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Introduction

This Pilot’s Operating Handbook contains the information necessary for the safe and efficient operation of the RV-10 aircraft N720AK.

This handbook is divided into sections for quick reference:

  1. General - Aircraft specifications and descriptive data
  2. Limitations - Operating limitations, placards, and markings
  3. Engine Information - Engine specifications and operating parameters
  4. Emergency Procedures - Procedures for handling emergencies
  5. Abnormal Procedures - Procedures for abnormal situations
  6. Normal Procedures - Normal operating procedures and checklists
  7. Performance - Performance charts and data
  8. Weight and Balance - Weight and balance data and calculations
  9. System Descriptions - Description of aircraft systems
  10. Handling, Servicing, and Maintenance - Ground handling, servicing, and maintenance information

General

Introduction

The RV-10 is a four-place, single-engine aircraft powered by a Lycoming YIO-540-D4A5 six-cylinder reciprocating engine turning a Whirlwind constant-speed propeller. The aircraft is primarily constructed of alclad aluminum using flush rivets to the maximum extent possible.

Exterior Dimensions

DimensionValue
Wing Span32’ 9“
Horizontal Stab Span
Length25’
Height
Wheel Base
Wing Area147 sq. ft.
Wing AirfoilCustom (coordinates in docs/rv10-airfoil-coordinates.txt)

Interior Dimensions

General Specifications

SpecificationValue
Wing Span32’ 9“
Length25’
Height
Wing Area147 sq. ft.
Empty Weightlbs
Gross Weight2,700 lbs
Wing Loading – Grosslbs/sq. ft.
Power Loading – Grosslbs/HP
Engine
Propeller
Fuel CapacityU.S. Gallons
Baggage Capacitylbs

Performance Specifications

PerformanceLight WeightGross Weight
Top SpeedKIASKIAS
Cruise (75% @ 8,000 ft)KIASKIAS
Cruise (55% @ 8,000 ft)KIASKIAS
Stall SpeedKIASKIAS
Rate of Climbft/minft/min
Ceilingftft
Takeoff Distanceftft
Landing Distanceftft
Range (75%)SMSM
Range (55%)SMSM

Engine

ParameterValue
ManufacturerLycoming
ModelYIO-540-D4A5
Serial NumberEL-36315-48E
Rated Horsepower260 HP
Rated Speed2700 RPM
Firing Order1-4-5-2-3-6
Spark Plug Gap0.016“ – 0.022“
Bore5.125“
Stroke4.375“
Displacement541.5 cu in
Compression Ratio8.5:1
Type6-cylinder, horizontally opposed, fuel-injected, normally aspirated, air-cooled, direct drive

Propeller

ParameterValue
ManufacturerWhirlwind Aviation, 1 Propeller Place, Piqua OH 45356
ModelRV-10
Hub Serial NumberRV10-366
Blade Serial NumbersRV10-443, RV10-444
Date of Manufacture2017-10-12
Weight44 lbs
Blades2
Low Pitch12.8°
High Pitch35.1°
Length80“
TypeConstant-speed

Fuel

ParameterValue
Fuel CapacityU.S. gallons
Usable FuelU.S. gallons
Minimum Grade100LL or premium unleaded 91 octane mogas (see EFII fuel notes)

Oil

ParameterValue
Oil Capacityquarts max, quarts min
Oil Specifications
Oil Viscosity (All Temps)SAE15W-50 or SAE20W-50

Maximum Weights

WeightValue
Maximum Takeoff Weightlbs
Maximum Ramp Weightlbs
Maximum Landing Weightlbs
Maximum Baggage Weightlbs
Empty Weightlbs
Gross Weightlbs

Baggage Space

DimensionValue
Entry Width
Entry Height
Volumecubic feet

Specific Loadings

LoadingValue
Wing Loadinglbs/sq. ft.
Power Loadinglbs/HP

Symbols, Abbreviations and Terminology

Airspeed Terminology

SymbolDefinition
KIASKnots Indicated Airspeed
KCASKnots Calibrated Airspeed
KTASKnots True Airspeed
V~S0~Stall speed in landing configuration (flaps down)
V~S1~Stall speed in clean configuration (flaps up)
V~X~Best angle of climb speed
V~Y~Best rate of climb speed
V~G~Best glide speed
V~FE~Maximum flap extended speed
V~NO~Maximum structural cruising speed
V~A~Design maneuvering speed
V~NE~Never exceed speed

Engine Terminology

AbbreviationDefinition
RPMRevolutions Per Minute
MPManifold Pressure
CHTCylinder Head Temperature
EGTExhaust Gas Temperature
TITTurbine Inlet Temperature
FFFuel Flow
GPHGallons Per Hour
PSIPounds Per Square Inch
AbbreviationDefinition
EFISElectronic Flight Instrument System
PFDPrimary Flight Display
MFDMulti-Function Display
AHRSAttitude and Heading Reference System
GPSGlobal Positioning System
VORVHF Omnidirectional Range
ILSInstrument Landing System
ADS-BAutomatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast
AoAAngle of Attack

Electrical

AbbreviationDefinition
VDCVolts Direct Current
ECUEngine Control Unit

Weight and Balance

AbbreviationDefinition
CGCenter of Gravity
MACMean Aerodynamic Chord
ARMHorizontal distance from datum to item CG
MOMENTWeight multiplied by arm

General

AbbreviationDefinition
POHPilot’s Operating Handbook
SMStatute Miles
NMNautical Miles
ISAInternational Standard Atmosphere
MSLMean Sea Level
AGLAbove Ground Level
OATOutside Air Temperature

Operating Limitations

General

This section provides the operating limitations, instrument markings, color coding and basic placards necessary for the safe operation of the airplane and its systems.

Airspeed Limitations

TypeDescriptionKIAS
V~S0~Stall, Flaps Down (33°, 2,250 lb)50
V~S~Stall, Flaps 16° (2,250 lb)55
V~S1~Stall, Flaps Up (2,250 lb)61
V~G~Best Glide (prop full coarse)95
V~X~Best Angle of Climb105
V~Y~Best Rate of Climb110
V~FE~Maximum Flap Extended (deploy inhibit)90
V~NO~Maximum Structural Cruising158
V~A~Design Maneuvering
V~NE~Never Exceed

Note: Stall speeds are at 2,250 lb, not maximum gross weight (2,700 lb). Stall speeds increase with weight — at max gross, add approximately 10%.

Power Plant Limitations

ParameterLimit
Engine
Maximum HorsepowerHP
Maximum SpeedRPM
Maximum Manifold Pressure
Maximum CHT°F
Maximum Oil Temperature°F
Oil Pressure (Min)PSI
Oil Pressure (Max)PSI
Fuel Pressure (Min)PSI
Fuel Pressure (Max)PSI

Power Plant EFIS Markings

Tachometer

ArcRange
Green Arc0 – RPM
Red Line (Max)RPM

Oil Temperature

ArcRange
Green Arc°F – °F
Yellow Arc°F – °F
Red Line (Max)°F

Oil Pressure

ArcRange
Green Arc– PSI
Yellow Arc– PSI
Red Line (Min)PSI
Red Line (Max)PSI

Cylinder Head Temperature

ArcRange
Green Arc°F – °F
Yellow Arc°F – °F
Red Line (Max)°F

Weight Limits

LimitValue
Maximum Takeoff Weightlbs
Maximum Ramp Weightlbs
Maximum Landing Weightlbs
Maximum Baggage Weightlbs

Center of Gravity Limits

CategoryRange
Utility“ – “ aft of datum

Note: Datum is located forward of the wing leading edge.

Flight Maneuvering Load Factors

CategoryPositiveNegative
Utility+G-G

Flight Maneuver Limitations

Slips in clean configuration are prohibited. The RV-10 rudder can aerodynamically stall during slips with flaps up, resulting in a sudden and uncommanded snap roll. Slips are permitted with flaps extended, which reduces the angle of attack required for a given airspeed and prevents rudder stall.

Types of Operations

The airplane is approved for the following operations when equipped in accordance with FAR 91:

  • Day VFR
  • Night VFR
  • Day IFR
  • Night IFR
  • Non-Icing

Fuel Limitations

ParameterValue
Fuel CapacityU.S. gallons
Usable FuelU.S. gallons
Minimum Grade100LL or premium unleaded 91 octane mogas (see limitations below)

Mogas Limitations (EFII System32)

When using premium unleaded mogas (91 octane minimum):

  • Altitude limit: Stay below 8,000 ft density altitude (higher vapor pressure than avgas)
  • Temperature limit: Do not use mogas in OAT above 100°F
  • High terrain: Use 100LL when flying over high terrain with limited landing options
  • Mogas reaches its vapor point more easily than avgas at altitude and in heat

Placards

LocationPlacard
On baggage areaMaximum Baggage Capacity lbs
In view from entranceEXPERIMENTAL
In view of occupantsPASSENGER WARNING: THIS AIRCRAFT IS AMATEUR BUILT AND DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR STANDARD AIRCRAFT.
At each fuel filler100LL / 91 MOGAS, XX Gal.
On instrument panelNO SLIPS WITH FLAPS UP

Additional Engine Information

General

Refer to your engine manufacturer’s Operator’s Manual for detailed performance charts and operating information.

Key Engine Data

ParameterValue
Model
Serial Number
TBOhours
Installed
Hours at Installation

Emergency Procedures

These procedures are derived from the efis-editor checklist file. Update the source JSON and regenerate to modify.

Engine Failures

Engine Failure During Takeoff Run

  • Throttle … IDLE
  • Brakes … APPLY
  • Wing Flaps … RETRACT
  • Mixture … IDLE CUT-OFF
  • Ignition Switch … OFF
  • Master Switch … OFF

Engine Failure Immediately After Takeoff

  • ECU Select … SWITCH TO OTHER ECU if one ECU failed, switching may restore engine immediately
  • Airspeed … 75 KIAS (FLAPS UP) 70 KIAS (flaps DOWN)
  • Landing Area … WITHIN 30º
  • Fuel Selector Valve … OFF
  • Mixture … IDLE CUT-OFF
  • Ignition Switch … OFF
  • Wing Flaps … AS REQUIRED 40º recommended
  • Master Switch … OFF

Engine Failure During Flight

  • ECU Select … SWITCH TO OTHER ECU if one ECU failed, switching may restore engine immediately
  • Airspeed … 76 KIAS
  • Landing Area … LOCATE
  • Fuel Selector Valve … BOTH
  • Ignition Switch … **BOTH ** or START if propeller is stopped
  • Forced Landing … EXECUTE as described in Emergency Landing Without Engine Power

Forced Landings

Emergency Landing Without Engine Power

  • SQUAWK … 7700
  • Airspeed … 75 KIAS (FLAPS UP) 70 KIAS (flaps DOWN)
  • Fuel Selector Valve … OFF
  • Mixture … IDLE CUT-OFF
  • Ignition Switch … OFF
  • Wing Flaps … AS REQUIRED (40º RECOMMENDED)
  • Master Switch … OFF
  • Radio Call … MAYDAY 121.5 time permitting
  • Doors … UNLATCH PRIOR TO TOUCHDOWN
  • Touchdown … SLIGHTLY TAIL LOW
  • Brakes … **APPLY HEAVILY **

Precautionary Landing With Engine Power

  • Airspeed … 70 KIAS
  • Wing Flaps … 20º
  • Selected Field … FLY OVER
  • Terrain And Obstructions … NOTE
  • Wing Flaps … RETRACT at safe altitude and airspeed
  • Electrical Switches … OFF
  • Wing Flaps (On Final) … 40º
  • Airspeed … 70 KIAS
  • Avionics Power and Master Switches … OFF
  • Doors … UNLATCH PRIOR TO TOUCHDOWN
  • Touchdown … SLIGHTLY TAIL LOW
  • Ignition Switch … OFF
  • Brakes … APPLY HEAVILY

Ditching

  • Transmit Mayday … 121.5 MHZ, GIVING LOCATION
  • SQUAWK … 7700
  • Heavy Objects … SECURE OR JETTISON
  • Flaps … 20º - 40º
  • Power … SET ESTABLISH 300 FT/MIN DESCENT at 60 KIAS High Winds, Heavy Seas – INTO THE WIND. Light Winds, Heavy Swells – PARALLEL TO SWELLS If no power is available, approach at 70 KIAS with flaps up or at 65 KIAS with 10º flaps.
  • Cabin Doors … UNLATCH
  • Touchdown … LEVEL ATTITUDE AT ESTABLISHED DESCENT
  • Face … CUSHION AT TOUCHDOWN WITH FOLDED COAT
  • Airplane … EVACUATE
  • Life Vests and Raft … INFLATE

Landing With A Flat Main Tire

  • Approach … NORMAL
  • Wing Flaps … FULL DOWN
  • Touchdown … GOOD TIRE FIRST hold airplane off flat tire as long as possible with aileron control

Landing Without Elevator Control

  • Airspeed … 80 KIAS
  • Elevator Trim … LEVEL FLIGHT
  • Elevator Trim … DO NOT CHANGE
  • Glide Angle … CONTROL by adjusting power exclusively
  • Elevator Trim … FULL NOSE UP
  • Power … ADJUST so airplane will rotate to horizontal attitude for touchdown
  • Throttle … CLOSE at touchdown

Fires

Engine Fire During Start On Ground

  • Throttle … FULL OPEN
  • Fuel Pump Breakers … PULL BOTH cuts fuel, ignition continues — engine sucks fire in, runs on residual fuel, then dies
  • Key Switch … OFF
  • Fuel Selector Valve … OFF
  • Evacuate / Extinguisher … AS REQUIRED
  • Throttle … FULL OPEN
  • Starter … CONTINUE CRANKING attempt to clear fuel from intake
  • Fuel Pump Breakers … PULL BOTH
  • Key Switch … OFF
  • Emergency Power Switch … OFF
  • Fuel Selector Valve … OFF
  • Fire Extinguisher … AS REQUIRED
  • Evacuate … IMMEDIATELY

Engine Fire In Flight

  • Fuel Selector Valve … OFF
  • Key Switch … OFF stops fuel flow
  • Emergency Power Switch … OFF
  • Cabin Heat/Air … OFF close firewall vents
  • Airspeed … INCREASE slip or dive to blow out fire
  • Forced Landing … EXECUTE IMMEDIATELY
  • Sideslip … INTO FIRE SIDE keep flames away from cabin
  • Land … IMMEDIATELY do not delay

Electrical Fire / Smoke In Cockpit

  • Key Switch … OFF kills most electrical load
  • All Switches … OFF
  • Emergency Power Switch … OFF
  • Vents/Cabin Air … OPEN clear smoke
  • Fire Extinguisher … AS REQUIRED if visible fire
  • Land … AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE
  • Emergency Power Switch … ON restores engine power only
  • Monitor … FOR RECURRENCE
  • Key Switch … LEAVE OFF non-essential systems stay dead
  • Individual Breakers … CHECK FOR POPPED
  • Popped Breakers … DO NOT RESET If smoke returns, re-isolate immediately

Cabin Fire

  • Master Switch … OFF
  • Vents/Cabin Air/Heat … CLOSED
  • Fire Extinguisher … ACTIVATE After discharging an extinguisher within a closed cabin, ventilate the cabin
  • Land … AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
  • Airplane … INSPECT FOR DAMAGE

Wing Fire

  • Navigation Light Switch … OFF
  • Strobe Light Switch … OFF
  • Pitot Heat Switch … OFF Perform a sideslip to keep the flames away from the fuel tank and cabin, and land as soon as possible using flaps only as required for final approach and touchdown.

Icing

Inadvertent Icing Encounter

  • Pitot Heat Switch … ON
  • Icing Conditions … EXIT Turn back or change altitude to obtain an outside air temperature that is less conducive to icing
  • Cabin Heat … ON
  • Defroster Control … MAX AIRFLOW
  • Engine Speed … INCREASE to minimize build up on propeller blades
  • Land … NEAREST AIRPORT With an extremely rapid ice build-up, select a suitable “ off airport“ landing site With an ice accumulation of 1/4 inch or more on the wing leading edges, be prepared for significantly higher stall speed
  • Wing Flaps … LEAVE RETRACTED
  • Windshield Ice … REMOVE Open left window and if practical scrape ice from a portion of the windshield for visibility in the landing approach
  • Forward Slip … PERFORM if necessary during landing approach, for improved visibility
  • Approach … 80 TO 90 KIAS depending upon the amount of ice accumulation
  • Land … AT LEVEL ATTITUDE

Static Source Blockage

  • Alternate Static Source Valve … PULL ON
  • Airspeed … REFERENCE Consult appropriate table in Section 5
  • Cruise … 50 FT HIGHER THAN NORMAL
  • Approach … 30 FT HIGHER THAN NORMAL

Electrical / Oil Malfunctions

Ammeter Shows Excessive Rate Of Charge

  • Alternator … OFF
  • Non-Essential Electrical Equipment … OFF
  • Flight … TERMINATE as soon as practical

Ammeter Shows Discharge

  • Avionics Power Switch … OFF
  • Master Switch … ALT OFF (LEFT)
  • Check ALT Breakers … RESET ONCE
  • Master Switch … ALT ON attempt only one reset
  • Master Switch … ALT OFF
  • Avionics Power Switch … ON
  • Electrical Equipment … MINIMIZE
  • Flight … TERMINATE as soon as practical

Low-Voltage Light Illuminates During Flight

Illumination of the low-voltage light may occur during low RPM conditions with an electrical load on the system such as during a low RPM taxi. Under these conditions, the light will go out at higher RPM. The master switch need not be recycled since an over-voltage condition has not occurred to deactivate the alternator system.
  • Avionics Power Switch … OFF
  • Master Switch … OFF (BOTH SIDES)
  • Master Switch … ON
  • Low-Voltage Light … CHECK OFF
  • Avionics Power Switch … ON
  • Alternator … OFF
  • Non-Essential Radio and Electrical Equipment … OFF
  • Flight … TERMINATE as soon as practical

High Oil Temperature

  • Mixture … ENRICH
  • If Climbing … STOP CLIMB
  • RPM … DECREASE
  • Airspeed … INCREASE

Runaway Trim

  • Airspeed … REDUCE unload trim forces
  • Avionics Master … OFF kills power to SV-AP-PANEL, stops all trim servo commands
  • Trim … MANUALLY OVERRIDE with stick pressure
  • Land … AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE There is no dedicated trim circuit breaker. The avionics master is the only kill switch for the trim servos.

