04-04-2013: 1 hr
So many small tasks in front of me, I am a little lost on what to do next. I saw the two comm antenna sitting in one of the drawers, just decide to get this task done. I have decided to install the antenna at the belly long time ago, it seems the most popular place other builders installed their comm antenna. Since the bottom skin is only .025" thick, a little to flimsy for the antenna, I fabricated a doubler using 0.032" sheet almuminum. I just got one antenna done today, and the doubler is not riveted to the skin yet for the installed antenna. I am still debating if I need rivet it to the bottom skin. My concern is the doubler will act like a hardpoint that may attract more load than. I will read other builders opinions, especially those have already flown their RVs.
Here is the COMM antenna I got from Vans
Some dimensions
Here are the two antennas. I might just install one off center initially, since I will only install one radio at the beginning, not sure if I will even need two antennas
I plan to install the antenna under the pilot seat, second bay from outboard. Here you can see the bottom skin is drilled
Antenna is trial installed with doubler. I will have to take it apart to make sure grounding is fine. I might need to use a larger doubler as well.
Close up view
Outside view of the installed COMM antenna
