - unfortunately as of 2/2023 Van's no longer allows hardware bag deletions from 

                                      kit orders, and VA-188 is part of a hardware bag so cannot be deleted

                                DELETE AT0-035X3/8X12' Tubing

• Cee Bailey Windows - not purchased yet

           Kit change: DELETE C-1004-L Rear Left Window 

                                DELETE C-1004-R Rear Right Window 

                                DELETE C-1005 Windshield

• Additional materials added to fuselage kit

           Kit change: ADD 1 of AA6-063X3/4X3/4X6' 3/4" x 3/4" x 1/16" x 6ft Aluminum Angle 

                                ADD 1 of AA6-125X1X1X6' 1" x 1" x 1/8" x 6ft Aluminum Angle

                                ADD 1 of AA6-125X3/4X3/4X6' 3/4" x 3/4" x 1/8" x 6ft Aluminum Angle

                                ADD 1 of AA6-125X1X1-1/4X5' 1" x 1-1/4" x 1/8" x 5ft Aluminum Angle

                                ADD 1 of AN257-P4X6' 6ft Hinge 

                                ADD 1 of AN257-P3X6' 6ft Hinge

Finishing

• Cee Bailey Windows - not purchased yet
• PlaneAround Door Kit - not purchased yet