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 😎🎩♠️💙
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.
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.
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
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!
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?
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.
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. :)
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!
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!
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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")! 😃
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 .
So the good / bad news is that I do not believe there is any sort of inverted / flop tube system available for the RV-14. But it doesn't matter as I have almost never had the engine hick-up within the context of Sportsman level acro. This year I was consistently hitting -1 and even -1.5G for multiple seconds at a time. (mainly at the start of the 2 of 4 Split-S (figure 7 of the 2024 known sequence). You WILL definitely want an air oil separator to stop the breather dumping oil though. I am VERY happy with the Half Raven for that. You know what the biggest limiting factor for negative G is though? The belts. I don't have (or want to deal with) ratchet straps, so I'll never want to do more negative than I am doing now. Let me know how it goes.
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: ua-cam.com/video/S_5axPgnFns/v-deo.html
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!
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.
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.
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.
It’s awesome. I’m just back from 2,000 miles solo IFR from Toronto to Winnipeg and then down to Minneapolis and back to Toronto. Much of the trip was actual IMC and this set up was awesome. It’s also a bit of a Time Machine in terms of how fast the RV-14 is. I did the leg from Minneapolis to Windsor (to clear customs back into Canada) non-stop, and that accounts for a big dog leg to the south around the Chicago airspace. 👍
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)
@@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 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
What trim motor does this have? FYI, we met at AirVenture maybe 2016. I was staying in Warbirds and invited Chris Palmer over for the dinner there. He asked if you could come. I was staying with some of the Warbird guys. I was working on my RV-7 at the time and telling the YT guys to make some experimental videos. Then I met my now wife in 2018 and hit pause. Three weeks ago I started to setup my build area again so I can get back to work. Thanks for sticking to content creation.
Right on - glad to hear you're back to the project. And yeah - I have tried to be a serious advocate for experimental VS certified aircraft. The trim motor is whatever stock from the kit was. I believe if I were to give the AP trim authority, it would do something to slow it down at higher speeds... but I'm not comfortable with that for several reasons, so I stick with manual trim and it is just really sensitive in cruise.
@@FlightChops Gotcha. That's what I have. I program and work with circuits, so I wonder if I could create a slow mode that uses electrical pulses for micro adjustments. That's the concern I have with electric trim, is a short, runaway or it just stops. But, I also want AP in IFR.
Let me know how the circuit works. As for the set up - I'm using the AP all the time and it is amazing for flying IFR - I just don't give the AP trim authority, so when it needs trim while the AP is flying, it tells me to trim up or down on the PFD and I manually tap it until the message goes away.
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.
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.
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 Thanks. Trying to steal the idea for checking tire pressure on my club's sailplane. Is it an adjustable cardboard caliper, or fixed at the length you find works?
I just inflated to the correct amount and then made a cut out "caliber to slide in from the side to "measure" the contact patch in future if it gets too big for he caliber, the pressure is low - it is not scientific 😂
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.
There's a slice of Swiss cheese at 3:52. "Your controls" "Yep" "You have control" "..." At 3:56 you should have taken back control, finished the climb out, and had a discussion about how to transfer control clearly.
Just wondering, with all the garmin screens, why do you need an ipad also? Is it due to the right hand big screen too far away to really use? Thank you for your time!
I find it much easier to run check lists, brief plates, and look at charts with the iPad mounted right there. All of that stuff CAN be done on the panel, I just like the workflow this way - I also do my flight planning with the iPad before even getting the the plane, so it's all there ready to go and I can just send it to the panel after it boots up.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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.
Yea I considered that, but multiple sources warned against it as those things can be the weak link that ultimately cause a flat tire. And getting a flat could be a very big problem with such low profile wheel pants.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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 :)
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!
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.
An airplane that is enjoyed and used will not stay perfect.
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
Hey Steve!!! Thank you for practicing where you do. I love walking out of work to see you overhead and upside down!!
