Nice looking plane !! Can’t wait to see it in action this summer....it’s on my short list.

Getting back to building my Raven. Installing the landing gear is pretty straightforward however I do have a tip I'd like to share for the gear cuffs. First install the landing gear with the hardware provided, fit the wood filler block in place, it usually does not require any adhesive or anything the gear cuffs hold it in place.

Next double check that the holes line up when the gear with the cuffs, sometimes you have to switch the gear cuffs side for side. If you're using the supplied wood screws it's very important to apply oil to the screws and put them in very slowly. One thing I have started doing is installing a 4 - 40 tap in a drill and slowly tap the holes out in the gear. Then find some quarter inch or 3/8 inch long 4-40 cap screws. Was a washer and some Loctite install the screws into the gear.

As with all AJ planes there is a vented bottom plate for the can tunnel, there is also a plywood piece that will block off air going into the tunnel. I am a strong believer in leaving the can Tunnel open and cutting the vents out, this is literally free air exit to help hot air from your engine easily escape from the airplane.

If you choose to use canisters there is a variety of canned mounts included with each airplane including the raven. There is a pair of each, it's a good idea to install one on both sides of the landing gear plate area to help evenly support your canister and reduce vibration and denting of the cans.

I am setting up the first of three experimental exhaust systems for the DA70. I talked with Colton at DA and found out what types of exhaust they had tried on the 70 and had mixed to for results with dual cans on the 70. This particular set up is actually a lightweight canister from 3w that is designed for 50cc each with a 25mm Inlet. I have fabricated my own custom headers and am excited to try this.

First however I need to install my throttle servo. I don't really care for throttle linkages running through my firewall on any plane with a twin engine. To fix this on the da70 I designed a custom G10 arm that allows me to flip the linkage upside down and maintain the exact same geometry. I do have these arms for sale and I will have them on my website eventually as a full kit with all the hardware required. If you are interested in one please PM me.

Throttle setup demystified.......

Throttle setup demystified.... (8 min 11 sec)

Follow up:

Follow up to throttle installation. (1 min 28 sec)

Hey Terry, great video on throttle set up, thank you for doing that. You have written and said in videos that we should avoid subtrim like the plaque. Have you ever written something or done a video on how subtrim can cause you trouble, and how to avoid it?


Thanks,


Jason

Originally Posted by JasonMcD

Hey Terry, great video on throttle set up, thank you for doing that. You have written and said in videos that we should avoid subtrim like the plaque. Have you ever written something or done a video on how subtrim can cause you trouble, and how to avoid it?
Thanks,

Jason

I've been alerted there are some new radios on the market that will account for sub Trim in some way and give you no negative feedback. However for 99% of the radios out there currently if you add sub trim you are taking maximum throw away in the opposite direction. It's a pretty simple Theory you can test on your own just watching the Servo arm

Tail wheel installation on the Raven as well as all the AJ aircraft is fairly straightforward. Be sure to use Loctite on the included screws and it's a good idea to double-check all of the set screws and screws on the tail wheel assembly.

Build is looking great Terry!

I will have 92" AJ Raven baffles available shortly. For those interested in a set of Raven baffles, please send me a PM or an email so I can put you on the list.

Thanks,

Neil

Curious, what is your preferred fuel tank for this ship

I’m using a 32oz in mine with a DA-70

Originally Posted by Crashis Clay

Curious, what is your preferred fuel tank for this ship

24oz, as noted a 32oz works but there is a noticeable weight difference at take off and 20-25 minute flights. Been there done that.

There is not so much space for the electronics like receiver and receiver packs in the Raven.

I wonder, why the platform for the rudder servo isn't bigger?

Originally Posted by FloBau

There is not so much space for the electronics like receiver and receiver packs in the Raven.

I wonder, why the platform for the rudder servo isn't bigger?

There is plenty of room in there for everything you need, this is a 92" plane so perhaps pics are deceiving. The rudder tray is more than adequate since all the forces on that are are pulling there is no need for extra material on the sides. The rudder area is double thick, supported at the rear and has plenty of material at the back using the plate that goes all the way to the firewall.

Thanks for the photo.

I guess, it will work.

I'm used to have more space on the EF Extra 91" and the Mamba 70CC.