RV-12 Glareshield
Do I have to modify my aircraft to install the glareshield?
No, there are no modifications required to the airframe. Simply trim glareshield as if necessary and fasten to the canopy frame.
How do I install the glareshield?
Once the glareshield has been fit to your canopy frame it can be glued and or riveted in place.
Does the glareshield come ready to install?
Depending on your individual requirements trimming may or may not be necessary. The glareshield is made of fiberglass with a primer gelcoat and is ready to paint.
Will the glareshield work with both the Dynon D-180 and Skyview panel packages?
Yes, it will work with either Dynon panels dual or single display.
RV-10 engine Cowling
Were does the engine induction air come from?
Engine induction air is obtained from the lower 25% of each cooling air intake.
Can this cowling utilize a cooling air plenum chamber and does Show Planes sell one?
Show Planes does not offer one.
Do you have to use a standard Lycoming IO-540 or will other engines fit?
The cowling will work with standard Lycoming engines (with the use of a 90° intake elbow) or the BPA cold air induction engine.
What is the material used to construct the cowling?
The cowlings are manufactured using a heat cured pre-preg fiberglass cloth and a honeycomb core. This is the ultimate in weight and rigidity.
Does the cowling accept Van's Std constant speed propeller and spinner combo?
Yes, the standard compact hub series propellers will work. No, spinner size has been increased to fifteen inches over the standard thirteen inch. The larger spinner is readily available from propeller manufactures.
What comes with the cowling?
The cowling comes with top & bottom cowls, oil door, intake air ramps and nose gear fairing.
RV-8/8A engine Cowling
Were does the engine induction air come from?
Induction air is obtained from the fwd left side of the engine, the same as Van's injected cowling.
Can this cowling utilize a cooling air plenum chamber and does Show Planes sell one?
Yes, the cowling is longer than Std allowing for a flexible connection between cowl and plenum. Show Planes does not offer one.
Do you have to use a fwd facing fuel servo sump (std for 200 hp engine) equipped engines?
No, the lower cowl will accommodate a vertical draft sump (std 180 hp engine) with the use of a 105° intake elbow.
What is the material used to construct the cowling?
The cowlings are manufactured using a heat cured pre-preg fiberglass cloth and a honeycomb core. This is the ultimate in weight and rigidity.
Does the cowling accept Van's Std constant speed propeller and spinner combo?
No, but the compact hub series propellers will work with a 2 ½” extension spool or an extended hub propeller. Spinner size has been increased to fifteen inches over the standard thirteen inch. The larger spinner is readily available from propeller manufactures.
Fast Back RV-8/8A Conversion Kit
Can this mod be incorporated into all RV-8’s?
Yes, it can be used on 8’s or 8A’s and all engine sizes.
Will this mod work on my quick build?
Yes, the retro kit was designed around a quick build only the removal of the standard turtle deck and cockpit rails are required. This should not take the average builder more than 35 hours to complete.
Are all pieces required to complete this modification supplied?
Yes, all metal and composite components are supplied and designed for fast, easy installation.
How much fiberglass work is required to complete the composite canopy?
The canopy was designed around the ability to fit everyone’s slightly different fuselage. So to complete the canopy the interior bulkheads must get glued into position this requires only basic fiberglass knowledge similar to what is needed to complete the standard canopy.
Would you say the canopy takes a lot longer to complete?
No, it is very similar in construction with a little more fiberglass work to be completed.
Do the aluminum components come ready to install?
Yes, all skins, bulkheads, gussets, and doublers are supplied pre cut, formed and ready to be installed.
How soon will this retro kit be on the market?
Kits are available now. Check out the products page for more information.
Flap Positioning System
Can this system be used on any Van’s Aircraft?
Yes, as long as it has electrically operated flaps.
Can this system be retrofitted to flying aircraft?
Yes, it was designed to retro into flying aircraft in a minimal amount of time.
Does the aircraft owner have to supply any additional components to install this system?
No, all required components come with the kit.
What is the required amount of time to install the system?
Four to six hours in flying aircraft and less if aircraft is in the building stage.
What system should I get, two or three position?
This question usually gets answered by reviewing how you currently use your flaps (what are you used to) regardless of the aircraft type.
Can I select full flaps from the retracted position, and what about take off flaps?
Yes, you simply hold the flap switch down until the second to last position has been exceeded then release. Any flap angle can be selected while in the retract mode by resetting the switch to neutral, such for take off flaps.