Your passengers reaction to the loop was great. I love this plane, you did a great job with it.
I took a couple of those in flights shots of Perry and John! Great guys! 8:01 20:27
Nice shots!
Great video, I really appreciate that you mentioned that you don’t have to go full high end with everything. Awesome!
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'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.
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. :)
Seeing your plane last year at Osh Kosh was a highlight of the trip. Stunning airplane.
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!
As always, awesome stuff. Really enjoyed!
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.
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.
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.
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)
20:42 WAIT! Is that an Avro Lancaster?
My electric trim in my 6A took ten miles to get it in a good level trim at 180.
😂
Dave has lost weight! An inspiration in more than one way.
I know! I commented wanting to know what he did. Looks great.
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.
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.
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.
Very interesting. Great breakdown. Thank you FlightChops!!
Was awesome meeting you at the Houston sim Expo!
Nice! I'm waiting for the Fsexpo video! I'm amazed at how fast you made it home!
Great aircraft and brilliant execution! I admire your attempt at a positive transfer of controls with John. “Yep” just doesn’t cut it :(
Good Job! Thanks for the REAL experience!
That was so interesting Steve. I love your plane. Great video thankyou.
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 :)
Cool to hear them talking to the flying club planes in your video. GGPO. I've flown that plane!
Excellent Video as always! Some of the best Aviation Storytelling and mix of content focus. Have fun at OSH!
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 😊
Great video with great info!
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")! 😃
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 .
Very enjoyable video. Thank you
Always great videos. Hope to make it back to Osh and meet you one day. (I have only been once. 2019)
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.
Steve, what did you do to your fuel tanks build to kept the engine running during inverted flight?
So the good / bad news is that I do not believe there is any sort of inverted / flop tube system available for the RV-14.
But it doesn't matter as I have almost never had the engine hick-up within the context of Sportsman level acro.
This year I was consistently hitting -1 and even -1.5G for multiple seconds at a time.
(mainly at the start of the 2 of 4 Split-S (figure 7 of the 2024 known sequence).
You WILL definitely want an air oil separator to stop the breather dumping oil though.
I am VERY happy with the Half Raven for that.
You know what the biggest limiting factor for negative G is though?
The belts.
I don't have (or want to deal with) ratchet straps, so I'll never want to do more negative than I am doing now.
Let me know how it goes.
That Vans tail wheel looks like a hockey puck, good job 😄
Great video as usual!
Interesting how both you and Mike Patey's latest video (the Turbulence engine explosion) are grateful for upgraded batteries
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:
ua-cam.com/video/S_5axPgnFns/v-deo.html
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!
You do such a great job with your videos
Thank you so much!
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.
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 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.
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.
How does the 14 do in IMC? I'm considering a 14 or 6a when i finish my PPL and I want to be able to get my IR (and stay current) in whatever I buy.
It’s awesome. I’m just back from 2,000 miles solo IFR from Toronto to Winnipeg and then down to Minneapolis and back to Toronto. Much of the trip was actual IMC and this set up was awesome. It’s also a bit of a Time Machine in terms of how fast the RV-14 is. I did the leg from Minneapolis to Windsor (to clear customs back into Canada) non-stop, and that accounts for a big dog leg to the south around the Chicago airspace. 👍
Great video! Thanks so much!
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 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
What trim motor does this have? FYI, we met at AirVenture maybe 2016. I was staying in Warbirds and invited Chris Palmer over for the dinner there. He asked if you could come. I was staying with some of the Warbird guys. I was working on my RV-7 at the time and telling the YT guys to make some experimental videos. Then I met my now wife in 2018 and hit pause. Three weeks ago I started to setup my build area again so I can get back to work. Thanks for sticking to content creation.
Right on - glad to hear you're back to the project.
And yeah - I have tried to be a serious advocate for experimental VS certified aircraft.
The trim motor is whatever stock from the kit was.
