SECTION 47: SPINNER & COWLING

Build Instruction Updates

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Before You Start

Modifications to Consider

Hub and Blade Proxies
- For Hartzell see VAF thread 3/2024
- For Whirlwind (1.6" spacing), see 3D-printed parts.

Split Lower Cowling
- FB thread 8/2024 with a photo in the comments from Van's RV-10 with split lower cowling
- See also information about potential interference of particular skybolts with the exhaust system in this FB thread.

Notes

Page 47-5

Step 3: Don't assume your floor is level, better to take a tube level (any transparent hose filled with water and at least 3/8" in diameter). Can be used to level the plane spar end to spar end on the outside, and cowl corner to cowl corner.

Step 9: For a picture of the inlet ramps, see this FB thread

Page 47-6

Step 7: The kit comes with plain hinge pins however the plans show hinge pins with tabs welded on. Vans sells these special pins ($54 each):

Note: Long lead times as of Sept 2026. They are not cut to length, so 6' long, means expensive shipping
Note: The Aerosport hinge cover assumes that you have that welded pin. Workarounds:

Glass in an aluminum block along with the fiberglass backing, drill a hole into it, bend the hinge pin 90 degrees. This way you can stick the pin into the hole and close the opening up with the Aerosport cover.
Make room for a piece of hinge that spans across both screw holes when glassing the template in. Leave only one knuckle on the piece of hinge. Bend the hinge pin 90 degrees and stick it into the knuckle and mount the cover.