Ron's RV7 Aircraft Factory


Welcome to my personal blog. This site was created as an informal description of my build progress in the construction of a Van's RV7 aircraft. A place where family/friends/builders/curiosity seekers can follow along. It is not intended to be a detailed description of every step in the building process as that would be much too time consuming. There are plenty of sites that do a great job in that arena, that is not my intention with this site. My intention is for this to be a philisophical/motivational/inspirational account of the emotional ups and downs of the life changing journey...and it will change your life. I hope this will give you an idea, through my eyes, of what its like to make this transformation. A note to other builders, I am not an expert so do not put your safety at risk by attempting anything you see on this site until you have done your own research, or send me an email so we can discuss it. Any deviations from the plans are not approved, nor endorsed by Van's Aircraft or myself. Thanks for visiting.



Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Closing up the ER Tank HOBBS 492.0 hrs

I had monday off work for President's day, so a three day weekend was in order. What does that mean to an RV builder...all together now...more time to work on the plane! I know...pathetic huh? :) I need to get a life.

Anyway, the weekend started out with me doing some plumbing work between my fuel pump and the ER tank and the main tank. Wanted to make sure everything was good to go before closing up the tank. Well, lets just say that was slow going...bending rigid fluid lines is an art in and of itself. I started to get it down however...after several screwups. ;)

I riveted the access plate, the baffle and the tank attach brackets to the 3rd tank (left ER tank)...so its all closed up now! Hee haw! ...check for leaks in a few days and I have already started on the 4th and last tank. Here are some pics...


Fuel pump mounted to the wing spar. I fabricated that mounting bracket from some scrap I had in the shop. Came out good, but it is probably a little overkill (ie, too heavy) for its intended job. Oh well, so I will have a heavy airplane and a robust bracket...I am already resigned to this fact.




First test fit of the bell crank and the aileron push tubes...they actuate smooth as silk. I wanted to make sure my wiring for the fuel pump wasnt interfering with the motion of the control systems. I think I'm good.


Holes drilled into the spar to pass the ER tank vent line and coaxial cable for the capacitance fuel sender system. Rattle can primer to coat the holes...kind of ugly, but should be effective, you will never see it in the bowels of the aircraft.


Here  you can see the hole I drilled for the wire routing (the bell crank is directly behind this fuel pump).

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