I believe if I were to give the AP trim authority, it would do something to slow it down at higher speeds... but I'm not comfortable with that for several reasons, so I stick with manual trim and it is just really sensitive in cruise.
@@FlightChops Gotcha. That's what I have. I program and work with circuits, so I wonder if I could create a slow mode that uses electrical pulses for micro adjustments. That's the concern I have with electric trim, is a short, runaway or it just stops. But, I also want AP in IFR.
@@FlightChops Great looking plane too! I have to get caught up on your videos but with the time that's passed and having kids, it will take a while.
Let me know how the circuit works.
As for the set up - I'm using the AP all the time and it is amazing for flying IFR - I just don't give the AP trim authority, so when it needs trim while the AP is flying, it tells me to trim up or down on the PFD and I manually tap it until the message goes away.
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.
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.
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!
Being a bit in the aft CG range probably doesn't help with the elevator trim over-sensitivity
How do you you measure the contact patch for comparing to tire pressure?
It is not really a precise thing but it helps get me in the ball park. I did it by making a card board calliper.
@@FlightChops Thanks. Trying to steal the idea for checking tire pressure on my club's sailplane. Is it an adjustable cardboard caliper, or fixed at the length you find works?
I just inflated to the correct amount and then made a cut out "caliber to slide in from the side to "measure" the contact patch in future if it gets too big for he caliber, the pressure is low - it is not scientific 😂
@@FlightChops Thanks! I'll give it a try.
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.
There's a slice of Swiss cheese at 3:52.
"Your controls"
"Yep"
"You have control"
"..."
At 3:56 you should have taken back control, finished the climb out, and had a discussion about how to transfer control clearly.
Again at 17:49.
Fair point
Just wondering, with all the garmin screens, why do you need an ipad also? Is it due to the right hand big screen too far away to really use? Thank you for your time!
I find it much easier to run check lists, brief plates, and look at charts with the iPad mounted right there.
All of that stuff CAN be done on the panel, I just like the workflow this way - I also do my flight planning with the iPad before even getting the the plane, so it's all there ready to go and I can just send it to the panel after it boots up.
Such a beautiful aircraft with so much capability. What is its current empty weight?
Thanks! Empty is 1294, max gross 2050 lbs.
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!
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?
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.
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
Great video Steve, do you send flight plan through WiFi, from fore flight, to Garmin screens?
Sorry I missed this before, but the iPad connects to the G3X via bluetooth, and yes it can send flight plans back and fourth to the navigator 👍
@@FlightChops I thought Garmin screens had to be used with Garmin pilot only , because uncompatibility issues
Did they have a g3x touch simulator at the expo?
Not yet that I know of... But I think it is coming.
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
I mute the stall horn on my RV8 by dict taping the vein to the wing. There really auta be a volume adjustment. 🤷🏼♂️
65k for the panel, it always blows my mind how expensive these things are
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.
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.
YES TEXAS VIDEO!!!!
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.
This is a beautiful airplane :D
You shoukd put a tpms tire pressure sensor in, there are apps to see pressure on your phone
Yea I considered that, but multiple sources warned against it as those things can be the weak link that ultimately cause a flat tire. And getting a flat could be a very big problem with such low profile wheel pants.
Looks like there is no internal anti-corrosion paint?
We primed everything...
it didn't go entirely smoothly at first, but we primed it :P
ua-cam.com/video/fiL0AKaJyP0/v-deo.htmlsi=OhVatr7xIHGcB-Ij
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.
Can you have an RV-14 professionally built?
Buy a used one and upgrade it.
65gs for the panel Wow.... !!!
😮
Not enough credit to Hoover for crew stress management. 🐾
How many manhours went into the construction?
Are you doing the forum today at Boeing plaza?
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...
I could build an RV-7 for less than 90k. but I'd paint it myself, save a ton on avionics and engine, etc.
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)
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!
I believe I saw it & you at yxu july 18th
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.
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.
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.
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../..