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.
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
Fuselage
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Cee Bailey Windows - not purchased yet
- PlaneAround Door Kit - not purchased yet