Recommended Products for Experimentals

RMD Aircraft Lighting, Inc (http://www.rmdaircraft.com)

An outstanding company I've encountered is RMD Aircraft Lighting, Inc. They have been more than helpful to me and most communication was via email. I asked for a larger than normal RV wingtip lens and they were able to accommodate me by sending their normal lens before trimming. Time will tell if it works for me. My plan is to use a headlight reflector from a late model (probably a 2004 Honda Accord) car in the wingtip. There will be several advantages. It is easily replaceable should it be damaged. It has remarkable reflectivity. I can have both HID landing lights and halogen recognition lights. Plus, the intensity of the strobe will be increased as will the LED position lights. The drawback is that most, if not all, car headlights are made of one unit - the reflector and plastic lens are all one piece. So, the reflector will have to be cut away and then fitted to the wingtip. Still, should look very nice and provide great lighting. RMD makes an excellent wingtip light for RVs.

Blue Mountain Avionics (www.bluemountainavionics.com)

Greg Richter of BMA has been very receptive from my first meeting with him. He allowed me to pay for my EFIS yet delay delivery until needed. That has worked out great. I've received my EFIS Lite and both magnetometers, but postponed delivery of the EFIS One. That is exactly the service I needed because I don't have storage room for the additional parts. Greg and company are receptive to suggestions and frequently implement the suggestions. They constantly work on upgrading their products.

Boelube

I wish I had known about Boelube when I started building. I bought the paste and use it on screws that will be in nutplates and on drill bits to make easier and cleaner cuts.

Perihelion Design (http://www.periheliondesign.com)

Few technology suppliers match the quality and service of Perihelion Design (http://www.periheliondesign.com). I ordered Eric's Powerschottky and Wig-Wag module and found his service to be prompt and courteous. He has been very helpful with numerous questions about electrical issues. The products I've seen thus far from Perihelion Design are of the highest quality. I recommend http://www.periheliondesign.com to you.

Advanced Flight Systems (www.advanced-flight-systems.com)

I've bought the AOA Sport from AFS (actually the company they bought it from) and I plan to buy their AF-2500 Engine Monitor. I am impressed with the capabilities of the AF-2500 and the resolution of the display. Most impressive, though, is the responsiveness of the company owner. Every time I've called, I've actually had a human answer the phone (didn't have to choose between American or spanish) and they are always pleasant, patient, and informative. I recommend them.

Microfasteners (www.microfasteners.com)

FYI, I've had very good service from microfasteners.com for ordering various screws and their prices are 30-50% cheaper than Van's or Aircraft Spruce. An actual human answers the phone when you call and it's not an Indian or Pakistani named "Floyd." You don't have to push 1 for Spanish and 2 for English or listen to a litany of choices only to be hung up on when none of the choices meet your needs. Tell them you're building an airplane and need 100 degree (if buying flat heads). They even have 100 degree SS Torx head screws. I especially like the #8 Torx. (On the web, you have to look under "socket screws)

I have no connection to this, or any other, company. I am passing this along to fellow builders as info I've found to be useful. I've found both Van's and Aircraft Spruce, along with other companies, to be very responsive, so I am not suggesting they aren't fine hardware sources.

The only drawback to Microfasteners is they sell in lots of 100 whereas at Van's or Spruce, you can buy one if you need to.

Example of prices.

Phillips Pan Head Machine Screw, Stainless Steel, 8-32 x 5/8

Van's (plain steel, not stainless) .07 each $7.00 per hundred

Aircraft Spruce .10 each $10.00 per hundred

Microfasteners $4.20 per hundred - in paintable 3/4" black oxide, $3.80

Microfasteners is the only place I've found 100 degree Torx (6 lobe) screws. They are much more expensive ($14.50/100 for 5/8"), but I've found they don't strip out like Phillips. Personally, I much prefer the Torx head.

Rivethead Aero - Rivethead

Here is a cool canopy handle that the maker will engrave for you.

Plane Power Alternators ( www.plane-power.com)

Plane Power of Granbury, TX produces an internally regulated 60 Amp alternator. You can visit their web site at www.plane-power.com.

Ariel Trim Mixer (http://www.arielate.com/?categoryId=505)

The Ariel Trim Mixer is intended to replace the traditional relays used with a trim system. The workmanship of the Ariel Trim Mixer appears to be superb. If the insides work as well as the outside looks, it will be quite the performer. It's designed to mix the trim inputs from both sticks unless the pilot decides to override and lock out the other stick. I'll provide an update after I fly with it.

Response from the designer and builder were excellent. I recommend doing business with him.

Tools

Skil Lithium Ion Nut/screw driver

Here's a tool that I found 3 years into my project and I've used it as much since then as I have any tool I've used in the past 20 years! It's a tad bit expensive at $50, but I still highly recommend it as it dramatically speeds insertion and removal of screws. I've even used to to drill a small hole. Match it up with tips, extenders, flex extensions, and a threaded adapter for deburring or countersinking, and you'll wonder how you did without it.

It has a recharging stand so it's always ready to go. It's reversible and fits right into the palm of your hand