(LAA 323-14996) Van’s RV-7

By James Chapman

Just over 10 years ago my father retired and, with a concern that afternoon naps and sitting reading the newspaper might be the norm, I suggested we build an aircraft together. Both of us fly and it seemed a great idea to get the grey matter working for my father, as well for me to skive off some of my normal daily activities running an aerospace business.

The late Alan Weal took me for a most expensive ride in his Van’s RV-7, and no sooner had my feet touched the grass than the order was placed.

I made some space in the corner of our warehouse in Brighton, which normally stores large gas turbine engines, and to be honest it was quite luxurious – dry and relatively spacious with just maybe a Rolls-Royce RB211 engine fan cowl to navigate around!

We purchased the RV-7 quickbuild kit (‘quickbuild’?!) and started the process of learning how to rivet with a rivet gun and bucking bar.

Months would pass with my father working on the project two days a week and, for me, any opportunity to leave my desk and get my hands on the kit was taken. Over the course of the build a kind of social club was established with different friends all assisting in various aspects of the build. We even had overseas exchange engineering students help with the build. I still receive emails from students who were with us seven or eight years ago asking if it’s finished.

Above top James Chapman’s RV-7 ‘Mike Charlie looking fabulous in last year's summer sunshine at Shoreham. James’ father proudly sitting in the cockpit of the aircraft they both created.

Above left A few years earlier…James’ father posing in the newly arrived quick build fuselage.

Above right The RV-7 heading off to be painted.

As with the norm, the avionics were purchased way too early, two Dynon Skyviews 10” displays and Vertical Power VP-X electronic circuit breaker, Garmin GTR225 radio, Trig TT31 Transponder and an Air Avionics TRX 1500 collision avoidance system were purchased together with a RAM mount for an iPad mini displaying SkyDemon. The beauty of Dynon is that the firmware can be upgraded easily and free of charge which prevents the systems from becoming out of date. This can’t quite be said for Garmin (more about that later). The aircraft also has twin access autopilot also courtesy of Dynon.

Wiring was relatively straightforward and made a lot easier using the VP-X system. It also integrates nicely with Dynon allowing various circuits to be switched on and off and providing fancy functions like WigWag lights and flap control.

The engine purchased was a Superior IO360 fuel injected with electronic ignition from E-MAG. It was purchased as a kit and built by Nicholson McLaren who did a wonderful job. The propeller is a three blade CS from MT.

I am not sure I can find a reason as to the long build time. As most people say, we seemed to be stuck at 99% complete, with the last 1% taking forever. There have been some hurdles to get over, but in general the kit has been excellent. Firewall forward seemed to take longer than anticipated as you are a bit on your own due to different engine / fuel systems / prop combinations.

Test flights have all been very successful with the only issue being a squelch problem with the Garmin radio. In flight the intercom was almost unusable and despite increasing squelch levels on the radio background noise was not omitted. After a bit of Google searching it became apparent that a number of software updates had been released, one in particular addressing intercom issues with the radio! After installing these updates I am pleased to advise that the radio and intercom are working perfectly. Obtaining the update, however, was not so easy and can’t be done directly with Garmin. It has to be through its dealer network and entailed sending the unit off accumulating charges for carriage and service time – but the software update was free! Not quite as easy as Dynon which allows you to download and apply updates yourself.

Painting was completed at Bear Kustoms Paintworks, using, I am told, a very nice Aston Martin Viper Blue colour which does look stunning (I think that may have added a few pounds to the weight) and a Classic Aero interior with Hooker Harnesses. On the tail of the aircraft there is the image of a crest my grandfather gave me. He was a Navigator on Lancaster’s with 44 Squadron and I have this fixed to the tail in his memory.

Adrian Brook has been our Inspector throughout this journey and has been a fountain of knowledge helping us along the way. Without his assistance I think we could still be a few years from completion! He has also been our test pilot and from his chuckles while flying the aeroplane seems to be enjoying himself. I have certainly enjoyed being an observer and can’t wait to get my hands on the controls – just four more landings until test flying is complete. It’s certainly a speed machine, slightly different to the old Piper Cub I normally fly. n

New Projects

If your aircraft has been featured in the New Projects list, please let Project News know of your progress at: projectnews@laa-archive.org.uk n Van’s RV-7 (LAA 323-15811) 25/1/2022

Mr M S Colebrook, Mare Pond Copse, Markwick

Lane, Loxhill, Surrey, GU8 4BD

Cleared To Fly

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Right Onthe RV-7's fin is the Crest of 44 Squadron, given to James by his grandfather who flew as a Navigator on Lancasters with the squadron.

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