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  #1  
Old 11-01-2016, 12:20 PM
vic syracuse vic syracuse is online now
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Default Check those AFT Spar bolts

It seems that about 40%-50% of the RVs on which I perform CI's or prebuys have the wrong bolt/nut combination on the aft spar. The aft spar actually has some movement on it during flight loads, and can move. Therefore it requires a drilled bolt, castellated nut, and cotter key. Most of the ones I see have a fiber locking nut on them. Some even have the fiber nut on the drilled bolt!

I'd post a picture but I think it is pretty self-explanatory. Most of the RV's can be checked with a flashlight by crawling underneath and looking past the flap. It is also very easy to remove the last two screws on the wing root fairing and peel it back to inspect.

Vic
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Built RV-4, RV-6, 2-RV-10's, RV-7A, RV-8, Prescott Pusher, Kitfox Model II, Kitfox Speedster, Kitfox 7 Super Sport, Just Superstol, DAR, A&P/IA, EAA Tech Counselor/Flight Advisor, CFII-ASMEL/ASES
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  #2  
Old 11-01-2016, 12:38 PM
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LettersFromFlyoverCountry LettersFromFlyoverCountry is offline
 
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Default

Just to clarify, you're talking about the bolt connecting the spar to the fuselage "fork"?
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  #3  
Old 11-01-2016, 02:32 PM
vic syracuse vic syracuse is online now
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LettersFromFlyoverCountry View Post
Just to clarify, you're talking about the bolt connecting the spar to the fuselage "fork"?
Yes.

Vic
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Built RV-4, RV-6, 2-RV-10's, RV-7A, RV-8, Prescott Pusher, Kitfox Model II, Kitfox Speedster, Kitfox 7 Super Sport, Just Superstol, DAR, A&P/IA, EAA Tech Counselor/Flight Advisor, CFII-ASMEL/ASES
Kitplanes "Unairworthy" monthly feature
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  #4  
Old 11-01-2016, 03:09 PM
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Steve Melton Steve Melton is offline
 
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Default

and if they are not drilled perfectly square put a set of spherical washers on them.
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  #5  
Old 11-01-2016, 06:09 PM
6 Gun 6 Gun is offline
 
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Default Nuts

Mine has fiber nuts with torque seal no movement.Will watch.
Bob
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  #6  
Old 11-01-2016, 07:14 PM
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wirejock wirejock is offline
 
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Location: Estes Park, CO
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Default Plans

Quote:
Originally Posted by vic syracuse View Post
It seems that about 40%-50% of the RVs on which I perform CI's or prebuys have the wrong bolt/nut combination on the aft spar. The aft spar actually has some movement on it during flight loads, and can move. Therefore it requires a drilled bolt, castellated nut, and cotter key. Most of the ones I see have a fiber locking nut on them. Some even have the fiber nut on the drilled bolt!

I'd post a picture but I think it is pretty self-explanatory. Most of the RV's can be checked with a flashlight by crawling underneath and looking past the flap. It is also very easy to remove the last two screws on the wing root fairing and peel it back to inspect.

Vic
My 7a plans clearly show bolt, washer, nut and cotter pin.
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  #7  
Old 11-01-2016, 08:00 PM
YellowJacket RV9 YellowJacket RV9 is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wirejock View Post
My 7a plans clearly show bolt, washer, nut and cotter pin.
I think the plans have always had it, but my guess is that a lot of people get to that point in the build, and have gained enough confidence that they stop consulting the plans for a lot of things...I know I caught a few mistakes of my own after going back and looking at the plans that I had earlier just skimmed over.

Chris
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  #8  
Old 11-01-2016, 09:21 PM
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RV7A Flyer RV7A Flyer is offline
 
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Quote:
my guess is that a lot of people get to that point in the build, and have gained enough confidence that they stop consulting the plans for a lot of things
This may sound like OCD, or maybe it's just a side effect of the rigorous engineering we do at work, but...

Prior to the DAR inspection, I photocopied all of the preview plans, and then went over them and verified that each and every item on every page, including each of the detailed drawing, hardware callouts, etc., had been done IAW the plans (or there was a very good reason for a variance), checking off on paper every item.

If I missed anything, it wasn't for lack of trying to verify every item!
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  #9  
Old 11-02-2016, 06:06 AM
vic syracuse vic syracuse is online now
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Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 6 Gun View Post
Mine has fiber nuts with torque seal no movement.Will watch.
Bob

Why wouldn't you replace it with the correct combination? Takes about 10 minutes per side.

Vic
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Vic Syracuse

Built RV-4, RV-6, 2-RV-10's, RV-7A, RV-8, Prescott Pusher, Kitfox Model II, Kitfox Speedster, Kitfox 7 Super Sport, Just Superstol, DAR, A&P/IA, EAA Tech Counselor/Flight Advisor, CFII-ASMEL/ASES
Kitplanes "Unairworthy" monthly feature
EAA Sport Aviation "Checkpoints" column
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Author "Pre-Buy Guide for Amateur-Built Aircraft"
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  #10  
Old 11-02-2016, 06:35 AM
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Bob Martin Bob Martin is online now
 
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Default Thanks

Thanks for the Tip...or Heads Up VIC!
It was a pleasure to meet you in LKU for the RV-7 pre-buy!
I learned things from your visit!
Look forward to seeing you at a fly-in.
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Louisa, Virginia KLKU N94TB
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