New SB issued 6 May 2016 (SB16-03-28)

[az_gila]

Originally Posted by PCHunt

Quote from SB: It is unlikely that RV-6/6A wings will be affected. If cracks are present in RV-6/6A aircraft, email Van?s Engineering Dept for instructions, with photos of the cracks, for a specific repair scheme.

Curiosity question. What is different about the -6/6A wing that makes it unlikely that cracks would occur?

I'm a non-builder.

Looks like the -6 wings have the rib flange use the same rivets as the long flange of the aileron bracket.

That doesn't seem to be the case in the -7 and perhaps that allows a little more flexing of the rear spar under aileron loads.

[vic syracuse]

Originally Posted by RV-4

Thank you Bernie for posting this, it is really appreciated...

''SB notes that there is a charge if you need parts. '' Amazing that we have to pay for parts to fix a design problems...

Bruno

Yes, I know we really don't like it when we see these SB's, but on the other hand I think we should be glad they are published. The fleet is really quite large now, and problems will show up, whether they are caused by design or fatigue. This one looks very well thought out with the fix already designed and ready for sale at a small cost. Really nothing wrong with that---we NEED Van's to stay in business.
And since we put ourselves and a lot of our family and closest friends in these airplanes quite regularly, I am glad someone is looking out for us and being responsive to findings in the field or on the factory demonstrators. And most likely everyone won't have the problem, but it's certainly worth checking.

Vic

[AviatorJ]

Question from the SB, am I reading it correctly that if your wings are built and you have no visible cracking then you disregard but continue to inspect on an annual basis?

NOTE: Completion of the modifications in this service bulletin as a preventative measure (prior to cracks being detected) on wings that have been fully assembled is not recommended

[rsharples]

I note that the service bulletin does not make reference to remedial action for new wings still under construction. The bulletin states: "Completion of the modifications in this service bulletin as a preventative measure (prior to cracks being detected) on wings that have been fully assembled is not recommended."

The service parts also appear to have been designed for reworking a completed wing rather than new. A doubler plate seems more appropriate for a new spar (like the HS bulletin)

I've requested information from Vans, but would appreciate feedback from other builders. Thanks.

[bpattonsoa]

Someone should set up a poll to track inspection results.

Would be nice to collect cracks or not, model, total flight time, QB or slow built, crack location if present, time required for the inspection and repair if unlucky, and perhaps something not listed. Would be best if there was a sticky and a pole in each model's forum. That way it could stick around for the recurring annual inspections that hopefully this will require. The fix looks like a real pain.

[kamikaze]

Originally Posted by AviatorJ

Question from the SB, am I reading it correctly that if your wings are built and you have no visible cracking then you disregard but continue to inspect on an annual basis?

NOTE: Completion of the modifications in this service bulletin as a preventative measure (prior to cracks being detected) on wings that have been fully assembled is not recommended

Correct ... that's the way I read it.

[tomhanaway]

I'd like to see a poll also.
Just checked my RV-8A. No cracks or stress marks of any kind. Easy to do from inspection port. Of course, I'm only 11 hours into my phase1. However, if completed wings need correction, it's going to be a b***h to get a bucking bar in there.

Tom H.

[amekler]

being a non builder if cracks are found on the aileron hinge brackets on the 10 it looks like a labor intensive repair. anyone guess how many hours of labor required?

Alan
N668G
RV 10

[1001001]

I just received my wing kit in March (RV-10) and some of the parts in this area were missing including the COM bearings and the aileron hinge bearings. Van's didn't mention any reason but sent them along with some parts that were backordered a few weeks later.

I'm going to check the parts list again to see if the new parts required were included. If not, I hope to convince Van's to send the new parts free of charge, considering that they should be included with new kits (I would hope) and my kit was shipped presumably near the end of the development of this SB.

[Russ McCutcheon]

RV-4, 33 years and 2950 hours in service. No defects/cracks found. Feeling relieved!