Building a Van's Aircraft RV-7 Rudder

Watch as a Vans Aircraft RV-7 rudder is built before your eyes! The purpose of this video is to demonstrate the tools and techniques needed for assembly this popular rudder. The methods of construction of this rudder are similar to that of the rest of the aircraft's airframe. This includes the solid riveting and dimpling of the metal components used throughout the structure.
Most of Van's aircraft models use these same tools and techniques so lessons learned from this video are useful for any model that Van's has to offer.
While this video is shown at a high rate of speed, the real-time version of this presentation is often used by builders as a step by step guide while building.
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[@rwsavory]

Thanks for posting, and I like your narration. I'm glad there are folks who enjoy this type of work, but I ain't one of them. I'd rather be flying and working on smaller maintenance items.

[@BrilliantDesignOnline]

I like the semi-time-lapse format with voiceover; if I were to build a Van's, I would order the DVD, but to get the rough idea, this is a nice overview. Building a CriCri.

[@stevenwolfe2279]

Great video. I got a bad feeling that young people don’t have the opportunity to get a start in aviation since 911. This video certainly helps the situation!

[@HomebuiltHELP]

Yes, Steve, I think it's more than just that. The cost nowadays to get your PPL, and the kits themselves! A very large segment of the population is excluded by pricetag alone. Its turning into an exclusive club. I don't think that's good.

[@guybyars8181]

Great video, very instructional and interesting. But the music detracted from the final result.

[@brianthomas1999]

Like the videos. Have to say, though, that the background music reminds me of the music from the car chases in "Dukes of Hazzard".

[@thomasaltruda]

Those skins are under dimpled. Way under dimpled! You see the pillowing and light bending around the dimples? Check out cleaveland tool video about dimpling. You need to either use a heavier steel hammer, or more than one whack with that orange rubber thing.

[@thomasaltruda]

@@FourthWayRanch I only use the pop rivet dimple tool when no other tool will get in there. As for the nail breaking, nails are cheap. I use an air rivet tool (harbor freight one works) and turn the air way down so it doesn’t break the nail. It will still break after a few uses.

[@thomasaltruda1243]

@@FourthWayRanch omg! I would quit building and throw away all my tools if I had to dimple everything with the pop rivet dimple tools! Have you tried the DRDT2 or the C-frame? So easy!

[@clydecessna737]

Fantastic!

[@orbitalair2103]

Vans uses every tool in the book almost. Plus all the dimpling, very time consuming. Of course the RV-7 is quite a capable plane, fast, manueverable. Reinforces my choice to scratch build. The Thatcher CX-5 uses only basic tools. the Zenith kits are easier too from the videos I have seen. Thanks for posting these so we can compare.

[@BrilliantDesignOnline]

Thatcher CX-4 plans are very inaccurate; I had to redraw a bunch in SolidWorks to find dimensions and verify. Would not do it again.

[@clydecessna737]

Forgive me for asking irritating questions. In general, how much less expensive is it to make a homebuild compared to a similar production aircraft?

[@2Phast4Rocket]

A Vans RV7 will take you about 80K to build. But adding IFR avionics + constant speed prop, it may cost you over 100K. A used Cessna is a lot less expensive to purchase at first but it won't fly like an RV7.

[@RossLeavitt]

Depends. Do you want to buy a new or used production aircraft?

[@guytero8812]

Great video but that music became a bit too much after a while.

[@angusgreeneyeslefay9485]

subscribed,infected

[@asiasmells71]

Omg another tail section.. If anyone has had half the number of tail you have done in the female type they have had toooo muchhh!!!

[@chevymarineretired]

Do you ever listen to your own narration? Hard to listen to.

[@pegbars]

I find him to be very good. I like his style. Very knowledgeable and helpful too.