RV-12 and RV-12iS Service Publication Updates dated October 6 2020

[greghughespdx]

Every now and then things need to come in batches!

We’ve published a number of RV-12/12iS service/documentation updates to the Van's web site. They include some revised plans pages, two new service letters, one new service bulletin, one revised service bulletin, and a number of other key document revisions:

For the RV-12 with 912ULS engines, please refer to new Service Bulletin SB-00026 and related documentation updates (below) regarding retaining plates for carburetor springs on 912ULS engines. The SB requires inspection and installation of a new part at or before the next condition inspection, to prevent potential unacceptable spring wear on the carb throttle shaft. The RV-12 Maintenance Manual is the latest update, and as such applicable to all owners/operators of the original RV-12, of course.

• RV-12 SB-00026 (new)
• RV-12 SB 18-03-06 (revised to include reference and requirement to comply with SB-00026)
• RV-12/12iS Section 49U
• RV-12 Section 50
• RV-12 Maintenance Manual (MM)

We have also published a service letter allowing the installation of finger-grip knobs RV-12 vent assembly, which can make it easier to open and close the air vents. Note that these have been available in new RV-12 kits for several months, and this document allows existing SLSA airplane owners/operators to install them and remain compliant.

• SL-00018

We published updated RV-12iS documents and assembly instructions related to the use of the updated GTN 650xi IFR NAV/COM radio (often called the IFR Avionics package) and other related components. Note that these most recent FTS/PAP/MM/POH documents are, of course, applicable to all customers operating an RV-12iS.

• RV-12iS Flight Test Supplement (FTS) (updated)
• RV-12iS Production Acceptance Procedure (PAP) (updated)
• RV-12iS Maintenance Manual (MM) (updated)
• RV-12iS Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) (updated)
• RV-12iS Sections 42PiS, 42MiS, 53BiS

Service Letter SL-00024 was published along with related updates to RV-12/12iS Maintenance Manual and other connected plans pages/documents, specifying the need and requirement to perform a dynamic balance of the ground-adjustable pitch propeller at the next condition inspection or sooner, and any time the prop pitch is changed.

• SL-00024
• RV-12iS Production Acceptance Procedure (PAP) (updated)
• RV-12 Production Acceptance Procedure (PAP) (updated)

Updates have been made to the RV-12/12iS Plans Sections to ensure excess thread-locking fluid is not used when addressing trim servo issues/maintenance

• RV-12iS/RV-12 common Section 11iS-U

Plans pages changes have been published for the RV-12iS related to our change from Garmin's GMC 307 to the GMC 507 Autopilot Control Module (new part and design). Related wire harness drawing updates were also recently published on our Suport Downloads page.

• RV-12iS Sections 42NiS and 44BiS

[rcarsey]

Originally Posted by greghughespdx

Service Letter SL-00024 was published along with related updates to RV-12/12iS Maintenance Manual and other connected plans pages/documents, specifying the need and requirement to perform a dynamic balance of the ground-adjustable pitch propeller at the next condition inspection or sooner, and any time the prop pitch is changed.

Does this mean that I need to do this before I have the DAR come out for the initial E-LSA AW inspection? Or will I be good?.. and can fly to a shop that has dynamic balancing equipment after the AW cert? (i don't think the local shop on my airfield does balancing)

[mclark.whidbey@gmail.com]

Greetings,

Please make the retainer part number VA-00276 available to order online.
It currently cannot be found or ordered online.

Thanx,

Mike Clark

[greghughespdx]

Originally Posted by mclark.whidbey@gmail.com

Please make the retainer part number VA-00276 available to order online.
It currently cannot be found or ordered online.

It's searchable now - you can search for "VA-00276" on the web store home page. It will come up in the search results and is available for order.

[greghughespdx]

Originally Posted by rcarsey

Does this mean that I need to do this before I have the DAR come out for the initial E-LSA AW inspection? Or will I be good?.. and can fly to a shop that has dynamic balancing equipment after the AW cert? (i don't think the local shop on my airfield does balancing)

You should complete the dynamic prop balance at your first opportunity. Your DAR should not require the Service Letter be completed to issue the airworthiness certificate. We'll take a second look at the language of our service letter, as well. Prop balancing is not often practical to have completed prior to the first flight, due to circumstances such as yours, but it should be done as soon as you are able since setting the initial pitch is technically considered a change. A dynamic balance can make a real difference and can result in a significantly smoother running/feeling engine and will help prevent vibration-induced damage over time, as well as potential vibration-related electronics issues that can occur at any time.

[dbhill916]

Given that the prop blades must be removed at each conditional inspection to check the torque of the hub, does each condition inspection constitute a "change" and repeat dynamic balance? Does re-installing the blades to the same pitch as "last time" suffice to avoid the requirement to balance again?

I have spoken with two shops that do dynamic balancing, but they were leery of working on the 912, due to the reduction gearing. Do you have any technical references we can use to help such shops to accomplish a dynamic balance?

Thanks in advance,
-dbh

[Piper J3]

Originally Posted by dbhill916

Given that the prop blades must be removed at each conditional inspection to check the torque of the hub, does each condition inspection constitute a "change" and repeat dynamic balance? Does re-installing the blades to the same pitch as "last time" suffice to avoid the requirement to balance again?

I'll be interested in the answer to this question. Very costly to dynamic balance prop every year...

[rcarsey]

Yes, I absolutely agree that balancing is worth the effort.. for comfort and for engine life.. and I did plan on flying out somewhere to do it after Phase I. Just trying to get through the DAR process without getting jammed up on anything.

[jrtens]

Originally Posted by dbhill916

Given that the prop blades must be removed at each conditional inspection to check the torque of the hub, does each condition inspection constitute a "change" and repeat dynamic balance? Does re-installing the blades to the same pitch as "last time" suffice to avoid the requirement to balance again?
-dbh

Fortunately for the newer propellers, the Sensenich ICA doesn't require removing the blades during the annual inspection.

[Piper J3]

Originally Posted by jrtens

Fortunately for the newer propellers, the Sensenich ICA doesn't require removing the blades during the annual inspection.

That's it then, I just need to buy a new propellor for a couple of thou...