SQUAWKS! First 25 Hours on the RANS S-21 Build

Let's run down all the squawks (maintenance issues) I've encountered in my first 25 hours of flight time during the task-based flight test program for my experimental-amateur built bushplane.
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[@GerryLP1111]

Silicone is due to high desert environment; I wonder if the engine manufacturer shows metal sources in their engines and if they provide some sort of guideline. Great work!

[@joelmiller569]

Thanks for the update

[@cubman2711]

Great stuff, Steve. Thanks for all the great info. Randy

[@HookedOnUtah]

Take the time to balance your propeller, use a Dynavibe, that will smooth things out significantly and will help with liberated screws, bolts etc. I have a ground adjustable Sensenich on my Supercub, I balanced my prop, it made a huge difference.

[@CLEAREDDIRECT]

It came balanced but can’t hurt. Thanks!

[@HookedOnUtah]

@@CLEAREDDIRECT So says Sensenich!! You'll be surprised so learn just how out of balance it is.

[@berniebrown9115]

Love your channel thanks

[@CLEAREDDIRECT]

Awe thank you

[@Joe_Not_A_Fed]

25 hours? Dang. I swear just yesterday I saw you do your 11 hour oil change. The Bogey isn't the only thing that flies. That's not a very long squawk list. The prop bolt thing is weird. Shearing instead of winding off. Anything visible on the hub? Might be the way light is hitting it but seems to have odd marks. Dunno. It would be interesting to get a metallurgist to look at it. You did a banging job on that metal bird. Can't wait for the flight test series.

[@cschave]

If you need a cameo, just let me know!

[@jerrylittle7797]

"Squawk List"??? No really, when are you getting to the problems... 😉 A fantastic build and series of initial flights. It's important to point out that nothing made it unflyable! The broken bolt is a little disconcerting but all in all, outstanding!

[@samparish1955]

Hey Steve--similar experience on my son Kyle's S-21, one of the shorter whirlwind prop bolts was discovered broken during prop pitch change at about 80 hours of flight time. Odd to have same scenarios on these bolts! I did contact whirlwind and purchased a complete set of bolts and replaced all of them. I have picture for you but do not see how to put it on this comment.

[@CLEAREDDIRECT]

Interesting, thanks for the info. Would you mom’s sending it to me at [e-mail] ?

[@pilotblue6535]

Maybe try Nordlock washers.

[@CLEAREDDIRECT]

Where, valve cover? Already using them on the prop hub. They’re great

[@kayandrod]

With reference to your sheared prop bolt….Perchance, is the spinner back plate painted?

[@CLEAREDDIRECT]

Yeah. Could that throw off the balance?

[@kayandrod]

@@CLEAREDDIRECT no, not balance. The paint film is compressible ( actually viscoelastic) and will creep-strain when it is subject to constant stress. Thus, there is a reduction in the preload (tension) on the bolt that allows movement that may ultimately result in bolt shearing. But don’t take my word…Give your prop manufacturer a call to check.

[@sirglider]

For the G5 battery issue, you might need to replace it, but first of all, you need to upgrade the firmware. It solved most of my issues with mine not charging or discharging not un purpose

[@CLEAREDDIRECT]

It’s up-to-date. Didn’t help.

[@Captndarty]

Arghhh airplanes. Take a machine off the ground for more than five seconds and all reliability bets are off.