RV-9A - Mods & equipment choices

[@neilrobinson3085]

Regarding antenna locations, the ham radio nerd's motto is "height makes might"; the higher, the better. Even as high as the B-757 sits, we often found that the upper antenna would reach ATC much better whilst on the ground.

[@markwelch3338]

Having just taken the electronics 2day seminar at OSH that is what was said as well. The belly com antenna has less range by the fact it is bent. Recommendation is to put both com on top with proper spacing of course.

[@patrickheavirland3599]

Hello from Minnesota! Great info great video!!

[@crufflerdoug]

Great vid! Several thoughts from a fellow RV-9A owner: (1) I can confirm the piano hinges in the cowl are a huge pain. I’d definitely use quarter-turn fasteners there. (2) totally jealous of your oil door, may have to install one like that…. (3) spotlights in the leading edge at the wing root is a cool idea! (4) easy to tell if my unregulated pitot heat is working, I just watch the current draw spike when I turn the lava-level heat on! :) agree that regulated would be worth it (5) GoPro mount is super elegant (6) never had probs with both com antennas on the bottom, but splitting them makes sense (7) best mod by far on mine (a slider) was the Supertracks canopy extension.

[@BuildFlyGo]

Great feedback Doug, thanks!

[@foesfly3047]

This video is my introduction to your channel. I’m subbing and hope to find a detailed ‘tour’ of your RV9 FWF. I’m betting I’ll learn some things. Your demeanor is relatable and I enjoyed hanging out with you here.

[@BuildFlyGo]

Take a peek at the engine video, it covers a lot of the FW FWD bits.

[@foesfly3047]

@@BuildFlyGo thank you. I found it.

[@davebrittain9216]

Love the paint job!

[@tjjoseph333]

Great Review!

[@michaelwhite3664]

Hey Guil! Michael White from Iowa again here. Thanks for your Oshkosh videos! My dad and I enjoyed your fly-in video whilst working on the wiring of our 9A. "Nice rock!"
Had a question for you: I noticed from some of your "cabin view" videos that the altitude readings on your G5 and GDU 460 are not exactly the same. We're getting the same thing on our system. The two are off by about 25 feet. Not a big concern, but wondering if you've messed with that at all, or didn't worry about it. I suspect the deviation may change (for better or for worse) when calibrating the altimeter(s) for IFR.

[@BuildFlyGo]

Good catch. During our pitot/static biannual tests I always ask if they will adjust that and they are happy to do it for a $$$ fee. Apparently the procedure involves running both altimeters through a somewhat length process? I figured it's pretty stable around 20' difference for us, and they both pass certification so I left it alone. If I ever find an altimeter test set I can get my hands on, I'll spend the time to calibrate it myself.

[@unclefreddy2009]

Interesting about the elt antenna. The rv-14 has it designed to be in that location. I wonder if that changes their mind

[@BuildFlyGo]

It's experimental, you can put it wherever your DAR will allow. In the end it's up to the DAR if they are ok with it's location.

[@unclefreddy2009]

@@BuildFlyGo got it, was just referring to it being part of the design. Maybe it was also part of the plans on the 9

[@carlsonthomas]

Great video! Thank you. 😃 What wheel tender is that?

[@BuildFlyGo]

Best tugs Bravo

[@nick.simmer]

Are you using any legacy VOR/ILS equipment in your 9a? If so, what antenna solution did you go with?

[@BuildFlyGo]

The GTN-650xi has a vor/ils. I use the Archer wingtip antenna which works fine.

[@edcew8236]

I told you that you should have your plane judged. Congratulations on your award!

[@neilrobinson3085]

Oh? What award? (Congrats!).

[@BuildFlyGo]

I'm not aware of having received an award? Did I?

[@edcew8236]

My bad. I had your plane confused with another. Apologies for the confusion...

[@2Phast4Rocket]

With regard to the ELT, you don't need the ELT during Phase 1 testing. If the DAR gives you any trouble, just remove it and put it on afterward. It is not a condition for the AWC. If the DAR insist on it, find another one who follows the rules.

[@BuildFlyGo]

Why? Getting all that installed during the build is immensely easier than after. Not to mention then you have an ELT during the critical Phase 1 flights. What do you gain by removing safety equipment?

[@2Phast4Rocket]

@@BuildFlyGo You can installed it but leave it out for the DAR if he gives you trouble. The point is the ELT is not an AW item.