RV-10 Auxiliary Equipment
We've made decisions to implement some Auxiliary Equipment during the building phase. These equipment adds are documented here.
Rear NACA Ducts
We opted to install NACA Ducts behind the baggage bulkhead. This will allow for additional airflow into the cabin through a modified overhead console. We have cut in the area for installation of the ducts. This was a bit time consuming to ensure the cut was smooth and symmetric.
LED Position Lights and Strobes
We ordered LED position and strobe lights from Creative Air (now Whiskey Victor). We are quite pleased with the visibility of these light kits.
Duckwork High Intensity Discharge Lights
We were excited about installing the Duckwork's Landing light. After cracking open the box and looking over the instructions, it became apparent that we needed a good look on the internet at some installations by other builders. The instructions were complete with pictures, but the photocopy made them almost unusable. Thanks to our fellow builders we were able to make the installation without issue. We did install in the outermost section of the wing. One thing we have noticed is that it might be beneficial to have installed one on each wing. While they are intensely bright, they are focused and don't cast too wide a light leaving the opposite side of the aircraft a bit dark.
Overhead Console
We purchased an overhead console from Accuracy Avionics. The console included air vents, lights and DVD player. The console is special fit for the RV-10, but required installation into the Canopy. We used epoxy and fiberglass for the installation. Once mated to the Canopy, we needed to do a small amount of bondo work at the back where it met the rear bulkhead to alleviate any air gaps. Additionally we opted to install a separate switch for the baggage light.
Parking Brake
We installed the parking brake kit offered by Van's Aircraft. Handle installation could have been accomplished in the dash; however, we opted to install it in the side panels we fashioned on the pilot side which also houses the PITOT Heat indicator and the pilots intercom jacks.
Windscreen Vent Fans
We modified the forward fuselage top skin to accept two computer fans placed symmetrically on each side of the skin, on the cabin side of the F-1068A Sub Panel Center. The fans are standard Radio Shack computer fans. We painted the fan grill to prevent glare.
MLSkunkworks Windscreen Fairing
After much research and studying the plans, we decided to install a windscreen fairing as opposed to the Van's recommended windscreen buildup approach. MLSkunkworks has manufactured these for other RV models, but had not yet built one for the RV-10. We took measurements of the windscreen to hood angles at various placements across the hood...marked the pattern and angle at these locations (as well as some pictures of how we accomplished this) and sent it off!
Within a couple weeks the fairing showed up and the fit was outstanding. We drilled the attach points, trimmed the ends to feather onto fuselage and cabin, dimpled the holes, installed the nut plates, and installed the fairing.
Glare Shield Lighting
We ordered and installed the glare shield lighting from Vans. It provides quite a bit of light to the panel.
Stick Grips
We installed the custom stick grips from Infinity Aerospace. The installation required reduction of the Van's Stick to accommodate the grip. We made these reductions a little at a time and checked the fit with the pilot in the seat. We also installed an Co-Pilot Isolation switch which isolates the CP functions on the stick with the exception of the PTT switch. The functions implemented on the stick are engine start, auto pilot disconnect, PTT, Aux Fuel Pump, flaps, and trim.
Pre-Oiler
We installed the pre-oiler, also from Infinity. This installation was not near as straight forward as the stick grips. This kit required additional purchase of a couple check valves and a multitude of adaptors. Seeking out this additional equipment was a task in itself. After a month of tracking down parts the pre-oiler installation was finished and worked well. The intent here is to move warmed oil within the engine prior to start on cold days.
Air-Oil Separator
We installed the Air Wolf Air-Oil Separator in an effort to reduce unnecessary oil loss (and belly grime!) due to porting.
Remote Mount Oil Filter Adapter
The Remote mount oil filter from was something we wished we had on our old 182. It was an easy choice to buy for this aircraft.
Seat Covers
Abby's reputation from Flightline Interiors is well deserved. We purchased our seat covers, as well stick boots, from Abby. We followed her installation instructions to the letter and had an easy time of installing the covers.
Avionics Cooling Fan
We thought an avionics cooling fan was a good idea even though we implemented a prettly simple avionics panel. We installed the fan on the co-pilots side. The fan itself has three ports. We left one open to cool the co-pilot's side; one we funneled to our center stack; and the last to the pilot's side.