Emergency Operation In Clouds

Executing A 180º Turn In Clouds

  • Compass Heading … NOTE
  • Time … NOTE
  • Standard Rate Turn … INITIATE maintain for 60 seconds
  • Level Flight … MAINTAIN
  • Turn Accuracy … CHECK compass heading should be the reciprocal of the original heading
  • Heading … ADJUST AS NECESSARY Using rudder
  • Altitude and Airspeed … MAINTAIN

Emergency Descent Through Clouds

  • Heading … EAST OR WEST to minimize compass card swings due to changing bank angles In addition, keep hands off the control wheel and steer a straight course with rudder control by monitoring the turn coordinator. Occasionally check the compass heading and make minor corrections to hold an approximate course.
  • Mixture … FULL RICH
  • Power … REDUCE for 500 to 800 FPM descent
  • Elevator and Rudder Trim … ADJUST for stabilized descent at 80 KIAS
  • Turn Coordinator … MONITOR Make corrections by rudder alone
  • Normal Cruising Flight … RESUME

Recovery From A Spiral Dive

  • Throttle … CLOSE
  • Turn … STOP by using coordinated aileron and rudder control
  • Elevator … APPLY BACK PRESSURE cautiously to slowly reduce the indicated airspeed to 80 KIAS
  • Elevator Trim … ADJUST to maintain an 86 KIAS glide Keep hands off the control wheel, using rudder control to hold straight heading. Use rudder trim to relieve unbalanced rudder force, if present.
  • Engine … CLEAR OCCASIONALLY
  • Normal Cruising Flight … RESUME
  • Throttle … IDLE
  • Ailerons … NEUTRAL
  • Rudder … FULL OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF ROTATION
  • Elevator Control … FORWARD Briskly to break stall
  • Control Inputs … HOLD Until Rotation Stops
  • Normal Flight … RESUME

Abnormal Procedures

These procedures are derived from the efis-editor checklist file.

Takeoff And Climb

Short Field Takeoff

  • Flaps … 16º
  • Brakes … APPLY
  • Power … FULL THROTTLE AND 2700 RPM
  • Brakes … RELEASE
  • Elevator Control … SLIGHTLY TAIL LOW
  • Climb Speed … 59 KIAS until all obstacles are cleared
  • Flaps … RETRACT slowly after reaching 70 KIAS

Maximum Performance Climb

  • Airspeed … 78 KIAS TO 72 KIAS
  • Power … FULL THROTTLE AND 2600 RPM
  • Fuel Selector Valve … MORE FULL

Landing

Short Field Landing

  • Airspeed … 70-80 KIAS (FLAPS UP)
  • Flaps … 33º below 95 KIAS
  • Airspeed … MAINTAIN 60 KIAS
  • Trim … ADJUST
  • Power … REDUCE TO IDLE as obstacle is cleared
  • Touchdown … MAIN WHEELS FIRST
  • Brakes … **APPLY HEAVILY **
  • Flaps … RETRACT

Go Around

  • Power … FULL THROTTLE AND 2700 RPM
  • Flaps … RETRACT
  • Trim … SET FOR TAKEOFF
  • Climb Speed … 95 KIAS Pressing “Nose Up” on the autopilot during an approach initiates go-around mode.

Normal Procedures

These procedures are derived from the efis-editor checklist file. Update the source JSON and regenerate to modify.

Preflight

Preflight Inspection

  • AR(R)OW … AVAILABLE IN THE AIRPLANE
  • Gust lock … REMOVE
  • LEFT PANEL SWITCHES … UP / NORM
  • START BATT SEL … BOTH
  • Key … ON
  • Avionics Switches … BOTH ON
  • Emergency Power … ON
  • Fuel Quantity Indicators … CHECK
  • Fuel Selector Valve … FULLEST TANK
  • Wing Flaps … EXTEND
  • Fuel Tank Vent Opening … CHECK
  • Fuel Tank Sump … CHECK
  • Fuel Quantity … CHECK VISUALLY
  • Fuel Filler Cap … SECURE
  • Wing Tie-Down … DISCONNECT
  • Pitot Tube Cover … REMOVE
  • Wingtip Lights … CHECK
  • Aileron … CHECK
  • Flap … CHECK
  • Main Wheel Tire … CHECK
  • Baggage Door … CHECK
  • Static Source Openings … CHECK
  • Tail Tie-Down … DISCONNECT
  • Control Surfaces … CHECK
  • Lead Weights … CHECK
  • Main Wheel Tire … CHECK
  • Flap … CHECK
  • Aileron … CHECK
  • Wingtip Lights … CHECK
  • Wing Tie-Down … DISCONNECT
  • Fuel Quantity … CHECK VISUALLY
  • Fuel Filler Cap … SECURE
  • Fuel Tank Sump … CHECK
  • Fuel Tank Vent Opening … CHECK
  • Propeller and Spinner … CHECK for nicks, security, and oil leaks
  • Nose Wheel + Tire … CHECK
  • Engine Oil Level … CHECK Do not operate with less than 8 quarts. Fill to 9 quarts for extended flight.

Before Starting Engine

  • Preflight Inspection … COMPLETE
  • Seats, Belts, Shoulder Harnesses … ADJUST AND LOCK
  • Doors … LOCKED
  • Circuit Breakers … CHECK IN
  • Pump Breakers … BOTH IN
  • Key … ON
  • Fuel Pumps … 2 THEN 1/AUTO
  • Fuel Pressure … 37 PSI / GREEN
  • Brakes … TEST AND SET

Starting Engine

  • Strobes … ON
  • Propeller … HIGH RPM
  • Pump Throttle … AS REQUIRED 1 or 2 primer squirts if cold. Look for AP on EFII controller.
  • Throttle … OPEN 1/4 INCH If cold, wait 10s for primer fuel to evaporate.
  • Propeller Area … CLEAR
  • Ignition … PRESS release after engine starts If engine doesn’t start w/in 5 revolutions:
    • disengage starter,
    • wait ~10s for primer fuel to evaporate,
    • retry starting.
  • RPM … ADJUST TO 750 reset to 750 RPM as engine warms up
  • Oil Pressure … CHECK IN GREEN
  • Alternator Current … VERIFY
  • Avionics Switches … BOTH ON
  • Radios … SET, AWOS/ATIS OBTAINED
  • Altimeter … SET
  • Heading Indicator … SET

Before Taxi

  • Wing Flaps … RETRACT, VERIFY UP
  • Lights … AS REQUIRED
  • Brakes … TEST ON ROLL

Runup

  • Brakes … HOLD
  • Doors … CLOSED AND LOCKED
  • Elevator and Rudder Trim … TAKEOFF
  • Flight Controls … FREE AND CORRECT
  • Flight Instruments … SET
  • Propeller Control … HIGH RPM
  • Throttle … 2000 RPM
  • Propeller Control … 1800 RPM
  • Throttle … +2“ MP let RPM stabilize
  • Propeller Control … HIGH RPM
  • Throttle … 1600 RPM
  • Ignition … CHECK 1 OFF, Both, 2 OFF, Both expect 80-100 RPM dip per ECU switchover Verify active blue, disabled red at both verify ECU1 blue, ECU2 green
  • ECU FUEL SEL … CHECK PRI, SEC, then PRI, verify active green, backup blue
  • Propeller … CYCLE 2X RPM dip, then oil pressure dip
  • Engine Instruments (Oil Px, Temp) … CHECK
  • Throttle … IDLE

Before Takeoff

  • Fuel Gauge … CHECK QUANTITY
  • Radios, Flight Plan … SET
  • Transponder … ALT, 1200
  • Strobes … AS REQUIRED
  • Nav Lights … AS REQUIRED
  • Pitot Heat … AS REQUIRED
  • iPad / ForeFlight … CONNECTED Dynon WiFi — AHRS, traffic, GPS
  • Flaps / Trim … SET FOR TAKEOFF
  • R - RPM … 2700 RPM, FULL POWER
  • E - Engine gauges … GREEN
  • A - Airspeed … ALIVE
  • C - Centerline … TRACKING
  • T - Takeoff abort point … IDENTIFIED
  • Radio Call … MAKE

Normal Takeoff

  • Wing Flaps … 0º / 16º
  • Power … FULL THROTTLE AND 2700 RPM Advance over 5 seconds
  • Elevator Control … BACK Hover nosewheel
  • Wing Flaps … UP
  • Climb Speed … 110 KIAS

In Flight

Normal Climb

  • Airspeed … 120 KIAS
  • Power … 25“ HG AND 2500 RPM
  • Engine Gauges … CHECK

Cruise

  • Power … 15-23“ HG AND 2200-2450 RPM
  • Elevator + Aileron Trim … ADJUST
  • Engine Gauges … CHECK
  • Lights … AS REQUIRED

Pre-Maneuver

  • Fuel Selector Valve … MORE FULL
  • Lights … AS REQUIRED
  • Clearing Turns … PERFORM 90º L - 90º R / 180º turn
  • Maneuvering Speed … 125 AT GROSS

Descent

  • Fuel Selector Valve … MORE FULL
  • Power … AS DESIRED
  • Lights … AS REQUIRED

Before Landing

  • Power … 11“ / 2300RPM
  • Fuel Selector Valve … MORE FULL
  • Fuel Pumps … 1/AUTO
  • Fuel Trim … 0%
  • Seats, Belts, Harnesses … ADJUST AND LOCK
  • Brakes … TEST

Normal Landing

  • Throttle … IDLE
  • Propeller … HIGH RPM
  • Flaps … 16º @ 87 KIAS
  • Throttle … 1800 RPM
  • Airspeed … ~70 KIAS
  • Trim … ADJUST
  • Flaps … 33º ON BASE
  • Touchdown … MAINS FIRST
  • Landing Roll … HOLD NOSE WHEEL OFF
  • Braking … MINIMUM REQUIRED

Postflight

After Landing

  • Flaps … UP
  • Elevator and Rudder Trim … TAKEOFF
  • Lights … AS REQUIRED
  • Pitot Heat … AS REQUIRED
  • Transponder … ALT, 1200

Securing Airplane

  • Throttle … IDLE
  • Mixture … IDLE CUT-OFF
  • Lights … OFF except strobe
  • Master Switch … OFF
  • Avionics Switches … BOTH OFF
  • Fuel Selector Valve … RIGHT
  • Gust Lock … INSTALL
  • Hobbs + Tach Time … RECORD

Performance

Stall and Approach Speeds

SpeedWeightFlaps UpFlaps Down
StalllbsKIASKIAS
Approach (1.3×V~S~)lbsKIASKIAS

Takeoff Performance

Climb Performance

Cruise Performance

Landing Performance

Weight and Balance

Airplane Weighing Procedure

The aircraft was weighed with the fuselage level. The aircraft was empty with the exception for oil located in the engine sump.

Empty Weight and Balance Data

The datum is located XX“ forward of the wing leading edge.

StationWeight (lbs)Arm (inches)Moment (lb-in)
Left Main
Right Main
Nose/Tail
Total
CG

Allowable Weight and Balance Envelope

Sample Weight and Balance Calculation

ItemWeight (lbs)Arm (in)Moment (lb-in)
Empty Weight
Pilot
Front Passenger
Rear Passengers
Baggage
Fuel (gal × 6.0)
Total

CG = Total Moment / Total Weight = “ aft of datum

System Descriptions

The Airplane

The RV-10 is a four-place, single-engine, low-wing aircraft with tricycle landing gear. The airframe is primarily aluminum alloy construction with flush rivets, except for some steel components including the engine mount, landing gear legs, control surface bellcranks, and miscellaneous hardware. Wing tips, tail fairings, cowling, and wheel fairings are fiberglass.

Engine and Components

The aircraft is powered by a Lycoming IO-540 series engine, fuel injected and normally aspirated, rated at 260 HP at 2700 RPM.

Electronic Engine Management

The EFII System32 provides:

  • Full Electronic Ignition: Dual redundant ignition with individual coil packs for each cylinder
  • Electronic Fuel Injection: Precise fuel metering with automatic mixture optimization
  • Redundant ECUs: Two independent Engine Control Units; panel switch allows manual ECU selection if needed

The System32 controller on the panel provides mixture control through the electronic fuel injection system.

Detailed reference: EFII System32 (ATA 73)

Fuel Pumps

Two electric fuel pumps (primary and backup) pressurize the fuel line to the engine. The system includes:

  • Automatic Switchover: If fuel pressure drops below threshold, the System32 automatically activates the backup pump
  • Manual Selection: Panel switch (PMP 2) allows manual pump selection
  • Fuel Return: Excess fuel returns to the originating tank

Detailed reference: Fuel System (ATA 28)

Propeller

ParameterValue
Manufacturer
Model
TypeConstant speed
Blades
Diameter

Detailed reference: Propeller (ATA 84)

Landing Gear

The landing gear is a fixed tricycle configuration with:

  • Steerable nose wheel
  • Main gear with wheel fairings
SpecificationValue
Main Tire Size
Nose Tire Size
Main Tire PressurePSI
Nose Tire PressurePSI

Brake System

Hydraulic disc brakes are operated by toe pedals on both pilot and copilot rudder pedals.

SpecificationValue
Brake FluidRoyco 782 (MIL-PRF-83282)
Brake TypeHydraulic disc

Detailed reference: Brakes & Wheels (ATA 61)

Flight Control System

Dual controls are fitted. Primary flight controls:

  • Ailerons: Operated through push-pull tubes
  • Elevator: Operated through push-pull tubes
  • Rudder: Cable operated, connected to rudder pedals

Trim Systems

  • Pitch Trim: Electric servo-actuated trim tab on elevator, controlled by hat switch on stick grip
  • Roll Trim: Electric servo in wing, controlled by hat switch on stick grip
  • Yaw Trim: None installed

Co-Pilot Trim Enable

A panel switch enables or disables trim authority from the co-pilot stick grip. This allows the pilot to disable co-pilot trim inputs when desired.

Flaps

Electric flap motor with position indicator on EFIS. Controlled by:

  • Panel-mounted flap switch
  • Stick grip switch (both sticks)

Flap positions range from reflex (-3°) to full (40°).

Detailed reference: Flight Controls (ATA 27)

Fuel System

Fuel is stored in two wing tanks with a selector valve on the center tunnel.

ParameterValue
Left Tank CapacityU.S. gallons
Right Tank CapacityU.S. gallons
Total CapacityU.S. gallons
Usable FuelU.S. gallons
Minimum Grade100LL or premium unleaded 91 octane mogas (see Limitations)

Fuel System Components

  • Wing Tanks: Integral tanks in wing leading edges
  • Fuel Selector: Three-position valve (LEFT / RIGHT / OFF) on center tunnel
  • Fuel Pumps: Primary and backup electric pumps (see Engine section)
  • Fuel Return: Returns to selected tank
  • Fuel Strainer: Drain before first flight of day

Note: The fuel system does not support inverted flight.

Detailed reference: Fuel System (ATA 28)

Electrical System

Power Sources

ComponentSpecification
Primary Alternator60 amp, 14 volt — charges Battery 1
GeneratorMonkworkz MZ-30 — charges Battery 2
Battery 1EarthX ETX900
Battery 2EarthX ETX900

The two charging systems are fully isolated. The primary alternator charges Battery 1 only, and the Monkworkz generator charges Battery 2 only.

A Generator Enable switch on the panel (next to the alternator field switch) controls the generator. A normally-open relay disconnects the generator from Battery 2 whenever the ignition key is off, preventing parasitic battery drain.

Bus Architecture

The electrical system uses a dual-bus architecture managed by the flyEFII System32 Bus Manager:

  • Essential Bus: Powers critical engine systems (ignition, fuel injection, fuel pumps)
  • Main Bus: Powers avionics and other aircraft systems via VPX Sport

Emergency Endurance Bus

If a battery fails or bus voltage drops critically, the System32 Bus Manager automatically:

  1. Disconnects non-essential loads from the main bus
  2. Preserves all available power for the essential bus
  3. Maintains engine ignition and fuel injection

The EMERGENCY POWER switch on the panel manually activates this mode.

VPX Sport Power Distribution

The Vertical Power VPX Sport provides:

  • Electronic circuit breaker protection
  • Load monitoring and display on EFIS
  • Automatic load shedding if needed
  • No physical circuit breakers to reset

Detailed reference: Electrical Power (ATA 24)

Pitot-Static System

Pitot

ComponentSpecification
Pitot TubeDynon heated pitot with AoA
LocationUnder left wing
HeatingActivated by PITOT HEAT switch

The pitot tube incorporates a second orifice angled to measure differential pressure for Angle of Attack (AoA) display on the EFIS.

Static

ComponentSpecification
Static PortsTwo ports on aft fuselage sides
Alternate StaticValve on upper left panel

The static system feeds:

  • Dynon Skyview HDX AHRS
  • Backup instruments (if installed)

Instrument Panel

Primary Flight Display

Dynon Skyview HDX provides:

  • Primary Flight Display (PFD)
  • Multi-Function Display (MFD)
  • Engine monitoring
  • Moving map with terrain
  • Traffic display (ADS-B In)
  • Autopilot interface
ComponentFunction
Garmin GTN 650IFR GPS/Nav/Com - certified for IFR approaches
Garmin GMA245Audio panel with Bluetooth
Dynon Com PanelCom radio control

Detailed reference: Navigation & Instruments (ATA 34) | Communications (ATA 23)

Autopilot

Dynon 3-Axis Autopilot with:

  • Roll servo (aileron)
  • Pitch servo (elevator)
  • Yaw damper

Controlled via:

  • Dynon autopilot panel
  • Stick grip disconnect button

Detailed reference: Autopilot (ATA 22)

Transponder and ELT

ComponentSpecification
Transponder with ADS-B Out
ELTArtex ELT 345 (406 MHz)

Panel Switches

Left Panel:

  • Pitot Heat
  • Landing Light
  • Taxi Light
  • Nav Lights
  • Strobe Lights

Center Panel:

  • Flap switch
  • Alternator field
  • Generator enable
  • Avionics power
  • Emergency power

EFII System32 Switches:

  • Ignition Select
  • ECU Select
  • Fuel Pump Mode
  • Start Battery Select

Other:

  • Master switch (keyed)
  • O2 mode switch (pulse/constant)
  • Co-pilot trim enable

Control Sticks

Both pilot and co-pilot have Tosten CS Military stick grips with identical button functions:

ButtonFunction
TriggerPush-to-talk (PTT)
Top hatPitch/roll trim
Flap up
Flap down
Red buttonAutopilot disconnect

Detailed reference: Flight Controls (ATA 27) | Avionics & Wiring (ATA 42)

Oxygen System

Mountain High EDS-4iP pulse-demand oxygen system:

ParameterSpecification
TypeElectronic pulse-on-demand
Bottle Location
Capacity cubic feet

Operating Modes

A panel switch selects between:

  • Pulse Mode: Oxygen delivered in pulses synchronized with inhalation (normal operation, conserves oxygen)
  • Constant Flow: Continuous oxygen flow (for high altitude or if pulse mode is insufficient)

Detailed reference: Oxygen (ATA 35)

Heating, Ventilation and Defrosting

Cabin Heat

Heat is provided from a heat muff on the exhaust system. Controlled by push-pull knob on panel.

