Custom Kitplane Modifications
The beauty of experimental airplanes is
that we can make custom kitplane modifications without having to go
through all of the FAA hassle required by Type Certificated
Aircraft. We can just make a change, or bolt in an add-on
because it makes sense, or just makes us happy. No Form 337
to fill out, no field approval from the local FSDO, no hassle at
all. You have to love it.
The Vans kits
are very good, so there are very few things that I wanted to
change. I wasn’t happy with the location of the throttle, so
I made my own throttle
quadrant. I also wanted the push to
talk on the throttle, so I made my own throttle
controls.
There
were two spots in the rear cockpit that I felt were unfinished, and
needed a little something extra. I didn’t like the way the
flap actuator showed above the armrest, so I
made a panel to cover
it. The second thing was that big hole in the floor
for the
rear stick. I really didn’t like it, and thought it could be a
potential hazard. If something got dropped down there, it
could jam up the controls, ruining a great day of flying. So
I
made a cover for the rear stick hole.
Although
this next one isn’t technically a part of the aircraft, I do use it
every time I fly. In my never-ending quest to find something
better and cheaper, I came across this ANR
headset
modification. I also found a way to convert
my headset to stereo for use with my
MP3 setup. I’m still looking
for that perfect small
headset for the wife.
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