Building an Experimental Airplane, The Vans RV-7A | EP2.16 Finishing Wings

[@lorenbruehlman7702]

It is enjoyable watching you build, with your enthusiasm and your penchant for showing the mistakes with the good. As a future builder of hopefully an RV-7A also, this is really helpful. Looking forward to watching more.

[@RyanFlysPDX]

Awesome feedback, Loren! I get like 50% more content if I show the mistakes. 😉

[@cbkillion]

"I had an idea, I've thought about it, and I've come to the conclusion that it's not very good. I'm going to do it anyway." That describes an embarrassingly large amount of things in my life from like 2002-2014, lol

[@RyanFlysPDX]

You and me both!

[@AlexM2299]

Could not agree more with the choice of white primer. Looking fantastic!! Also, loved the secret ending 😂 I was wondering how taking that off would go.

[@RyanFlysPDX]

I sprayed some more over the weekend and I’m getting really excited about the look! I assume there’s a certain segment of builders that finish their build with a plastic covered tube in their garage…

[@Minos1209]

Congratulations on completing the wings!! Sorta ;) I gotta say this is your best video yet, your own confidence on video has come in leaps and bounds and your videography skills and style are making these videos very enjoyable to watch! Looking forward to seeing that next box

[@RyanFlysPDX]

Thank you so much! And here I thought this video was rough… Excited to get started on that fuselage!

[@Minos1209]

@@RyanFlysPDX Oh, and the cotton ball idea! Genius. Will be stealing this idea one day

[@RyanFlysPDX]

I do like that it allowed for a presumably thinner and more even coat than simply sloshing it around. It all seemed very controlled.

[@Tommy-B.]

@@RyanFlysPDX another idea might be one of those spray tips they use for painting inside automotive frames. It sprays 360 degrees outward from the feed line. Although I’m not sure how much of their actual system you’d need to obtain just to get the tip and whatever else is necessary to function.

[@keithrush4168]

Very clean built set of wings!! Please share the wiring and systems installation in as much detail as you can. That will be very valuable knowledge for us.

[@RyanFlysPDX]

I can’t wait to start the “systems” portion of the build!

[@dominiccarpenter5890]

I’m jealous Ryan. Congratulations there’s plenty to be proud of right there!

[@RyanFlysPDX]

The project is certainly full of moments of immense satisfaction. They’re just separated by long periods of dimpling and riveting. And a lot of cursing. A ton of cursing.

[@dominiccarpenter5890]

@@RyanFlysPDX LOL!

[@dalvynegron1938]

I’m about to start my RV-7a, your videos are going to help me a lot, thanks for capturing all this information for us.

[@RyanFlysPDX]

How exciting! It’s so cool seeing all these projects take shape!

[@javarenas]

If you haven't cleaned the pipe yet, keep collecting plastic on it till you're done with the build 😂. Great stuff as always!!

[@RyanFlysPDX]

Thank you! If you watch right at the end I’m begrudgingly cutting the plastic off. But yes, I was contemplating finishing the build with 14” of plastic wrapped around the pipe.

[@Tommy-B.]

I like your plan of knocking out the wings early on. Probably the hardest part, so once they are done, it’s all downhill. Also, doing a great job keeping the skins clean and shiny.

[@RyanFlysPDX]

There is still a bit to do, but I’ve eliminated most of it. I’m not looking forward to riveting the bottom skins, but need to install systems prior to being able to close them up for good.

[@Tommy-B.]

@@RyanFlysPDX sounds like you are still deciding on avionics as well. Is the paint scheme going to be like the RC version?

[@umatgreyhound]

Congratulations on the wings!

[@RyanFlysPDX]

How exciting right!?! Onward! I have 100s of nutplates and washers to count!

[@illpro2]

Good job. I liked the diagram overlay. might have needed an opaque box behind it to allow that white to be more visible though. Otherwise great video.

[@RyanFlysPDX]

You know, now that you say something, I never really checked that part post-output. Effects like that don’t show too well in preview mode, and on my older computer I usually have to output those and then make some tweaks. I think this time around it was like midnight on Friday and I just sent it. Thank you for the feedback!!

[@CaptR.B.]

Congrats dude! A milestone! They look great. I'm behind on your edits... Catching up. Onward...

[@RyanFlysPDX]

Thanks! A heck of a milestone!

[@AwesomeSauce110]

Are you waiting to do your aileron stop brackets till later? Or are you going to have a different solution?

[@RyanFlysPDX]

Yeah, great detail you’ve noticed there. Those will be addressed when flap attachment is final (hinge wire needs brackets and safety wire), and near the same time as other wing items like pitot, ap servo, and bottom skins. There is a lot of work left, likely schedule for just before they are attached to the fuse.

[@zedcal2552]

Hi Ryan, good day. Quick question, how did you decide on the position of the flaps relative to the aileron or wing root? I don’t see any in the drawing or Attaching flaps instruction. Thanks in advance

[@RyanFlysPDX]

I thought I had some footage of the thought process here-with all the measuring and lasers and stuff? I aligned the ailerons per the plans and instructions. I then clamped the flap hinge and flap hinge brace together at a position that keeps everything in trail; aligned in all planes. It’s a bit of a trick, and at some point I involved some lasers and cards to ensure everything was in line. Once it is, pop your holes through and cleco in place. Mine isn’t riveted yet, as I still have my bottom of my wings open.

[@zedcal2552]

Hi Ryan, thanks for the quick reply. And yes, I’ve watched what you just explained. My question is actually the gap between the aileron and flaps? Tried looking for it in the instruction na found none. I always watched your videos for additional clarification but for this specific question, I also did nit find it in your video 😊

[@RyanFlysPDX]

Ah, yes! I think I had to find that online! Not clear direction here. 3/16”-1/4”. You’ll be able to fine tune the other side (fuselage to flap) when you trim the flap skin while fitting the wings.

[@zedcal2552]

Great. Thank you Sir.

[@AwesomeSauce110]

Why did you leave the 5 or so holes on the inboard top skins that attach to the rear spar un riveted?

[@RyanFlysPDX]

Wow, good observation. I was squeezing that line of rivets and those last five need to be bucked because of a doubler plate. I was waiting until I had the tools out and setup for bucking rivets and it kept getting missed. It this point I figure I’ll get it done when riveting the bottom skins.

[@AwesomeSauce110]

I only ask because I am literally doing that today in my shop and wanted to make sure I wasn’t missing anything. I am roughly a few weeks behind you in your build. Your videos are extremely helpful by the way.

[@RyanFlysPDX]

That is great feedback-happy I can offer some solutions. Or perhaps what not to do… The wings are so much fun!

[@davidbrelsford4459]

just saw you in my peloton class! l was planing on watching this after. LanterneRouge72

[@RyanFlysPDX]

Me, like real me? I’m not sure that I’ve ever taken a Peloton class… Or maybe I’m misreading. Either way, I’m excited you get to watch the episode!!

[@davidbrelsford4459]

Lol - I went back and checked. His name was ryfi_pdx lol. I figured there’s no way you have Time to ride a peloton- you’ve got work to do! Enjoyed the series so far. Looking forward to the fuse!

[@RyanFlysPDX]

I do need to get on the bike more. Maybe it’s a sign. The fuselage is going to be killer!