Ventilation

Fresh air is supplied through:

  • Eyeball vents under instrument panel (pilot and copilot)
  • NACA ducts on fuselage sides

Defrost

Windshield defrost air from the heating system.

Cabin Features

Seating

Four-place seating:

  • Front: Pilot and copilot, side-by-side
  • Rear: Two passengers

Restraints

Baggage Area

DimensionValue
Maximum Weight100 lbs
Volumecubic feet

Access through rear baggage door.

Exterior Lighting

Wing Tip Lights

Each wing tip contains:

  • AeroLEDs Pulsar (NSP/660): 3-in-1 LED combining position light (red/green), strobe, and rear-facing white position light
  • AeroLEDs AeroSun VX: Landing and taxi light with built-in wig-wag mode

Tail Light

  • AeroLEDs SunTail: LED position light (white) and strobe

Lighting Controls

SwitchFunction
NAVPosition lights (wing tips and tail)
STROBEStrobe lights (wing tips and tail)
LANDINGLanding lights (wing tips)
TAXITaxi lights

Detailed reference: Lighting (ATA 33)

Handling, Servicing and Maintenance

General

The airplane should be moved using a tow bar which connects to the nose wheel. The airplane may be pushed or pulled from the inboard portions of the prop blades. Do not push on the spinner!

Ground Handling

The airplane has three tie-down rings:

  • One on each wing (near outboard bellcrank access panel)
  • One on the tail

The tie-down rings are removable and may be kept inside the baggage compartment.

Jacking

The airplane can be jacked from:

  • Tie-down ring locations
  • Main spar just outboard of fuselage (protect with padded boards)

Engine Air Filter

SpecificationValue
Filter Type
ServiceClean/replace per manufacturer

Brake Service

SpecificationValue
Brake FluidRoyco 782 (MIL-PRF-83282)
Brake TypeHydraulic disc
Brake Linings

Warning: Use only MIL-PRF-83282 specification hydraulic fluid. Do not substitute automotive brake fluid.

Landing Gear Service

ItemSpecification
Main Tire Pressure PSI
Nose Tire Pressure PSI
Main Tire Size
Nose Tire Size

Wheel Bearings

Repack main wheel bearings with Aeroshell #5 grease at annual condition inspection.

Propeller Service

The propeller must be lubricated at intervals not to exceed 100 hours or 12 calendar months, whichever occurs first.

SpecificationValue
Grease Type
Interval100 hours / 12 months

Note: If annual operation is significantly less than 100 hours, or if operated in high humidity or salty air conditions, reduce calendar interval to six months.

Oil System Service

ItemSpecification
Oil Type
Oil Capacity quarts
Minimum Operating quarts
Oil Filter
Change Interval50 hours

Oil Change Procedure

  1. Change oil and filter every 50 hours
  2. Remove and inspect oil pressure screen
  3. Clean screen in solvent, dry with compressed air
  4. Replace screen crush washer

50-Hour Companion Tasks

Perform these at every oil change:

Spark plugs: Remove, clean, inspect electrodes, re-gap, rotate top↔bottom.

Oil analysis: Take sample for Blackstone Labs before draining old oil.

Anti-Splat oil separator evacuation tube: Inspect where the evacuation tube enters the exhaust pipe. Remove any carbon coking or buildup that could block crankcase blowby flow. The evacuation tube is saddle-mounted to the exhaust pipe with two stainless steel clamps — look up into the tube entry point and scrape/clean any deposits. If excessive buildup is found, shorten the inspection interval. The safety bypass (0.5 PSI pop-off valve) provides a backup path if the tube blocks, but does not eliminate the need for inspection. See Anti-Splat installation guide.

PLX O2 sensor health: Check sensor health percentage on the DM-6 gauge (requires firmware V2.0+). Replace the wideband sensor if health drops below 50%. Also check reaction time — below 150ms is excellent, above 251ms indicates a degraded sensor. 100LL avgas poisons the sensor faster than mogas; expect 300-500 hours of life on avgas. See PLX Gen4 sensor diagnostics.

Fuel System Service

Fuel Strainer

Drain fuel strainer:

  • Before first flight of day
  • After each refueling
  • Check for water and sediment

Fuel Tank Sumps

Drain each tank sump and check for water/contamination:

  • Before first flight of day
  • After refueling

Generator Service

Monkworkz MZ-30

ItemSpecification
TypePermanent-magnet generator
MountEngine vacuum pad (1.3:1 crankshaft ratio)
Output~14.4 VDC, 30A max
RPM Limit3572 crankshaft RPM
RegulatorMZ Regulator (mounted on engine mount)

The MZ-30 requires no brushes or field winding — maintenance is minimal.

Condition inspection items:

  • Inspect generator mount bolts and silicon/fiberglass gasket
  • Check 12 AWG phase wires from generator to regulator for chafe, routing clear of exhaust, and no tension from engine movement
  • Check regulator mounting on engine mount
  • Inspect Pico-Lock connectors (input and output) for security — add maintenance loops if missing
  • Verify cooling ducts (3/4“ corrugated nylon) are intact and connected to both generator and regulator
  • Check regulator blink code LED (4 flashes/sec = enabled and normal)
  • Verify shear coupling is intact: generator should NOT rotate freely. If it does, the shear coupling has split — contact Monkworkz for replacement.
  • Keep ferrous metal shavings away from generator exterior (permanent magnets)

Operational check:

With engine running and enable switch on, Battery 2 voltage should show a charging indication. The BOSCH relay (0332019155) should be energized (audible click when enable switch is toggled with ignition on).

Do not open the regulator box — adhesive inside dampens vibration, and opening risks tearing components off the circuit board.

Fuses: Input and output fuses are internal to the regulator. If either blows, the regulator likely needs service. Fuses can be tested with an ohmmeter (should show near-zero resistance). Contact Monkworkz for replacement.

Battery Service

BatteryLocationType
Battery 1EarthX ETX900
Battery 2EarthX ETX900

Both batteries may be charged and conditioned using their proprietary chargers.

Note: EarthX lithium batteries require specific charging procedures. Refer to EarthX documentation.

Lubrication Schedule

ItemLubricantInterval
Wheel BearingsAeroshell #5Annual
Control HingesLPS-2 or equivalentAs needed
Nose Wheel SteeringAnnual
Propeller100 hrs/12 mo

Tire Replacement

TireSizePly
Main
Nose

Oxygen System Service

Mountain High EDS-4iP system:

  • Refill oxygen per Mountain High procedures
  • Inspect cannulas and tubing
  • Verify pulse delivery operation

Dynon Maintenance Log — Scheduled Items

The following items are configured in the Dynon SkyView maintenance log (SETUP MENU > SYSTEM SETUP > AIRCRAFT INFORMATION > MAINTENANCE LOG). The MAINT LOG page is accessible via MENU > MAINT LOG. Past-due items show in red at startup.

Tach-Based Items

SlotNameBasisIntervalNotes
1OIL CHANGETACH50 hrsOil + filter change, spark plug clean/rotate/re-gap, oil analysis sample (Blackstone). Also: inspect Anti-Splat evacuation tube for coking, check PLX O2 sensor health on DM-6. Also due every 4 calendar months (Lycoming SB 480), whichever comes first. Reset to current tach + 50.
2PROPTACH650 hrsWhirlwind WWA-RV10 inspection. Reset to current tach + 650.

Date-Based Items

SlotNameBasisCurrent DueIntervalNotes
3COND INSPECTDATE2026-11-1812 monthsAnnual condition inspection per 14 CFR 91.409(b).
4ELTDATE2026-11-1812 monthsELT inspection per 14 CFR 91.207. Artex ELT 345 S/N 267-02567.
5XPDR STATICDATE2027-12-3124 monthsTransponder + pitot-static + altimeter per 14 CFR 91.411/91.413. Front Range Transponder Svc, Broomfield.
6MEDICALDATE2030-10-28Per classPilot medical certificate expiration.
7CO GUARDIANDATE2031-01-085-7 yearsGuardian Avionics 452-101-012 S/N 112081 overhaul. Installed 2026-01-08.
8O2 CYLINDERDATE2031-05-31End of lifeMountain High CFFC-048 S/N 602-100814. Hydro test passed 2026-01-15. Cylinder end of life 2031-05-31.
9ELT BATTERYDATE2032-11-30Per mfrArtex P/N 8322, S/N 1024675-018 Rev F. Installed 2025-12-08.
10(empty)

Not in Dynon — Track Separately

ItemIntervalNotes
Fire extinguishers12 monthsH3R Aviation A344T (Halon 1211, 1.25 lb). Two installed: right rear passenger seat, co-pilot tunnel side. Inspect gauge (green), weight, and condition at condition inspection.
Compression check100 hrs (break-in)Differential compression test. More frequent during break-in, then at each condition inspection.
Oil analysis50 hrsBlackstone Labs sample at each oil change. Not yet started — first sample due at first oil change.
Oil separator (Anti-Splat)50 hrsInspect evacuation tube where it enters exhaust pipe — remove coking/buildup. Coincides with oil change. If excessive buildup, shorten interval. See installation guide.
O2 sensor health (PLX SM-AFR)50 hrsCheck sensor health % on DM-6 gauge (V2.0+). Replace if <50%. Reaction time: <150ms excellent, >251ms poor. 100LL poisons sensor faster — expect 300-500 hrs life on avgas. See Gen4 diagnostics.
ELT registration2 yearsNOAA SARSAT, expires 2027-11-18. Portal: beaconregistration.noaa.gov

Pitot Heat Check

Verify pitot heat operation before flight into potential icing conditions:

  1. Turn on PITOT HEAT switch
  2. Verify pitot tube warms (carefully touch)
  3. Monitor current draw on VPX display

Workshop, Tools & Supplies

N720AK Build & Maintenance Reference

Overview

This page documents the tools, supplies, and workshop equipment used to build and maintain N720AK. It also collects condition inspection tips and lessons learned — access tricks, fastener notes, and reassembly gotchas that aren’t in any manual.

Specialty Aircraft Tools

Cleaveland Aircraft Tool

ItemPart #Notes
Torque seal anti-sabotage lacquerTORQ
#30 cobalt threaded drill bitDBT30
#40 cobalt threaded drill bitDBT40
Cobalt jobber drill #28DBJ28
Threaded extruded AEX tie down blockRVTD-AEX
Tail light adapter ringRVTLR
Static ports and plumbing kitSPFKIT
Jig brackets set of 6RVJB6
1/2“ long flat squeezer setSSF8
#40 straight flute reamerRSF40
#30 straight flute reamerRSF30
3pc. aluminum deburr handleDBS33
Edge deburring bladeDBB70
3/32“ Wedge-Loc clecos 100/bag (x4)CL332-100
Small dia. female die - 3/32“ rivetDIE4263S
3/32“ close quarters die setDIE4263CQ
#8 screw dimpler set1026
Cobalt jobber drill #36DBJ36
Air hose fittingACM23M14
Stainless tie down ring (x3 total)RVTR4
Oil door hidden hingeRVHH1
RV-10 wheel pant axle extenders (pair)RVAE10
Countersink cutter - 3/32“ rivetCC40
Engine mount alignment pins282For engine mount installation
Glare shield vinylGSF15BLACKBlack
Glare shield edge trim 60“GSE60
Rivet set holderZ-CF-SETHOLDER
Dimple die set for 3/32“ rivetDIE4263
0.311“ straight flute reamerRSF311
Cobalt jobber drill 5/16“DBJ516
Union straight fitting 1/4 push-on (x4)SA-F11For fuel/vacuum lines
Push-on union tee fitting 1/4“ O.D. (x3)SPF140TEE
5/16“ x 5/8“ countersink cutter
SkyView plumbing kit

Industrial Services of WNY (iflyrv10.com)

Billet brackets and custom RV-10 parts:

ItemQty
Billet trim bracket1
F1095C trim cable bellcrank brackets1
F1095G trim cable anchor bracket1
F1011D bar support bracket1
F1012D up elevator stop1
HS1008 horizontal stab attach bracket1

Electronics & Sensors

PLX Devices

ItemPart #Notes
SM-AFR Wideband DM-6 Gauge Combo (Gen4)897346002719Shipped to Steinair c/o Nick Millard

Mouser Electronics

Digi-Key

Hardware & General Supplies

Aircraft Spruce

ItemPart #Notes
MS21044N06 elastic stop nut (x2 packs of 25)AN365-632A-25
Artex ELT 345 replacement battery11-14134 / 8322
Royco 782 hydraulic fluid (x2 qt)08-07539-1Brake fluid
MS21042-3 stop nut (x2 packs of 25)MS21042-3-25
Vinyl figure 3“ black letter A (x2)09-3310ARegistration letters
Dynon heated pitot tube
Roll servo
Gretz bracket
VOR antenna

Harbor Freight

Maintenance Supplies

Consumables to Keep on Hand

SupplySpec / Part #Use
Royco 782 hydraulic fluidMIL-PRF-83282Brake system — never use automotive brake fluid
Aeroshell #5 greaseWheel bearing repack (annual)
LPS-2 or equivalentControl hinge lubrication
Viton O-ring #160COTSBillet cover replacement
Viton crush washersOne HydraulicsFuel pump fittings

Wheels & Brakes

MATCO Manufacturing

ItemPart #Notes
WHL & BRK WI600 RV-10 config (x2)WHLWI600XLT-2
Spacer sleeve, axle RV-10 (x2)WHLARV10SL
Washer, A6 1.50 (x2)MSCTRA1.5

Modifications & Accessories

AirWard

ItemNotes
RV-10 Tunnel Access (Southco) Kit

MotoPOD

Hardpoint kit for belly cargo pod. Correspondence with David Shelton (2015-2016). Hardpoints installed during build; pod itself was never produced for RV-10.

Gallagher Aviation

ItemNotes
SwitcheOn 2/15A (2-channel 15A remote power control)Includes remote antenna & Hornet 700W cabin heater option
Replacement fuse: Littelfuse 0456015.DR456 series, 15A, 125V AC/DC, SMD (10.1 × 3.05 mm). Soldered on board — not field-replaceable.

Mountain High

ItemNotes
IPR repair

Savvy Aviation

ItemNotes
Engine analysis subscriptionN720AK Van’s RV-10

Condition Inspection

Tips & Lessons Learned

Hard-won notes on access, fasteners, and reassembly — things that aren’t in any manual.

Interior Panels

  • Front seat pan panels — outboard bottom screw (pilot & copilot): The outboard bottom screw on each front panel is partially blocked by the gear leg tube and the AeroSport plastic side panel. To install this screw without stripping it, pull back the plastic side panel first, then use a long screwdriver laid against the gear leg tube. Do NOT attempt to drive this screw with the plastic panel in place — you will strip the screw head.

AN/MS/NAS Fastener Cross-Reference

Van’s RV-10 plans use AN (Air Force-Navy) part numbers, but most retailers now sell under MS (Military Standard) or NAS (National Aerospace Standard) designations. The fasteners are identical — only the numbering system changed. This table maps between systems.

How to Read AN Part Numbers

Bolts (AN3-AN20): AN4-7A = AN standard, 4 = 4/16“ (1/4“) diameter, 7 = 7/8“ grip length (in 1/8“ increments), A = no drilled shank (cotter pin hole Absent). Without the “A” suffix, the shank is drilled for a cotter pin. For longer bolts: -12 = 1-1/4“ (first digit = whole inches, second = 1/8“ increments, so 1“ + 2/8“).

Hex head bolts (AN3-AN20) use the bolt number to encode diameter:

AN #DiameterThread
AN310-32 (3/16“)10-32 UNF
AN41/4“1/4-28 UNF
AN55/16“5/16-24 UNF
AN63/8“3/8-24 UNF
AN77/16“7/16-20 UNF
AN81/2“1/2-20 UNF

Rivets (AN426, AN470): AN426AD4-5 = AN standard, 426 = 100-degree countersunk head, AD = 2117-T4 aluminum alloy, 4 = 4/32“ (1/8“) diameter, 5 = 5/16“ length (in 1/16“ increments).

Material CodeAlloyNotes
A1100 (pure Al)Soft, for non-structural
AD2117-T4Standard structural rivet
DD2024-T4Higher strength, must be ice-boxed
B5056For magnesium structures

Screws (AN507, AN509, AN515, AN525, AN526): AN509-10R8 = AN standard, 509 = 100-degree flush structural, 10 = 10-32 thread, R = Phillips recess, 8 = 8/16“ (1/2“) total length.

Nuts: AN365-1032A = AN standard, 365 = elastic stop nut, 1032 = 10-32 thread, A = cadmium-plated steel. Suffix “C” = stainless steel.

Screws

AN NumberMS/NAS NumberTypeStructural?StrengthNotes
AN507MS24693 (cad), MS24693C (SS)82-degree flat countersunk, PhillipsNon-structural60,000 PSISame head angle as wood screws
AN509MS24694 (cad), MS24694C (SS)100-degree flush countersunk, PhillipsStructural125,000 PSIMost common flush screw in RV-10
AN515MS35206 (cad), MS35207 (SS)Pan head, PhillipsNon-structural60,000 PSIRound protruding head
AN525AN525 (no MS supersession)Washer head, PhillipsStructural125,000 PSIAlloy steel, integral washer head
AN526MS35206 / MS35207Truss head, PhillipsNon-structural55,000 PSILow-profile protruding head; shares MS number with AN515

Aircraft Spruce lists AN509 screws under MS24694, AN507 under MS24693, and AN515/AN526 under MS35206. AN525 washer head screws are still sold under the AN525 designation.

Solid Rivets

AN NumberMS NumberHead StyleNotes
AN426MS20426100-degree countersunk (flush)Most common rivet in RV-10 skins
AN470MS20470Universal head (protruding)Used where flush not required

Aircraft Spruce lists these under the MS20426 / MS20470 numbers but cross-references the AN numbers on each product page.

Rivet sizing examples:

Part NumberDiameterLengthCommon Use
AN426AD3-33/32“3/16“Single skin to rib
AN426AD3-3.53/32“7/32“Two 0.032“ skins
AN426AD3-43/32“1/4“Two 0.040“ skins
AN426AD4-41/8“1/4“Spar caps, heavy structure
AN426AD4-51/8“5/16“Thicker stack-ups
AN426AD4-61/8“3/8“Three-layer joints
AN470AD4-41/8“1/4“Universal head, interior structure

Bolts

AN NumberCurrent DesignationTypeNotes
AN3-AN20NASM3-NASM20 (identical PINs)Hex head machine boltAN numbers still universally accepted; NASM is the current spec
AN3H-AN20HNASM3-NASM20 (drilled head variants)Hex head, drilled shank“H” = drilled head for safety wire
AN73MS20073Drilled head engine bolt10-32 thread, fine-pitch, for engine accessories
NAS6603-NAS6610NAS6603-NAS6610Close-tolerance hex head160 KSI, short thread, shear applications

AN3-AN20 bolt part numbers remain identical under the NASM designation. Aircraft Spruce and other retailers sell them under both AN and NASM numbers interchangeably. AN4-7A = NASM4-7A = 1/4“ bolt, 7/8“ grip, no cotter pin hole.

