Skybolt Hints
- Skybolt installation instructions for Vans airplanes
- Use the 3 1/2” or smaller spacing. If you use longer spacing you risk the cowl ballooning between them.
- Consider countersinking the two rivet holes for each skybolt socket on each bracket before installing the brackets on the aircraft. Caution: there is a right and wrong side to countersink; be sure you countersink the outward-facing side of the brackets.
- Beware of the skybolt receptacles in the corners by the engine mounts; if you do not lay them out before hand, the mounts will interfere with those receptacles. Consider doing 46-02 Step 1 (temporarily installing the engine mount) before laying out your skybolt brackets. Then, do 46-02 Step 2 (removing the engine mount) to make it easier to rivet the skybolt brackets.
- The skybolt flanges are wider than the stock hinges. For this reason, the skybolt flanges might interfere with the thicker portion of the cowling. Consider removing cowl material to make each flange fit and reinforce the area with a piece of fiberglass. See also this FB Thread (6/2025)
- Check out Andrew Gilroy's video series on mounting his RV-14 cowl YouTube
- See Baseleg Aviation's YouTube video.
- See also this FB Thread (5/2019)
- See also this FB Trhead (6/2025)
- See also this FB Trhead (6/2025)
- See also this FB Trhead (6/2025)