Vans Aircraft RV-12 Airplane Build, Section 32: Flight Controls (part 7)

Reference for this entry: pages 32-13, 32-14; 3.5 hours

Today's log entry will finish up the initial routing and rigging of the Flight Controls on the RV-12 airplane that I am building.

Reference: Page 32-13

Step 1: Secure the rudder cables using the links that were previously made and the hardware called out by Van's Aircraft.

Builder's note: Unlike other places on the control cables I am not planning to remove these links so they are final installations.



Step 2: Install the bushing in the Pulley Brackets using hardware called out note a MS21083-N3 nut is used.



Step 3: Secure the Stabilator Cables to the Control Column using the hardware called out in the RV-12 airplane plans.



Step 4: Route the cables back over the Bushing and through the Intercostal.



Step 5: Install the two pulleys using the hardware called out by Vans' Aircraft. Ensure the cables are captured between the bushing and the pulleys.



Step 6: Using the strings routed earlier in the build, pull the cables back through the tailcone to the stabilator. Secure the cables with the called out hardware.

Builder's note: I needed to clean the powder coating out of the control horn holes to get the bolts to fit. Also the cotter pins were not final installed because the stabilator will be removed before flight for painting.







This completes page 32-13.

Reference: Page 32-14

Step 1: Route the Aft Stabilator cables through the holes in the bulkheads. The top Stabilator cable passes through the upper hole.



Step 2: Route the forward Stabilator cables back through the holes in the Bulkhead under the floor. The cable from the right pulley passes through the upper hole.

Builder's note: I found using a Harbor Freight extender very helpful while routing the cables.





Step 3: From under the airplane, reach through the access hole and connect the Stabilator cables (Aft to Front section). Using a wire tool to hold the end from rotating. Ensure the aft and forward cables start into the barrel at the same time.



Builder's note: My tool is a little different from the on by Van's Aircraft. The pins are bent to the side os as the tool is compressed the pin geometry doesn't change.





NOTE: The seat ramp must be in place while setting the cable tension.

Builder's note: I checked with Van's Aircraft and after the tension is set the seat ramp can be removes. The bulkhead by the control column will flex and lower the tension when it is off.

Step 4: Turn the barrels until a cable tension of 35-45 labs is achieved. Measure this using a cable tensiometer.





Make sure the stabilator contacts the up and down stops before the Control Column contact its up and down stops. So adjustment maybe necessary to achieve this. Just loosen one turnbuckle and tighten the other cable turnbuckle equal amounts to adjust the travel. Then recheck the tension.

This completes this entry on the RV-12 airplane. The cable barrel locks will be installed after paint during final assembly for flight. Next I will move to installing the tailcone and tail fairings.

Vans Aircraft RV-12 Airplane Build, Section 32: Flight Controls (part 6)

Reference: pages 32-11, 32-12, 32-13; 5.5 hours

Today works on the routing and installation of the rudder cable on the RV-12 airplane.

Step 1: Route the spade end of the Rudder cables with the 11.5 inch long plastic sleeve forward through the snap bushings. Locating the sleeves through the 9/16 in holes.



Step 2: Secure the plastic sleeve using the called out hardwares. Builder's note: The electric grounds are already held in place using the holes required for mounting the sleeves. Some builder's have drilled new holes for the grounds, others have used the bolts for mounting the sleeves and used these to also mount the electrical grounds. I went with the latter option and used anticorrosion cream on the hardware.





Step 3: Drill #40 hole aprox. 3/16" from the end of the 10 inch long plastic sleeve that goes in the tailcone. NOTE: This is the fork end.



Step 4: Safety wire the 10" sleeves to the fork ends.



Step 5: Use the strings to rout the rubber cables through the tailcone.



Step 6: Temporarily attach a Rudder Cable Link to each fork end.



Step 7: Temporarily attach the spade ends directly to the Rudder Pedal arms.



Step 8: Build a Rudder Pedal Rigging Stop out of wood.



This completes page 32-11.

Reference: Page 32-12

Step 1: Install the Rudder Pedal Rigging.


Step 2: Draw a line down the center of the Rudder Calbe Links.



Step 3: Center the rudder and pull the cables tight. While centering the center line through the Rudder Horn holes then clamp them into place.





Step 4: Make sure the Rudder is still centered, then mark the hole centers of the Rudder horns onto the Cable links.





Step 5: Remove the Rudder Pedal Stop Rig.



Step 6: Remove the marked Rudder Cable Links and then secure the rudder cables to the Rudder Horn with the called out hardware.



Step 7 & 8: Put a bolt the one of the marked links and one of the unmarked, drill #30, then #12.



Step 9: Repeat on the other set of cable links.



Step 10: Mark and trim the links as show on page 32-12 of the RV-12 plans.



This completes page 32-12.