NAS6603-NAS6610 are NOT direct substitutes for AN bolts — they are close-tolerance bolts for shear applications with different specifications (160 KSI vs ~125 KSI for AN bolts).

Nuts

AN NumberMS NumberTypeNotes
AN310NASM310 (identical PINs)Castle nut (castellated)Full-height, for drilled bolts with cotter pin. Used in critical tension joints
AN315AN315Plain hex nutStandard nut, full height
AN316MS20316Check nut (thin jam nut)Half the tension load of AN315. Locks rod ends, adjusting screws. R/L hand thread
AN320NASM320 (identical PINs)Shear castle nut (thin)Thinner than AN310, for shear-only bolts
AN363MS21083Elastic stop nut, thin (all-metal)High-temp, thin profile
AN364MS21083Elastic stop nut, thin (nylon insert)Low-profile nylon lock
AN365MS20365 / MS21044Elastic stop nut (nylon insert)Full-height, for tension bolts. 125,000 PSI, 250F max

Aircraft Spruce sells AN365 nuts under the MS21044 number (e.g., MS21044N3 = AN365-1032A). The AN310 castle nut is sold as NASM310 with identical part numbering.

Washers

AN NumberCurrent DesignationTypeNotes
AN960NAS1149 (superseded in 2011)Flat washer (standard)Light series. One under bolt head, one under nut. Still sold as AN960
AN970AN970 (no supersession)Large-area flat washerOversized OD for soft materials or large bearing area

MS20002 / NAS1439 washers are for internal-wrenching (socket head) bolts only — they are NOT equivalents for AN960 or AN970.

Blind Rivets

DesignationCross-ReferenceTypeNotes
CS4-4BSC-44 (Cherry)120-degree countersunk blind rivet1/8“ diameter, common in Van’s plans for bottom wing skins. Not as flush as AN426
LP4-3— (Van’s/Gesipa designation)Open-end multi-grip blind rivet1/8“ diameter, grip 0.039“-0.197“. Standard “pop rivet” in RV plans
CR3212-4-xCherryMAX countersunk100-degree flush structural blindHigh-strength, locked spindle. Builder upgrade for CS4-4
CR3213-4-xCherryMAX universal headUniversal head structural blindHigh-strength, locked spindle. Builder upgrade for LP4
CR3242-4-xCherryMAX countersunk (oversize)100-degree flush, oversizedFor holes drilled or worn oversize
CR3243-4-xCherryMAX universal (oversize)Universal head, oversizedFor holes drilled or worn oversize

Blind rivet dash numbers: First number = diameter in 32nds (4 = 1/8“), second number = max grip in 16ths (3 = 3/16“, 4 = 1/4“, 5 = 5/16“).

CherryMAX (CR32xx) rivets are a significant upgrade over CS4-4 and LP4-3: they have a locked spindle that creates a bulbed blind-side head similar to a solid rivet, providing higher shear and tension strength. Many builders substitute them throughout the build.

Nutplates (Anchor Nuts)

DesignationMS NumberTypeNotes
K1000MS21047 / NAS680NFixed, two-lug, all-metal self-lockingStandard fixed nutplate. K1000-3 = 10-32, K1000-4 = 1/4-28
MK1000MS21069 / NAS697NFixed, two-lug, miniatureSmaller footprint version of K1000
K1100K1100 (no direct MS)Fixed, two-lug, dimpledNests into dimpled skin for flush countersunk screws
MS21059MS21059Floating, two-lug, low-heightAllows screw alignment tolerance
MS21078MS21078Fixed, two-lug, elastic insertFixed with nylon insert

Nutplates are riveted to structure with AN426AD3 rivets (typically -3.5 length). The K1000 series is by far the most common in RV-10 construction.

Cotter Pins & Clevis Pins

AN NumberMS NumberTypeNotes
AN380MS24665 (cadmium-plated steel)Split cotter pinUsed with AN310/AN320 castle nuts
AN381MS24665 (passivated stainless)Split cotter pin (CRES)Corrosion-resistant version
AN393MS20392 (supersedes AN392-AN396)Clevis pinStraight headed pin with drilled shank, secured with cotter pin

Aircraft Spruce lists cotter pins under MS24665. Example: AN380-4-5 = MS24665-355 (1/8“ dia, 1-1/4“ long).

Quick-Reference Summary

For the most common RV-10 fasteners, here is what to search for at Aircraft Spruce:

Van’s Plans Call-OutSearch Aircraft Spruce For
AN426AD3-3.5MS20426AD3-3.5
AN470AD4-4MS20470AD4-4
AN509-10R8MS24694 (find by thread/length)
AN507-8R6MS24693 (find by thread/length)
AN515-8R8MS35206 (find by thread/length)
AN525-10R8AN525-10R8 (still AN)
AN365-1032AMS21044N3
AN310-3NASM310-3 or AN310-3
AN960-10AN960-10 or NAS1149
AN3-5AAN3-5A or NASM3-5A
AN380-2-2MS24665 (find by size)
K1000-3K1000-3 or MS21047
CS4-4BSC-44 (Cherry) or CS4-4
LP4-3LP4-3

Sources

Hangar Facility — KBDU

Flooring

Swisstrax Ribtrax Pro interlocking tiles, Slate Grey. Wall-to-wall coverage of KBDU hangar. Custom L-shaped layout: ~41’ x 15’6“ main area with 18’6“ x 7’6“ extension.

ItemPart #QtyNotes
Ribtrax Pro (Standard Colors) - Slate Grey504.000.200C549Main floor tiles
Looped Edge Pro - Slate GreyC504.031.200a32Perimeter edge pieces

Ordered 2026-01-26 from Swisstrax (Order #60309, rep Jacob Crawford). Total $4,337.01. Invoice filed at Private/Invoices/swisstrax-hangar-flooring-order-60309-2026-01-26.pdf.

References

All order confirmations and invoices archived to Google Drive Private/Invoices/ organized by vendor.

Autopilot

ATA Chapter 22 — N720AK Systems Reference

Overview

N720AK uses the Dynon 3-axis autopilot integrated with the Skyview HDX EFIS. The system provides roll (aileron), pitch (elevator), and yaw damper servo control. The autopilot is controlled via the Dynon autopilot panel on the instrument panel and can be disconnected instantly via the red button on the Tosten CS Military stick grip.

Components

ComponentPart NumberSupplierNotes
Roll servoDynonAileron axis — tuning guide
Pitch servoDynonElevator axis
Yaw damperDynonYaw axis
AP control panelDynonPanel-mounted — install guide
AP disconnectTosten gripRed button on both sticks

How It Works

Control Wheel Steering (CWS)

The Dynon autopilot supports Control Wheel Steering mode. Press and hold the autopilot disconnect button on the stick grip to temporarily override the autopilot, manually fly the aircraft to a new attitude/heading, then release the button. The autopilot will hold the new state. This allows quick course corrections without fully disconnecting and re-engaging the autopilot.

Disconnect Logic

The autopilot disconnects when:

  • The red disconnect button on either stick grip is pressed
  • Manual force is applied to the controls (servo clutch slip)

Servo Installation

Inspection & Maintenance

References

Communications

ATA Chapter 23 — N720AK Systems Reference

Overview

N720AK’s communications stack includes the Garmin GMA 245 audio panel, Dynon Com Panel, and intercom system. The audio panel provides Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls and music.

Components

ComponentPart NumberSupplierNotes
Audio panelGMA 245GarminBluetooth, IntelliVox
Com radioGTN 650 ComGarminIntegrated in GTN 650
Dynon Com panelSV-COM-425DynonCom frequency control
Nav antennaBob ArcherSingle nav antenna for GTN 650
Com antenna 1CI-121ComantTop of fuselage
Com antenna 2CI-122ComantBottom of right wing
IntercomGMA 245 internalGarmin4-place

How It Works

Antennas

COM Antennas

SpecCI-121 (top of fuselage)CI-122 (bottom of right wing)
Frequency118–137 MHz118–137 MHz
VSWR2.5:1 max3.0:1
PolarizationVerticalVertical
PatternOmnidirectionalOmnidirectional
Impedance50 Ω50 Ω
Power50 W50 W
Weight0.5 lb max0.5 lb max
Height18.50 in max8.75 in max
MaterialCast housing / fiberglass whipCast housing / stainless whip
ConnectorBNC femaleBNC
FAA TSOC37d, C38dC37d, C38d
GasketB12607-3 cork neopreneC12607-3 cork neoprene

The CI-121 is a straight vertical whip (standard Cessna-style). The CI-122 is a bent configuration designed for underside mounting.

All antenna coax is RG-400. See wing root connectors for the right wing COM antenna coax routing through the wing root CPC.

  • Bob Archer — single nav antenna for GTN 650

Transponder & ADS-B Antennas

See also Navigation & Instruments.

Spec104-12 Transponder104-17 ADS-B
Frequency1030–1090 MHz978 MHz
VSWR1.2:1 @ 1090 MHz, <2:1 @ 1030 MHz
Length3-1/8″ (79.4 mm)3-3/8″ (85.7 mm)
Weight0.053 lb0.053 lb
ConnectorBNC femaleBNC male
MountingO-ring sealed bulkhead feed-throughO-ring sealed bulkhead feed-through
SourceSteinAirSteinAir

Both are non-TSO monopole antennas fed by 50 Ω RG-400 coax, with omnidirectional vertically-polarized radiation patterns.

GPS Antennas

Dynon SV-GPS-250/A

ParameterValue
ModelSV-GPS-250/A
TypeCombined GPS receiver + antenna module
WAASYes
Update rate5 Hz
Weight6.7 oz
Connections4 leads to SkyView DB37 via Serial Port 5
Power8 VDC from SkyView DB37 pin 29 (GPS POWER OUT)
GroundSkyView DB37 pin 24 (GPS GND)
Data TXGPS gray/violet wire → DB37 pin 11 (Serial 5 RX)
Data RXGPS gray/orange wire → DB37 pin 12 (Serial 5 TX)
Baud rate38,400 (SV-GPS-250); Serial Port 5 configured as POS 1
MountingOverhead console
Used byDynon SkyView HDX

Garmin GA 35

ParameterValue
ModelGA 35
Part number013-00235-00
TypePassive GPS/WAAS antenna with built-in LNA
Frequency1575.42 MHz ±10 MHz (L1 GPS/WAAS)
Gain27+ dB at +25°C nominal
Impedance50 Ω
ConnectorFemale TNC
Supply current60 mA max
Weight0.47 lbs
Dimensions4.68 × 3.00 × 0.81 in
Mounting4x #8-32 oval head SS screws, 12–15 in-lbs torque
CertificationTSO-C144.9
MountingOverhead console
Used byGarmin GTN 650

ELT Antenna

ParameterValue
ModelACR Artex 110-773 (Rev C)
TypeDual-band whip antenna
Frequencies121.5 MHz and 406.0 MHz
ConnectorBNC female
Speed ratingFixed-wing up to 200 knots
Included withArtex ELT 345 kit

Antenna Summary

FunctionAntennaLocation
COM 1Comant CI-121Top of fuselage
COM 2Comant CI-122Bottom of right wing
NAVBob Archer
TransponderSteinAir 104-12
ADS-BSteinAir 104-17
Dynon GPSDynon SV-GPS-250/AOverhead console
GTN 650 GPSGarmin GA 35Overhead console
ELTACR Artex 110-773

Wiring

Inspection & Maintenance

References

Electrical Power

ATA Chapter 24 — N720AK Systems Reference

Overview

N720AK’s electrical system uses a dual-bus architecture managed by the flyEFII System32 Bus Manager. Power distribution and electronic circuit breaker protection are provided by the Vertical Power VPX Sport. Two EarthX ETX900 lithium batteries provide redundant power with fully isolated charging systems: a 60-amp primary alternator charges Battery 1, and a Monkworkz MZ-30 generator charges Battery 2.

Components

ComponentPart NumberSupplierNotes
Bus ManagerSystem32flyEFIIControls essential vs main bus — manual
Power distributionVPX SportVertical PowerElectronic breakers — manual (Rev G4)
Battery 1ETX900EarthXCharged by primary alternator
Battery 2ETX900EarthXCharged by Monkworkz generator
Primary AlternatorAL 12-E160/V (P/N 99-9900)Hartzell60A. Belt: 13355 Dayco / 7355L Gates V-belt
GeneratorMZ-30MonkworkzMounted on engine vacuum pad
MZ Regulator(included with MZ-30)MonkworkzMounted on engine mount
Generator relayBOSCH 0332019155BoschNO relay, 30A, 12V, internal diode
Master switchKeyed

How It Works

Bus Architecture

  • Essential Bus: Powers critical engine systems — ignition, fuel injection, fuel pumps. Managed by System32 Bus Manager.
  • Main Bus: Powers avionics and other aircraft systems via VPX Sport electronic breakers.

Emergency Endurance Bus

If a battery fails or bus voltage drops critically, the System32 Bus Manager automatically:

  1. Disconnects non-essential loads from the main bus
  2. Preserves all available power for the essential bus
  3. Maintains engine ignition and fuel injection

The EMERGENCY POWER switch on the panel manually activates this mode.

Endurance bus radio behavior: The GTN 650 is COM1. If power goes out on the GMA 245, it hard-connects COM1 from the GTN 650 directly to the headphones. This ensures radio communication is maintained even if the audio panel loses power on the endurance bus.

VPX Sport

The VPX Sport provides:

  • Electronic circuit breaker protection (no physical breakers to reset)
  • Load monitoring and display on EFIS
  • Automatic load shedding if needed
  • Programmable power channels

Fuses (Non-VPX)

Discrete fuses outside the VPX electronic breaker system, located above the essential bus bar behind the pilot PFD:

CircuitFuseLocation
Front USB-C charger5AAbove essential bus bar, behind pilot PFD
OnSpeed AOA1ALabeled fuse holder, above essential bus bar
SwitcheOn 2/15A15A (Littelfuse 0456015.DR, 456 series, 125V, 10.1 × 3.05 mm SMD)Soldered on SwitcheOn board — requires desoldering to replace

Monkworkz MZ-30 Generator

Installed 2026-03-09. The MZ-30 is a permanent-magnet generator driven off the engine’s vacuum pump pad, providing independent charging for Battery 2. Manual version 4, dated 2024-10-22.

Specifications

ParameterValue
Output voltage~14.4 VDC (configurable: 14.6 or 14.2 VDC)
Max current30 amps (at ≥1800 RPM tach speed)
Current at idle15 amps (at 900–1000 RPM tach speed)
RPM limit3572 crankshaft RPM (4600 generator RPM)
Vacuum pad ratio1.3:1 (Lycoming)
Generator weight2 lbs 1 oz
Regulator weight8.2 oz
Combined weight~2.6 lbs
EnvironmentalTested to 115°F ambient

Voltage selection: Ships configured for 14.6 VDC. For lithium batteries (EarthX), the lower 14.2 VDC setting is recommended per Monkworkz Feb 2026 guidance. To select 14.2V, disconnect pin 1 (VSEL) on the input side Pico-Lock connector. Voltage is set at startup and cannot be changed while running.

Architecture

The two battery charging systems are fully isolated:

SystemChargesSource
Primary alternator (60A)Battery 1Belt-driven
Monkworkz MZ-30Battery 2Engine vacuum pad

The bus manager’s internal screw that previously allowed the primary alternator to cross-charge Battery 2 has been removed. Each battery has a dedicated charging source.

Generator → Battery 2 Wiring

The generator output connects to the Battery 2 stud inside the bus manager (Drawing 5A, bus manager installation guide page 13). A BOSCH 0332019155 normally-open relay (30A, 12V, internal diode) sits between the generator output and Battery 2 to prevent parasitic draw when the engine is off.

Relay coil power: Essential bus + generator enable switch. This design means:

  • Turning off the ignition key de-energizes the essential bus, opening the relay and disconnecting the generator from Battery 2 — regardless of enable switch position
  • The enable switch provides pilot control to disable the generator in flight
  • The generator cannot turn itself on (unlike the Monkworkz reference diagram which powers the relay from the generator output)

Note: The manual recommends connecting to the switched side of the master contactor to avoid parasitic draw from the regulator’s ~30mA diagnostic blink code circuit. The BOSCH relay achieves the same purpose.

MZ Regulator Connections

The MZ regulator is mounted on the engine mount with the following connections:

Generator side (3-phase, #6 screw terminals, 12 AWG):

  • Terminal 7 (~1), Terminal 8 (~2), Terminal 9 (~3) → MZ Generator (phases can be connected in any order)

Input Molex Pico-Lock (pre-wired, 22-24 AWG):

  • Pin 1: Voltage_Select (connected = 14.6V, disconnected = 14.2V)
  • Pin 5: GEN_Thermistor → Generator thermistor (required — system will not produce output without it)
  • Pin 6: GND

Output Molex Pico-Lock (22-24 AWG):

  • Pin 1: Enable → Pilot enable switch (pin 1 to switch center, pin 6 to switch N.O.)
  • Pin 2: Output_Active — pulls to ground when regulator is active and maintaining ≥14V (works with Dynon/Garmin EFIS contact inputs). Orange/brown wire, currently coiled up and unused near the Monkworkz enable switch.
  • Pin 3: +i_Shunt (internal fuse used as shunt, 1.1 mΩ nominal)
  • Pin 4: −i_Shunt
  • Pin 5: Proportional_Current → Dynon EMS pin 31 (0–~2.7V = 0–30A, brown/blue wire)
  • Pin 6: GND

Power output (#6 screw terminals, 10 AWG Tefzel):

  • Terminal 17: Output_Power_Positive → BOSCH relay → Battery 2 stud (bus manager)
  • Terminal 18: Output_Power_Ground (to clean metal airframe ground, no paint/corrosion)

Caution: The Pico-Lock connectors are delicate — add ~0.5“ maintenance loops in the connector wires, secured to nearby 12/10 AWG wires with a small pre-load toward the connector to prevent unseating.

Cooling

Both generator and regulator require cooling via 3/4“ holes in the engine baffling with corrugated nylon tubing routed from the baffling. The duct material is a force fit into the generator, regulator, and baffling holes. RTV can improve the seal.

Generator Enable Switch

Panel-mounted next to the primary alternator field switch. Controls the relay coil circuit (essential bus → enable switch → relay coil → ground).

The enable switch wiring connects pin 1 (Enable) to the switch center post and pin 6 (GND) to the switch’s normally-open terminal, grounded at the regulator end (not at the panel — grounding at the panel can cause ground loops and erratic behavior per manual section 2.1).

Startup Behavior

After engine start, when RPM exceeds ~1200, the MZ-30 performs an internal self-test (2–4 seconds). If all checks pass, it begins providing output voltage. The enable switch can be set ON as part of the pre-start checklist or activated at idle.

Protection Features

  • Overvoltage Protection (OVP): Shuts down output in <1 second if overvoltage detected. If OVP triggers 3 times in one flight, system shuts down for the remainder of that flight. If this occurs across 3 separate flights (9 total OVP events), the regulator requires service/replacement from Monkworkz.
  • Thermal protection: Two-stage — first reduces to half current limit, then full shutdown if temperature continues rising. Recovers automatically when temperature drops below recovery threshold.
  • Current limiting: Electronic current limiting at 30A. Output fuse is internally replaceable by a repair shop only.
  • Shear coupling: Located between input spline and motor shaft. Breaks if vacuum drive torque is exceeded — contact Monkworkz for replacement if generator rotates freely.

The regulator has a diagnostic LED on the output side:

Flashes/secMeaning
1Thermistor disconnected (check connection, should read ~100kΩ)
2Overvoltage lockout (9 total OVP events across 3 flights — return to Monkworkz)
3Disabled (enable pin not grounded — enable switch is off)
4Enabled (enable pin grounded — enable switch is on, normal operation)
5Thermistor shorted or over-temperature

The Output Active pin (pin 2) also provides status: it “flashes” on an 8-second cycle (4s ground, 4s open) if the generator is overheating, providing an in-cockpit indication.

Dynon EMS Monitoring

The MZ-30’s proportional current output (pin 5, 0–~2.7V = 0–30A) is wired to Dynon EMS pin 31 (previously CO Guardian). This replaces the CO detector wiring.

References

Wiring

KiCad migration: All connector pinouts and wiring data below should eventually be ported to proper KiCad schematics. The text tables here are transcribed from build notes and serve as the interim reference.

Wiring Stations (Station-by-Station Topology)

Complete wiring map of the aircraft, from tail to firewall.

Rear Tailcone

  • ELT
  • SunTail (rear position/strobe)
  • Elevator trim servo

Tailcone / Baggage Area Junction (RIGHT)

  • Elevator autopilot servo
  • ADSB
  • Net hub
  • Battery 1 positive (large gauge)
  • Battery 2 positive (large gauge)
  • Main battery negative (large gauge)

Tailcone / Baggage Area Junction (LEFT)

  • Alt static line from panel
  • EFIS hub connection
  • Starter solenoid 1 drive
  • Starter solenoid 2 drive
  • Starter annunciator wire
  • Emergency air override (yellow and red lines)
  • O₂ supply and pressure lines (blue and red)
  • Oxygen wiring harness
  • Pitot air hose (blue)
  • AoA hose (green)

Passenger Area (LEFT)

  • O₂ lines (blue and red)
  • Left passenger O₂ harness
  • Left door ajar sensor
  • Power wire for left door ajar servos

Passenger Area (RIGHT)

  • O₂ lines (blue and red)
  • Right passenger O₂ harness
  • Right door ajar sensor
  • Power wire for right door ajar servos

Left → Center Tunnel

  • Flap position sensor harness
  • Flap motor wires

Wing Connection Area (LEFT)

  • Pitot heat power and ground (14 AWG)
  • Heated pitot status wire
  • Fuel level sensor left
  • AoA air hose (green)
  • Pitot air hose (blue)
  • 2× shielded 3-wire bundles for left lights
  • Green sync wire for left lights
  • 5-wire trim bundle for left roll trim

Wing Connection Area (RIGHT)

  • AP splice for red, black, yellow — 3-way (rear, connector, front)
  • AP bundle extension from connector
  • 2× shielded 3-wire bundles for right lights
  • Green sync wire for right lights
  • Right wing COM antenna coax from panel (inline connector)
  • Right wing NAV antenna coax from panel (inline connector)

Gear Support Mount (LEFT) — Under-Seat Terminal Blocks

  • EMS ground for trim servo sensors
  • Pitch trim motor power and ground
  • Roll trim motor power and ground
  • Roll trim position sensor
  • Pitch trim position sensor
  • Trim bundle from left wing
  • 5V (red/white) EMS power for trim servo sensors

Gear Support Mount (RIGHT) — Under-Seat Terminal Blocks

  • Green sync wire for lights
  • Wig-wag power
  • Nav power
  • Strobe power
  • Taxi power
  • Landing power
  • Tail light bundle from rear
  • 16 AWG ground wire for lights
  • AP servo black, red, yellow spliced together
  • 2× 3-wire light bundles + green sync crossing to left wing root
  • 2× 3-wire light bundles + green sync from right wing root

Forward Center Tunnel

  • 2× red power wires for fuel pumps
  • Ground wire for fuel pumps (1 wire spliced to 2)

Control Sticks (LEFT and RIGHT)

  • Main bundle from SteinAir panel harness
  • COM flip sensor wire

Pilot Knee Side (LEFT)

  • O₂ pilot wiring harness
  • O₂ lines (blue and red)

Copilot Knee Side (RIGHT)

  • O₂ copilot wiring harness
  • O₂ lines (blue and red)

Left Firewall Penetration — Engine Sensors

  • CHT wires × 6
  • EGT wires × 6
  • Fuel pressure ground and data
  • Oil pressure ground and data
  • Oil temp ground and data
  • Spliced 5V wire (red/white) for fuel pressure, oil pressure, oil temp sensors

Right Firewall Penetration — EFII / Power

  • 60A fuse → bus manager
  • Ammeter shunt wires
  • Spark plug wires for EFII
  • Ignition coil wires (71 and 88)
  • Pressure sensor wires
  • All remaining EFII outputs

Terminal Blocks Under Seats

Two terminal blocks located under the front seats distribute wiring between the wing roots, center tunnel, and panel.

Left Terminal Block

PositionFunction
1EMS ground, trim servos
2EMS power, trim servos
3Roll trim position
4Pitch trim position
5Roll trim motor 1 L
6Roll trim motor 1 R
7Pitch trim motor 2 L
8Pitch trim motor 2 R

Right Terminal Block

PositionFunction
1Ground (house, L side)
2Ground (R side, empty)
3Sync wire for AeroSun VX (green, one from R, one from L)
4Taxi power
5Wig-wag power
6Landing power
7Sync wire for Pulsar/SunTail
8Strobe power
9Nav power

Wing Root Connectors (CPC)

CPC barrel connectors (series 1, 17–18 pin) at each wing root carry all wing wiring.

Right Wing Root Exit

PinFunctionWire Color
1AeroSun VXOrange
2AeroSun VXBlue
3AeroSun VXWhite
4AeroSun VX shieldBlack
5PulsarOrange
6PulsarBlue
7PulsarWhite
8AeroSun VX syncGreen
9Autopilot servoRed
10Autopilot servoBlack
11Autopilot servoYellow
12Pulsar shieldBlack
13Autopilot servoGreen
14Autopilot servoBlue
15Autopilot servoWhite/green
16Autopilot servoWhite/blue
17Fuel level sensor

Left Wing Root Exit

PinFunctionWire Color
1AeroSun VXOrange
2AeroSun VX shieldBlack
3PulsarOrange
4AeroSun VXBlue
5PulsarBlue
6PulsarWhite
7Pulsar shieldBlack
8AeroSun VXWhite
9AeroSun VX syncGreen
10TrimOrange
11TrimBlue
12TrimGreen
13TrimWhite
14TrimWhite
15Pitot heaterRed
16Pitot heaterBlack
17Fuel level sensor
18Pitot heater statusBrown/blue

Autopilot Servo Wiring (Wing)

Wire color mapping between the wing harness and the Dynon roll/pitch servo connector.

Harness ColorServo ColorFunction
RedRedPower
BlackBlackGround
OrangeGreen
BlueBlue
YellowYellow
WhiteWhite/green
White/blackWhite/blue

Dynon EMS-220 Connector (37-Pin)

Complete pinout for the SV-EMS-220 engine monitoring module. Updated 2026-03-04.

Through Firewall

PinFunctionWire Color
3Ground (oil pressure)Black
5Ground (oil temp)Black
6Oil pressure sensorWhite/yellow
7Oil temp sensorWhite/brown
8Fuel pressure sensorBrown
16Ground (fuel pressure)Black (twisted)

Across Panel

PinFunctionWire Color
1Main battery voltageRed
2Secondary battery voltageYellow/green
12Door ajar rightYellow (untwisted)
13Ground (fuel flow)Black (twisted)
14Fuel flowYellow (twisted)
1512V power for fuel flow interfaceRed (twisted)
17Ground (MAP sensor)Black
21Fuel level rightOrange/blue
24Ammeter shunt +Orange/green (twisted)
25Ammeter shunt −Orange/violet (twisted)
26MAP sensor inputGreen/red
34Low voltage RPM input leftBlue (twisted)
35Low voltage RPM input rightGreen (twisted)

Down Left (Under Panel)

PinFunctionWire Color
4Elevator trim positionViolet/blue
9Heated pitot statusBrown/blue
10Roll trim positionBrown/yellow
11Door ajar leftOrange (twisted)
20Fuel level leftOrange/brown
22Battery fault 1Violet/yellow
23Battery fault 2Violet/green
30Ground (roll trim, elevator trim)Black

Shared Power

PinFunctionWire Color
185V power (shared: fuel flow sensor, elevator trim, roll trim, fuel pressure, oil pressure, oil temp, MAP sensor)White/red

Unused Pins

PinDynon FunctionNotes
19Fuel flow return (type F)Not used
27General thermocouple 1+Not used
28General thermocouple 1−Not used
29Warning light outputNot used
31Monkworkz MZ-30 proportional current (was CO Guardian)Brown/blue — 0–2.7V proportional to 0–30A generator output. Sensor definition not yet configured in Dynon.
32RPM input left (high voltage)Not used (using pin 34 low voltage)
33RPM input right (high voltage)Not used (using pin 35 low voltage)
36General thermocouple 2+Not used
37General thermocouple 2−Not used

Panel Mounting Fasteners

Screw/bolt specs for every panel-mounted component. Useful reference for panel removal and reinstallation.

ComponentFastenerQtyNotes
Dynon SkyView HDXAN525-832R14 or R162Shunt mounting
EMS-220MS35207-10R74
GTN 650
GMA 245
COM-425AN515-8R74
VPX SportAN515-8R7 or 8R86
ECU (EFII)AN4-16 or AN4-174Into nutplates
ECU/VPX mounting railsAN3-3A7
Ethernet hubAN525-832R74
Dynon transponderAN525-832R73
Bus manager (wall)MS35207-10R64
Bus manager (internal)MS35207-10R104Plus nuts and washers
SkyView network hubAN515-6R124
ADS-B mountAN515-6R74
FansMS24694-S19-8R228Plus washers, nuts for #8
Ignition coil Adel clampsAN3-5 or AN3-62Plus long standoff bolt AN3-21/22
Fuel valve (Andair)AN3-54Plus AN3-10L × 4, washers × 4, nuts
Starter contactorsAN4-4A or AN4-5APlus 960-416 washers
ASA oil separatorAN4-5 length2× AN4 washers, nutplate
Automotive fuel valveAN3-3A or AN3-4APlus 2× AN960-10 washers
Alt fuse blockAN509-10R11 or 10R12
Firewall penetrationsAN515-6R4
COM/wing antennaeAN509-8R8 or 8R98Nutplates
POS-12 sensorNAS1352-04-4P1/4″ and 3/8″, plus 2× AN365-440
AHRSMS35214-40 (brass)Brass nyloc nuts, brass washers
Grounding block5/16″ bolt1Plus washer and nyloc
MAP sensorsAN3-11AAll MAP sensors

Connector Inventory

Summary of all connector types used in N720AK wiring (all installed).

TypeQuantityLocationPurpose
CPC series 1, 17–18 pin2Wing roots (L/R)Wing exit barrels
CPC series 1, 9 pin2Wingtips (L/R)Wingtip light connections
CPC series 22Autopilot servosBulkhead mount
DSUB 9-pin female8Various5× O₂ connectors, PFD→hub, AHRS fork, ADSB-472
DSUB 11-pin HD2 pairs (M/F)Under seatsStick grips (22 AWG)
DSUB 15-pin female1Tailcone rearSolder pins
Molex Micro-Fit 6-pin1PanelFuel air monitor
Molex Micro-Fit 3-pin1PanelPitot heat controller (22 AWG status, 14 AWG power)
Molex 5-pin (11-4)1Tailcone rearTail light connection
Molex 2-pin (OAT probe)P/N 43645-0200, pins P/N 43030-0007
1-pin blade connector2Tailcone frontBattery status wires
2-pin connectors3Panel areaLED strip, 2× fans

Inspection & Maintenance

EarthX Battery & Chargers

Chargers

ChargerModelUse
OptiMate Lithium 4s 5ATM-2915A charger/maintainer for LiFePO4 (3–100 Ah). 10-step charging, BMS wake-up mode. 100–240V AC input.
OptiMate TM-275 v2TM-275 v29.5A charger/maintainer/power supply for LiFePO4 (2.5–120 Ah). Doubles as 8A @ 13.6V bench power supply (TUNE mode) for avionics configuration without battery drain.

Charger Behavior Notes

The OptiMate chargers enter sleep/maintenance mode once the battery is fully charged, checking voltage roughly once per hour. Important: If a continuous parasitic load is present (e.g. panel powered on for configuration), the charger may not detect the drain during its sleep intervals and the battery can discharge. This caused a drain-to-zero event during initial setup. The TM-275’s TUNE mode (continuous 13.6V power supply) avoids this problem. (Per EarthX Engineering, Dillon Hinners, 2026-01-13.)

Hartzell Alternator Maintenance

Per the AL 12-E160/V installation manual: battery terminal torque 50 in-lb, safety wire .032. Annual: check bearings. 5yr/1000hr: inspect brushes (replace if <0.250“ from holder case edge). 5A enable CB, 60A main breaker.

References

Flight Controls

ATA Chapter 27 — N720AK Systems Reference

Overview

N720AK has dual controls (pilot and co-pilot) with push-pull tube actuation for ailerons and elevator, cable actuation for rudder. The stick grips are Tosten CS Military with multiple programmable buttons. Electric trim is provided for pitch and roll axes.

Components

ComponentPart NumberSupplierNotes
Stick grip (x2)CS Military (MS)Tosten ManufacturingPilot and co-pilot
Pitch trim servoElevator trim tab
Roll trim servoIn wing
Flap actuatorPHA-09PPH Aviation Services12V, 4A, 150 lb, 5“ stroke
Co-pilot trim switchPanel-mounted enable/disable
Throttle quadrantQuad Arm RestAerosport ProductsCustom: throttle + prop only (no mixture — EFII)
Throttle cable176-VTT-2.25-89.5California Push-Pull
Prop cable176-VTT-2.25-64.5California Push-Pull

How It Works

Stick Grip Button Layout

ButtonFunction
TriggerPush-to-talk (PTT)
Thumb buttonAutopilot disconnect (press) / Control wheel steering (hold)
Hat switch (top)Aileron (left/right) and pitch (up/down) electric trim
Up/down toggleUp = COM1 standby↔active swap, Down = COM2 standby↔active swap
Big red button (left)COM1/COM2 flip-flop
Small flush button (front, below trigger)Not wired / unused

Trim Systems

  • Pitch Trim: Electric servo-actuated trim tab on elevator, controlled by hat switch on stick grip
  • Roll Trim: Electric servo in wing, controlled by hat switch on stick grip
  • Yaw Trim: None installed

Elevator Trim Tab Setting

N720AK’s elevator trim tabs were set using Bill DeRouchey’s method (via myrv10.com trimming tips) instead of the stock Van’s procedure. The stock instructions to set both trim tabs at 35° down creates an asymmetry problem where one tab fails to rise to trail position while the other overshoots, causing tail twisting forces.

The corrected method:

  1. Move the trim servo to full nose-up position
  2. Set the starboard (right) trim tab trailing edge to 3“ below the elevator trailing edge
  3. Run the starboard trim tab to trail position
  4. Set the port (left) trim tab to trail position

The key requirement is that both trim tabs reach the neutral/trailing position at the same time, and that neither tab goes up while the other goes down.

Co-Pilot Trim Enable

A panel switch enables or disables trim authority from the co-pilot stick grip. When disabled, the co-pilot’s trim hat has no effect. This prevents inadvertent trim inputs from passengers.

Flaps

Electric flap motor with position indicator on EFIS. Controlled by:

  • Panel-mounted flap switch
  • Stick grip switch (both sticks)

Flap positions range from reflex (-3°) to full (33°).

Flap operation:

  • Flaps will not deploy above 90 KIAS (speed inhibit)
  • One tap down: 0° → 16°
  • Second tap down: 16° → 33° (full)
  • One tap up: returns to 0° (full retract)
  • Momentary click — no need to hold the switch

Inspection & Maintenance

Control Stick Slop Fix

The RV-10 control stick bases can develop play between the brass bushing and the welded cylinder of the stick base. On N720AK, the pilot side only had noticeable slop (co-pilot was fine). The fix was a single AN960-6 washer (sized for AN6 bolt) placed around the brass bushing so it sits against the welded cylinder. No delrin bushing replacement was needed — the original brass bushings were retained, and the single washer was sufficient to eliminate the play.

Quadrant Cable Boots

Replacement cable boots for the throttle/mixture/prop quadrant: see VAF thread on Q-43 boots.

Photos

References

Fuel System

ATA Chapter 28 — N720AK Systems Reference

System Overview

N720AK uses the EFII System32 electronic fuel injection system with an Aeromotive MAP-referenced fuel pressure regulator. This is a modern port EFI system — no venturi, no mechanical fuel injection servo. The fuel system is a pressurized loop: fuel flows from the tanks, through filters and pumps, around a fuel rail past six port injectors, through the regulator, and back to the selected tank via a return line.

The entire fuel tune — injector pulse widths, fuel maps, mixture scheduling — depends on the regulator maintaining a constant pressure differential across the injectors. If this differential changes (due to regulator wear, filter clogging, pump degradation, or plumbing restrictions), the ECU’s fuel calculations become wrong and the tune must be re-evaluated. Every component in this system exists to ensure that differential stays rock-steady.


Physical Plumbing — Tank to Injector and Back

Flow Path (supply side)

LEFT TANK (30 gal)  ──┐                                    ┌── RIGHT TANK (30 gal)
                       │                                    │
              Safety-wired                         Safety-wired
              shutoff valve                        shutoff valve
                       │                                    │
              40μ pre-filter                        40μ pre-filter
              (TS Flight Lines)                    (TS Flight Lines)
                       │                                    │
                       └──── Under seats ────┬──── Under seats ────┘
                                             │
                                     Andair duplex valve
                                     (tank selection)
                                             │
                                ┌────────────┴────────────┐
                                │                         │
                          Walbro 391 pump           Walbro 391 pump
                          (primary)                 (backup)
                                │                         │
                                └────────────┬────────────┘
                                             │
                                    10μ Aeromotive post-filter
                                    (mounted with 8L clamp to
                                     engine mount diagonal)
                                             │
                                        FUEL RAIL
                                    ┌──┬──┬──┬──┬──┬──┐
                                    │  │  │  │  │  │  │
                                   Cyl injectors (×6)
                                    │
                              End of rail
                                    │
                            ┌───────┴───────┐
                            │               │
                     Fuel pressure    MAP reference line
                      regulator ◄──── (from throttle body
                     (Aeromotive)      orifice port)
                            │
                        RETURN LINE

Flow Path (return side)

                        RETURN LINE
                            │
                    Through firewall
                            │
                    Andair duplex valve
                    (routes return to
                     selected tank)
                            │
                  ┌─────────┴─────────┐
                  │                   │
             LEFT TANK           RIGHT TANK

Key Design Points

  • Pressurized loop: The pumps pressurize fuel continuously. The regulator bypasses excess fuel back to the tank. The injectors pull from a fuel rail that’s always at pressure.
  • Dual pumps: Primary and backup Walbro 391 pumps on a rack. Only one runs at a time. A bus manager switch selects 1/AUTO or 2. In 1/AUTO mode, the bus manager automatically cuts over from pump 1 to pump 2 if fuel pressure drops to 22 PSI or below. The cutover is controlled by the bus manager and performed by a relay mounted under the panel.
  • Two-stage filtration: 40μ pre-filter before the pumps (protects pumps), 10μ post-filter after the pumps (protects injectors and regulator).
  • MAP reference: The regulator’s vacuum reference comes from an orifice port on the throttle body that provides a stable, damped manifold pressure signal. This is a small restrictive fitting — not a wide-open port — to prevent fuel pressure from chasing rapid MAP transients.
  • Return routing: The return line goes back through the firewall to the Andair duplex valve, which routes it to whichever tank is currently selected. This is a direct run — no additional valving on the return side.

Components

Fuel Tanks

ParameterValue
Capacity (each)30 gallons
Total usable29.5 gallons per tank (59 gallons total)
Fuel type100LL or premium unleaded 91 octane mogas (minimum)
VentingVented to atmosphere via wing vent tubes
Fuel sump drainsSaf-Air stainless push drains, 2 (one per wing)
Fuel drain fairingJDAir fuel drain fairing (silver)
Fuel vent fairingJDAir fuel vent fairing (blue)

Shutoff Valves

ParameterValue
ManufacturerPeterson Fluid Systems
Part number09-0910
TypePanel mount ball valve, -6 AN x -6 AN
Quantity2 (one per tank, at wing root)
LocationAfter tank supply port, before pre-filter
PositionSafety-wired open

Pre-Filters (40 micron)

ParameterValue
Filtration40 micron
SupplierTS Flight Lines (private label)
ServiceableYes — disassemble and clean at annual
LocationAt wing roots, between shutoff valve and Andair duplex valve

Andair Duplex Valve

ParameterValue
ManufacturerAndair
ModelFS20-20-D2-6M
Thread9/16-18 Male AN-6
FunctionTank selector — routes supply from selected tank to pumps, routes return back to selected tank
LocationCenter tunnel, under seats
Fittings5x Andair EF20 elbow fittings required to route lines in tunnel

Fuel Pumps — Walbro 391

ParameterValue
ModelWalbro GSL391 (391 LPH)
Quantity2 (primary + backup)
MountingDual electric fuel pump rack from ProTek Performance, supplied by EFII
PressureSee pump curves below (varies with flow rate and voltage)

Walbro GSL391 pump curves

Pump replacement notes:

Viton crush washers for pump fittings: One Hydraulics SS9500-02V (primary source, where N720AK’s were purchased). Alternate source: Titan Fittings SS-9500V series.

Post-Filter (10 micron) — Aeromotive

ParameterValue
BrandAeromotive
Part number12347
Filtration10 micron
TypePerformance post-filter, serviceable
Mounting8L clamp on engine mount diagonal tube, firewall forward

Fuel Rail

  • Configuration: Common rail feeding all 6 cylinders
  • Injectors: 6 port fuel injectors, one per cylinder

Fuel Pressure Regulator — Aeromotive

ParameterValue
BrandAeromotive
TypeMAP-referenced diaphragm regulator with bypass return
LocationEnd of fuel rail
MAP referenceOrifice port on throttle body
Spring setpoint~35 PSI differential
Part number13129

The regulator is the heart of fuel pressure management. See The MAP-Referenced Regulator for full theory.

MAP Reference Line

The vacuum reference line connects from an orifice port on the throttle body to the regulator. The orifice provides a stable, damped manifold pressure signal — it’s a small restrictive fitting, not a wide-open port. This prevents the regulator from chasing rapid MAP transients during throttle changes.

The MAP reference orifice is integral to the EFII-supplied throttle body (stock configuration — no aftermarket modification needed).

Fuel Pressure Sensor — Dynon Kavlico

ParameterValue
BrandKavlico (Dynon-supplied)
Range150 PSI
TypeGauge (measures relative to atmosphere)
Baro compensationYes — atmospheric vent port keeps gauge reading accurate with altitude
Location

See Dynon Service Bulletin 120414 regarding blocked baro compensation ports on sensors manufactured July 2013 – June 2014.

Fuel Lines


How It Works: The MAP-Referenced Regulator

How It Maintains Constant Differential

The Aeromotive regulator is a mechanical diaphragm device:

  • One side of the diaphragm sees fuel pressure from the fuel rail
  • Other side sees manifold pressure (via a vacuum reference line from the throttle body) plus a calibrated spring

The diaphragm balances these forces:

Fuel_absolute = MAP_absolute + Spring_force

When MAP rises (throttle opened), the diaphragm sees more pressure on the reference side, so it allows fuel pressure to rise by the same amount. When MAP drops (throttle closed), fuel pressure drops to match. This is called 1:1 tracking — every PSI change in MAP produces a matching PSI change in fuel pressure.

The result: The spring force sets the differential, and it stays constant:

$$ P_{\text{fuel}} - P_{\text{MAP}} = F_{\text{spring}} \approx 35 \text{ PSI (constant)} $$

What Goes Wrong

ProblemSignature in DataLikely Cause
MAP under-trackingNegative MAP slope (PSI/inHg)Restricted/leaking vacuum reference line, stiff diaphragm, weak spring
Flow-dependent droopNegative fuel flow slope (PSI/(gal/hr))Spring fatigue, excessive diaphragm friction
Sticking / huntingHigh residual $\sigma$ after removing MAP trendDiaphragm friction, valve seat wear, debris, hysteresis
Over-trackingPositive MAP slopeUnlikely — would indicate reference line amplifying signal

The Critical Quantity: Injector Differential Pressure

The pressure drop across each fuel injector determines how much fuel flows during the injector’s open time:

True_differential = Fuel_absolute − MAP_absolute

For N720AK, this should be constant at ~35 PSI regardless of throttle position, altitude, or flight phase.

Why It Matters

The EFII ECU calculates injector pulse width assuming a known, constant pressure differential. If the differential changes:

  • Higher differential → more fuel per pulse → richer mixture → wasted fuel, fouled plugs, potentially hydraulic lock
  • Lower differential → less fuel per pulse → leaner mixture → hot cylinders, detonation risk, rough running

All fuel tuning depends on this value being stable. If the differential changes — due to regulator wear, filter clogging, pump degradation, or plumbing restrictions — the fuel maps become wrong and must be re-evaluated.

What Changes the Differential

ChangeEffect on DifferentialWhat You’d See
Clogged post-filterPressure drop before rail → lower differentialDelta drops, especially at high fuel flow
Clogged pre-filterReduced flow to pumps → pump can’t maintain pressureDelta drops at high flow, pump noise
Weak/worn regulatorDoesn’t track MAP 1:1, stickingMAP slope $\neq 0$, high residual $\sigma$
Restricted MAP reference lineRegulator sees damped/wrong MAPMAP slope $\neq 0$ (under-tracking)
Leaking MAP reference lineRegulator sees atmospheric instead of MAPDelta rises at low MAP (idle), slope positive
Pump degradationCan’t maintain target pressure at high flowDelta sags at high power/flow
Injector clogReduced flow through one cylinderIndividual EGT anomaly, not visible in delta

Monitoring the Differential Over Time

Track these metrics at each annual or whenever the fuel system is serviced:

  1. Startup fuel pressure (gauge, engine off, pump on) — this is the spring setpoint
  2. Run the regulator_diagnostic.py script on a representative flight log
  3. Compare against the baseline in the flight log history table below

If any of these metrics change significantly, investigate before flying further. A change in the differential means the fuel tune is no longer valid.


Sensor Reference Frames

This is the most important subtlety in interpreting fuel system data. The two sensors measure in different reference frames:

  • MAP sensor measures absolute pressure (relative to vacuum). 29.92 inHg at sea level on a standard day.
  • Fuel pressure sensor (Dynon Kavlico) measures gauge pressure (relative to local atmosphere). Reads 0 PSI with no fuel pressure at any altitude.

The Gauge-vs-Absolute Problem

When we naively compute Fuel_gauge − MAP_psi, we get:

Delta_gauge = Fuel_gauge − MAP_psi
            = (Fuel_absolute − Atmosphere) − MAP_absolute
            = (Fuel_absolute − MAP_absolute) − Atmosphere
            = True_differential − Atmosphere

This is not the true injector differential. It’s offset by atmospheric pressure (~14.7 PSI at sea level, ~10.5 PSI at 9,000 ft).

Altitude Effect

Atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude:

$$ P_{\text{atm}} = 14.696 \times \left(1 - 6.8756 \times 10^{-6} \times h\right)^{5.2559} \quad [h \text{ in feet}, P \text{ in PSI}] $$

Altitude (ft)Atmosphere (PSI)Atmosphere (inHg)
014.7029.92
3,00013.1726.82
5,00012.2324.90
7,00011.3423.09
9,00010.5021.38

As you climb, the gauge delta changes even if the regulator is perfect — because Atmosphere in the equation above is changing.

The Correction

To recover the true injector differential:

$$ \Delta_{\text{true}} = \Delta_{\text{gauge}} + P_{\text{atm}}(h) = P_{\text{fuel,gauge}} - P_{\text{MAP(psi)}} + P_{\text{atm}}(h) $$

Dynon Baro Compensation

Dynon’s Kavlico fuel pressure sensor has baro compensation — an atmospheric vent port that keeps the gauge reading accurate as altitude changes. This does NOT convert the reading to absolute; it just ensures the gauge reading is a faithful measurement of Fuel_absolute − Atmosphere at any altitude.

The baro compensation means the sensor is a good gauge sensor, but it doesn’t eliminate the need for the altitude correction when computing the true injector differential. The correction is required because of the reference frame mismatch between the gauge fuel pressure sensor and the absolute MAP sensor.

Caveat — Dynon Service Bulletin 120414: Some Kavlico sensors manufactured July 2013 – June 2014 had a blocked baro compensation port (environmental seal covering the vent). This causes the sensor reading to drift ~0.5 PSI per 1,000 ft of altitude change. Test by removing the silicone gasket from the connector and checking if altitude-dependent drift decreases. See: https://dynonavionics.com/bulletins/support_bulletin_120414.php

When to Apply Altitude Correction

Sensor TypeCorrectionHow to Identify
Gauge (baro-compensated, like Dynon)+ P_atm(pressure_altitude)Reads 0 with no fuel pressure; has baro vent port
Gauge (not compensated, like Garmin)+ P_atm(pressure_altitude)Same correction applies
Absolute sensorNone neededReads ~14.7 PSI with no fuel pressure at sea level

How to Test Whether Your Sensor Needs Correction

Use the --alt-scan flag on the diagnostic script. It applies a range of correction fractions (0.0 to 1.0) to the altitude term and finds the fraction that minimizes residual sigma:

uv run --with numpy --with matplotlib python3 scripts/regulator_diagnostic.py /path/to/log.csv --alt-scan
  • Fraction $\approx 1.0$ → Sensor is gauge, correction needed (e.g., Garmin Kavlico)
  • Fraction $\approx 0.0$ → Sensor already behaves as absolute, no correction needed

For Garmin GDU 460 fuel pressure, we confirmed fraction = 1.0 (standard gauge sensor). For Dynon SkyView fuel pressure on N720AK, we found fraction $\approx 0.0$ — this is still under investigation. The regulator noise ($\sigma = 1.4$ PSI) may be swamping the altitude signal (~0.4 PSI/1,000 ft). Fix the regulator first, then re-test.


Diagnostics

Running the Script

cd ~/code/rv10

# Dynon SkyView log
uv run --with numpy --with matplotlib python3 scripts/regulator_diagnostic.py /path/to/dynon_log.csv

# Garmin log (needs altitude correction)
uv run --with numpy --with matplotlib python3 scripts/regulator_diagnostic.py /path/to/garmin_log.csv --alt-correct

# Multiple flights
uv run --with numpy --with matplotlib python3 scripts/regulator_diagnostic.py flight1.csv flight2.csv

# Altitude correction scan
uv run --with numpy --with matplotlib python3 scripts/regulator_diagnostic.py /path/to/log.csv --alt-scan

# Skip plot (console output only)
uv run --with numpy --with matplotlib python3 scripts/regulator_diagnostic.py /path/to/log.csv --no-plot

Step 1: Load and Filter Data

The script auto-detects Dynon vs Garmin format. It extracts:

  • Session time, MAP (inHg), fuel pressure (PSI gauge), fuel flow (gal/hr), pressure altitude (ft)
  • Engine-on filter: MAP > 15 inHg, fuel pressure > 5 PSI, session time > 5 minutes
  • Steady-state filter: |dMAP/dt| < 0.05 inHg/sec (throttle not moving)

Step 2: Compute Delta

$$ P_{\text{MAP(psi)}} = P_{\text{MAP(inHg)}} \times 0.49115 $$

$$ \Delta_{\text{gauge}} = P_{\text{fuel}} - P_{\text{MAP(psi)}} $$

Apply altitude correction if using --alt-correct.

Step 3: Key Metrics

MetricWhat It MeasuresHealthy Value
Delta $\sigma$Overall variation in injector differential$< 0.2$ PSI
MAP slopeHow well regulator tracks MAP changes (PSI/inHg)$\approx 0 ; (\pm 0.02)$
Fuel flow slopePressure droop under load (PSI/(gal/hr))$\approx 0 ; (\pm 0.05)$
Residual $\sigma$Scatter after removing MAP trend$< 0.1$ PSI
Startup fuel pressureSpring setpoint (gauge, at atmospheric MAP)~35 PSI

Step 4: Bin Analysis

The script divides steady-state data into MAP bins (15–19, 19–22, 22–26 inHg) and computes $\sigma$ within each bin. High within-bin scatter indicates sticking/hunting independent of the MAP slope.

Step 5: Diagnostic Plot

The 4-panel plot shows:

  1. Delta vs MAP — reveals MAP slope and scatter pattern
  2. Delta vs Fuel Flow — reveals flow-dependent droop
  3. Delta vs Time (colored by |dMAP/dt|) — reveals sticking events and altitude correlation
  4. Delta histogram — reveals distribution shape (unimodal = good, bimodal = sticking)

Flight Log Analysis History

Reference Baseline: N88810 (Healthy Regulator)

Same Aeromotive regulator, EFII System32, Garmin GDU 460 (gauge fuel pressure sensor). Flight: X05 → KGAD, 2026-02-09. Altitude range: sea level to 6,161 ft.

After altitude correction (confirmed fraction = 1.0 for Garmin sensor):

  • True differential: $35.03 \pm 0.08$ PSI — essentially perfect
  • MAP slope: $-0.011$ PSI/inHg — essentially zero
  • Fuel flow slope: $+0.046$ PSI/(gal/hr) — flat
  • Residual $\sigma$: 0.07 PSI

This proves the Aeromotive regulator CAN perform essentially perfectly with the EFII System32.

N720AK Flight History

DateDurationAlt RangeDelta $\sigma$MAP SlopeFF SlopeResid $\sigma$Startup FPNotes
(original)~80 min4,896–9,001 ft1.43−0.303−0.4171.2535.8Worst sticking
2026-01-30~105 min4,908–8,791 ft0.93−0.297−0.2810.6132.0Moderate sticking
2026-02-25~7 min5,200–6,680 ft0.93−0.298−0.1680.1833.0Short ground run, minimal sticking

Key findings:

  • MAP slope is consistent at $-0.30$ PSI/inHg across all flights — this is a structural characteristic of the regulator, not flight-dependent
  • Sticking/hunting varies dramatically (residual $\sigma$: 0.18 to 1.25) — worse on longer flights with more throttle changes, possibly temperature-dependent
  • Startup fuel pressure varies (32.0 to 35.8) — may indicate the regulator settles at different stick points on startup

Diagnosis: N720AK Regulator

Problem 1: MAP Under-Tracking (Slope = −0.30 PSI/inHg)

The regulator does not follow MAP changes on a 1:1 basis. For every 1 inHg increase in MAP, the injector differential drops by 0.30 PSI. Over the 10 inHg operating range, that’s ~3 PSI of sag — about 9% of the 33 PSI setpoint.

Likely causes:

  • Vacuum reference line partially restricted or leaking
  • Diaphragm stiffness or age
  • Spring rate mismatch

Effect: At high power, injectors see less differential than intended → leaner than the ECU expects. At idle, richer than expected. The ECU’s fuel map is calibrated assuming constant differential — this slope means the actual air-fuel ratio shifts with power setting.

Problem 2: Mechanical Sticking / Hunting (Variable, up to σ = 1.25 PSI)

Random, non-repeatable variation in the differential, worst at mid and high power settings, worse on longer flights.

Likely causes:

  • Diaphragm friction or contamination
  • Valve seat wear or debris
  • Spring fatigue causing hysteresis

Effect: Random variation in fuel delivery per injector pulse → uneven cylinder mixture, potentially rough running.

Recommendations

  1. Inspect vacuum reference line — check for kinks, cracks, loose fittings, contamination
  2. Replace or rebuild the regulator — the sticking won’t be fixed by a vacuum line repair
  3. After replacement, re-fly and re-analyze — target σ < 0.2 PSI and MAP slope near zero
  4. After regulator fix, re-test the baro port question — with low regulator noise, the altitude signal will be detectable

Open Questions

  • Dynon baro compensation behavior: Our analysis showed the altitude correction fraction = 0.0 for N720AK, suggesting the Dynon is removing altitude effects internally. But the physics says a baro-compensated gauge sensor should still need the correction. The regulator noise (σ = 1.4 PSI) likely swamps the altitude signal (~0.4 PSI/1,000 ft). Fix the regulator first, re-test with clean data.
  • Startup fuel pressure variation: 32.0 to 35.8 PSI across flights. Is this temperature-dependent? Different regulator stick points? Pump output variation?
  • Baro port status: Cannot conclusively test from current flight data. Fix regulator first.
  • Dynon differential display: Dynon offers a built-in Fuel_gauge − MAP differential display, but this shows True_differential − Atmosphere, not the true injector differential. It shifts with altitude. Not sufficient for regulator health monitoring without manual altitude correction.

References


TODO: Information Needed

Component Data Sheets and Part Numbers

  • Aeromotive regulator — Aeromotive Compact EFI Regulator with 0.020“ bypass orifice (ProTek Performance / Robert Paisley)
  • Walbro 391 pumps — pump curves filed: GDrive, also images/walbro-gsl391-pump-curves.png
  • ProTek Performance pump rack — dual electric fuel pump, supplied by EFII
  • Aeromotive post-filter — Aeromotive 12347, 10-micron, serviceable
  • TS Flight Lines pre-filter — private label, no part number available; 40 micron, serviceable
  • Andair duplex valve — FS20-20-D2-6M, with 5x EF20 elbow fittings
  • EFII fuel injectors — part number, flow rating
  • Fuel rail — manufacturer, part number
  • Kavlico fuel pressure sensor — exact Dynon part number, data sheet
  • Shutoff valves — Peterson Fluid Systems 09-0910, -6 AN panel mount ball valve

Fuel Lines

  • Supplier name and contact info
  • Line type (AN size, material — stainless braided PTFE?)
  • Lengths for each run (tank to valve, valve to filter, filter to duplex, duplex to pump rack, pump to post-filter, post-filter to rail, regulator return through firewall, firewall to duplex return, duplex to tank return)
  • AN fitting sizes at each connection
  • Any adapters or reducers in the system
  • Torque specs for AN fittings
  • Photos of routing under seats and through firewall

Pump Replacement

  • Viton crush washers — Titan Fittings SS-9500V
  • Step-by-step replacement procedure
  • What does it take? Time, tools, access?
  • Photos of pump internals (healthy pump)
  • How to tell when pumps need replacement

Filter Servicing

  • Pre-filter cleaning procedure (solvent? compressed air?)
  • Post-filter cleaning procedure
  • Photos of clean filter element vs contaminated
  • What does contamination look like? What does it mean?
  • Replacement schedule or inspection criteria

Photos Needed

  • Overall fuel system routing (overview)
  • Pre-filter location and mounting
  • Post-filter mounted on engine mount diagonal
  • Pump rack
  • Fuel rail and injectors
  • Regulator and MAP reference line connection
  • Throttle body orifice fitting
  • Andair duplex valve
  • Firewall passthrough
  • Clean vs dirty filter elements

System Questions

  • Fuel type — 100LL or premium unleaded 91 octane mogas minimum
  • Total usable fuel per tank — 29.5 gallons per tank
  • Pump selection — bus manager switch (1/AUTO or 2), auto cutover at 22 PSI via relay under panel
  • MAP reference orifice — integral to EFII throttle body, stock configuration
  • Fuel pressure sensor tap location on the rail

Doors & Airframe

ATA Chapter 52/53 — N720AK Systems Reference

Overview

N720AK has two forward-opening gull-wing doors (pilot and co-pilot) and a rear baggage door. The doors use aftermarket latches and hardware from Planearound, with Aerosport low-profile exterior handles. The windshield and windows are Cee Bailey replacements.

Doors

Components

ComponentPart Number / SourceSupplierNotes
Door latchesNEW-180 (180° kit)PlanearoundReplaced stock Van’s latches
Door pinsSS angled + delrin guidesPlanearoundRV10DPG
Door strut bracketsDS2PlanearoundFor McMaster Carr door seal
Door seal (main)1120A411McMaster CarrPilot and co-pilot doors
Baggage door seal93085K67 (10’ length)McMaster Carr
Exterior handlesLow profileAerosport ProductsBoth doors
Door locksCam mechanismShared with baggage door, integrated with Planearound latches
Door gas strutsHold doors open

Door Operation

Windshield & Windows

ComponentSupplierNotes
WindshieldCee Bailey’s Aircraft PlasticsFull set — replaced Van’s stock
Pilot door windowCee Bailey’s
Co-pilot door windowCee Bailey’s
Left rear windowCee Bailey’s
Right rear windowCee Bailey’s
Window adhesiveLord 7545 A/EAerosport Products — two-part urethane
  • Material: Aircraft-grade acrylic (ASTM 4082), 0.250“ thickness for side glass
  • Tint: Available in light gray, light green, or clear (all FAA-approved for night flight)
  • Status: Cee Bailey’s was acquired by LP Aero Plastics in June 2025. Replacement parts available from LP Aero (sales@lpaero.com, 724-744-4448).
  • VAF thread: Cee Bailey’s RV-10 Products

Interior

Aerosport Products

N720AK uses a comprehensive set of Aerosport Products interior components:

ComponentStatusNotes
310 Instrument PanelInstalledCarbon fiber. See Avionics
Quad Arm RestInstalledCustom quadrant — throttle and prop only (no mixture lever, due to EFII)
Carbon Overhead ConsoleInstalledHouses 4 AeroVents, 2 map lights, GPS antennas
HeadlinerNot yet installed
Interior PanelsInstalled
Carpet SetInstalled
Door Sill CapsInstalled
SeatsInstalled
Low-Profile Door HandlesInstalledExterior, both doors
Interior Door Handle KitNot yet installed
Seat Lever KitInstalled
Belt & Headset HangerInstalled
Baffle Motor Mount CoversInstalledCarbon fiber. See Engine
AeroVents (x4)InstalledOverhead console — eyeball vents
Cup HoldersInstalled

Interior Paint

Sherwin Williams Jetflex.

Seats & Restraints

ComponentPart NumberSupplierNotes
Front seats (x2)Aerosport Products
Front seatbelts (x2)Kam LockCrow4-point or 5-point?
Rear seatbelts (x2)Kam LockCrow
Sun visors (x2)R1930001Rosen Sunvisor SystemsAircraft Spruce P/N 13-05695. Purchased 2020-07-13, not yet installed.

Sun Visor Installation (TODO — Not Yet Installed)

Kit: Rosen R1930001 (Doc 9051-0193-001, Rev A) Source: Aircraft Spruce P/N 13-05695 (Order #14047456, 2020-07-13, $466)

Hardware included:

  • 4x #10-32 locknut (1032NLINS BLK)
  • 4x #10-32 x 3/4“ truss head screw (AN526C1032R12)
  • 4x #10 washer (AS-10)
  • 5/32“ and 9/64“ hex keys (for tension adjustment)

Installation summary:

  1. Position visor so top mounting hole is level with upper edge of side window
  2. Mounting hole centers 7/8“ from rear edge of door frame
  3. Drill #30 pilot hole, then expand to #12
  4. Insert truss head screws from outside door channel
  5. Mount visor base over screws, secure with washers and locknuts
  6. Torque to 25 lb-in
  7. Optional: RTV sealant around screw heads for moisture seal
  8. Adjust pivot tension with hex keys if needed (factory preset)
  9. Repeat for passenger side

Continued airworthiness: Periodically clean lenses (soft cloth, mild soap, or aviation windscreen cleaner — no abrasives). Periodically adjust pivot tensions.

Fairings & External Hardware

ComponentPart NumberSupplierNotes
Intersection fairingsRVBitsWing/fuselage intersection, main gear
Camloc kit (fairings)Milspec ProductsFor fairing attachment
Fuel drain vent + fairingsJDAirCombo kit
Tiedown pointsWing and tail
Tow barBO-04M-RV10Aircraft Tool SupplySteel, powder coated, lifetime warranty. Fits RV-10/RV-14A nose wheel.
Cargo pod hardpointsMotoPODInstalled; MotoPod not available (production ended). Manual in GDrive.

Heater & Ventilation

ComponentSupplierNotes
Heater bypass valvesPlane InnovationsControls cabin heat from engine exhaust muff
Tunnel access kitAirwardAccess to center tunnel wiring and plumbing
AeroVents (x4)Aerosport ProductsEyeball vents in overhead console
Eyeball air vents (x2)AV-1.25BSteinAir (Invoice 32015)
Map lights (x2)MAPLIGHT-R-24SteinAir

Vents: 4 Aerosport AeroVents in the overhead console + 2 SteinAir AV-1.25B eyeball vents in the instrument panel = 6 total.

Wingtip Attachment

Wingtips attach via piano hinge modification — they can be removed entirely for maintenance access to wing internals, lights, and pitot plumbing. See Lighting for wingtip light details.

Inspection & Maintenance

References

Lighting

ATA Chapter 33 — N720AK Systems Reference

Overview

N720AK uses LED lighting throughout — AeroLEDs products in the wingtips and tail. The wingtips are attached with piano hinges for easy removal during maintenance.

Components

ComponentPart NumberSupplierNotes
Wing tip lights (x2)Pulsar NSP/660AeroLEDs3-in-1: position, strobe, rear position
Landing/taxi lights (x2)AeroSun VXAeroLEDsBuilt-in wig-wag mode
Tail lightSunTailAeroLEDsPosition (white) + strobe

Lighting Controls

SwitchFunction
NAVPosition lights (wing tips and tail)
STROBEStrobe lights (wing tips and tail)
LANDINGLanding lights (wing tips)
TAXITaxi lights

How It Works

Each wingtip contains two units:

  • Pulsar NSP/660: Combines red/green position light, white strobe, and rear-facing white position light in one housing
  • AeroSun VX: High-intensity LED landing and taxi light with wig-wag capability

The wingtips attach via piano hinge modification — they can be removed entirely for maintenance access to the wing internals.

Wiring

Wingtip wiring references:

Wingtip Connectors (CPC Series 1, 9-Pin)

Each wingtip connects via a CPC barrel connector. Pin assignments are identical left and right.

PinFunctionWire Color
1AeroSun VXOrange
2AeroSun VXBlue
3AeroSun VXWhite
4PulsarOrange
5PulsarBlue
6PulsarWhite
7AeroSun VX syncGreen
8(unused)
9Ground

The Molex connector on the left wingtip is for the pitot heater (routed through the wing root CPC, not the wingtip CPC).

Pulsar / SunTail Wiring (Position + Strobe)

Pulsar/SunTail wiring diagram

Recommended wiring for Pulsar 11-1180 / 11-1100 and SunTail 11-1160. Uses three-conductor 20 AWG shielded cable. Shield is used for ground return. Green sync wires from all strobe lights connect together for synchronized flashing.

Pulsar/SunTail connector (ST1):

PinWireFunction
1RedPosition (nav) power
2YellowStrobe power
3GreenSync
4BlackGround (shield)

Ground via mounting screw (H1).

Current budget (14V system):

  • Position light input: 0.5A per Pulsar/SunTail
  • Strobe light input: 5A per Pulsar/SunTail

AeroSun VX Wiring (Landing / Taxi / Wig-Wag)

AeroSun VX wiring diagram

Two-light wig-wag configuration. Each AeroSun VX has a 5-wire connection:

WireFunction
RedLanding power
BlackGround
GreenRecognition (wig-wag) power
Blue
YellowTaxi power

Three switches control the pair:

  • S4 (Landing) — both lights steady on
  • S5 (Recognition / wig-wag) — alternating flash
  • S1 (Taxi) — both lights at reduced intensity

See also: Wing root connector pinouts in the Electrical reference for the full wing-to-fuselage wiring.

Inspection & Maintenance

References

Navigation & Instruments

ATA Chapter 34 — N720AK Systems Reference

Overview

N720AK’s navigation and instrument suite is built around the Dynon Skyview HDX EFIS as the primary flight display, with the Garmin GTN 650 providing certified IFR GPS/Nav/Com capability. The pitot-static system uses a Dynon heated pitot with integrated AoA probe.

Components

ComponentPart NumberSupplierNotes
EFISSkyview HDXDynonPrimary flight display
GPS/Nav/ComGTN 650GarminCertified IFR, S/N 1Z8021616
TransponderSV-XPNDR-261DynonADS-B Out, S/N 04015
ADS-B ReceiverSV-ADSB-470DynonTraffic & weather, S/N 3111
ELTELT 345Artex406 MHz
Pitot tubeDynonHeated, with AoA
Static portsTwo ports, aft fuselage
Alternate static valveUpper left panel
Transponder antenna104-12SteinAirMonopole, 1030–1090 MHz, BNC
ADS-B antenna104-17SteinAirMonopole, 978 MHz, BNC

How It Works

Dynon Skyview HDX

The Skyview HDX provides:

  • Primary Flight Display (PFD) — attitude, airspeed, altitude, heading, VSI
  • Multi-Function Display (MFD) — moving map with terrain
  • Engine monitoring — all EGT, CHT, oil, fuel flow, fuel pressure
  • Traffic display (ADS-B In)
  • Autopilot interface
  • Checklists

Dynon Equipment Serial Numbers (registered 2017-05-28):

ProductSerial Number
SV-HDX1100 Display11672
SV-HDX1100 Display11668
SV-HDX800 Display10980
SV-ARINC-429 Module2360
SV-EMS-220 Engine Monitoring6468
SV-XPNDR-261 Transponder04015
SV-ADSB-470 ADS-B Receiver3111
SV-ADAHRS-200 (Primary)8375
SV-ADAHRS-201 (Secondary)4928
SV-AP-PANEL/V Autopilot Panel4101
SV42T Autopilot Servo50220
Heated AOA/Pitot Probe8438
SV-KNOB-PANEL/V Knob Panel8500
SV-COM-C25/V Com Radio3090

Nearest Airport Emergency: Holding the NEAREST button on the Dynon activates the autopilot to fly directly to the nearest airport matching the current filter settings and automatically tunes the radio to that airport’s frequency. See the Dynon HDX Pilot’s Guide for filter configuration and exact behavior.

Garmin GTN 650

The GTN 650 provides:

  • IFR-certified GPS approaches (LPV, LNAV/VNAV, LNAV)
  • VOR/ILS capability via single Bob Archer nav antenna
  • Com radio
  • Flight plan management

SD Card Formatting: The GTN 650 SD card must be formatted using the SD Card Formatter utility. Formatting with macOS Disk Utility or Windows (including Parallels) does NOT work. (VAF thread)

Garmin GTN 650 Database Update

  1. On a Windows machine, open Garmin Aviation Database Manager and download the current navigation database
  2. Write the database to an SD card formatted with the SD Card Formatter utility (do NOT use macOS Disk Utility or Windows format)
  3. Insert the SD card into the GTN 650
  4. Power on — the unit should prompt to load the database on startup
  5. If the database shows as a “future” database and does not load automatically, hold down the right knob click button during startup to force-load the database

Pitot-Static System

ComponentLocation
Pitot tubeUnder left wing
Static portsTwo ports on aft fuselage sides
Alternate static valveUpper left panel

The pitot tube incorporates a second orifice angled to measure differential pressure for Angle of Attack (AoA) display on the EFIS. Pitot heat is activated by the PITOT HEAT switch.

Inspection & Maintenance

Alternate Static Valve

The alternate static source valve is a toggle on the upper left panel. Reference: Steinair pitot-static toggle switch

Right Wing Com Antenna Access

To install or remove the right wing com antenna, the outboard aileron push-pull tube must be removed first.

91.411 / 91.413 Inspections

Per 14 CFR 91.411 and 91.413, the altimeter system and transponder must be inspected every 24 calendar months if operating in controlled airspace requiring this equipment (IFR flight, Class B/C airspace).

ELT — Artex ELT 345

  • Beacon ID: 2DC88 5940E FFBFF
  • Registration: NOAA SARSAT, registered 2025-11-18, expires 2027-11-18
  • Frequency: 406 MHz
  • Registration portal: beaconregistration.noaa.gov
  • Registration form PDF saved in GDrive Private/Registration/ELT_registration_form.pdf

Battery: Artex P/N 8322 (replacement ordered via Aircraft Spruce, order #17716532, 2025-11-12)

References

OnSpeed AoA

ATA Chapter 34 — N720AK Systems Reference

Overview

The OnSpeed system is an audio angle-of-attack (AoA) indicator that provides continuous tone-based feedback on the aircraft’s energy state. It uses differential pressure from the pitot-static system to compute AoA and delivers audio tones through the intercom.

Components

ComponentPart NumberSupplierNotes
OnSpeed boxFlyOnSpeedMain processor
Pressure sensors

How It Works

Calibration

Wiring

OnSpeed connects to the Dynon PFD for power, data, and audio output.

OnSpeed Connector Pinout

Power / Ground

PinFunctionWire Color
112V power (from PFD, 2A fuse)Red
4Ship groundBlack

Data Inputs

PinFunctionWire Color
21Flap pot wiperWhite
25EFIS serial4 TX lineBlue

Button / Lower Console

PinFunctionWire Color
5Ground (to “−” on button, “C1” on button, volume pot “−/CCW”, pilot lo)Black
2Volume pot CWRed/white
9Volume pot wiperOrange/white
11“+” on buttonOrange/blue
23“NO1” on buttonBrown/white

Control cable wiring (6-conductor, button to OnSpeed box):

WireColor
1Red/white
2Orange/white
3(none)
4Orange/blue
5Brown/white
6Black

Headset Audio Output

PinFunctionWire Color
10Pilot audio rightPurple/green
22Pilot audio leftPurple/yellow

Inspection & Maintenance

References

Oxygen

ATA Chapter 35 — N720AK Systems Reference

Overview

N720AK is equipped with the Mountain High EDS-4iP pulse-demand oxygen system. A panel-mounted mode switch toggles between pulse-on-demand and constant flow modes.

Components

ComponentPart NumberSupplierNotes
O2 systemEDS-4iPMountain HighPulse on demand
Mode switchPanel mounted
O2 bottleS/N 602-100814Mountain High6×18, 2216 PSI rating
Cannulas

How It Works

Operating Modes

A panel switch selects between:

  • Pulse Mode: Oxygen delivered in pulses synchronized with inhalation. This is normal operation and conserves oxygen significantly compared to constant flow.
  • Constant Flow: Continuous oxygen flow. Use at high altitude or if pulse mode is insufficient (e.g., nasal congestion, very high breathing rate).

This switch also serves as the system on/off — there is no separate emergency oxygen switch. In an emergency, switch to constant flow.

Inspection & Maintenance

Service History

  • 2026-01-12: O2 cylinder (S/N 602-100814) hydro requalification — passed. Operator: Rod Morton, United Fire. (Invoice in Private/Invoices/)
  • 2026-01-16: Mountain High IPR-0157 regulator overhaul — replaced O-rings, seat seals, valve/reg springs, new E-bypass switch per ECO 2022-001, exhaust-port filter replaced with less-restrictive part (09025-0023-43) per MHTSB-2022-01. Valve test passed at 500/1500/2300 PSI. Cylinder torqued to 60 ft-lbs. (Invoice in Private/Invoices/)

Service Bulletin Compliance

  • MHTSB-2022-01 (Emergency Bypass Control Switch Upgrade): Complied 2026-01-16 during IPR overhaul. Exhaust-port filter at EBC switch Port C replaced with less-restrictive part (old: “05”/“F05”/“MB-05”, new: “43”/“S43”/“MBS-43”, P/N 09025-0023-43). Issue: excessive restriction prevented EBC control line from purging in OFF position, causing oxygen to continue flowing.
  • MHTSB-2022-01A (Customer Advisory): Companion letter noting that in some cases the IPR regulator return spring may also need adjustment. N720AK’s IPR was fully overhauled at the same time, addressing this concern.

References

Avionics & Wiring

ATA Chapter 42 — N720AK Systems Reference

Overview

This section covers N720AK’s avionics stack as an integrated system — how everything is wired together, the panel layout, connector types, and the data flow between components. Individual avionics boxes are documented in their own system pages; this page covers the interconnections.

Avionics Stack

SystemComponentNotes
Audio PanelGarmin GMA 245Bluetooth, 4-place intercom, S/N 3YL000434
Nav/GPS/ComGarmin GTN 650Certified IFR, single Bob Archer nav antenna, S/N 1Z8021616
EFISDynon Skyview HDXPrimary flight display
AutopilotDynon 3-axisRoll, pitch, yaw damper servos
AP PanelDynonAutopilot control panel
Com PanelDynonCom frequency control
Knob PanelsDynon
CO DetectorCO Guardian 452-101-012Guardian Avionics
TransponderADS-B Out
ELTArtex ELT 345406 MHz
Bus ManagerflyEFII System32See Electrical Power
Power DistributionVPX SportSee Electrical Power
Instrument PanelAerosport 310Aerosport Products
Overhead ConsoleAerosport CarbonAerosport Products
Map Lights (x2)MAPLIGHT-R-24SteinAir

CO Guardian 452

Model: 452-101-012 (Certified Remote Mount CO Detector for Dynon Systems) S/N: 112081 Status: Not currently installed. The unit was replaced under RMA 11096 (Dec 2025). The Dynon EMS pin it previously occupied (pin 31, brown/blue wire) is now used by the Monkworkz MZ-30 generator proportional current output.

Wiring for future reinstallation:

  • The brown/blue wire for the CO Guardian’s EFIS connection is tied up near the Dynon EMS connector
  • Audio warning line runs from the CO detector location to the GMA 245 Music input (currently disconnected, difficult to reach behind panel)
  • Dynon sensor definition file: CO Guardian Sensor Config (RevC) — already filed in GDrive Configs/Dynon
  • Circuit breaker: 7277-2-2 (2A, 14/28 VDC Avionics)
  • RS-232 interface available (optional)

References:

Software Versions

SystemVersionAs OfUpdate Source
Dynon Skyview HDX17.42026-03-06Dynon HDX Software Updates
Garmin GTN 650Main SW 6.732026-03-06Garmin GTN Software
flyEFII System32Version 86, Build 0012026-03-06flyEFII
Dynon aviation databaseCycle 2602 (Feb 19 – Mar 18)2026-03-06Dynon US Aviation Data
Seattle Avionics ChartDataCurrent (all 50 states)2026-03-06Seattle Avionics

Panel Layout

Data Flow

Known Wiring Notes

Serial 4 (Dynon ↔ GTN 650): The blue and green wires are intentionally flipped on this serial connection. This swap was done during installation — the TX/RX lines needed to be crossed for proper communication between the Dynon SkyView and GTN 650 on serial port 4.

Disconnected audio warning line: The old CO audio warning line runs from the former CO detector location to the GMA 245 Music input. This line is currently disconnected. It is difficult to reach — runs behind the panel.

Disconnected serial 4 line: A serial 4 cable was cut — it leads from one of the GTN 650’s serial outputs to the Dynon’s serial 4 port. Both connections are a major pain to reach and worth documenting on an updated schematic.

Wiring

Inspection & Maintenance

Connector References

EMS Sensors

Dynon EMS engine sensor inventory for N720AK:

FunctionDynon P/NDescriptionQtyNotes
Fuel pressure105492-002150 PSI fluid pressure (= Kavlico v2 103757-000)1Configured as KAV V2 150PSI DIFF mode; purple gasket removed
Oil pressure105492-002150 PSI fluid pressure (= Kavlico v2 103757-000)1Purple gasket removed
MAP104781-000MAP sensor, 1/8“ hose, 0–60 inHg1Discontinued; replacement is 105493-000 (1/8-27 NPT). Automotive-style sender
Oil temperature100409-001Oil/coolant temp, 5/8-18 UNF1Lycoming/Continental/Superior compatible
CHT100404-000CHT, adjustable bayonet, 3/8-24 UNF6One per cylinder
EGT100405-000EGT, 1.00–2.25“ hose clamp6One per cylinder
Alternator amps100412-000Amps shunt, 0–60A1Primary alternator current sensing
Generator currentMonkworkz MZ-30 proportional output on EMS pin 3110–2.7V = 0–30A; Dynon sensor: MONKWORKZ CURRENT (AMPS, name=MZ30)
Generator statusMonkworkz MZ-30 status wire on EMS pin1CONTACT-type sensor; Dynon sensor: MONKWORKZ STATUS (name=MZ30_S). Wire not yet physically connected

MAP Blanking Threshold

The MAP sensor definition (100434-000, all calibration variants) uses a min_val parameter that blanks the reading below a threshold. This was lowered from 2.0 PSI (4.07 inHg) to 1.5 PSI (3.05 inHg) on 2026-03-17 to prevent MAP and fuel pressure (DIFF mode) from blanking at high altitude idle with constant-speed propeller. Change approved by Don Jones, Dynon Customer Support (Zendesk #186497, 2026-03-16).

EMS Wiring

The Dynon SkyView Installation Guide page 7-7 shows the EMS wiring diagram for engine sensor connections.

References

Brakes & Wheels

ATA Chapter 61 — N720AK Systems Reference

Overview

N720AK has a fixed tricycle landing gear with hydraulic disc brakes on the main wheels, operated by toe pedals on both pilot and co-pilot rudder pedals. The aircraft uses Royco 782 (MIL-PRF-83282) hydraulic fluid — not standard automotive brake fluid.

Components

ComponentPart NumberSupplierNotes
Brake calipersHydraulic disc
Master cylindersPilot and co-pilot toe pedals
Brake fluidRoyco 782MIL-PRF-83282
Main wheelsWHLWI600XLT-2MatcoWI600 series wheels & brakes
Nose wheelAV-VANS-102-01BeringerBeringer nosewheel (from finishing kit). Key parts: AV-VANS-004, JB-01, PAA02, AV-VANS-010. See assembly drawing.
Main tiresDesserRetreads (no inner tubes)
Nose tire
Wheel fairingsMain gear only
Axle extendersRVAE10 (VAE10/RVbits)Cleaveland ToolWheel pant axle extenders (pair). AN5-6A bolts, torque 100 in-lbs. See installation guide.
Wheel fairing spacersWFSPCRPlanearoundBracket spacers for wheel fairings

How It Works

Brake System

Hydraulic disc brakes operated by toe pedals. Both pilot and co-pilot have independent toe brakes on their rudder pedals.

Critical: Use only Royco 782 (MIL-PRF-83282) hydraulic fluid. Do not use automotive brake fluid — it will damage the seals.

Landing Gear

Fixed tricycle configuration:

  • Steerable nose wheel
  • Main gear legs (steel)
  • Wheel fairings on main gear

Nosewheel torque specs (per Beringer assembly drawing): 6mm screw = 10 N.m (88 in.lb), 1/4“ = 9 N.m (80 in.lb), 8mm = 20 N.m (177 in.lb), bearing contact ~25 N.m. Install locking wire and cotter pin. Check disc safety wire before every flight.

Inspection & Maintenance

Brake Bleeding

Tire Maintenance

SpecificationValue
Main tire size
Nose tire size
Main tire pressure PSI
Nose tire pressure PSI

Tire source: Desser retreads — reference notes from another RV-10. Skip inner tubes and tires from other suppliers.

References

Engine — Mechanical

ATA Chapter 71 — N720AK Systems Reference

Overview

N720AK is powered by a Lycoming IO-540 series engine, fuel-injected and normally aspirated, rated at 260 HP at 2700 RPM. This page covers the mechanical aspects of the engine — oil system, cooling, baffling, exhaust, and mounts. For the electronic engine management (ignition and fuel injection), see EFII System32.

Components

ComponentPart NumberSupplierNotes
EngineYIO-540-D4A5LycomingS/N EL-36315-48E, 260 HP at 2700 RPM
Engine mountSteel tube
Oil drain plugMagnetic Oil Drain Super PlugAircraft Spruce (05-12373)1/2“ NPT, Alnico magnet (1-1/32“ long), CAD plated, safety wire drilled. Experimental — verify sump/pickup clearance before install
Oil quick drainP5000Saf-AirQuick drain valve on engine oil sump
Oil filter
Oil cooler
Oil separatorASAAntisplat AeroInstalled with install kit — manual, installation guide
Crankcase vacuum valveComplete kitAntisplat AeroCrankcase vacuum system — manual
Valve coversBilletSDS/LycomingO-ring #160 Viton 75 duro, torque 75–85 in-lbs — specs
Filtered air boxFAB-540Van’s AircraftVFR only, 1/4-20 mounts tab-locked or safety wired — installation guide. Modified alt air door — see Alt Air Door below
Engine mount coversAerosport ProductsCarbon fiber covers, installed
Preheat — engineReiff XPReiff Preheat SystemsCylinder band heaters on all 6 cylinders
Preheat — oil sumpReiff HotStripReiff Preheat SystemsOil sump heater; plug is inside the oil door
Spark plug adaptersSPA-6flyEFII18mm→14mm thread adapters, naval brass, 6 installed. Allows automotive spark plugs with EFII ignition
Spark plugsNGKAutomotive 14mm plugs in EFII SPA-6 adapters

Engine: Lycoming YIO-540-D4A5, S/N EL-36315-48E, firing order 1-4-5-2-3-6, spark plug gap 0.016“–0.022“.

How It Works

Oil System

Oil separator evacuation tube: check every oil change or 50 hrs for coking/buildup. Hose: 3/4“ (6-cyl). Pop-off valve 0.5 PSI. Oil return #4 AN. See Anti-Splat installation guide.

Cooling

Exhaust

Ball joint hardware: AN3 bolt, AN960C10 washer, MS21042-3 nut (3 places). Springs face forward toward prop. Install nut with 2–3 threads showing; do not bottom spring on bolt. See Goldberg ball joint diagram.

Exhaust hanging kit: cable assembly, anti-sway assembly, support strap bends (30° up LH, 20° down RH). See exhaust hanging kit sketch.

Alt Air Door

N720AK uses a modified alternate air door on the FAB-540 filtered air box, based on this design. Unlike the stock Van’s design (which only allows opening), this modification uses an aluminum sliding gate mechanism actuated by cable from inside the cabin, allowing the pilot to both open and close the alternate air door in flight.

Preheat System

N720AK has a Reiff XP preheat system with cylinder band heaters on all 6 cylinders, plus a Reiff HotStrip oil sump heater. The power plug is located inside the oil access door.

Engine Mount

Steel tube engine mount.

Inspection & Maintenance

Lycoming SB 634 — Cylinder Retirement

Lycoming Mandatory Service Bulletin 634 (October 2018) requires retirement of certain parallel valve cylinder and head assemblies shipped between Sep 2013 and Apr 2015, due to compression loss from head casting leakage. N720AK cylinder serial numbers were checked against Table 1 — none are listed, aircraft is not affected.

Billet Valve Covers

Replacement O-rings for billet covers: COTS Viton O-ring #160, 75 durometer. Torque: 75–85 in-lbs. Lubricate O-ring and groove before install. See SDS billet valve cover specs.

Lycoming Accessory Case Oil System

Reference: VAF thread — Lycoming accessory case oil schematic by Dan H

References

EFII System32

ATA Chapter 73 — N720AK Systems Reference

Overview

The EFII System32 provides complete electronic engine management for N720AK — both fuel injection and ignition. This is a fundamentally different architecture from traditional magneto/mechanical fuel injection systems. The System32 replaces the mechanical fuel servo, magnetos, and mixture cable with ECU-controlled port fuel injection and electronic ignition.

Components

ComponentPart NumberSupplierNotes
ECU (x2)System32flyEFIIDual redundant
Coil packsOne per cylinder
Fuel injectors (x6)PMIflyEFII7075 aluminum, 60lb std / 80lb race. Install in 1/8NPT primer ports, PTFE pipe dope. 1/4NPT fuel rail T fitting.
Fuel pumps (x2)FPM-1flyEFIIDual Walbro GSL393, 400HP each, 5A/pump. AN-6 fittings. See Fuel System
Throttle body adapterTBFA-1flyEFII3 1/4“ snout, silicone coupler to 3“ adapter. 5.5“ total length (same as Bendix servo).
System32 controllerflyEFIIPanel-mounted display/control

How It Works

Electronic Fuel Injection

The System32 ECU controls fuel delivery through port fuel injectors. It uses sensor inputs (MAP, RPM, temperatures, O2) to calculate injector pulse width. The mixture is automatically optimized — no mixture lever or manual leaning required.

The fuel system is a pressurized loop with MAP-referenced regulation. See Fuel System for complete fuel plumbing and regulator details.

Electronic Ignition

Dual redundant ignition with individual coil packs for each cylinder. The System32 provides:

  • Variable ignition timing based on RPM, MAP, and temperature
  • Redundant ECU operation — either ECU can run the engine independently
  • Panel switch for manual ECU selection

Panel Controls

EFII System32 Switches:

  • Ignition Select
  • ECU Select
  • Fuel Pump Mode (PMP 2)
  • Start Battery Select

EFII Breakers (VPX channels):

BreakerRatingFunction
ECU 15 AECU 1 power
ECU 25 AECU 2 power
Ignition15 AIgnition coil packs
Fuel Pump10 AElectric fuel pump

Annunciator Lamps:

LampColorFunction
ECU 1GreenECU 1 active
ECU 2GreenECU 2 active
Primary PumpGreenPrimary fuel pump running
Secondary PumpAmberBackup fuel pump activated

Fuel Compatibility

The EFII System32 supports both 100LL and premium automotive gasoline (mogas), with or without ethanol. The standard mapping handles compression up to 9:1 (N720AK’s configuration). Key limitations for mogas:

  • Altitude limit: Stay below 8,000 ft on mogas (higher vapor pressure than avgas)
  • Temperature limit: Do not use mogas in OAT above 100°F
  • High terrain: Use 100LL when flying over high terrain
  • Auto gas reaches its vapor point more easily than avgas at altitude and in heat

9:1 compression provides the best balance of performance, reliability, and fuel flexibility.

Source: flyEFII forum — VAF thread #157554

Tuning

Wiring

Diagnostics

Inspection & Maintenance

References

Propeller

ATA Chapter 84 — N720AK Systems Reference

Overview

N720AK uses a constant-speed propeller. The propeller governor maintains RPM as set by the pilot, adjusting blade pitch to match power demand.

Components

ComponentPart NumberSupplierNotes
PropellerWWA-RV10Whirlwind Aviation2-blade, 80“ constant speed
GovernorPCU5000XAero Technologies (Jihostroj)Constant-speed, FAA PMA (experimental)
SpinnerStd 13“Whirlwind AviationIncluded with propeller

Propeller details:

  • Manufacturer: Whirlwind Aviation, 1 Propeller Place, Piqua OH 45356
  • Date of Manufacture: 2017-10-12
  • Hub Serial: RV10-366
  • Blade Serials: RV10-443 & RV10-444
  • Weight: 44 lbs
  • Length: 80“
  • High Pitch: 35.1°, Low Pitch: 12.8°
  • Colors: Black w/ White Tips (DBC9700 & DBC2185)
  • Aircraft config: RV-10 w/ IO-540 & 260 HP
  • 5-year maintenance clock starts on first engine run (2025-11-18)

Governor details:

  • The PCU5000X is the experimental version of the Jihostroj PCU5000
  • Manufactured by Jihostroj (Czech Republic), sold in US as Aero Technologies
  • Pumps 30-35% more oil than comparable governors
  • Compatible with Whirlwind, Hartzell, MT, McCauley propellers
  • 3-year warranty from Aero Technologies

How It Works

The PCU5000X governor maintains a pilot-selected RPM by adjusting propeller blade pitch through engine oil pressure. When the engine tends to overspeed, the governor increases oil pressure to the prop hub, driving blades toward higher pitch (coarser) to add load. When the engine tends to underspeed, oil pressure is reduced and the counterweights/spring drive blades toward lower pitch (finer).

  • Prop control: Blue lever — full forward = high RPM, full aft = low RPM
  • Takeoff: Always full forward for maximum RPM
  • Landing: Full forward (propeller positioned for immediate go-around)

Prop Balance

Two DynaVibe prop balance reports on file:

  • December 2025 (initial balance)
  • February 2026

Reports saved in GDrive Public/Performance/prop_balance_12_2025.htm and prop_balance_02_2026.htm.

Inspection & Maintenance

Governor Maintenance

Per Jihostroj (manufacturer):

  • Overhaul interval: At engine overhaul time (no separate governor TBO under normal conditions)
  • Routine checks: Inspect tightness and security of all external screws, nuts, and levers during routine engine maintenance
  • Oil: Uses engine oil — frequent oil changes extend governor life
  • Post-bearing-failure: Governor must be disassembled and cleaned following any engine bearing failure

Troubleshooting Reference

SymptomCommon Causes
Propeller surgingTransfer bearing leakage, dirty oil, control linkage play, excessive friction
RPM driftInternal oil leakage, high oil temperature, governor wear
Governor seizureOil contamination
Drive failureEngine vibration

References